Sleep

“Damnit!” A loud crash could be heard from outside of the car. Frank jolted awake and saw he was laying on top of Gerard. Gerard looked at Frank, he looked sort of dazed and tired.

“Car broke down… I didn’t want them to wake you up with all the screaming.” Gerard looked back out the window at Bob who was slamming his fists on the car and Mikey was behind him and had his arms crossed and was shaking his head. Frank looked outside the window to his right and saw a gas station in the distance.

“Gas station!” Frank sat up and dug into his jeans to find his wallet snug in the front pocket. “I’m gonna get food, I’m starving!” Franks tail wagged and he kicked the car door open and started bolting for the small gas station a few feet down the road. Gerard barely got a word out before Frank was running down the side of the highway and started chasing after him.

“Frank…” Gerard heaved. He leaned on the doorway of the gas station and looked around for Frank who was frantically running around with his arms full of snacks and cigarettes. Gerard closed the door behind him and waited for Frank to finish buying all of the food he had in his arms.

“Look Gee!” Frank smiled widely, his tail wagged and Gerard could see his ears from underneath Franks hood. “They had coke, Doritos, cigarettes, everything!” Frank dug into the bag the cashier gave him and pulled out a water. “I got this for you, you look dehydrated.” Frank smiled and started to leave the gas station. Gerard was still out of breath and followed him slowly.

“Thanks.” Gerard grinned, “I do need to drink more water.” He slowly opened the cap and took a sip from the plastic water bottle. Frank giggled and popped open his coke. They walked in silence, drinking their drinks until they arrived at the van again. Ray waved at Frank and Gerard, gesturing them to come to the front of the van.

“Saw you guys take off…” Frank nodded quickly.

“Gas station!” He smiled, holding up the bag of snacks to Rays face. Ray rolled his eyes and smiled.

“Well.. we got the van to work. Barely. It’s enough to get us to our destination before we need to see a mechanic.” Ray looked at the drivers seat and watched Bob emerge as he was wiping his blackened hands on his shirt which stained it with ash.

“Cmon guys. We don’t have all day, we will get to San Francisco tomorrow” Bob grumbled with distraction and looked at Ray. “Steering wheel is fixed, I think, I don’t know shit about mechanic work.” Bob playfully punched Rays shoulder and sat in the other front seat.

“Get in the car guys, we’re leaving.” Ray nodded to Frank and Gerard and got into the drivers seat. Gerard and Frank got back into the back seat where they were sitting earlier. Mikey was already planted in the middle of the van, he was sprawled out on the 2 seats and had his earbuds in with his head iPod turned to full volume. Frank stared out the window and ate the food he bought, which made him think. What was he going to do on the days of their shows? How would he hide what’s happening to his body with the costume he had to wear? Frank silently panicked, his breathing was fast and shallow. His head started to hurt, Frank set down his drink and put a hand on his temple.

“Ugh….” He groaned. Frank felt dizzy and his face was starting to feel hot, under his hood his ears pinned to his head. Gerard briefly glanced at Frank and saw him in distress. Gerard waved at Frank to get his attention.

“Are you okay?” Gerard whispered, Frank looked up. He was sweating and his eyes were wide. Frank shook his head no. “Is there something I can do?” Gerard rubbed the back of his head, he didn’t really know went to do.

“Promise me you won’t turn on me. Please.” Frank said in a hushed voice, he looked up at Gerard and put his hand on Gerard’s knee. He nodded.

“I promise Frank, don’t worry about all of this. It’ll be okay.” Frank scooted closer to Gerard and leaned on him. He looked out the window again and felt calm again, his breathing slowed down and his face started to feel cool again. He took a deep breath and started to relax, Frank didn’t sleep at all that night. He spent the whole night by Gerard, making sure he stayed close. Gerard spent the night worrying about Frank, making sure he didn’t feel alone.