My Chemical Romance, Infected

Chapter 26: Butterflies and Sorrows

Chapter 26: Butterflies and Sorrows

I awoke unaware as to where I was for some unknown reason. My flesh and bones ached as well. I sat up setting the blankets aside. Frank was gone. He must be in for a wash I thought so I got up and dressed. Smoking my last cigarette, I fell into a state of day dreaming then realizing that I was out of cigs. From the hotel window I spotted a 7/11 gas station. I knocked on the bathroom door to which Frank came tumbling out.

"I'm going out to get a pack of Red 100's." I announced.

"Alright." He said with a mellow tone in his voice.

I nodded in agreement and headed out. As I exited the building I realized that it was raining. A settle rain that was great for me to think. The sky was a light grey and the sun had gone missing. I stepped into the street looking both ways. Nobody was oncoming so I crossed to the 7/11. I walked in, shook the rain out of my black, greasy hair and stepped in line. A little girl was in front of me. She looked about eleven years old. She didn't appear to be with anybody but I kept to myself. I got to the counter, got my cigarettes and a lighter, and stood with my back against the wet building outside. I lit one up when I noticed the same little girl playing in a nearby puddle. It concerned me for two reasons. One, she was alone and two, she didn't have a jacket or sweatshirt to block the chilled air. I decided to walk over and accompany her.

"Excuse me." I said softly while clearing my throat.

"Yes...." She stopped playing and stared into my eyes.

"Are you lost?"

"No. I am just playing. Who are you?"

"Gerard Way, and who might you be?" I said shaking her tiny hand.

"Isabelle Levie."

"Isabelle, why don't you have my jacket to keep you warm." I offered.

"Okay!" She said as her face lit up. I placed it on her like a blanket. Just then she said,

"Thank you Gerard!" She hugged me and skipped away. I wonder what a young girl like that was doing alone in a town like this. I ignored the thought checking the time. I had a half an hour to get to the stage. Right before the band director gave a speech, I walked in.

"Damn it Gerard, where have you been?" Ray said.

"Getting cigarettes and talking to a little g..."

"Not now! We need to get our heads together!" Said John cutting me off. I was a little pissed for that reason but I couldn't let my anger out now.

"This could be our big break now guys. Do it good and do it right. It's now or never." He explained with great intent. The show lasted and hour and I was exhausted. It wasn't until now when I noticed Isabelle in the crowd. I reached my hand out to her and pulled her up on stage. I lowered to my knees and said,

"Did you see the show?"

"Of course I did! It was totally amazing!" She said. Her pink and blue clothes made her seem so much younger than she really is. Her long brown hair in braids reminded me of Lyn-Z for some reason. Whatever it was I felt for this girl, whether it was sympathy, hope, or a daughterly love, I knew that we had a connection. I took a picture with her and made sure it was developed right then and there for her. John made a copy for me as well and I said goodbye to her.

"Gerard, don't forget me. I can tell that you are a full hearted and generous person. Keep in touch." Isabelle said and she was gone. Vanished. It was insane how fast somebody could come and go. The band celebrated with alcohol. I celebrated the show with cocaine as always. I passed out with a thump on the stage.