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Post by onyxfyrefly on Dec 17, 2013 10:02:10 GMT -5
I'm baaaaacccckk! Remember me? No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. My muse finally decided to crawl of of its hiding place and was kind enough to bring along an idea for a story. Now, I have to give a little disclaimer here. This is another story that's not going to be all sunshine and roses. We all know how sweet the lads are and I can never imagine them being mean or intentionally hurting someone but I'm going to explore a rather sensitive topic and am using the lads to shed a new light on said topic. Don't worry, it'll make sense soon. Anyway, enough with my rambling...I hope you enjoy!
“Are you the party that came in with Mr. Bakey?”
Keith jumped to his feet and immediately regretted it when his bandaged head throbbed. “I’m am. Is he okay? It’s been hours!”
The doctor gave the frantic young man a reassuring smile. “Mr. Bakey is going to be just fine. He’s pretty banged up and his arm was broken in several places which required a bit of surgery but he’s young and strong, his body will bounce back pretty quickly.”
Swallowing hard Keith forced himself to stay calm. “He’s a guitarist. Will he ever be able to play again?”
“Yes, I don’t see why not. With a little bit of time and some physical therapy he should be good as new.”
The blonde let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. “Can I see him?”
“Of course.”
As Keith followed the doctor down the hall his mind flashed back to the events that had led him to his current condition. The two had just finished a gig and were headed back to Keith’s boat. Dave had volunteered to drive since Keith had been drinking and the two chatted about nothing as they drove down nearly deserted streets.
Suddenly, out of no where, they two were hit by what felt like a train. A drunk driver ran a red light at a dangerously high speed and hit the driver’s side with such a force that the car rocked back on two wheels.
Keith tried to remember what had happened but it was all a blur. All he could recall was being surrounded by people and a strong pair of arms dragging him from the ruined vehicle. He was sure that he was screaming for Dave, not knowing if his companion was dead or alive but his ears were filled with the roar of the oncoming car’s engine and the banshee’s wail as their tires were ripped across the pavement.
The next thing he knew he was being loaded into the back of an ambulance. The paramedics were trying to staunch the flow of blood caused by a gash on his forehead and every time he tried to ask about Dave the question was deflected. Finally the paramedics were forced to give him a sedative in order to keep him restrained.
“Mr. Harkin?”
Keith shook his foggy head to clear it and tried to focus on the doctor’s words. “He’s been given some pretty strong medications so I’m not sure how cognizant he will be of your presence.”
Keith nodded and slipped into the dimly lit room to sit at Dave’s bedside.
The young man looked terrible. His entire left side was painted with various shades of purple, blue, and yellow which would only get worse as the bruises healed. The skin of his cheek was pocked with cuts where the window shattered and his entire left arm all of the way to his shoulder was bandaged.
Part of Keith wanted to turn away. He hated hospitals, he hated seeing anyone that he cared for looking helpless. Letting out a slow breath he closed his eyes for a moment and was startled when he heard Dave stirring.
“Hey.” Dave’s voice was weak and thick from the drugs but he managed a smile.
“Hey yourself. How are you feeling?”
“Like I’ve been hit by a truck.”
“It was an SUV,” Keith replied dryly.
Dave chuckled then winced at the pain that action caused. “How are you, Harkin? The doctors wouldn’t tell me anything.”
“I’m fine, just a few bumps and bruises.” Keith had received six stitches to close the wound on his forehead and had several bruised ribs but he’d never admit as much to his friend. In fact the doctors had wanted to keep him overnight but Keith vehemently protested until they gave in and released him.
“So what did the doctors say about me?” asked Dave. “I was trying to pay attention but whatever drugs they have me on pack a punch.”
“A dislocated shoulder, slight head trauma, a severely broken arm, and the usual bumps and bruises that some from a nasty car crash. All and all it could have been much, much worse.”
“Will…will I be able to play again?” Dave’s voice caught as he fought with his emotions. He tried to wiggle the fingers of his left hand but the slightest movement caused pain to race up his arm.
Keith patted the guitarist’s arm gently. “Yes. The doctors said it will take time and a bit of physical therapy and you’ll be playing again before you know it.”
“But I’ll miss the tour.” The drugs were starting to take effect and Dave was struggling against their pull.
“It’ll be fine. I’m sure we’ll find someone to take your place until you’ve healed. I already talked to Sharon and when she gets here she’ll let you know her plan. Now you just get some rest, okay? I’ll be back in the morning.” Dave nodded and his eyes were closed before Keith even reached the door.
Scrubbing a hand over his eyes Keith suddenly realized how exhausted he was. His body felt like lead as he slowly made his way to the nurses’ station. Before he knew it he was being loaded into a cab along with their few possessions (miraculously their guitars had survived the accident without a scratch) and was headed home.
If he wouldn’t have been so tired he would probably be terrified to be in a car right now but at the moment Keith couldn’t make himself care. Somehow he made it home and after stowing away the guitars he collapsed on top of the bed, not even bothering to change out of his bloodstained clothes.
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Post by sportygirl200 on Dec 17, 2013 13:20:56 GMT -5
Loved the start of this story and is keith back at his boat or on the tour bus
Sent from my GT-P5110 using proboards
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Post by celticbear on Dec 17, 2013 22:44:20 GMT -5
It could have been much worse! Glad you are back! Really looking forward to see where this story goes! FYI: Word as it that in real life Keith is finally starting to slow down on his drinking!
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Post by onyxfyrefly on Dec 20, 2013 13:21:11 GMT -5
Three weeks later Dave was sitting in a stuffy auditorium and his seemingly endless patience was wearing very thin. His cast was itching, he was exhausted, and his frustration was nearly palpable as yet another guitarist butchered the music that had been given to him.
Dave along with Sharon Browne and David Munro had been auditioning guitarists for the past two days and no one had caught their attention in the slightest. The musicians were either giggling fans or unwilling to perform in the style that Sharon and David required.
Adjusting his position in the uncomfortable chair Dave attempted to look interested when Sharon called the next name. “Frederica Castillo!”
The injured young man’s attention was piqued when a stunning young woman walked into the room carrying a well-loved guitar case. Her warm skin was set off by deep, almond-shaped eyes and her long black tresses spilled over her shoulder when she knelt to retrieve her guitar from its case.
Dave was impressed to see the Gibson that she retrieved, he knew that it was a rather expensive model but he could tell that she took great care with the instrument. She took a moment to tune the guitar then met the trio’s eyes with a smile.
