
The Drums of the City Rain
Chapter 5
Yet another week dragged on by. At least school was now out. I had already packed for my trip and I had nothing left to do but sit around. Alone. Well, it wasn't that bad. Just... boring. It was a Monday. I looked down at my watch. 11:45. I had then realized that I was going to be late for my flight if I didn't leave right now. I grabbed my suitcase and ran out the door. As I entered my car, I slammed the door with such force that I swear it could have broken off. My heart almost thumped right through my chest with every beat. I couldn't believe it. This was the day I got to meet Gerard Way. I didn't want to freak out too much. I had to keep my cool. As I drove, I began to think. This whole thing, meeting Gerard, it was either completely crazy for him to do, or insanely generous. 'Why?' I thought. I didn't let it get to me too much, though.
I sped all the way to the airport. Getting out of my car, I almost broke the door again. I felt my grin grow wider with each step to the check in. I showed the lady my passport and reservation ticket, all the while she stared at me with bewilderment. It could have been my stupid grin. I couldn't help it. I was so incredibly exited. I then proceeded to airport security. Okay, this seemed to take forever. After what seemed an eternity, I could finally head to the gate. I felt awkward with all the people crowding around me. I wasn't used to big crowds. I finally made it to the gate. The lady greeted me with a smile. I rustled through my bag and finally handed her my ticket. She smiled and nodded, indicating that I could go in. I smiled back before heading into my plane. I looked around and found a seat before sitting down and putting my luggage up. All I had to do now was wait. With each passing second I grew more and more exited. I was still in shock. There was no way I would be able to contain myself for five and a half hours.
"Sir? Sir!" The stewardess addressed me. "You need to wake up. You have reached your destination."
"Hmm?" I slowly opened my eyes, then immediately bolted up. I looked around at the almost empty plane. I then looked back at the stewardess and flashed her a quick smile. "Thank you."
"No problem, sir." she then returned an obviously fake smile. I could tell she had a long day.
I grabbed my bag and ran out of the plane. As I stepped off, I began to wonder. 'What do I do now?' I looked around for a while. I then saw three guys holding up a sign. 'Frank Iero' it read. Two of the men looked like cops, or security guards. Something of the like. The third guy was a nicely dressed man with a large fro and dark sunglasses. I hesitated before timidly walking over to the men.
The nicely dressed man stepped forward and shook my hand. "You must be Frank."
"Yeah, I am."
"Well, it's nice to meet you, Mr. Iero. I'm Gerard's manager. You can call me Ray."
"Um... hello, Ray," I replied.
"Well, come on! We haven't got all day. Let's go meet Gerard Way!"
At that my heart nearly leaped out of my chest. Oh my god. I couldn't believe it. I really couldn't. I was actually going to meet Gerard Way. I nodded and followed the men outside to a nice car. Ray hopped in the front, while one of the other men sat shotgun. The third sat in the back with me.
We soon arrived at a local Starbucks. 'Okay?' I thought to myself. Ray and the other two men stepped out, instructing me to just leave my bags. I followed them inside. Upon entering, I immediately saw a man with bright red hair. He seemed to be waiting as he enjoyed a hot coffee. My heart stopped and I felt I couldn't breathe.
"Okay, kid," Ray started. "You will be spending one week with Gerard Way. We already booked a stay for you at a local hotel," he explained.
I almost choked. "One week?!?" I exclaimed. "A whole week?!?"
"Well, yeah," Ray stated matter-of-factly. "I mean, we aren't going to let you spend just ten minutes with him. It's the least Gerard can do to show his appreciation.
Ray then turned "Gerard!" he called out.
The red haired man turned and instantly flashed a smile. He walked over to me. I stared, wide-eyed and speechless, completely dumbfounded as disbelief showered over me. God, he was more beautiful in person.
Gerard greeted me with an outstretched hand. "Ah, so you must be Frank! Nice to meet you! I'm Gerard."
I shook his hand. It was soft. "I-I know," was all I could utter. "You are my hero--I mean, I'm a huge fan."
"Well, that's great." he let out a small laugh. "But really, I'm just some dork who makes music." he smiled sheepishly. God, he was cute.
"No. I mean, well, you--you saved my life," I stuttered.
