Can't Stop (Frusciante fan fic)

Part 41-Omit Myself

A/N: OMG, the picture above. One of my favorites. I was originally going to make a nice little short story where everyone ends up buddies and happy after 10 chapters. And the former may very well still happen. But this is much more fun to write. Enjoy! 

John's POV

We pull up at the curbside for Alaska Airlines. "I'm gonna text him where we are," Sophie says. "It's not crowded yet, so we'll find him." I nod, feeling anxious. I'm not sure exactly why. Is it because he's a fan of mine and could make a scene? Or is it because I don't know what to expect given his history with Ellie and that fact that he is Sophie's biological father who seems to have undergone a brain transplant these past few weeks?

"He texted me back, he's here, John. I'm gonna run in and get him in the car quickly so he doesn't blow your cover." "Sounds like a plan, thank you Sophie," I reply.

Within two minutes, Sophie comes out hand in hand with a guy who is medium tall with dark curly hair and some facial hair, light olive skin, who I have to admit is very good-looking, even though I'm 100% straight. And when I look at him, there is absolutely no doubt he's Sophie's father.

His face lights up when he sees me get out of the car to help put his bag in the trunk. "Oh, my God, I can't believe I'm actually meeting John Frusciante!" he says a little too loudly. Sophie drops his hand to give him the sign to shut up, and practically pushes him in the passenger side of the car. "You can sit up front with John, Dad," Sophie concedes.

We shake hands. "I can't believe what a lucky person I am!" he says as we drive off. "All the music you make is just beautiful, Mr. Frusciante. The Chili Peppers, and I'm a big fan of Mars Volta as you know, and listen to your solo work, and I love your electronic music too. I want to go to a rave where you and your girlfriend DJ!! She's pretty hot" he rambles. Sophie gives him an annoyed look. I don't mind, I'm used to this and Aaron seems pleasant so far.

"Please call me John," I reply, "and I really appreciate that my music made a difference in your life. I want to create something with meaning.." I trail off. Aaron is still staring at me and grinning as I drive towards the 5 going southbound.

"I wish this were under better circumstances," he continues. "How is Ellie doing?"

"She's much better," I reply. "I'm sure she'll be glad to see you, Aaron."

"Good," he says. "You know, when she has these episodes, she needs someone to help her out. So thank you, John. I just wish Sophie had called me earlier." Sophie's eyebrows go up and I can sense she's unhappy.

"She always seems to find someone," he goes on. "I met Greg and he seemed like a decent guy so I don't know what the hell happened there." Sophie's face is starting to turn pink with anger. "Don't take this the wrong way, but I do sort of understand why he's upset with you and Ellie.."

Now I'm pissed off. How can this guy who abandoned his own child pass judgment on her mother? I try to compose myself and figure out what to say. I don't need to because Sophie immediately goes off.

Sophia's POV

I snap the second I hear my father take a swing at John with his words. "NO!" I yell out, furious at Aaron. "No, you don't get to talk that way to John, Aaron," I yell at him, refusing right now to call him Dad. "John has been nothing but kind and good to Mom and me, and you have no right to insult him! What's wrong with you? Why do you think I called John instead of you?" I've heard of people having no insight at all, and Aaron is definitely one of them.

"Well, you should have called me, Sophie. Your mom pretends to be tough, but she's just like anyone else, and even more fragile with the bipolar. You don't understand. You're lucky you were able to calm her down."