“So, Frederica, I see you’re joining us from London. Is that correct?” asked Sharon.
“Please, call me Freddie, only my mother calls me Frederica and that’s when I’m in trouble.” The group laughed as she continued. “Yes, at the moment I’m in London. I just finished up my last semester at Oxford. Graduation is in three days.”
David glanced down at her résumé and nodded. He had to admit that it was rather impressive and wanted to ask her more about her background and history but first he had to see if she could even play. “Congratulations, Ms. Castillo. Sorry to cut our conversation short but are you ready?”
The young woman nodded. “Which piece would you like to hear first?”
“Lonesome Boatman,” said Dave and the other two glanced at him. The piece was purely instrumental and difficult for those who were auditioning because they didn’t have anyone to accompany them.
Freddie didn’t even flinch. The trio watched as she closed her eyes for a moment, mentally counting herself in, and then began to play. As the first notes poured out of the guitar the group was stunned. The young woman was playing the piece as if she had been playing it her whole life. Not only was every note precise and true but somehow she had captured the essence that was the Celtic Thunder style. It was something that had been lacking with the other musicians but Freddie picked it up seemingly without trying.
As the final note echoed the all it was met with an eerie silence. Sharon and David knew that no matter how good an audition was they couldn’t applaud, they had to wait until the end to voice their opinions. “That was very good, Ms. Castillo,” said Sharon. She struggled to keep her voice calm even though deep down her heart was racing. Something told her that they had finally found “the one”.
Freddie played two more songs and with each note the group felt more confident about their unspoken decision. Towards the end of the audition Dave spoke up once more. “Do you have an original piece you could share with us?” He knew it was one thing to memorize music; it was another thing altogether to perform something original.
The young woman tilted her head in thought for a moment then nodded. She found a stool then perched upon it, closing her eyes as the music flowed from her fingers. As soon as the song began the group was able to see the influence of her Spanish roots. The song reminded them of gypsies and bonfires they could almost envision a troupe dancing in the darkness.
At the conclusion of the song the trio finally allowed themselves to applaud and Freddie dipped her head in thanks.
“Well, Ms. Castillo, let me be the first one to say that I’m rather impressed with your skills. Would you be able to come back next Thursday for another audition?” asked Sharon with a smile.
The young woman nodded vigorously. “Yes, that would be wonderful.”
“Here’s a list of songs and styles that will be required for your next audition.” David handed over a folder full of sheet music.
“I’ll be calling you in the next day or two to set up a time and place with you. Until then take care, Ms. Castillo, and congratulations on your upcoming graduation,” said Sharon while standing and shaking the young woman’s hand.
“Thank you all again and I can’t wait to see you all next week.” Freddie shook their hands and packed away her guitar but couldn’t hide the brilliant smile on her face.
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Freddie breezed through the next audition, impressing everyone with her acoustic, electric, and bass guitar skills. Dave was immensely impressed that she could play the mandolin as well, he had been forced to pick it up during the last tour and it still gave him fits. The only instrument that tripped Freddie up was the banjo but everyone was confident that she would pick it up without any problem.
The next days passed in a whirlwind for the young woman and before she could get her bearings she was walking into yet another auditorium. This one had a separate space for the band to rehearse without the singers and also had a large auditorium where everyone could perform together.
Sitting backwards in a chair Freddie chatted with Dave until Sharon walked in leading a small group. “Everyone, I would like you to meet Frederica Castillo, the newest member of the Celtic Thunder band.”
“Please, call me, Freddie.” She stood and shook everyone’s hand as they introduced themselves.
“Hey, Kieran, you’re not the newbie anymore!” said Laura with a laugh.
“Does that mean I finally get to join in on the slagging?” the young man asked.
Nicole wrapped a friendly arm around Freddie’s shoulders. “Don’t let them worry you, if we pick on you that just means that we like you.”
“Yeah right, then you lot must worship the ground that I walk on,” Kieran muttered.
Freddie grinned and glanced around at the small group. “It sounds like me and my former flatmates. You weren’t officially part of the group unless you’d been pranked at least once.”
“I think you’ll fit right in, Freddie,” said Seana. The harpist turned as what sounded like a herd of elephants began to move down the hall. “The lads are here.”
“Are they always this loud?” asked Freddie with a bewildered expression as the noise grew.
“This is actually pretty quiet for them,” replied Declan. “You’ll get used to it.”
“You just don’t mind the noise because you’re half deaf!” said Laura.
“What?” replied the drummer with a smile and the blonde smacked his arm in reply.
The noise reached its peak as the doors opened and four young men and one older man poured into the space. It took Sharon several minutes to get them under control and Freddie wondered how they ever got any work done.
Finally she managed to calm the lads down enough to introduce Freddie.
“Welcome aboard,” said Keith while shaking her hand. “Davie says that you play a pretty mean guitar.” The young woman shrugged and shoved her hands in her pockets. “I try my best. I hear you’re not too bad yourself.”
“Don’t get him started,” groaned Colm and the group laughed at Keith’s scowl.
That set Keith off and Freddie watched as the two shot insults back and forth like a ping pong ball. She could immediately see how close the two were and knew that Sharon had been telling the truth when she said they were like brothers.
The rest of the group watched with amusement as Keith and Colm squared off, every now and then throwing in a jest of their own to add to the mix. Much to Freddie’s surprise even the older gentleman, George, joined in, acting just as childish as the others.
After nearly every quip Freddie would receive a glance to see what her reaction was and it quickly became apparent that the two were trying to impress the young woman.
“Where’s Neil?” asked Nicole while standing on her toes to see over everyone. She was enjoying the lads try and flaunt themselves in front of the lovely new guitarist but wondered where her dark-haired boyfriend had wandered off to.
She thought that her query had gone unheard then Ryan glanced towards the hallway. “He was on the phone; he said he’d just be a second. Actually, there he is now.”
Freddie turned her attention from the conversations swirling around her and felt time freeze when she saw the young man walk through the door. She blinked, trying to clear her vision as if this was a bad dream, but the image did not fade. There, standing not six feet away was the person that had caused four years of her life to be nearly unbearable.
Neil Byrne.
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Post by celticbear on Dec 20, 2013 22:23:22 GMT -5
Onyx! You have not lost your touch when it comes to the Lads personalities! Love the bickering between Keith and Colm! Freddie is awesome! Can't wait to find out why Freddie is mad at Neil!