I could see pride and pure happiness swell up in his eyes. "I may have helped, but it was mostly you, my friend. You were strong, and I'm proud of you for that. Don't give up." he softly nudged my shoulder with his fist.
Ugh, why did he have to be so fucking nice? Just when I thought I couldn't admire him more. Next thing I know, I'm hugging him. I took in a deep breath. He smelled of hazelnut coffee and cigarettes. I closed my eyes and smiled. I loosened my grip and let go, keeping my eyes locked on his. They were like chocolate colored marbles, shining brightly on his face. Or black coffee, revealing your reflection as you gaze into it.
"Oh, do you want a coffee?" Gerard broke the awkward but blissful silence. "It's on me."
"Thanks, but I really can't," I explained.
"Come on, it's really no big deal," he insisted.
"Alright," I finally gave in and agreed.
I followed Gerard to the front counter.
"What would you like?" the barista asked.
"I'll just have a small cappuccino, please," I requested.
"Alright, I'll have it ready in a few minutes. Name?"
"Frank."
"Kay."
Gerard led me to a nearby table and we sat down.
I finally had the chance to ask the question that has been constantly nagging at me, though I tried to ignore it. "So, Gerard, why exactly were you just offer to let some random kid who happens to be a big fan of yours spend an entire week with you?"
Gerard just looked at me for a while before speaking. "You made a piece of art, Frank. Art should be appreciated. You really helped me. It's the best thing I could think of. Everyone wants to meet their idol. Not to sound cocky or anything. That's just what I would have wanted as a kid."
"But sacrificing your time for some random kid? Why?" I asked.
"I have a lot to give. And I like to give. I'm only twenty-two with music being my only priority. Time is something I have a lot of. But you don't have many opportunities to meet someone special to you, do you? If I am special," Gerard explained.
"You most definitely are special to me," I explained. "And I guess you are right. Thank you anyway."
"How old are you, anyway, kid?" Gerard asked.
"Seventeen," I replied. "Almost eighteen. Just finished high school.
"Ah. To be honest, I kinda miss high school."
"I don't," I chuckled a little.
"You will," Gerard replied.
"Frank?" the barista called out. I raised my hand slightly. "Your coffee is ready."
"Alright." I stood up and walked up to the front counter and took the coffee from the lady. "Thank you."
She just smiled at me, and I walked away, back to Gerard.
"Thanks for the coffee," I said to Gerard.
"No problem," he replied.
We sat and chatted for a while, occasionally sipping our coffee. Then Gerard looked down at his watch.
"Nine-thirty. It's getting late. Should we get going?"
"Yeah," I agreed.
I took my coffee and followed Gerard out to the same car I arrived in. We all assumed our prior spots, and Gerard sat next to me. The entirety of the ride I just stared at Gerard. He was so perfect. I just couldn't believe it. So beautiful. Eventually, Gerard turned his head towards me. He noticed me staring and smiled shyly, tucking a piece of hair behind his ear. He then laughed softly.
"What?" he whispered.
"Oh, uh... nothing," I replied, embarrassed. "I just can't believe I got the chance to meet you."
"Well, I'm flattered, Frank. Thank you," he said, with a hint of playfulness in his voice.
"No, thank you," I replied.
Gerard chuckled and continued to look forward. I sighed.
"Okay, we're there!" Ray announced.
As the car came to a stop, I stepped out. Gerard waved goodbye.
"See ya tomorrow, Frank!"
"See ya."
I made my way inside the hotel and over to the front desk.
"Um, room for Frank Iero?"
"Ah, yeah. Hold on."
The lady studied her computer and then handed me my room key.
"Room 238."
"Kay, thanks."
I headed up to my room. Upon opening the door, I gasped. Wow. It was amazing. Spacious and dazzling. I sat my suitcase down on the bed and quickly got dressed in my night clothes. I then sat my suitcase down beside my bed. Lying down, I began to reflect on everything. What a crazy day! I soon let myself drift off to sleep, thinking about Gerard Way.
Notes
Okie, I am actually proud of this chapter. I absolutely loved writing it! I hope you guys liked it, too! Well, as always, comments, rates, and subscriptions are always very much accepted. <3
I was super excited to read this on my break!
1/14/16