Chapter Twenty-Four

 Gerard’s P.O.V

  After we were both done getting dressed, had called frank, and both of us had eaten we headed for the door to leave. I slipped my shoes on and watched Ava, sitting on the floor, while she tied her shoes. When she was done she looked up at me and smiled, making me smile. We gripped each others jackets tightly and snuggled into each other against the cold North wind. She was being awfully quiet, I had noticed. This morning during breakfast she was talking up a storm, but gradually as we neared our departure time she quietened.

“You okay babe?” I jiggled her shoulder slightly.

There was a long silence before she answered. “Yeah, just thinking.”

The look in her eyes kept me from poking around anymore. “Okay.”

  Another fifteen minutes later I stopped Ava in front of Frank’s apartment and I knocked.

I could here him padding towards the door.

“Gerard!”

“Frank.” We hugged each other while Ava smiled in our direction. Frank shot her a look as we walked down the short hallway towards loud commotion.

“Gerard!” Mikey ran up and hugged me. The sight of his face made me realize how much I had missed him. We hugged for at least a minute before Frank started laughing. Mikey let go and I turned around for Ava to find her sitting on the couch talking to Bob.

“Hey, do you have anything to drink?”

“In the kitchen.” Frank yelled, occupied by something Ava had told him.

  I walked into the kitchen to come across a girl sitting in the small breakfast nook of the kitchen. She smiled apologetically and got up from the table. I paused, unaware of what she was going to do, but relaxed when she held out her hand. I shook her pale, but warm fingers lightly and smiled.

“My names Maggie, Frank’s friend.”

“Just Frank’s friend?” She giggled softly.

“Strictly friends.” She sat back down in her seat.

“How do you know Frank?” I sat across the table from her.

“I used to co-direct some of My Chemical Romance’s music videos.”

“Maggie – Maggie… Maggie! I do remember you. Wow, you’ve changed.”