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Post by onyxfyrefly on Dec 22, 2013 21:43:28 GMT -5
“Freddie? Are you alright?” asked Nicole.
The guitarist shook her head and smiled brightly. “Yes, I’m fine. Sorry about that. I guess I’m not used to all of the commotion.”
Nicole nodded and patted her arm. “I understand. It’s a lot to get used to but don’t worry, after a couple of weeks you’ll start to miss all of the noise. Now, I’d like you to meet the last member of the group, Neil Byrne.”
Only years of schooling her features into a mask kept Freddie from reacting as she shook the young man’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Freddie. Welcome to the insanity.”
“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice suddenly gone. A cold sweat dripped down her back and she was worried that she’d have a full blown panic attack if she couldn’t escape soon. She could feel Neil’s eyes on her and prayed for some type of distraction.
‘Please, please don’t recognize me,’ she silently pleaded as the dark eyes searched her face.
Finally he turned away and Freddie let out a slow breath. Tucking an errant lock of hair behind her ear she allowed herself to melt back into the crowd. She had the ability to disappear in the middle of a crowd and used that skill to remain unseen as she fought to compose herself.
Keeping her eyes low she glanced around the room her eyes pausing on each individual but she couldn’t resist stopping taking a good look at Neil as he chatted with Nicole and Declan. He looked much different than in his school days. Gone were the piercings, dark clothes, and the scowl that always graced his face when she was in his presence. It appeared that tormentor had been replaced with a charming young man who didn’t seem like he could hurt a fly let alone push a person to the brink and nearly beyond.
Freddie wasn’t particularly surprised that Neil didn’t recognize her, she had changed dramatically in the nearly twenty years since they last parted. Once upon a time she had short-cropped hair, weighed nearly eighty pounds more and had sported a mouth full of braces along with thick glasses. She was the butt of every joke imaginable and between the ages of 14 and 18 Neil and the crew that he hung out with made her life miserable. Over the years she had shed her ugly duckling appearance and transformed into a lovely woman. Or so she was told. Every time Freddie looked in the mirror she saw that hideous creature looking back and the sudden reappearance of Neil in her life had ripped open gashes she thought she had stitched shut for good. For years she had been told that time would heal all wounds but apparently that wasn’t true as pain shot through her body.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, preparing herself for the battle that lay ahead. Part of her wanted to quit on the spot and run away just like she had as a child. But the other part of her screamed to stay, to fight the demons that had been locked inside for so many years. As far as she knew Neil didn’t recognize her and if she could just make it through one tour, just four short months then she would never see him again.
Seamlessly she slipped into a conversation with Emmet and forced herself not to glace back at Neil as the tenor told some wild tale.
Eventually Sharon calmed the group down once more and sent them on their separate ways. Freddie felt the tension ease as she headed down the hall to the room where the band would rehearse but she could feel Neil’s eyes on her with every step that she took.
David gave them the rundown for the day and soon the room was filled with music. Finally Freddie allowed herself to relax and to let her art sweep her away. The other musicians were brilliant and she was honored to play with them.
Dave sat in during the session and gave a pointer or two but for the most part he was quiet. Freddie could tell that he was torn up over missing the tour and during one of their breaks she sat down beside him.
“Can I sign your cast?”
The question seemed to startle him but after a moment he grinned and nodded. “Sure.” Digging around in her bag Freddie eventually found a pen and signed her name with large, curling letters. “Thanks,” said Dave before glancing away nervously.
“I can see why you’re going to miss them.” The statement was spoken softly as Freddie watched the antics of the other band members. “I’ve only been here one day and I can already see how close you all are. It really is like a family.”
Dave nodded. “It is. I don’t know what I’m going to do without them.”
The newest member of the band touched his shoulder, forcing him to turn and look at her. “You’re going to get better. You’re going to do exactly as those doctors say and get that arm and those fingers back into shape.” Freddie smiled softly. “Dave, I’m not here to replace you. One tour and I’m done. Sharon knows that and if the others don’t then I’ll be happy to tell them.”
“You’re not going to stay?”
Freddie shook her head, her dark locks cascading over her shoulder. “I have my own plans of world domination, I’m just biding my time.”
Dave couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh yeah? What exactly do these plans entail?”
The group was starting to reassemble and the young woman stood with a smile. “Buy me a beer after rehearsal and I might tell you.” She gave him a wink then picked up her guitar once more.
As soon as rehearsal was over Freddie slipped away, claiming she needed to make a phone call and Dave was immediately surrounded by the three female members of the band. “So what’s up with you and the new lass?” asked Laura.
Dave’s face flushed as he tried to brush off the question. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t try that innocent act with us,” said Seana as they walked towards the parking lot. “I saw the way you were talking to her.”
“What? We were just talking.” Dave glanced around for help from Declan and Kieran but the two seemed to be enjoying his torture.
“Whatever you say,” said Nicole while giving the others a look. “We’ll get it out of you later. We’re meeting the lads for drinks later and I know that after a few shots we can’t shut you up.”
At the violinist’s words Dave blushed so hard that he could actually feel the heat burning his cheeks. “Actually, I’m meeting Freddie for a drink.”
The group stopped so abruptly that he nearly stumbled. “Awww…Davie has a date,” said Kieran in a sing-song voice.
“It’s not a date, it’s just a drink. She could tell that I needed to talk and it’ll be nice to talk to someone that’s not involved in this mess.” Dave snapped.
Immediately everyone’s attitude changed. “Dave, we were just slagging you,” started Seana but the guitarist cut her off with a shake of his head.
“It’s fine. I’ll see you all tomorrow.” With that Dave stalked off towards his car and the five musicians stood in shocked silence. They knew that the recent accident had gotten to him but they had no idea that it was affecting him like this. Without saying a word the group silently hoped that a night out with Freddie would help bring back the soft-spoken young man that they all cared so much about.
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An hour later Dave glanced around the pub and smiled when Freddie walked in. She had changed into a simple button-up paired with a skirt and boots but he thought she looked wonderful.
“You’re late,” he deadpanned, trying to look stern, but Freddie didn’t miss a beat. She smoothly slid into the booth and shook her head.
“I’m not late, I’m on Spanish time. Mañana, mañana my friend.”
Dave laughed then placed his order. “Is that where you’re from, Spain? No offense but you don’t seem like the typical Londoner nor do you have the accent.”
Freddie nodded. “My father is from Spain, a little town outside of Madrid, and my mother is from the States. San Diego to be exact.”
“That’s quite a mix.”
