In The Hands Of A Child- Chester Bennington

[X...Re-Arranged...X]

This one is slightly better than my Mike one. Have fun!

Water splashed onto the black umbrella and trickled down, eventually flowing off and plopping onto the moist ground. I stuck my hand out from underneath and caught a few drops in my hand. It was warm, but refreshing. I pulled my hand back under the safety of the umbrella. I looked down at Jaime who was crying. My heart sank further down. Seeing him unhappy made this situation worse. I put my arm around his shoulder and squeezed a bit. He just stood there, eyes fixed on the casket. Losing a mother isn't easy.

I took a deep breath and looked around the semi circle of people. All crowded around the casket. Black lined the grass and dirt. On the other side of me was my mother-in-law, Talinda's mom, who held Tyler close and tight. Water welled up in my eyes, but I held it back. Crying makes you look weak.

The doctor said it was nothing to worry about, just a cold. Just a cold that turned to pneumonia. Just pneumonia that turned into a body six feet under. It's nothing to worry about he told us. Nothing to worry about is losing your 29-year-old wife, three months after your son is born. Nothing to worry about is leaving two children behind, one too young to know what's happening, and the other old enough to hurt for life. Nothing to worry about is leaving a husband behind me. Yeah everything's under control doc.

My eyes were burning and watery. This time I couldn't help it. I let it go. Tears streamed down my face and were soon uncontrollable. I felt a hand on my shoulder and I turned around to see Mike giving me a weak smile. Without a word or motion towards him, I turned back to be staring at the casket.

I loved her. I ******* loved her how could you love a person who's dead? One simple thing one person took her away from me. In a way I'm blaming the doctor, but in a way I'm blaming myself. She was complaining of having issues breathing that night. Instead of calling the doctor or bringing her to the hospital do you want to know what I did? I told her to take some cough syrup and go back to bed. Then then I went to the bar. I went to the ******* bar with the guys. I just left her there. When I got home around twelve she was rolled on her side with her eyes closed. I thought she was sleeping. Stupid mistake on my part. So I went to sleep. The next morning she was still in that same position. I left her alone though. And by noon when she still hadn't woken up or moved the slightest bit I knew something wasn't right. That's when we found out. That's when I went to the hospital and found out she had been dead for hours. That's when I called her family and mine to spill the bad news. That's when I held Jaime close in my arms crying because mommy had gone on a permanent vacation. But he was too smart for that lie. He knew, but he went with it.

I can't help, but think that Tyler's going to grow up motherless and Jaime's going to grow up heart broken. Some drama movie **** is going to happen and Jaime will blame me for it all. And I'll have to agree.

The crowd of mourners thinned as the priest finished his final words. I remained and was shook back to reality by Rose, my mother-in-law.

"I'm going to take the kids to the car honey. I'll give you some time." She was crying harder than anyone. She just lost her daughter. Who wouldn't be upset?

I shook my head, "Thank you Rose."

We gave each other light hugs. I let go of Jaime carefully, not wanting to ever let him out of my grasp.

Then the guys walked in front of me and motioned that they were going to meet me back at Rose's house. I nodded and they moved on.

The rain fell harder and drenched the polished wood casket. I walked over to it and stroked my hand over the top. My hands were soaked, but it doesn't matter. I kept pulling my hand along the wet top. Abruptly, I started crying uncontrollably. I couldn't help it and didn't want to.

I could feel someone watching me and with red-rimmed eyes I looked up to see no one. So I looked to my right no one. I tried my left and through my tears I could barely make out Mike's figure. He rubbed his hand on my back. I just looked at him wordless tired hopeless

He put his forehead to mine, "Come on we should get going. You don't want to get pneumonia."

I started crying harder.

"**** sorry. I didn't mean" Mike sputtered.

I knew he didn't mean it, but it still hurt so much. Simultaneously, we got up and started walking without saying a thing. I took one more glance back at her casket. I know I need to let go, but I can't. I constantly remind myself.

