Illumination of the End (Frerard)

Chapter 17

Chapter 17:

The cab ride to New York wasn't too long. Frank's eyes kept traveling from the window to the very front of the dashboard where the total price of their ride continued to add up. The closer they got to Manhattan, the more Gerard squirmed in his seat. His nerves were eating him alive with the idea that he would have to break the law. Sure, he had been around Frank who was always doing these sorts of things, but for Gerard, this was pushing him to the limit. 

If they got caught for ditching the taxi without paying, and there happened to be a police car around when it happens... All they'd have to do is type Frank's name into a computer to see that he was wanted for murder... Where would that leave Gerard? He'd probably be taken in too for helping a criminal. 

But that wasn't going to happen because Frank knew what he was doing. Gerard turned to Frank who was busy biting his lip while staring at the little machine that displayed the cost of the trip. 

Lots of people bailed on taxis when they couldn't pay right? This wasn't that big of a deal... At least, that's what Gerard kept telling himself in order to calm down. 

The taxi finally made it to Manhattan, and Gerard shot Frank a worried look. The entire ride had been silent. Even the driver hadn't said a word to them, but he finally spoke. 

"Where can I drop you two off at?" he asked with a thick accent. 

Frank surveyed the area outside of the window. No cops that he could see. If they wanted to make a run for it, now was the time. "You can pull over here." he stated. The cab driver came to a stop at the curb and then turned his head back.

"Are you paying with cash or credi-"

But he was too late. Frank and Gerard had already opened the door and were sprinting down the side walk holding tightly onto each other's hand.

"Hey! Get back here!!" shouted the driver. Frank turned his head back to the man for a moment, but kept running. Adrenaline was pumping through his head, causing him to feel woozy from the sudden burst of energy. He glanced over to Gerard who had a big smile on his face as they continued to run down the side of the street. 

Gerard was relieved to finally be out of that taxi. That place was like a tiny little bit of hell that was bottled up with all his worries. Now they had gotten out, and he could breath again. 

They stopped running after a few minutes, and Frank tugged on the sleeve of Gerard's shirt.

"That was fun right?" Frank grinned.

Gerard nodded his head and gave him a big smile. "I think I want to do that again." he joked. 

They stood at the corner of a street, catching their breath and laughing. They didn't quite know why they were laughing... Maybe it was because of the relief. They had made it to New York at last, and were ready to begin fresh. 

"Well now what?" asked Gerard after a few minutes.

"I-I don't know... I didn't really plan much further than this..." Frank admitted. Where were they going to sleep? How would they get a job? They couldn't get a job unless they had a home, and they couldn't get a home unless they had a job... It was all one big paradox which made Frank stop laughing and turn serious. 

They were in a big city now. Frank had never been somewhere like this before. The buildings here towered over him. He had never felt so small, which was saying a lot considering that he always felt small because of his height. 

The sky was hazy here, and the buildings blocked out most of the sunlight, leaving the two boys in a long shadow created by the city. They weren't in the best part of town... Everything looked a little run down, but hey, it's New York City. You can't expect everything to be perfect.