The lost son ~John Frusciante and Josh Klinghoffer

2. Did I let you know?

I was driving home but I couldn't focus on the road. My mom had just passed away and I finally knew who my father was. But I wish I didn't. What was I supposed to do? Tell him that I'm his son? Or just act like nothing happened?
I parked the car in garage and went to the attic. I searched for some old pictures of my mom.
I took 3 and placed them in my pocket. On the first one my mom was just 17 years old. And few months later I was born. On the second one it was her holding a newborn baby, me. And the third one was me and her at last year's Thanksgiving.

A part of me wanted to tell John everything right now. But I knew it wouldn't be easy. I went to my room and tried to get some sleep. I thought about my future. I had no job, no family, no friends. I picked up my guitar and started to play 'Under the bridge'. I quickly realised what I was doing. He was there, in his luxury house and I was all alone. I got up and ran to my car.

I was driving dangerously fast. I couldn't hold back my emotions. I had to tell him.

I went into his place without ringing. But he was nowhere to be seen.

- John, are you there?

- Josh? I didn't know you were coming. I'm sorry but Flea has invited me for dinner and I have to leave now.

He appreared in the living room, buttoning his flanel shirt.

- No John. You will stay here. It's really important.

- Hey, I'm not joking, we surely can talk about it later. I'm in a hurry.

- No we fucking can't! Sit down on your huge ass couch and shut up!

I couldn't look at this man. I wasn't myself. I was so angry. Frusciante was really surprised but he did what I told him to.

I threw the pictures and the notebook at him. He took a look at them and began to cry.

- Oh my God.

That's all he said.

- I fucking hate you! Do you even remember my mother? Anne Klinghoffer. Does it sound familiar? 18 years ago you told her to fucking abort her child! And it was me!

At this point I began to scream and cry. I sat on to floor and covered my face with my hands.

- Josh, I don't know what to say. Honestly I know I was a bastard back then. It's all because of the fucking drugs.

He got up and hugged me. We were crying in each others shoulder.

- How could you forget about her? How could you treat her like this?

- Josh, I can't explain it. If I only could turn back time...

- But you can't. And now she's dead.

- I'm so sorry. When did it happen?

- A few hours ago. Today.

- When is the funeral?

- I don't know yet. But I don't want you to come. Actually I don't even want to see you again. Forget about that record. I fucking hate you.

I said and made my was to the front doors.

- Wait Josh. We have to talk. Please, stay.

I don't know why but I turned around and went back into the living room. John told me to sit next to him and we started our conversation.

- Josh. She picked such a lovely name for you. You have Anne's eyes, you know? You look nothing like me.

- Fortunately.

- But what I felt immediately was our connection. What you played was similar to what I was creating.

- It looks like it's the only good thing I got from you. But I'm not as good as you.

- You're still so young. How old are you Josh? I don't think I ever asked you.

- I'm turning 18 next month.

- 18? I was your age when I was dating Ann. I was young and stupid. I had just joined the Peppers and I thought I was allowed to do anything. I discovered drugs and it ruined everything. I didn't care about women, I could have anyone. I would never leave your mother, I really loved her. But heroine ate my brain. And many years later, when I finally was clean, I couldn't find her anywhere.

- We were living in Michigan, only came here last year, when she found out she had a cancer. I thought they would be able to treat it here in LA but unfortunately there was nothing they could do.

- I still can't believe it Josh. What are you going to do now? Do you have anyone? I mean family? Or maybe you have a stepfather?

- I don't have anyone, I don't know where to go. I won't be able to pay the rent. I will have to look for a job but I don't think I  can do anything else besides music.

- I know that you will probably turn down my offer but I would love you to move in here.

- Are you serious? We don't even know each other. I just told you that I hate you and now you want me to live here?

- You are my son, Josh. And I want to compensate you all these years. God, I still can't believe in this.

I didn't say anything. I just  hugged him as strong as I could. We sat there in silence looking into each others eyes.

- I forgive you. I know that mom would like that.

- Thank you Josh. It means so much to me. I promise that I won't let you down. You can always count on me.

I shed a tear and responded with a broken  voice.

- Thanks daddy, I would love to move in. We could make music everyday.

- And watch movies. Do you like it?

- I love watching horrors and comedies.

- Same as me. And what is your favourite dish?

- Spaghetti with meetballs. And yours?

- The same one. How could I miss those similarities when we first met?

- You never asked me any questions.

- So maybe you want to go to Flea for dinner with me?

- I'm not sure. What are you going to tell him?

- The truth. I want the guys to know that I have such a talented and beautiful son.

- I don't wanna be a burden, you don't have to tell them anything.

- Josh, I love you so much, even though I don't even know you yet. You need a parent and I want to be one for you. We need to make up for all the years I've missed. I'm so happy that I have you.

I hugged him once again and stood up.

- Dad, I'm hungry, let's go.

He smiled wide and lead me to his garage. We got into his brand new Jaguar and John suddenly asked:

- Would you like to drive? I can see that you like this car.

- Fuck yeah!

I placed myself in the driver's seat and started the engine. Wow. I've never even sat in such a car.
John told me where Flea was living and in half an hour we were there.