When we got to the few cars left I saw Jaime just staring staring at nothing. He's so drained. I wish this hadn't happened. And it's because of me it was all me. My eyes got warm again, but I resisted. I have to stay strong for him. I'm always going to be there for him no matter what.

 

[andrea]

I read this on quizilla and loved it. I still do. It almost made me tear up reading this. Poor Chester and his family. Can't wait for more.

 

[X...Re-Arranged...X]

Thank you. ^_^ I read the newest update to your story... <3!!!

 

[X...Re-Arranged...X]

Gramatical errors... everywhere...

The wind blew through my hair, throwing the brown locks into my face. It was a warm, Los Angeles breeze. The radio blasted a Rage Against The Machine song as we sped down the freeway. Despite the rumble of cars and large trucks sputtering by us, I found the noise to be relaxing.

"Too much wind for you back there?" Liberty called back to me.

I giggled, "Not at all!"

I heard her give a slight chuckle as the car made it's way off of the freeway. We came to a stop at a light. Other cars surrounded us and an old, rich looking couple starred at us disapprovingly. Lib and I both noticed. I hopped into the front and turned down the music, then settling myself into the passengers seat. I strapped on my seat belt and continued to observe other cars. ((CLICK IT OR TICKET!!! ^_^))

Lib turned to me before the light turned green and said, "I'm going to put the top up. Some people don't seem very pleased with our "behavior"."

I laughed and looked to the older couple still looking at us unpleasantly.

The top to the convertible went up slowly until we were shaded from the hot, California sun. The breeze was gone, but at least my skin was frying anymore. My fare skin causes me to burn easily. That's a downer if you live in California.

Lib sighed, "We're almost there." She looked over at me quickly. I just nodded.

I peered out the window at all of the people walking the streets. Busy that's what I like about LA. It's never silent. The city the city is where I belong. We slowed down as a cop pulled out in back of us. Ignoring the fact that we were now going 10 miles per hour under the speed limit, I looked back out the window. Girls that looked about 17 were dressed in barely-there-clothing stood on the street curbs, trying to find a wealthy looking customer. It's sad to see girls so young getting into that kind of business and trouble. Slowly, we passed by shops and bars, pimps and their workers.

We started to speed up again and I noticed the cop turning onto a road a little while back through the rear view mirror. We kept going until a church and then a cemetery surrounded us. We were parked in the church parking lot.

"Ready?" Lib asked while fixing her make-up as she looked into the mirror.

I nodded, "Yeah"

We both got out of the car and locked it. Casually, we walked through the cemetery. I eyed the place trying to pick out the normal visitors from the new comers. We walked up the path past the old man who, every day, wore the same brown, polished shoes and sat beside his wife's grave on a lawn chair just waiting for the day he would join her. He held a pink, wool sweater in his hand as he did every day. Death is a sad and horrible thing, but to never move on is even worse. We walked more and passed Mrs. Loughead who hovered over her son's grave. She kept her hand on the gravestone, maybe hoping to feel some of him still there. The path got smaller and the concrete became cracked with grass sprouting through here and there. Then... we passed him. The mysterious man, around his thirties, knelt over an unknown grave about thirty feet away. A brother maybe? A mother... a father? All of these people who are regular visitors I know the story of. I've talked to them and know of their grief, but this one man who he is is a mystery. For two years he's been lingering around the cemetery. And every day I see him crying over that person's grave. Sometimes he even has a kid with him. The kid, being around twelve, aways seems so stoic.

I can't stop starring, though it's rude. He looked up and saw me peered into my eyes like he knew I was there starring at him. Ashamed, I brought my attention back to what lay in front of me.

We soon approached what we were looking for.

Lib bent down, "Hey mom," She said, dragging her fingers over the rough stone. It had withered over the past twenty years.