“My father works in tourism so we moved around a lot. I’ve lived pretty much everywhere.” She took a drink of her beer and nudged his foot with hers. “And what about you? I think I’d been correct in saying you aren’t Irish.”
“I’m from Philadelphia.”
“Really? And how did you wind up in the middle of this circus?”
The two chatted for what felt like hours, discussing everything from their misadventures as children to their favorite styles of guitar and everything in between. Freddie wasn’t afraid to breech the subject of Dave’s accident and the fact that he was going to miss the tour. At first he was reluctant to talk about it but before he knew it the words were rushing out.
Dave spoke of the loneliness that he was already experiencing and how he felt useless most of the time because he couldn’t do something as basic as tune a guitar. Freddie’s assurances that she wasn’t trying to take his job helped but the knowledge that he was going to miss out on the tour because of some drunk driver’s stupid actions filled him with emotions that he was too tired to sort out. Freddie was patient and allowed him to rant and rave until he was practically spent.
Eventually Dave brought them around to the subject that had sparked this meeting. “So, this grand plan of world domination. Do I get to hear the details?”
Freddie tilted her beer bottle back and thought about the question for a long time before nodding. “It’s not as grand as you think. I just want to open up my own music studio. A place where people can come and take lessons, maybe even put together a show or two. I have a bachelor’s degree is music education and just got my associate’s degree in business so I was thinking that maybe…I don’t know…it’s a dumb idea and will probably never get off the ground.”
She nervously picked at the label on the bottle, refusing to meet Dave’s eyes. Finally the guitarist reached across the table with his good arm and placed his hand over hers. “I think that sounds like a wonderful idea, you would make a great teacher.”
Raising her dark eyes Freddie attempted a smile. “Do you really think so?”
“Yes I do. You pick things up so quickly but you also have a way of explaining things easily as well. With your confidence and attitude I know you could do anything that you wanted.”
The kind words brought a flush to the young woman’s cheeks. “Thanks, Dave.”
“Any time.”
The two spent another hour or so talking then decided to head their separate ways. Freddie had rehearsal the next day and Dave was most likely going to attend. He was going to miss his little family and wanted to spend as much time with them as possible. He was also going to miss the newest edition and as he watched Freddie drive away he wondered how he was going to survive the next four months without his new confidant at his side.
He’d only known her for a short time but she seemed to have a world of experience and somehow always knew exactly the right thing to say. Freddie was a curious creature and there were some secrets that Dave knew she had locked far away, he only wished he had more time to try and decipher them.
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Post by barbt on Dec 22, 2013 22:34:59 GMT -5
Love it! Did you like my version of the guys as a herd of elephants, or were we thinking th same thing?
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Post by onyxfyrefly on Dec 23, 2013 11:36:36 GMT -5
Love it! Did you like my version of the guys as a herd of elephants, or were we thinking th same thing? I think we were thinking the same thing! lol After sharing a cruise ship with them I can only imagine the chaos of a more confined space!
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Post by celticbear on Dec 23, 2013 19:45:46 GMT -5
Great update! And I agree comparing the Lads to a Heard of Elephants is spot on! Glad Freddie and Dave are getting along! Surprised that you had Neil be Freddie's High School bully! Hope Freddie can get over that fact and see Neil for the Sweet Wonderful Irishman he is!
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Post by onyxfyrefly on Dec 25, 2013 14:38:24 GMT -5
The next day Dave tried to slip into rehearsals unnoticed but he hadn’t made it three steps before he heard Keith’s voice behind him.
“So, Davie, word is that you had a date last night.” “It wasn’t a date,” Dave muttered but he didn’t know why he bothered, Keith would spin the story to suit his needs no matter what he said.
Pretty soon Emmet then Declan’s voices were added to the mix and Dave leaned against the wall as the wild story of his so called date was woven. He just shook his head and waited for a break in the conversation when he could slip away.
Luckily his saving grace came in the form of Freddie appearing around the corner. She stood unnoticed by the group for a beat before stepping boldly into the center of the mix. “So what are we talking about?” The small space fell deathly silent within an instant.
“Erm…well…” said Keith while glancing around nervously, refusing to meet the young woman’s eyes.
Freddie shook her head. “Don’t let him bother you, Dave. He’s just jealous because he didn’t ask me first.” She threaded her arm with his and sauntered down the hall, leaving a dumbstruck Keith in her wake.
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Over the course of the next week Freddie charmed her way through the entire cast and crew. She was talented, smart, and bold…never afraid to speak her mind or jump headlong into any situation. Even though she had formed an immediate bond with Dave she quickly made friends with everyone and it seemed like no one was able to resist her appeal.
The only person that she didn’t hold sway over was Neil but that wasn’t for lack of trying. Neil tried to be friendly and spend time with Freddie but the young woman avoided him like the plague. Every time he approached her she would somehow disappear or steer the attention away from herself. He couldn’t understand what was going on and wondered what he could have done to make her turn away from him. Each time he looked at Freddie he got the feeling but he had seen her before but couldn’t place her. More than once he was caught staring as he tried to unlock her secrets from afar. Finally his constant spying reached the point where Nicole confronted him.
“Take a picture, it’ll last longer.”
Neil had been watching Freddie work with Ryan and turned to face his rather annoyed girlfriend. Giving her a sheepish smile he ran a hand through his hair. “Sorry.”
“What’s going on with you? Ever since Freddie joined us you’ve been acting different.”
Neil sighed. “Did you ever have the feeling that you know someone but you can’t place them?”
“Do you know Freddie?”
“I don’t know. I don’t think I’ve met her before but the name sounds so familiar that it’s driving me mad. It’s like I knew her in another life or something.”
Nicole threaded her fingers with his and gave them a light squeeze. “If it’s bothering you so much why don’t you just ask her?”
“I can’t.” Neil watched as Freddie hit the opening chords of Ryan’s next solo. “Every time I try and get close to her she just evaporates, I swear she’s like smoke.”
Nicole watched Freddie play and the mix of emotions coursing through her veins made her stomach ache. She felt for Neil, it was obvious that the appearance of Freddie was getting to him but she couldn’t help but feel the sharp stab of jealousy as well. She would have to be blind not to notice the young woman’s beauty and though she knew that Neil loved her Nicole couldn’t help but wonder how much of Neil’s story was true.
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“Well? What do you think?” Candace asked as she smoothed out the wrinkles in Freddie’s new costume.
