Rock And Metal One Shots

Chris Cornell #1 Part 1

*18th May, 2017*

Betty James was sitting still on her couch. What she had just come to know on the news channel had broken her heart: The death of Chris Cornell 💔

"Why Chris! Why!", she wailed and turned off the TV. She ran to her room and burst into tears. She couldn't accept his demise. He meant everything to her. His music made her happy. He had once stopped her from taking a dangerous step and she was so grateful he'd stopped her. She looked at the large Soundgarden poster on her wall, closed her eyes and remembered the time she met Chris Cornell...

*San Francisco, 1994*
Betty and her friend Dana went to a Soundgarden concert. That day Betty was really upset. Dana had seen that and thought that taking Betty to her favorite band's concert would make her feel better. When they entered the venue and found their seats, Bettys face went paler. Dana saw that and became extremely worried. There was still time for the band to come onstage so they had time to talk.
Dana: What's the matter girl? You want to go home or something? You look sick.
Betty: This...is...my...last Soundgarden concert. I'll never come again.
Dana: What? You're joking right? You want to see them every chance you get!
Betty: Th--this is also the last time you'll see me.
Dana: Betty stop what are you saying?!
Betty: I'm serious Dan. I don't want to do this anymore! I'm done handling  my snake of a brother! My parents don't understand me, they don't wanna listen to me, UGH!
Dana: Wh--what do you mean you can't do this anymore? BETTY! You're not thinking of....
Betty: Taking away my life yeah. You got it right Dan.

Before Dana could say anything, the band came onstage and the crowd started to roar. Dana prayed that Betty would change her mind. She knew Betty was dealing with hell but she didn't want her to lose hope and just give up. She held Bettys hand and said, "I hope you have a good time now at least." Betty nodded. "Yeah. It's great to see my fave band before bidding farewell forever." Dana was close to crying but decided to control herself.
Throughout the concert, Betty was screaming and shouting and Dana couldn't focus. She did not want to lose her best friend. Suddenly, her notice fell on her pass. YES! There was backstage entry. She wished to get Betty and Chris talking so she'd do something about her cold decision.

*Backstage, post gig*
Betty and Dana waited for the line to go ahead. Then Betty stepped out and stood in the corner sulking. When Danas turn arrived, she got closer to Matt Cameron. To avoid any suspicion, she first gave him the poster that Betty had carried and asked him to sign it. He signed and passed it to the rest of the band to sign. Dana took a deep breath and asked, "May I have a minute with you please Matt?" Matt was a bit confused but nodded. Dana told him about Betty being suicidal and asked if the guys could talk to her and help change her mind. "Where is Betty?", he asked. Dana  pointed to Betty in the corner. "We could try. But you'll have to wait till the full event is over. The fans will cause a ruckus if we stop the signing in the middle. You don't want her to be attacked", he said. "Thank you so much Matt", said Dana and waited where the roadies stood. Chris had been listening the whole time and spoke up "We will help hun. But why does she want to do that?" "Long story Chris. I'll explain after the whole signing is finished", replied Dana.

*End of backstage signing*
Dana fetched Betty from the corner and brought her in front of the guys. Betty burst into tears and rushed into Chris' arms. Chris gently stroke her hair and comforted her. "Hush now darling hush it's okay." Betty cried even louder.
Matt: Wipe away the tears hun. We know what's going on.
Betty: You do?!
Chris: Yes we know. Your friend told us what's going on. Don't just take away your life like that.
Betty: Nobody understands me. Nobody wants to listen. Why should I live? I'm better off dead. My folks will probably throw a party! My brother will dance at my funeral!
Chris: No no no stop stop!! What do you mean they don't listen? Do they purposely ignore you?
Betty: Maybe. Maybe not. But they are quite careless.
Chris: You really want to know what I think?
Betty: Yes?
Chris: Talk to them. Make them sit down and tell them it's a serious matter of discussion. If you don't tell them about how their carelessness is bothering you it'll go on.
Betty: They might listen. But what about my big brother? He ensures I get it in trouble and puts all the blames on me. We hate each other. Since childhood. He treats me worse than garbage. He told mum last week that I had been out partying at a disco and slept with two guys! I was actually doing homework at Dana's. That wasn't an excuse! He even made up shit proof by asking his friends to pretend that they saw me at that disco.
Dana: Yeah Chris he's a horrible brother. I pity Bet for having to live with a monster.
Betty: See? Even she knows! I can't do it anymore!
Matt: But hun, you've got Dana at your side! Imagine what she'll go through if you die. Aren't you being a bit selfish there?
Betty: Gosh...GOSH! Dan no I'm sorry I didn't even think about you! Man I'll miss you if I'm--
Chris: That's off the list then! Cancel that plan! You've got your best friend by your side. Take her if you want when you talk to your parents. And be firm. There's worse happening in the world this is nothing! Fight it! Be strong! There's lots to happen in life. Live it all!
Dana: You guys are heavensent! Thank you!

Dana and Betty had an emotional embrace. They cried and let out all the tears. Chris and Matt watched the girls and smiled at each other. "Good job bros", said a roadie. "Thanks man! We were glad to help!", said Matt. The girls waved goodbye to the band. "Thank you once again y'all! I'll never forget!", said Betty. "No problem sweetie. Happy to help! All the best for your future!", said Chris.

Betty and Dana got in their car and drove home. Dana dropped Betty at her house. "Thanks Dana! You're an angel! And and I'm sorry I was do selfish I didn't even think of you! I'm a horrible friend am I not?", ranted Betty. "No no its fine Betsy bee! I'm glad you got to meet the band! They're really nice guys!", replied Dana. She waved goodbye and drove off.

*Back to present*
Betty just couldn't believe it! The man who'd told her to face her troubles and not kill herself had done exactly the same thing! She called Dana over.

Dana came in ten minutes to find Betty's door open and Betty on the floor weeping. "Betty! What's the matter?" , she asked. "CHRIS. IS. DEAD." came a cold response. Gasping, Dana held Betty closer and hugged her. "He's gone Dan! He took away his life! I can't believe it!", Betty wailed. Dana couldn't believe it either. Chris was a strong man...