Facing The Mirror

Adam Gontier

Adam's POV

I got my drink and was returning to Renee. I've never felt so happy. Ever since meeting Renee my life has felt different. Relaxed. More at ease. I realized she makes me want to be a better man. To take care of her and give her what she needs. When I first met Megan I was happy but I didn't feel content. Like something wasn't right or something was missing. With Renee I see the difference.

Megan was everything I desired. She was beautiful with long blonde hair, blue eyes, and a killer smile that can pull you in with just one glance. A body that had curves in all the right places. Megan was beautiful and knew how to use her looks to get what she wanted.

Renee was everything I needed. Caring, understanding, and innocent. She didn't need attention or approval, she only wanted to be accepted for who she is. There was no need for mind games. She said what she meant and was content with whatever was going on around her. Being around her made me feel more like myself. The boy who grew up in a small town who wanted to show the world that he could be something more.

Sometimes I felt like I didn't know who I was anymore. Sometimes I felt I was becoming someone else. A darker part of myself I didn't want to be. Megan brought out this side. She knew how to press my buttons to get what she wanted. Renee just wanted to be in my company. No pressure, no bull shit, no drama. Only peace. That was what was missing. What I needed.

I see Renee where I left her but a guy is getting close to her. Too close. I walk faster trying to get past the crowd that slowed me down. I finally reach her and hear clearly, "You can come with me backstage."

Rage hit me so hard that I had to tell myself that if I went to jail Renee would be alone and I wouldn't be able to be with her. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly to calm myself. Seeing him smile at her didn't help.

"Sorry to burst your bubble but she'll be there with me." I said not feeling sorry at all. Renee will be with me. No one else. She's mine.

"Didn't we tour last year? You had some blonde following you around that would be considered your girlfriend."

Was he asking for a death wish? I was so close to doing something I would regret but one glance at Renee calmed me down. I couldn't lose myself in front of her. I would never forgive myself if I did. I took a sip of my drink hoping it would help me from killing him.

"We're not together anymore. I could ask you the same question. Aren't you dating that rocker chick that also toured with us? What's her name? Wasn't it Juliet?"

He was acting all calm until he heard her name. That pissed him off. Good. Now he knew how I felt.

"We divorced last year and I've been single ever since. Unlike you who is probably still with that blonde but seeing someone on the side."

He doesn't know me but took a cheap shot. It was true that I still haven't told Megan but he doesn't know Megan. She's not going to take the breakup easy. Instead she's going to make it harder for me. Andy makes it sound like I want two women. Have one at home and one on tour but it's far from the truth. I just hope he doesn't put doubts in Renee's head. If so then I won't care about jail time.

I walk up to Andy getting tired of his interference. This day was amazing and I wanted to spend the rest of my night having fun with my girl. Instead I have some kid thinking he knows me and talking shit. I look him in the eye and he stares back with ice blue eyes. Renee probably thought I wanted to fight him because she tries to get between us.

"You think you're the shit Gontier but we both know you're an asshole. Renee can do better with a real man than a wannabe." I was seeing red. It took everything within me to not put a fist in his face. I laugh thinking why waste my time. I had a beautiful woman with me. I wanted to focus on her not stand here and argue.

"A real man? I don't see a man. I see a kid trying to act like a man. If you talk to Renee or even glance at her you'll have to deal with me." I said harshly. 

Batman and Oliver came to push us away from each other. I glance around and notice we had an audience. Andy stares at me with pure hatred.

"We'll finish this some other time." He then stares at Renee.

"Nice meeting you Renee. Maybe we'll see each other again soon." He said as he smiled at her. I start to move to get closer to him but Batman holds me back.

"Let him say what he wants but it'll be you that is with her tonight. Let it go." Batman said as I made sure Andy didn't touch Renee.

"Don't count on it." I said angrily at Andy. Over my dead body. That would be the only way he'll get near Renee.

He finally disappeared into the crowd. I didn't want to start a fight but he was testing my limits. Especially when he looked or talked to Renee.

"Was all that necessary?" Renee asked, staring up at me with her face scrunched up in anger. She looked cute when she's mad.

"No but he needs to stay away from you. You have me. He needs to find someone else." I took a sip of my drink to calm my nerves.

"Adam. No matter what he says I'm with you. You don't have to worry." She placed her hand in mine calming me down even more.

"We came here to have fun. Let's dance." She said as I followed her to the dance floor.