My mom died when I was only ten. My sister, Lib, was about fourteen. I don't remember her too well, but well enough to know how much I loved her. Lib remembers mom for the most part. She had lung cancer. Never smoked a cigarette once in her life, but she pulled it off. Somehow she got lung cancer and it killed her. Three months, the doctor told her. You have three months to live. And those three months were the hardest months of my life. Knowing your going to die can't be any better than unexpectedly dying in your sleep.

I didn't budge. Normally I would do something, say something, but not with my sister around. I usually come alone, around the time when everyone is about to leave their loved ones. I like it better that way. And my sister knows this. She doesn't say anything. Just lets me stare blankly at the slab of stone.

-Claire Micheals-

May 10, 1960-October 25, 1998

A rose was engraved below the dates.

I sighed.

"Do you want to go?" Lib looked at me concerned.

I only nodded.

She started to walk and I took one more glance at mom's resting place, then followed Lib. I walked behind her slowly, falling back a little, looking at the ground. Look up. Mom always used to say. And I should've listened because I just bumped into mystery man. He grabbed me by the arms to steady me.

"Sorry," I mumbled.

Idiot! My head screamed at me. I looked at him. My heart skipped. What I'm feeling what I'm feeling right now is fear. Why? I can't answer that. Looking at him makes me afraid. The mystery man had his hands on me and I wanted them off.

A mind reader he must be because he removed his hands from my arms.

"It's fine." He replied.

His eyes are brown. ((Please tell me that they're brown???)) His hair is blonde and in a slight Mohawk. Before I could observe him further, he walked away.

I was snapped out of my daze by Lib, "Hey Alex! Are you coming?!?"

"Yeah!" I yelled back and ran to catch up with her.

I stopped when I got to the car and got in after Lib unlocked the doors. I put my seat belt on and looked out the window to see him in a car not too far away. His car started and he looked through his window and at me. After a second or two he turned around and backed out of his parking spot.

Good-bye mystery man.

 

[andrea]

As a say to you over at quizilla, I love it! Can't wait for more when you manage.

 

[X...Re-Arranged...X]

^_^ Thank you!

 

[ChazzyChazRoxs]

I love this ALOT

 

[geeko]

jeez..you made me almost teary-eyed on the first one...write some more about chester,I'm starting to like reading...[mind you,I'm a bit of a lazy reader..]

btw,who's alex?

 

[X...Re-Arranged...X]

You're reading in Alex's point of view during the second section. She's one of the main characters along with Chester. Thank you everyone for the compliments!

 

[X...Re-Arranged...X]

New section peeps! Woot woot!

"Daddy!" Tyler ran at me, jumping into my arms.

I lifted him up and held him in my arms. Jaime shuffled out after him with glossed over eyes.

"Hey kiddos... what's up?" I faced Tyler, then Jaime.

Jaime mumbled something and retreated back to the safety of the living room while Tyler told me about how his blue dinosaur toy ate his green dinosaur toy. I nodded and smiled at him, asking to hear more. He jabbered on. I walked into the living room to see what my other son was up to. He was slouched on the couch, drinking grape soda and flipping through the stations.

This... this is Jaime... this is 13 year old Jaime and his hobby... T.V. Every time I drag him out of the living room to do something alls he does is sulk. I've tried so many times to get him into some sort of activity. Whether it is sports, or music, writing or friends of all things... he pouts. Gets upset... and locks himself away for days or weeks at a time. At one point he disappeared for almost a month. The only times I ever saw him was at breakfast and dinner. At school... he's quiet. Teachers have called me concerned about Jaime, wondering what was going on at home. And what I told them... what I told them was nothing. Unexplainable and irresponsible I was for that, but... it's uncontrollable. I've tried... I really have... I went as far as therapy... counseling. It didn't work... nothing works with him.

Tyler still in my arms I walked over to the couch, took the remote, and switched off the television. Jaime groaned.

I groaned a little with him. Time to be a nagging father.

"Come on. Get up. You've been on that couch all summer." I said, motioning him to get off his ***.

Stubbornly, he stayed where he was.

