Bulletproof Heart

Brendan POV

I knew I didn't have a lot of time until Frankie discovered I was missing, but I had a plan. Since there was no way to know exactly how long of a head start I would have, I had to hurry. She could have come down 30 seconds after I left. I drove towards an overlook spot that was popular with tourists then turned around. It was enough to clear my head and halt my tears. Fortunately, everything in this town is within a five minute drive. After turning my radio up as loud as I could stand, my car was on its way to the only store in town. I was able to pull myself together rather quickly, at least on the outside. Hopefully I didn't look like I'd been crying. There were two gas pumps outside the store, so after checking my face in the review mirror, I filled up my tank, then re-parked so I could pick up some groceries. I grabbed my phone and checked my messages on the way in. Sure enough, there were two missed calls and 3 texts from Frankie. Fortunately they were all in the last 10 minutes, which was exactly what I had hoped for.

FR Frankie: Bren where R U?
FR Frankie: R U Ok? I'm going to go look for u?
FR Frankie: Pls tell me what's wrong? Where r u?

I didn't anticipate her coming out to look for me. Guess I have to reply or it will be worse. Let's hope she buys this and turns around.

FR Brendan: Hi sis. At store. P/u items u req.
FR Brendan: Sry missed calls. Meet u hm.

FR Frankie: Omg, there u r! Ok, we'll talk later k?

FR Brendan: If u want to. Gotta go.

As soon as I walked through the automatic doors, I knew I wouldn't be using my fake ID. The cashier was the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen. Her hair was bright red with a few streaks of blue and yellow. She was dancing to the piped in music since there weren't any customers. When the noise alerting her of my presence sounded, she stopped suddenly with an embarrassed look on her face.

"Don't stop on my account. I love dancing. Anything related to music actually. And I thought you looked cute dancing." she laughed a little showing her teeth, displaying an adorable gap between her 2 front teeth.

"Me too. About music, I mean. I love anything related to music. My name is Hayley. I sing in a band called Paramore. What about you?"

"Brendan, and I'm the singer in a band as well. Panic at the disco. I also play piano, drums, bass, guitar, whatever. I either play it or have tried to play it."

"Are you new in town? I haven't seen you around. And this place is so small, so everybody knows everybody."

"I can believe that. No I'm just visiting a friend. Frankie Iero is my best friend. She owns the cabin at the end of Forester Street. She's going to be moving in on a full time basis. She's going to be having a few friends and some family staying with her this week."

"That sounds exciting. We don't get too many visitors, especially young ones. Too bad you aren't here to stay though. It's always nice to have another musician around. We should take advantage of the time that you do have here. My friends are having a party tomorrow night. You should come. I'll write down the address." Was this really happening? I was hoping to hit on her in some cheesy way, expecting her to turn me down. But she is actually inviting me somewhere? She was probably just networking because we were both musicians, but all the same the best relationships start as friendships right?

“S-Sure.”Suddenly, I feel a bit nervous. “How do you feel about me bringing some people with me? Like I said, my friend Frankie has a few people staying with her right now. I'm supposed to be helping her and I don't feel right abandoning her the day after I get here. But if I invite her and her brothers and her cousin and friends, the different story. See I'm getting it? But that's eight people including me so I understand if that's too many.” I look down, disappointed. It sounds terrible as the words leave my mouth.

"Are you kidding? The more, the merrier! We have these all the time. They're very informal. They're just get togethers mostly, where people can jam, or just hang out and listen to others, its not a bunch of frat kids at a rave getting wasted. Are any of your friends musical too?"

"Well I don't know about her cousin's friend but you do know who Frank Iero was right? Is that seem it all familiar to you?"

" You don't mean that Frank Iero?" Hayley's face went from recognition to impressed.

"Yes, he was her dad and a great man. But she's going through a lot right now so she may not feel up to going out. Speaking of which, I really need to pick up some groceries from her. I already have some explaining to do about why my trip is taking so long.”

“Well, you guys aren't together or anything? You're single?” Her face looked hopeful.

“Oh no. Nothing like that. I think she's got an acquaintance she's interested in. Have to meet him and vet him still. Keep an eye on him though. Make sure he doesn't hurt her.” She nods with a look of understanding. “Yeah, we've been best friends since we were kids. She has 3 brothers but anyone hurting her will have to answer to 4 guys.”

“You go get your groceries and I'll take care of your excuse.”

Although I had no idea what she meant, I obeyed. I quickly threw the snacks and Frankie's ice cream into my cart and paid. Then she handed me a sealed envelope.

“Here's the info about the party as promised and your excuse for Frankie. Open it at home. Hope to see you soon.”

Notes

Hey Y'all! Just bc I've started another story doesn't mean I don't plan to update this story regularly. I just had so many ideas that I think they might feed off of each other. I've been sick for a few weeks so that's why the updates are a fast as they were in the beginning. But they will still be regular!

Pls Subcribe, COMMENTS are much appreciated and oh so helpful.

B