The Concert

Self-Destruct

The next few days I became increasingly concerned as Eddie was MIA. (Missing In Action). I tried my best to continue with work and rehearsals, but it was getting more and more difficult to focus. Wayne couldn't say what Eddie was up to as they were often ships that passed in the night, but assured me that when he did see him, he would tell him to get his act together and get in touch. Gareth and Jeff were very clandestine about Eddie, so I was beginning to suspect that for some unknown reason to me, Eddie was purposefully avoiding me.

I seized the opportunity to single out a guy from the group, he was walking down the hall, I could never remember his name "Hey!" I called after him, he looked back and then acted like he hadn't heard me, but his pace quickened. This pissed me off, so I ran to catch up with him and placed my arm around his shoulder. He froze as I made contact, I could feel him go rigid, he looked at me nervously "That was very rude..." I started then gestured for him to tell me his name "Grant" he replied sheepishly. I narrowed my eyes "Seen Eddie, Grant?" he shook his head but his face gave me a different answer, I moved round to stand in front of him, "You wouldn't lie to me, would you Grant?" I said as I moved forwards, backing him against the lockers. I glared at him until he crumbled "he's been crashing with Reefer Rick! He will be here later for D&D!" he confessed. I smiled and slapped him firmly on the arm, "We got there in the end, eh, Grant!" and walked away. I couldn't decide what I felt more, enraged or disappointed. What the hell was going on? Why would Eddie suddenly disappear and avoid me like this? There's only one way to find out! I decided to ambush him at his Hellfire Club. 

I decided to sit backstage so I wouldn't be seen when Eddie came through the door. The last thing I wanted was for him to walk in, see me and then walk straight back out again, which was likely to happen, if it is me that he's avoiding.

I watched him come in, he was with Dustin and Mike, they began to set up the table and chairs. Eddie started to head backstage to adjust the lights, I stood behind a screen and waited for him to pass me, "So you're alive then?" he stopped and stood with his back to me and inhaled deeply. He didn't say anything, which riled me. "Really?" he turned to face me "what do you want me to say?" he asked. I could feel my stomach turning "I don't know Eddie, something!" he shrugged his arms out "I just needed some space!" I frowned "so you just disappear?" Eddie stood looking at me with such a strange look on his face, a cross between angry and attempting to be aloof "things were getting too intense, ok! I just needed to be able to breathe!" I was a little taken back "so you felt like I was smothering you?" he started to get frustrated and pace. "You could have just said something!" Eddie scoffed "and have you be all understanding and try and help me some more?" I shot him a look of "wtf?!" as I had no idea where any of this was coming from, he saw my face and it seemed to send him off the deep end, "Cause that's what you do! You're always trying to help or fix me!" he said stopping in front of me, I just stood bewildered "It's like you're a sadomasochist, you need someone to fix, regardless of how it may impact you!" I didn't know what to say, I was having difficulty processing what exactly he was mad about "so you're angry because I try to help you?" Eddie rolled his eyes and groaned "I'm not a pet project!" he snapped; I shook my head in disbelief "is that what you think? That I see you as a 'project'?" Eddie scoffed again, "Yes!" Eddie stepped back and looked at me "Me... Billy..." he put his hand on the back of his neck and then looked at me "and we all know that one didn't turn out so great..." I felt like he had just punched me in the stomach, I stood in stunned silence. I could feel tears stinging my eyes. "Eddie! What the hell man!?" Dustin had been standing behind me. I couldn't find any words, I felt like I couldn't breathe. I turned and walked away; Dustin called after me, but I kept walking. I could hear him telling Eddie to come after me.

I got to my car and sat in the driver's seat trying to get myself together. What the fuck was his problem?! I considered going back inside and punching him in the face! I don't understand! Last time we saw each other we were happy. I turned the key in the ignition and pulled the car away faster than I should. The tyres screeching as they tried to find traction.