One And Only~ Maylor [Wattys 2019]

Ch. 10: 5 Minutes Of Hope

This chapter is inspired in the scene were Freddie joined Smile in Bohemian Rhapsody, so some of the dialogue is from the movie.

Freddie's P.O.V.

The sun was bright and up high today, making the cold wind disappear. Still, that wouldn't stop the fact that I needed to work at the airport today.

***

"Hurry up you Paki!" I heard a voice snap at me.

"I'm not from Pakistan!" I yelled. One of the things I hated the most is when I got called Paki. I'm NOT from bloody Pakistan! I was born in Zanzibar and my parents are from India for fuck's sake!

"Whatever."

Fuck off.

***

Finally! The day was over! I got all my things and headed towards the bus stop in the airport. As always, the bus was going to be late since the airport is far away from town. To break time, I got out some spare pieces of paper out of my back pocket and continued writing the song I've worked on.

Surprisingly, the bus arrived earlier. I hoped in and took a seat in the front. Tonight I was going to see Smile perform at the Imperial College gig, their usual performing place. Ever since Tim presented me his band, I became a big fan. Their music is amazing, all of them have talent, gifts.

However, they haven't gotten that far till now. And they deserve to get far, famous, relevant! Of course, I don't know who to blame or note for not pushing them far enough because the only person I know personally is Tim, but not Brian or Roger. Maybe Tim isn't pushing them to far, or Brian or Roger. Or maybe they aren't relevant in this utter society.

It was around 7 p.m. when I finally arrived home.

"Hello Farrokh," Mom greeted. She was the only person in my family who got me and understood me. In hard times, she'd be the one who consoled me. My father was the opposite. He never understood me, and always worries about shit. Kash, my sister, and I are quite close, but not really. Like most siblings, we had fights and discussions.

"Hi mum," I greeted back. Over in the living room, Kash was watching TV crouched in the sofa, whilst playing with her long braid. After saying hi, I went upstairs to my room, took a shower, and changed into more comfy clothes. Going downstairs, I saw my Mom laying the table.

"Where are you going?" She asked, whilst laying the table.

"Out with friends," I responded.

"A girl?" She asked, raising her eyebrows. I rolled my eyes and began heading towards the door.

"I will come home late," I said.

"As always."

Just before my hand touched the knob, my father came in. Kash and Mom greeted him, I greeted him last.

"Going out Farrokh?"

"It's Freddie now papa," I said.

"Freddie, Farrokh, the family name isn't good enough for you! Good words, good thoughts, good deeds, that's what you should aspire!" He said, angrily.

"And how did that work for you?"My father always worries and takes discipline and modesty and some other shit too seriously. He never accepted the fact I was outrageous, different. It was all complicated! In fact, no one knows me, gets me.

Loves me.

***

The place was incredibly full when I got there. People were accumulated near the bar, and near the stage. The show had started off a bit earlier than I thought. The three of them were sta, playing their and singing instruments to "Doin' Alright," their most successful song.