Turning slowly, Freddie took in her new look. The group had never had a female guitarist before and no one was quite sure what type of look she was to have. It didn’t make sense to have her in a long dress like the other girls but the outfit that the guys wore wasn’t flattering at all.
Candace had found a happy medium with Freddie’s costume. She had modeled the outfit after the lads’ look but given it a more feminine twist. The black three-quarter-length shirt flattered her curves and the kilt had been shortened and tucked here and there in order to show off her figure. Paired with a heavy pair of boots and tights she was truly a sight to see.
“I love it,” said Freddie after a long inspection in the mirror.
“Shall we go and show you off to the others?”
Freddie nodded and took a deep breath before walking out onto the stage where everyone was waiting their turn with Candace. Heads turned the moment she stepped into the light and a blush brushed her cheeks when cat calls and whistles filled the air. More than one cell phone appeared and she tried to turn away from the sudden attention.
“Stop, you lot are terrible.” Freddie couldn’t understand what the fuss was all about. When she looked in the mirror she saw the fat, awkward girl of her youth. Apparently the others could see something that she couldn’t and the attention made her stomach twist into knots.
“Hang on, hang on,” said Colm. “Why does Angie follow me around in the dressing room but just lounge around out here when it’s the newbie’s turn?”
Everyone laughed and Freddie pinched his cheek. “Trust me, love, the legions of Thunderheads would much rather see you in your boxers than me in my unmentionables. Plus, they matched your eyes.”
The singer blushed as Freddie headed backstage with Candace, the two discussing hairstyles and accessories. Once more Nicole watched as Neil stared after the guitarist and feigned the excuse of making a phone call in order to get away before she said something she would later regret.
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Before they knew it the time had flown by and the first show was on the horizon. No one was ashamed of their tears when it was time to say goodbye to Dave and not a soul dared tease Keith when he took a few extra minutes to say farewell to the young man who had become one of his closest friends.
Freddie kissed the young man’s cheek and gave him a sad smile. “You better keep in touch or I’ll find you and skin you alive.”
Dave laughed and hugged her tightly. “I promise.” To her surprise he pressed a gentle kiss to her temple as he held her. “I'm so proud of you, kiddo. Just remember to be fearless, okay?”
For once Freddie didn’t have a reply. She just nodded and swallowed hard to hold back her tears. The two hadn’t defined their relationship by any means but they both wished they had more time together to see where things could go.
With one last glance Freddie turned away quickly, hiding the emotions flashing across her face while allowing someone else to have their moment with the guitarist.
Stopping by the bar of the hotel she drowned a shot before slipping outside, gulping in the cool evening air. Freddie hated goodbyes. There had been too many goodbyes in her life and even though she pretended that she wasn’t affected each parting seemed to hurt her more than the last. She had so few friends and it seemed like she was leaving them more often than meeting them.
“Freddie?”
The soft voice made her jump, she had been so consumed by her thoughts that she hadn’t heard any one approach. Turning, her stomach plummeted when Neil materialized from the shadows.
“Are you alright?”
“Yes, I’m fine.” She glanced around looking for an escape but it looked like the guitarist had her trapped. Calming herself, she forced a smile onto her face. “How’s your night going?”
Neil shrugged and took a step towards the young woman, noticing that she was slowly backing away from him. “There’s been something I wanted to ask you.”
Sweat broke out across Freddie’s forehead. “What?”
“Do I know you?”
The young woman swallowed hard and forced her breathing to slow. “N-no, I don’t think so.” She tried to pour on the charm. “Surely I would have remembered meeting someone like you.”
Neil saw through her act but couldn’t understand what was going on. All of the color had faded from her face and her hands visibly trembled. “Freddie, what’s going on? Are you…scared of me?”
“I…” Freddie started while taking another step backwards. To her horror she realized that she’d run out of room and backed into a wall. She tried to make herself as small as possible as Neil moved closer. This was her nightmare come to life. Once again she was fifteen and terrified as those who Neil once called his friends closed in on her. All she could do was close her eyes and wait for the harsh words and even harsher blows to come raining down upon her.
“Freddie? Freddie are you okay?” Neil’s voice eventually broke through the wall of demons surrounding her.
“Please, leave me alone. Please.” The broken voice of the young woman sparked something inside of him and once again Neil struggled to think of where he had heard it before. He watched as Freddie scurried away, she was acting like a trapped animal and Neil couldn’t understand what had caused this reaction.
The young woman tore herself away and took off at a run. She had no idea where she was going and was lost in a fog of terror. Eventually she couldn’t run anymore and slid down the wall in some random hallway. Her fear was so great that she couldn’t even cry, she forced herself to take deep breaths in an attempt to calm herself as she was consumed by panic.
“How am I supposed to do this for four months?” she whispered. “I can’t do this…I can’t.” Pulling her knees to her chest she closed her eyes and let her forehead rest on her knees for what felt like hours.
Eventually the sound of footsteps roused her. Bracing herself she let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding when she heard George’s unique brogue. “Are you alright, lass?” George knelt next to her and was alarmed by her flushed face. “Are you sick?”
Freddie raised her eyes and nodded while forcing a slight smile. “I just had a little too much to drink and got a little turned around. Want to give me a hand to my room?”
George frowned, he could tell that she was lying and was unnerved when he felt the young woman tremble in his arms as he helped her towards her room. “Freddie, is everything alright?”
“I’ll be fine. I just need a good night’s sleep.”
George paused and forced her dark eyes to meet his. “If you need anything just let me know.”
“I will, good night.”
The Scotsman watched as Freddie disappeared into the darkness of her room and shook his head. Neil had come to him in a panic, apparently he had tried to talk to the young woman and she had taken off as if he had tried to attack her. No one understood what was going on and had started a hunt through the hotel for the terrified young woman. George sent a text message to the group that was searching for her and wondered what was going on.
What could Neil have said, what could he have done that had startled the young woman so?
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Post by celticbear on Dec 25, 2013 18:32:46 GMT -5
Keith will never change! As much as I Love Keith, I'm glad Freddie got the best of him! Freddie and Dave are great together! Freddie needs to learn that people change! The Neil of her High School days no longer exists! And she needs to see herself as the others see her
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Post by onyxfyrefly on Dec 28, 2013 9:42:02 GMT -5
The days ticked by and Freddie forced herself to fall back into her role, pretending that the incident at the kickoff party had never happened. She kept her distance from Neil as much as possible without being too obvious and though she could tell that her actions hurt the guitarist she was too scared to try and breech the gap between them.