I put Tyler down, "Please Jaime..." Nothing...

"**** it," I muttered under my breath.

I left the room and into the kitchen, stopping at the counter to lean on it.

Sometimes that kid wears me out. I've just stopped trying. No matter what, I'll never get through.

My thoughts were interrupted by Cattie, the babysitter," I thought you were stopping at the cemetery on the way back from work Mr. Bennington."

I turned to her, "Uh... yeah. I just wanted to check in on the kids."

She smiled and said she understood, then left the room.

As I was walking out the door, Jaime came out of the shadows of the living room.

"Where are you going?" He said unpleasantly.

I didn't answer, but proceeded to open the door.

He started to talk again, "You're going to see mom again aren't you?" He paused, "I know that's where you go after work. Why don't you ever take me or Tyler to see her?"

After a slight pause, I walked out the door closing it behind me. Some day he'll understand... some day.

* * *

I sat leaning up against the fine stone, tracing my fingers in the dust. Today's air was stale and humid... it felt horrible. A palm tree shaded me from the scorching sun.

Things could've been different, I thought to myself. If Sam and I had never gotten divorced, then Talinda and I would have never even existed together. Then... Jaime wouldn't hate me and Tyler would be saved from the future troubles in life... *******... I've been reduced to blaming Sam. ****... I hit my head lightly with the palms of my hands.

"Hey... are you alright?" A voice came out of nowhere.

I looked up. The girl from last week.

I stuttered, "Yeah. I'm fine. Thank you."

I wiped my eyes of any tears that may have been falling with my sleeve.

"Oh... here." She said handing me a tissue.

I took it from her hand, "Thank you."

I blew my nose.

"You can never have too many tissues at a cemetery." She smiled.

Surprisingly, I smiled back, "Yeah."

She was kneeling next to me in some jeans and a gray sweatshirt. Her hair was brown and held up in chop sticks. Hazel eyes starred back at me.

She held out her hand, "I'm Alex Michaels."

I started to shake hands with her, "I'm... uh..." I laughed a bit, "I'm Chester..." I paused, "Bennington."

She giggled a little, "Forget your name?"

I half laughed back, "Yeah."

She looked in back of me... looked at the gravestone. I could tell she wanted to ask so bad as to who it was, but I knew she wouldn't.

I cleared my throat and looked down, "My late wife."

I could feel her looking at me, "I'm so sorry."

I nodded, "It's fine. It's been three years... you learn to get over it." I started to get up. She stood straight with me.

"So, if you don't mind me asking, um... why are you here?" I asked nervously.

She pointed far across the graveyard, "My mom."

"I'm sorry. How long has it been?" She probably won't like me for that one.

She hesitated, "Twenty years." A faint smile followed.

I twisted my mouth a little, "It's been a while then."

She nodded. I looked at my watch.

I coughed, "I have to go. Kids." I gave a slight shrug.

"Have a good day then Mr. Bennington." She started to walk away, but I needed to say one last thing.

"It's been nice talking to you."

She turned, smiled, waved, then left.

I didn't move. Twenty years, I repeated itself. I watched as she drove off. I stayed and starred until I was sure she was gone.

 

[andrea]

Loved!!! I glad you update, yeah! Poor Chester and his family. Can't wait for the next update when you manage. Keep up the work!!!

 

[X...Re-Arranged...X]

Thank you so much! I plan on getting one more for each series out this week. Thank you again for reading and all of the compliments!

 

[geeko]

poor jaime..

 

[X...Re-Arranged...X]

Light streamed in from between the blinds, shining directly in my eyes. I turned over groaning. I just need to sleep a little longer. I let my arm fall from the bed and hang, my fingers touching the carpeted floor. Just sleep for another hour Chester, then you'll be ready for the day. But... as usual... more sleep wouldn't help. No matter what, the day will be miserable. Jaime just adds to everything. He'll be starting school soon, at least, so I don't have to struggle with him, so he'll at least take a shower in the morning. Or get off the couch.

