The lost son ~John Frusciante and Josh Klinghoffer

44. See what's in store

I was awoken by a loud argument. It was apparently coming from the living room.

- Who the fuck is in here?

I heard a man's voice saying.

- No one! Just don't go into the bedroom, please!

Claudia told him.

I looked around and saw that I was alone in the bed. Then a guy has stormed into the room. Claudia ran right behind him.
That guy began shouting at me.

- You're sleeping with my girlfriend, fucker!? I'm gonna fucking kill you!

Then he punched me in the face. I had no time to defend myslef. He kept beating me until I miraculously managed to get up and run away.

- Seriously, Claudia? You wanted me to stay here! Thanks for letting him beat the shit out of me! Was it fun for you? I hope so.

I shouted and ran out of her apartment.

- Josh! No!

I heard her but I was already running down the stairs.

I was walking down the street just in my t-shirt and boxers. It was so cold. Despite the freezing weather, my cheeks were burning. I could feel my face swelling up.
I didn't understand what had happened. She had a boyfriend?
I needed to get to Anthony's and take my car.

I knocked on Tony's door. When he saw me, he quickly pulled me inside.

- Man, what happened to you? Where are your clothes? Clara, bring me some ice!

He said.

- Claudia's boyfriend has attacked me in my sleep. She told me she was single! I'm so angry. I shouldn't have stayed there.

Clara has brought the ice and I sat on the couch, holding it to my swollen face.

- She hasn't got a boyfriend. It must have been her ex. I could tell that she liked you. She hadn't been so into a guy for a long time. Give her another chance, it wasn't her fault that the psycho has attacked you.

- I don't care. She's not a girl for me.

- But Josh, she's really cool...

- Clara, he knows what's the best for him.

- Thanks, Tony. I begin to believe that you really like me.

- I told you! I'm not lying to my friends!

He replied. He was a teenager trapped in the body of a 50 year old man. He would never grow up.

I stayed there for a couple more hours. Then I borrowed Anthony's pants and jacket and drove to John's house.

*

- Hey!

I said and hugged Emily. She was cooking dinner and Hope was laying in a rocking chair next to her.

- Oh my gosh, whose girlfriend have you fucked?

She asked looking at my bruises.

- How did you know?

I replied.

- Just guessed. John's in the studio, he told me he's got this strike of inspiration. He's been sitting there since the morning.

- I'm gonna go check on him.

- Tell him dinner is almost ready.

- Sure, Em. By the way, you look super hot in those leggings.