The lost son ~John Frusciante and Josh Klinghoffer

15. I'm a separate entity from the guy I was before

I saw tears in his eyes when the audience started to chant John's name. It was really hard for him to overcome his anxiety and come on stage. He thought that people hated him. But I knew that our fans were amazing and understanding.
He gulped and said:

- It's such an honor for me to be here.  Lately I wasn't myself. I've pushed away all of the people I love: my son, my friends and you, my fans. It was overwhelming and I've decided to take my life away.  I've... I've overdosed on heroin. And if it wasn't for my son, I wouldn't be here. I've decided to be strong for him. Josh, you are the best human and it's a privilege to be your family. You saved me. Thank you. Um... Now... let's start the show!

I couldn't stop my tears from falling. We were all crying. I saw that many girls in the audience were also moved by his speech. It's such a bravery to confess something like this in public.

*

- You rocked, dad!

I said, opening a can of beer and passing it to him.

- Who's saying this?

Chad went into the dressing room and set next to us, grabbing his beer.

- Guys, you are acting so similar onstage that it's hard to distinguish you. You both do those crazy squads, look at Flea, he's just jumping. Isn't it easier?

- You will never understand it, Chad. The music makes me...

- Ok, ok, John, you've been telling me this for over 20 years, calm down.

Then Anthony rushed into the room.

- Hey, our manager called. He wants to keep you both in the band.

- I didn't even know that you've hired Josh. Why did you keep it a secret, baby?

- I saw that you been regretting leaving this band and I didn't want to make you sad. If you want to, I'll leave. It's your band after all.

- I'm gonna be back if you stay here. I love making music with you.

*

"Me and my Bobby McGee!"

John sang and then burped loudly.

- Frusciante, you dork!

Screamed Anthony, who was dancing. Chad was asleep with his head on the table. And Flea was imitating sounds of slapping the bass guitar with his mouth. We moved to his house because they were closing that venue.

- Lilly is coming soon to pick me up, she's gonna kill me. But you know what? I don't give a shit!

I said, laughing my ass off.

- Klinghoffer, watch your language!

Clara went into the room with a bottle of vodka and sat next to me.

- Hey, long time no see. How are you doing girl?

I asked, stretching my back. She got a little closer and wrapped her arms around me.

- My asshole boyfriend dumped me.

- Are you sad? You shouldn't be. You're gonna find a great guy soon. You're too crazy to be single.

I hugged her and patted her back.

- Do you still like me, Josh?

- Of course I do!

- You got really sexy with age.

- Um, thanks I guess. I'm only 21 though, am I old yet?