Nicole was infuriated by the incident and it was unusual to see the young woman lose her patience. She didn’t speak to Neil for two days and could barely look Freddie in the eye. She hated what was going on and was as confused as everyone else.
When someone tried to bring up the subject with Freddie she either played dumb or just brushed off the incident and eventually everyone gave up. She was stubborn and no amount of pushing was going to get her to open up.
One night Freddie closed her eyes and when she opened them she was in New York. After going for a run she got cleaned up and followed the others as they headed into the venue. They were given a quick tour then Sharon told them they were free to go and enjoy the sights as the crew put the finishing touches on the set.
Freddie was walking towards the front of the building when she heard her name being called. Turning, she let out a cry and ran at a dead sprint towards a couple who was leading a small girl. Launching herself through the air she was caught by the husband who spun her around with a laugh.
By now she had an audience who watched in amusement as she clung to the slightly older man. Eventually she released him then hugged the woman and scooped the giggling child into her arms. “Why didn’t did you tell me you were coming?” Freddie asked while covering the child’s face in kisses.
“Surprise!” exclaimed the little girl and Freddie cuddled her close.
“This is the best surprise ever!” She pulled the couple towards her in a group hug once more.
“Are you going to introduce us?” asked the man while indicating the group behind her.
Freddie turned and laughed when she saw the assembled crowd, in her excitement she hadn’t even noticed their presence. “Of course, of course…come on.”
“Everyone, this is my big brother Roberto, his sickeningly beautiful wife, Kelly, and this is my angel, Lilly who is now…what, fifteen? Sixteen?” The little girl laughed and held up four fingers. “Four? Four already? You have to stop growing! Do you hear me, young lady, that’s an order!”
Introductions were made and everyone fawned over little Lilly who was every bit as charming as her aunt. When Roberto shook Neil’s hand something flashed in his dark eyes but he allowed the moment to pass when he saw the expression on Freddie’s face.
“Alright, I only have one day in the city. What shall we do today?” asked Freddie.
“Ice cream!” exclaimed Lilly.
“I think we can manage that. Oh, before I forget…Sharon, is it okay if they come to the soundcheck? I’ll be happy to pay for their passes.”
The producer smiled. “They’re welcome to come, I’ll have Ger add them to the list right now. Now go on and get that little one some ice cream!”
The group smiled and piled into Roberto’s car, heading into the city.
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Several hours and a towering sundae later the four strolled through Central Park. Kelly took Lilly ahead while Roberto dropped back to talk to his sister more privately.
“How are you doing, my love?”
“I’m good. I really love this new gig, they’re a great bunch.”
“All of them?”
Freddie tried to turn away from her brother’s gaze but he wouldn’t let her. “Frederica, answer me.”
“What do you think?” she snapped then lowered her voice so Lilly wouldn’t hear. “I’m on tour with the guy who made my life horrible in school. Yes, I know I should forget but I can’t…I can’t forget what he did to me.”
The two sat down on a bench as Kelly led Lilly over to feed the ducks.
“Have you confronted him?” asked Roberto. No matter how old Freddie was she would always be his baby sister and he was fiercely protective of her.
“No, he doesn’t recognize me.” Freddie let out a breath and watched as Lilly threw bread to the ducks. “Every now and then he gives me this searching look but then it passes.”
“Miha, why are you so afraid to bring up the subject?”
“How can I? What am I supposed to say? ‘Hi, you made my life miserable in school and even though it seems like you’ve changed I still have nightmares because of what you did to me.’” The guitarist shook her head. “I can’t do it, big brother, I can’t.”
Roberto put a comforting hand on his sister’s shoulder. “Wouldn’t it be easier to just get it over with now?”
“No. He doesn’t recognize me and he won’t. I’m not that girl anymore.”
“But Freddie…”
“You don’t understand!” Freddie jumped to her feet, not caring if anyone witnessed her outburst. “You weren’t there. You were off at university and I had to fight my own battles then just like I have to fight them now.”
Scrubbing angry tears away the young woman tried to calm herself. “I nearly died, I wanted to die and I tried more than once. You couldn’t protect me in school and you can’t protect me now.” Stepping forward she took Roberto’s hands in her own. “It’ll be okay, I promise. I’ll be okay.” She gave him a watery smile. “Now stop this. I didn’t come to yell at you, I came to spoil my favorite niece rotten.”
“She’s your only niece.”
“Exactly, all the reason to spoil her even more. Now come on, let’s get going.”
Roberto wasn’t ready to let her go yet. “Freddie, please wait.”
“What?”
He stepped close to her so his voice didn’t carry. “I don’t understand. This isn’t like you. You’re a Castillo, we don’t run from our problems…we face them and fight.”
“You’re right but we only fight when we actually have a chance. You don’t go into a fight when the odds are stacked against you.”
“What’s happened to you?” Roberto asked while tucking her hair behind her ears. “The Freddie that I know doesn’t run from anything.”
The young woman felt her bottom lip tremble. “Oh hermano, you don’t know me at all, do you?”
A frown creased Roberto’s brow. “What are you talking about?”
“It’s an act. Everyone expects me to be brave and confident so I’m brave and confident. If I put up these walls then no one will get too close and see how terrified of the world I really am.”
Roberto was stunned. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. As far as he knew Freddie had banished these fears years ago. “Why? Why haven’t you told me any of this?”
The musician couldn’t meet her brother’s eyes. “You have your own life to live. I didn’t want to bother you with my problems.”
“Listen to me. You are my family, my heart. I will always have time for you.”
“But you have Kelly and Lilly…”
“Hush.” Roberto brushed away the few tears that had escaped. “My heart is big enough for all of you and once this tour is over I’m going to kidnap you and we’re going to talk, really talk…okay?”
Freddie nodded and hugged her brother tightly, feeling a little bit of the tension in her chest ease. She didn’t feel quite as alone now. Roberto knew about her painful past and she knew that no matter what he would still love her.
“Right, enough emotions for now. I think we have just enough time to make a toy run before heading to the venue for the soundcheck.” Freddie said this last statement loud enough for Lilly to hear and the young girl’s face lit up. Scooping up the child, Freddie swung her onto her back and jogged through the park with her niece’s laughter in her ears.
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“Auntie Freddie? Will you play me a song?”
Freddie was carrying a very sleepy Lilly through the backstage corridor. She slipped into the dressing room and passed the child over to her mother. “Of course, my love, let me go and grab my guitar.”
