Never Be Afraid Again (sequel to We'll Carry On)

Merry Christmas

"Merry Christmas!!" Lindsey and her girlfriend Audrey screamed, tackling me into a hug.

Audrey is my manager-which I'll explain more of, later- and also a good friend of mine. I met her after Gerard and my wedding while I was at a coffee shop with Lindsey for lunch. As soon as we finished ordering a beautiful, short, slim girl walked up to our table-looking very star struck, but also really calm- and told me how much she admired my art work and loved Gerard's music. Lindsey's eyes widened and she looked as if cupid had just shot her directly in the chest as soon as her eyes landed on Audrey. Audrey and I got to talking and eventually so did Lindsey and her. Lindsey eventually asked her on a date, and it went off without a hitch. They have been together 6 months today, and I had never seen Linds so happy. I loved Drey, she was like the little sister I never got, and Lindsey loved her as well, obviously. We all welcomed her with open arms, and never looked back. She was family now. Luckily for her, she was away on business when I died and came back though, so she didn't have to say goodbye and hurt. When Lindsey told her about what had happened though, she rushed home and didn't leave my bedside, not even when Linds did. Because of her Gerard got to rest, and I didn't feel alone. I could honestly say I was extremely thankful that this dark haired beauty walked into our lives.

"Merry Christmas guys!" I smiled, backing away so they could come in.

"So, we may have gotten you all a shit-load of presents. Where do you want them?" Audrey asked, reveling a huge Santa-like sack behind them. I laughed and rolled my eyes.

"We agreed no presents, remember? But that's okay because I didn't listen either. Just put them under the tree." They nodded and began setting the presents up around the colorful, lit tree.

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"Bandit!" Lindsey screeched, taking her from Gee's arms and cradling her in her own. Audrey beamed at both of them and smiled, leaning over Lind's shoulder and holding Bee's hand. I couldn't help but take a couple of pictures. They were the cutest thing I had ever seen.

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It was now ten in the morning and everyone was gathered in our living room in couples. Mikey and Alicia, Lindsey and Audrey, Frank and Jamia, Ray and Christa, and of course Gerard, me, and Bandit.

"Holy shit guys! A new bass?! I love it!" Mikey exclaimed as he hugged me and Gee tightly at the same time, then rushing off to tune it and show it to his wife.

"Okay, this is for you Stormy!" Alicia clapped, handing me a small box.

"Guys, I told you, I don't need anything. What is it?!" I jumped excitedly. I loved getting presents almost as much as I loved giving them.

Alicia shook her head and urged me to open it. I carful untied the black bow on the top of the rectangle box and slid the lid off of the box. My eyes widened and tears hit them immediately. In the box sat a gorgeous charm bracelet, engraved with small notes from every one.

My hero. Love Mikey

Soul-mate. Love, Gerard

Perfect. Love, Lindsey

Gorgeous. Love, Audrey

Inspirational. Love, Ray

Storm Cloud. Love, Frank

Fighter. Love, Jamz

Angel. Love, Christa

Talented. Love, Alicia

Mommy. Love, Bee

"Oh my god, you guys, thanks you. I love it!" I wiped my tears away with my sleeve as a smile stayed plastered on my lips. I hugged each of them and kissed their cheeks, with the exception of Gerard, whose lips I kissed. It was the best gift ever and I would never take it off. It meant the world to me and they knew that.