He's Not Dead, He Only Looks that Way.

Frey leaned against the trunk of the tree. Her eyes were set on the large bug that made its way toward her. She kept her eye on the centipede which stopped by her shoe. Frey slowly sat down, trying not to startle the crawler. She whispered, “You’re so ugly.” She gave a soft smile, “But that’s okay.” She wanted to touch it, but decided just to stare until a familiar memory flashed in her head.

New York 1918

8 year old Frey stared at the radio with a masculine voice mumbling, “World War I has come to an end .. so many lives lost.” Frey can hear the absolute sadness in his voice. She stood up from the ground, “Daddy, I want to go outside and play.”

Her father held a cold drink in his hand. He didn’t glance away from the radio, “Don’t go far.” He pushed the glass up to his lips and took in the liquor. Louise, her father, was drinking away his personal problems. He set it down softly, “I want to be alone, anyway.”

Frey didn’t care much for her father’s words. She grabbed her coat from the housekeeper and walked out the front door. Her father’s property was an absolute treasure, away from the economic crisis that the lower class was living in. She made her way to her favorite tire swing. She stopped by it and heard a voice call for her. She turned and met eyes with 8 year old Skyler who stood by a rose bush. Frey wouldn’t meet him again until she’s 13.

The blue eyed boy smiled at her, “Hello.”

She paused, “Hi.”

“My father knows yours. Your name is Frey-I was told.” He slowly walked to her, trying not to scare her away, “My name is Skyler.” He stared at her, “You’re pretty.”

And that was the first time she was told that. That’s where it had begun. All she would be called soon after was pretty-not smart, not talented-but pretty. Frey gushed, “Thanks.”

Skyler smiled lightly before his eyes widen, “On your shoe!"

Frey looked down and saw a centipede. She frailed and kicked it off, “Gross,” She stared at the insect that landed on the grass. It was squirming it’s little legs in the air as it tried rolling back onto its feet. Skyler rushed to it and bent down to get a closer look, “How ugly!”

Frey frowned, “Ugly.” It was her first time hearing such a word. She bent down next to him. They both watched the creature roll onto his feet and crawled, heading to safety. The two were mesmerized by it. Frey mumbled, “It is ugly.”

Skyler looked at her, “But not you.”

Frey blinked a few times at Skyler before forcing a smile, “Okay.” She simply said.

Frey moved away from the creature, letting it go into hiding. She frowned upon it, and from the memory. She twirled her fingers together, “How long have you been standing there, Gerard?”

“Is there something fascinating about the bug?”

Frey nodded softly, “It is ugly .. but at the same time, it isn’t.” She looked up to Gerard, “What’re you doing out here?”

“I came to see you, kid.” He sat next to her, “You’re a very curious person, you know?” He smiled at her, “You’re so curious about everything. Even when the deal of becoming a demon was asked of you-you were so curious.” He added in, leaning into her, “You’re almost like a puppy. One that was lost and as soon as it saw the opportunity to become something else, from someone else, that suited its taste-it took the bite.”

Frey stared at Gerard, “You’re not Gerard, are you?”

“Gerard” shook his head, “But you know who I am, don’t you?”

“The voices are telling me you are .. the man who handed me the deal.” Frey looked away, “I thought you died.”

“I did. But I would never accept my death-I will always find a way to come back.” Gerard rested his head on her shoulder, “Did you miss me?”

Frey shrugged, “I little-but you hurt my friends.” She said, “But you gave me a second chance as well.” She grabbed his hand, “Brendon, you are a savage one but also-you’re my savior .. and so I follow you now.” She tightened her grip, “But don’t hurt my friends again.”

Gerard smiled, “I don’t plan on hurting any of my demons. I plan to get you all back on my side.” Gerard made eye contact with her, moving his head away from her shoulder. He used his free hand to lift up her cheek, “You are a very loyal demon. I will reward you.”

Frey stared, but didn’t say anything.

There was an exotic female voice, “Hello.”

Frey stared up to a blue eyed, short black haired girl. She smiled weakly, “My name’s Haley.” Frey stared in disbelief. Haley was wearing a long leather jacket over a black shirt, ripped black jeans, and dark converse. Her eyes were just as mesmerizing as hers. Haley had hipster glasses and her lip ring gleamed.

Frey’s cheeks burned red. She got up slowly and walked toward Haley, “I-I’m Frey.” Haley sent off vibes-she couldn’t have been a demon. No, she sent out a different vibe-a phantom vibe.

Gerard said, “She is just a hallucination for now-a hallucination who everyone could see. When I gain more power, she will be what you are. A demon .. she is yours. She’s loyal just as you, my dear Frey.”

Haley held out her hand, “Do you mind?”

To hold Haley’s hand was a way to seal the deal with Brendon. To hold Haley’s hand was to give in. Frey paused before very slowly, intertwining her hands with Haley’s.

Notes