Cigarettes [Bennoda] ✔

Chapter 15

Chester's POV
I woke up that next morning without Mike next to me. I sat up and saw that it was daylight. I also saw that Mike's clothes and shoes were no longer on the floor. I sighed and swung my feet over the edge of my bed.

As I was reaching for my glasses that were on the nightstand, I saw that there was a note folded up.

The top said "Chester <3"

I smiled a little and opened the note.

Dear Chester,
I had the most amazing time yesterday. You were so sweet and kind to me. That view of the city you showed me was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen. The view of the city didn't compare to the beauty of you though. I can't wait to come back and hang out with you again. Next time I'm bringing all of the Star Wars movies for us to watch.

I'm really sorry I couldn't wake up with you this morning. My tour manager called and told me that we have to leave in thirty minutes. I still have to get my stuff from the hotel, but I decided to quickly write you this. Sure, I could've texted you, but letters just seem more meaningful and intimate to me. I would've woke you up to tell you all of this, but you looked so peaceful this morning and I couldn't bring myself to wake you up.

Anyway, thank you for everything.

-MS

I got through reading the letter and slowly closed it. I didn't know what to do with myself since he was gone. He only stayed at my house for a day and a half, but I had already gotten kind of used to it.

There was no doubt in my mind that I was in love with him now. Before, everyone just told me that it was a crush and thst I was in love with what he did, but now that I actually knew him, I knew that wasn't true. I was in love with him.

Mike's POV
I got up that morning and answered my phone that was ringing. It was Jim, my tour manager. I sighed and crawled out of Chester's bed.

"Yeah?" I asked quietly. "Mike, where the hell are you? We leave in like 30 minutes." He said. I sighed. "I'm at... my friend's house. I'll be there in a few." I said. "Ok and-" I hung up and quickly got my clothes on. I wrote Chester a little letter because I couldn't wake him up. He looked so peaceful.

After that I went out the Bennington's front door and down a few blocks to the hotel I was staying at. I quickly got my suitcase and got on the bus. As soon as I stepped foot on the bus, the driver started driving.

"What the hell man?!" Tak asked me as I got on the bus. "Where have you been?" "With an old friend." I said as walked past him. "You could've let us know Mike. Since you weren't there to do the interviews. I had to do them. Do you know how hard it is to explain what a song or album is about when you didn't write a word of it? Do you know how disappointed the interviewers were when they were told I'd be doing the interviews and not you? Ya know we're on this tour together. It's not all about you." He said.

"I'm sorry, Tak. I know I've been acting weird and being an asshole lately... it's just... I have so much going on with the wedding and all that. I just needed a day away from it all." I said. His face softened and he nodded. "It's alright. Just please let me know next time." He said. "I will."

I got in my bunk and sighed. I didn't know what to do anymore.

Should I throw away the six years I spent with Anna for a boy I met just 9 months before? Or should I just forget about him and marry Anna?

I didn't want to hurt anyone. Deep down I knew what I really wanted. I really wanted Chester, but I didn't know if I could tell Anna that. I didn't know if I could break her heart.

-
The next week was so long. We had played three shows after the Arizona show. That half of the tour was over with and would pick back up in the summer.

I was so stressed about the next few months. It was December 22nd which meant Christmas was only in a few days and I was having anxiety thinking that Anna and my family would hate the gifts I bought them.

Then our wedding was set for January 5th and on January 25th, we were supposed to leave for a month long cruise for our honeymoon.

I didn't know if I could go through with any of it. Everytime I thought about the wedding, I felt so sick. I loved Anna, but I also loved Chester. That day I spent with him made me fall in love with him. I didn't want to ruin what him and I had if I married Anna. I just didn't know how to tell her how I felt.

I went back home after the tour and Anna greeted me excitedly when I walked through our door.

"Mikey!" She yelled as she wrapped her arms around my neck. I put my bags down and put my arms around her waist. "I missed you so much!" She gave me a kiss and pulled away with a big smile. "Only 14 more days until I get to be your wife." She said. I forced a smile. "Only 14 more days until I get to be your husband." I said as I leaned in and kissed her again.

Everyday she'd remind me how many days it was until the wedding. Everyday I'd get reminded how many days I had left to tell her I couldn't do it.

-
Christmas and New Years soon passed. The holidays were great. The craziness of the holidays, with the help of alcohol, helped me forget for a couple days about the wedding.

After the holidays were over and both of our families had went back home, I realized that I only had three days to tell her that I didn't want to be her husband.