Helpless

The Other Side

We had been on the road for a little over two weeks and I was having the time of my life. Seeing Johnny perform onstage was exhilarating. It was as if someone had turned on the switch and he fully immersed himself in music. He became one with whatever song he was playing or singing.

I also loved playing the part of the devoted girlfriend. I made sure he had everything he needed. I tried to cook for him. I shopped around for him and always managed to buy some books that he really enjoyed reading. I had watched my grandmother play that role for my grandpa and my own mother playing that role for my dad. Even though I knew my worth and considered myself equal to him, I also loved taking care of him and being his girlfriend. As antiquated and traditional as that sounded.

That night, right before the guys were about to hit the stage in London, I got a call from my dad.

"Hi, Daddy," I answered. I missed my parents. My dad was scheduled to perform in Spain for a couple of dates. Johnny and I had promised we would meet up at some point.

"Hi, baby," he answered. "I was thinking, we have a date set up the day after tomorrow. And I wanted you to fly out here for it. Some of our friends are gonna be here and I want you to be here with us."

I wasn't sure if that was going to be a good idea. Johnny was extremely overprotective. He wanted me to always have a bodyguard with me. So, the possibilities of me flying to Spain by myself were not the greatest.

"I don't know, Daddy," I sighed. "You know Johnny is gonna give me his little speech about him wanting me to be safe. And the bodyguards. Yadda yadda yadda."

My dad laughed. "He's worse than me, but I appreciate that."

"At least someone does," I laughed.

"Tell him, Ricardo, my bodyguard will pick you up and drop you off in London within two days. It's only gonna be two days. I know you two think that if you spend a day apart, the world will come to an end. But I am here to burst your bubble and say, that's not true."

"We don't think like that," I rolled my eyes.

"Oh yes, you do," he continued. "Let him know and if he needs to talk to me, tell him to give me a call. I'm sending Ricardo over tonight, so be ready after the concert."

"Tonight?" I asked. "That fast?"

"Yes," he responded. "That way you two little love birds won't have the chance to miss each other."

We both laughed. My dad was ridiculous, but I loved his sense of humor. I had to talk to Johnny right after the show, but for now I was determined to enjoy the show.

I kept looking out in the audience and saw hundreds of girls and women screaming out for Johnny. Some threw their bras and underwear onstage. I shook my head and laughed. I had seen that with my own dad, and we would all laugh and joke about it backstage. It came with the territory, so I didn't have a problem with it. And besides, Johnny was mine.

Before the show ended, I hurried backstage to wait for him. He would always rush back to see where I was. And when he would spot me, he would smile and walk towards me to give me a kiss and a hug.

"Can you stop being so amazing and talented?" I smiled before kissing him.

"Only if you can stop being so damn beautiful," he chuckled.

"And can you two stop being so damn sickening?" Joe Perry said walking past us. "We get it. You're in love."

Johnny and I both laughed.

"Hey baby," I said grabbing his hand. "I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Okay," he nodded.

"My dad wants to fly me out to Spain tonight," I smiled.