Modern Empathy ~ a Patrick Stump Fanfiction

Meeting Pete

March 16, 2012 ~ Friday

A whole week had passed.

My heart was slowly sinking out of my  chest. I hadn't had the time to go outside, hence my school workload. Hearing that Patrick Stump was working with All Time Low on their new album, I felt overjoyed, but at the same time, felt that he should take the time he needs.

The third quarter of ninth grade had ended, so Taylor and I were on for a four-day weekend. Emily had work from two to six that Friday, where she works at a therapy center in Wilmette. We used to live in Wilmette before our parents left.

Of course, the big move was why I did seventh grade twice.

Nonetheless, Emily still had her job since it wasn't too far away. Amber had to do her job as a tech director in Glenview herself, which is why we moved there. So, that was why I went to Emily's work at 4:30.

"I'll be in office 332." said Emily. "And I know it seems boring or overprotective, but I do have some regulations. Of course, don't be too loud, and if something happens between you and someone else, like some dude getting on you, let me know as soon as possible."

"I will. Don't worry." I said. I had my iPhone, tablet, and journals to pass time.

As Emily went to her office to work with her clients, I killed time by working for my artist journal, listening to music and watching Microsoft Sam reading translation fails.

As time went by, I heard a familiar voice stemming from the other side of the hall. It wasn't anyone I had met, but I still recognized it. The name Pete came to me.

I was sitting at a desk. There was a couch right next to it. After hearing the voice say, "Okay, thank you," after another saying, "You're actually twenty minutes early," to my surprise, I saw the real Pete Wentz, the bass guitarist of Fall Out Boy, sitting on a side of the couch.

A smirk came on my face. I tried going back to my drawings, but it was pretty pointless. I got up from the desk without saying anything. I headed to the opposite side of where Pete was sitting, feeling like my uterus was falling out, along with my things.

I couldn't believe it. I was sitting with one of my favorite celebrities. My heart was thumping. My pelvic muscles tightened. I tried breathing deeply, but it looked like I forgot to take my nasal spray.

"Hey, kid." said Pete. "Everything okay there?"

I exhaled as I looked over at him. "Yeah, just. . . I can't be—" Then, I tried to act clueless so I wouldn't come off as creepy. "Are you the real Pete Wentz?" I asked.

"Yeah. Big fan?"

"Absolutely. I love you, and I love Patrick." My face turned beet red when I said Patrick.

"So you're a Fall Out Boy fan, I can tell."

"Yeah. My name's Zoey."

Pete and I shook hands. "Great to meet you, Zoey." he said.

"You, too. And. . . uh. . . I don't know if you'd mind answering this, but how's Patrick? Is he feeling okay?" I felt my voice starting to break.

Pete noticed my concerned expression. "Yeah, yeah. I talked to him, and he's all good; he's alive."

"Thank god. I've been worrying for some time."

"I understand how you feel. I promise you, he is not—and will not—hurt himself."

"So, what's the thing with him? He hasn't posted anything that I remember of lately."

"He's taking the time. He will come out alive and stronger than ever in the end. Breathe, I get it. You don't know him personally."

"Actually, yes. I met him last December when my little sister and I went on a walk."

"Really?"

"Yes. I live 25 houses north of his."

"Wow, how do you know that?"

"My sister and I were counting how many homes had Christmas lights. That was how I met Patrick. He was on his porch and crying, but I helped him out."

"Seeing your idol in pain. . . how does that feel?"

"It really did hurt. At first, I was like, 'yikes.' But when I talked to him and helped him feel comfortable, I can say that giving him a hug relieved the pain." My voice cracked again. The thought of Patrick's sobs from December hit me. I didn't know what else to talk about, so I just let the thought flow in my head. Tears began to fall.

"Zoey, are you okay?" asked Pete.

"I feel bad. . ." I said choking tears. "It wasn't anything I could have done about it. . ."

"It's okay to cry, Zoey."

Assured by Pete's words, I just allowed myself to let it out. He looked at me concerned. "Do you want a hug?"

I nodded. Pete pulled me straight into a tight hug. I cried into his shoulder for a minute.

Once I was done, he realized it was time for his appointment. "Ooh. Speaking of, I do have to see my therapist. It was great meeting you, Zoey."

"You, too, Pete."

"I will see you someday whenever you come back. . ."

"Oh, definitely. My older sister works here."

"Cool. I'll see you later. Have a good day."

"You, too. Bye."

I smiled getting back to my work. I met Pete Wentz! Mission accomplished!