A few moments later she returned and sat down in a chair across from the couch where Lilly was curled up on Kelly’s lap. The girl smiled and pulled the large purple teddy bear that her aunt had just purchased for her closer.
“What song do you want to hear?”
“The one about the gypsy’s rose.” The little girl yawned and struggled to keep her eyes open.
“Okay, but only if your daddy sings with me.”
Roberto chuckled. “Of course.”
Freddie began to play and suddenly she was transported back in time to her grandparents’ house on the coast of Spain. She played alongside her grandfather while her grandmother and Roberto sang with clear, confident voices.
For a moment all of her worries were gone and the dark cloud that had hung over her since the tour started began to evaporate. Right now Neil Byrne didn’t exist, her fears didn’t exist, her painful memories didn’t exist…there was just Freddie and her family making music.
Eventually the song came to an end and Freddie gently brushed Lilly’s hair back as she slept in her mother’s arms. Soft applause from the door made her turn and she blushed when she saw the small group that had gathered. She and Roberto slipped into the hall and pulled the door closed behind them.
“That was beautiful,” said Ryan. “What was the name of that song?”
“Gypsy Rose,” replied Roberto. “Our grandparents used to sing it to us when we were children.”
“It was the first song I ever learned to play on the guitar,” said Freddie.
“And it’s Lilly’s favorite.” The small group laughed when they realized that Roberto and Freddie were practically finishing each other’s sentences.
No one else noticed that Freddie slipped slightly behind her brother when Neil came walking down the hall with Keith and Emmet in tow and she quickly changed the subject. “If you guys want I could teach it to you. It’s not very hard but there’s a lot of flairs that you can add.” She glanced back at Roberto, silently pleading with him not to leave her yet. “I’m sure my big brother wouldn’t mind teaching you the words. Trust me, you don’t want to hear me try and sing it.”
The small group laughed and headed towards the stage. Freddie was an excellent teacher and by the time that Lilly woke up from her nap nearly every one of the performers had the basics of the song down. They had to get ready for the soundcheck but Freddie promised that she would help with the flairs of the song later.
“Even me?” asked Neil.
Freddie forced herself to meet the eyes of her band mate and smiled. “Even you.”
Roberto squeezed her shoulder in passing as he went to retrieve his family from the dressing room and Freddie nodded at him. She could do this, she could make it the next few months. She didn’t know how but she could and would survive…at least she hoped she could.
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Post by celticbear on Dec 28, 2013 16:02:17 GMT -5
I like Freddie's brother! He's right! Freddie needs to confront Neil! And knowing Neil, after hearing the story he will apologize to Freddie!
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Post by barbt on Dec 28, 2013 20:09:05 GMT -5
I'd bet anything that Neil was going along with the gang in high school because he didn't fit in either - although it sounds like from Freddie's point of view he was the ringleader. I wasn't bullied to the point Freddie was, I was mostly ignored even when I tried to be friendly, but it took years and some dedicated college friends to break through the walls I had built up to protect myself.
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Post by onyxfyrefly on Dec 30, 2013 11:23:57 GMT -5
After bouncing around the East coast the group finally ended up in Philadelphia. The excitement was palpable when Dave showed up at the venue. His arm was finally out of the cast but was still protected with an ace bandage and a sling. Despite his healing injuries his smile was bright as he greeted those he had come to know as family.
Keith nearly lifted him off of the ground in excitement and Freddie hung back until everyone had expressed their enthusiasm. She stepped forward and hugged the young man tightly. “We need to talk later,” Dave whispered and she nodded before heading off to gather her things.
The singers had an interview which took up most of their morning but the band members had the day to themselves and Dave played tour guide as he led them through the city. To everyone’s surprise, including Freddie’s, he stayed close to the guitarist’s side. It seemed like he was reluctant to leave her alone and while the others thought his attention was sweet Freddie knew it had another meaning. Dave knew that something was wrong and wasn’t going to give her the chance to run off and hide. There was a painful conversation on the horizon and Freddie was absolutely terrified of what the next few hours would bring.
After a fantastic tour and a massive lunch the group headed back to the venue. The lads weren’t back yet and everyone was happy to enjoy the silence while they could.
Dave found a small dressing room and looped a black tie around the doorknob before locking behind himself and Freddie. Over the years a running joke of colored ties and their meanings had evolved but one thing was certain, when a black tie was hanging on a doorknob it meant ‘Under Pain of Death Do Not Disturb’ and it was a message that wasn’t taken lightly. If someone wanted ultimate privacy all they had to do was hang a black tie on the door and they would be left alone for as long as they wished.
Freddie curled up on the battered couch and couldn’t make herself look at Dave when he sat down beside her.
“I heard about the incident at the launch party.” Freddie was silent, staring straight ahead. “What’s going on?” Again the young woman refused to speak and Dave sighed. “I’m not letting you leave until you tell me what’s wrong.”
“You can’t keep me in here.”
Dave nodded. “That’s true. But I would hope that you, someone I consider a good friend, would be willing to talk to me.”
The young woman sighed and shook her head. “I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because…I just can’t.”
“I know this is about Neil.” At the mention of the singer’s name Freddie’s body went rigid. “Whatever he did or said I’m sure we can make things right. But you have to tell me what’s going on, Freddie.”
Licking her lips the guitarist started to speak, her voice suddenly very soft. “It’s not that easy…it’s not something that can just be fixed.”
“Please…please tell me what’s going on, you’re scaring me.”
Dave’s last words finally made Freddie turn and look at him. Letting out a sigh of defeat she tightly grasped his good hand in both of hers. “Okay…but you have to promise me that anything I tell you won’t go beyond these walls.”
“Freddie…” Dave started to protest but the young woman cut him off.
“What I’m going to tell you is going to be difficult to hear. I’m going to skew your vision of Neil so completely that you’ll never be able to see him in the same light again. But before I say one word you have to swear you won’t say anything to anyone. I know it’s not a fair proposition but those are my terms.”
Already Dave’s head was spinning. What could Neil have done that was so horrible? After thinking about the prospect for nearly a solid minute he nodded and squeezed her hands. “I promise.”
Freddie let out a slow breath and leaned back against the couch, wrapping her arms around her knees. “The first time I met Neil Byrne I was fifteen.” She glanced over at Dave but his face remained neutral. “My father is in the tourism trade so we moved around a lot. I had just started my first year of high school in Phoenix when he received a call about an amazing opportunity in Dublin. It all happened so fast and before I knew it we were flying overseas. I hated leaving my friends in Arizona, we’d lived there for about three years, and I knew next to nothing about Ireland.”
“My mother wasn’t exactly thrilled with Dublin so after looking around we ended up in Bray. It was difficult because my father would stay in the city during the week and spend the weekends with us but this job would launch his career so we dealt with the separation as best we could. I enrolled into the local school and I knew at once that it was going to be difficult. I was an outsider to begin with and the term had already started, the bonds of the school year had already been formed so it was hard to say the least to join the mix. On top of that I looked and sounded so different from everyone else that I couldn’t blend in even if I wanted to.”
Freddie tucked a piece of hair behind her ear as she stared into the past. “To make it worse I was the queen of the nerds. Short, fat, with dark skin, a strange accent, who had glasses, braces, a horrendous hairstyle and one of the highest GPA’s in the school…I was practically asking to be picked on. And picked on I was. From the very first day I was made into the target and it didn’t take long for the other kids to join in on this new game. My books would get knocked off of my desk, I was called names, and my locker was vandalized so many times that I was finally allowed to keep my books in one of the teacher’s offices.”
“The worst abuse came from this kid named Neil Byrne and the ragged crowd that he hung out with. It was obvious to see that he had some type of image to uphold. He wasn’t particularly tall or muscular but he made up for it with his cruelty. He always wore black and even at fifteen his ears and eyebrow were pierced. I found out that he was a guitarist in a rock bank and when I told him that I played guitar he just laughed and said that no one with fingers as fat as mine could possibly play anything decent.”
“Neil hated me. I never knew why but from the moment that I walked into the classroom on the first day I was his target. To a point the teachers knew what was going on but Neil could pour on the charm with the best of them and he practically got away with murder. In the four years that we went to school together I think he was only punished half a dozen times or so.”
“After Christmas break it was worse. Apparently the weeks away from school gave them ample time to plan my demise. Most of the guys in Neil’s…well…gang for lack of a better term had girlfriends and you know how vicious girls can be. With the addition of the girls I couldn’t even escape to the bathroom. It was like I was in the middle of a tornado filled with dangerous debris, no matter where I turned I faced something that would cause me pain.”
“Somehow I made it through that year and I thought everything would stop now that school was over but I was wrong. I worked in a music store that summer and I can still remember the day that they attacked me. The owner was in the back and I was minding the front. The bell rang and when I looked up Neil along with two of his buddies and their girlfriends standing in the doorway. I swear they looked like wraiths as they stood silhouetted against the bright sunlight. I tried to treat them like normal customers but there was nothing normal about them. When one of the guys started messing with a precarious display I tried to stop him but before I could do anything of the girls shoved me and I went crashing back into a rack of records. Of course the group bolted but luckily my boss had seen everything. I thought I was going to get fired but instead he helped me to my feet, got me cleaned up, and sent me home. He even paid me for a full shift that day even though I had only worked a few hours. To top it off he personally called each of the kids’ parents and told them what was going on. He was a staple in the town and everyone took his word. Of course I was beaten to a pulp at school because of his intervention but I didn’t care. For the first time someone actually stood up for me…it was a wonderful feeling.”
As Freddie spoke she looked down at her hands and flexed them. She could sill remember the cuts caused by the sharp plastic of the records and swore that the metallic tang of blood filled the air. The physical scars from the attack were gone but she knew the invisible emotional ones would never fade.
“That was pretty much the standard procedure for the next three years. I was bullied, teased, and beaten up so often that I just stopped trying to fight back. They had me convinced that I deserved it, that it was my fault that I was black and blue. And my parents, my poor parents, they had no idea what to do. Daddy was always away working during the week and momma worked full time as well. My big brother was in the States getting a degree at NYU and there was no one around to protect me. When I realized how alone I was I tried to take my own life but unfortunately it didn’t work. I tried more than once and each time it was a failed attempt.”
“Finally my father got the call that due to his success in Dublin he was needed in Paris and for the first time in four years I could breathe…I was free. After that I decided that I needed to change. I let my hair grow out, I got contacts, eventually the braces came off, and I started to work out more and more so I could lose the weight. I thought that maybe if I could transform the girl in the mirror I would never have to face those demons again. In a way it worked, as time passed I started to get compliments every now and then and I was shocked. People thought I was attractive and they weren’t embarrassed to be in my presence. I even dated a bit but was still surprised when someone would call me beautiful.”
Freddie sighed and closed her eyes. “I thought it was over, I thought I would never have to face these issues again. True, Neil hasn’t recognized me yet but he will and when he does it won’t be pretty. I can only hope that it’s after the tour ends but I doubt I’ll be that lucky.” She paused to see if Dave had anything to say but at his silence she continued. “I don’t know how Neil managed to turn himself around after all of these years but he has. Now it seems like he wouldn’t hurt a fly let alone bully someone to the point of suicide. Maybe he has changed or maybe he’s just trying to atone for his past sins. Either way it’s unnerving. I’m constantly afraid that I’ll turn around and see those brown eyes flash with hatred once more. It know it sounds crazy, it’s been twenty years but I’m still haunted. No matter what I do those wounds refuse to heal.”
Finally the guitarist fell silent and let her head rest against the back of the couch. She was completely exhausted and sincerely hoped that Dave didn’t want to talk too much because she was too spent for a conversation.
To her surprise she felt Dave wrap his good arm around her shoulders and pull her close. She happily curled up next to him and felt more than heard his sigh. There was a soundcheck coming up, there were fans to entertain but she couldn’t make herself care.
Dave played with the long raven locks of his companion as he tried to process the information he had just been given. He couldn’t image Neil as a bully, he just couldn’t. Neil was easily the nicest person that he had ever met, never without a kind word or a smile for someone. He also couldn’t image Freddie as a bullied child that was terrified of her own shadow.
Remembering what Freddie had said earlier made him shake his head slightly. She had been right. The story that she told had rocked him to the very core and he wasn’t sure what to do with the information that he had been given. Part of him wanted to confront Neil, to get into his face and ask him what he was thinking. But at the same time he realized that the point was moot. It was a lifetime ago and there was a chance that Neil wouldn’t remember anything from his childhood days.
Holding Freddie as she slept, her head tucked into the crook of his neck, Dave wondered if there was something he could do to help the young woman. She didn’t deserve this, she was too kind and wonderful to shoulder this type of burden but he had no idea how to transfer the weight without causing everything to come crashing down around them.
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