I turn on my back and open my eyes. The ceiling is bumpy and white, the fan hanging down off of it, spinning and spinning. I sit there looking up at it until I get too dizzy to stare anymore. The house is cold. I pull the blankets tighter around me. Sometimes I get tired of the air conditioning, but in LA, if you're not freezing you're *** off from artificial air, you're sweating to death in the heat.

My eyes wander to the alarm clock. 6:15 it reads in neon green numbers. I sigh.

"It's too early," I growl to my empty room.

Don't get up now Chaz. The day will be longer that way... and you don't want that do you?

"Stop talking to me!" I snap at no one.

Stop talking to yourself. I dig my nails into my palms.

"Okay Chester... just get out of bed. You're already awake anyways. Jaime has to go to school. Get your *** up!" I think I'm going crazy.

Forcefully, I pull myself from the bed, sitting up, getting up. As I stretch I let out a long yawn. The house is quiet and I have to take a ****.

* * *

The toast pops up and I grab the slices of bread, shortly after tossing it on a plate, careful not to burn myself. Despite me effort, I manage to get a little sting from the heat. Ignoring it, I take the plate over to the counter and carefully place it in from of Jaime who is still half asleep. First day of school... I'm glad to see he's so excited. I look to my watch for a savior.

Tick, tick, tick it quietly goes. The hands pointed show the time 7:10. The bus will be here in ten minutes. And I still can't get Jaime to even eat breakfast, nonetheless open his eyes for more than a second. First day of high school and looking at him his first day will be a little rough.

I groan a bit and tell Jaime to lift his head off the counter to eat.

"I'm not hungry," He grumbles.

Sighing I say, "Okay... can you please go upstairs to brush your teeth then."

He obeys knowing I'm not in the best of moods. Mumbling, he trudges up the stairs and shuts the bathroom door loudly. The door wasn't slammed... just not closed very gently. I wince when it happens.

Tyler's looking up at me from his chair, "Are you alright daddy?"

I tell him I'm fine and start to clean off the breakfast table.

The bus came twenty minutes late and I arrived at the studio 43 minutes late.

"A little slow this morning?" is what Mike asked me as I entered the room. He giggled a bit.

I gave a weak smile in return.

The smile was wiped off his face, "Jaime again?"

Shaking my head I told him, "The bus was late. First day of school... and the bus was late." My smile became a little more visible.

He grinned in return, knowing that it was safe to smile now.

And the day went on, just like it always does. **** in the morning, fun in the studios, home to check the kids, then misery at the cemetery. But this visit to Talinda was different. They would never be the same...

Quick update loves!

 

[X...Re-Arranged...X]

Pulling in, I noticed her standing by Talinda's grave. Alex. What is she doing?

My fingers let go of the cigarette I was holding, my booted foot grinding it into the pavement. I slammed the car door and cautiously walked over to where Alex stood. But as I approached she walked away, revealing a lily on Talanida's resting spot.

I called to Alex and she spun around, a look of surprise and nervousness on her face.

"Ummm... hi." She stuttered.

I walked closer making it so I was in between her and Talinda. I looked her up and down and gave her a suspicious look. She could tell and tensed up a bit. Something was being hid behind her back.

She looked down, "I know this seems a little odd..."

"A little?" I interrupted.

Flinching a little she kept looking down, "As I was passing by, I noticed she didn't have any flowers, so I figured I'd pay my respects and give one to her. I was just trying to be nice." It ended in a shaky whisper.

I kept it quiet and said nothing. It's either she's a crazed fan or truly a nice person... but I can't decide. She doesnt seem like the type to be stalking someone. I just keep eyeing her up and down coldly. Slowly she pulls a bundle of partially wilted lilies from behind her back and looks up at me. She looks like she is about to cry.

"I... I'm sorry. I'll just leave you alone." She manages to make out.

Turning around she starts walking away, but I call after her again, "No... don't say sorry... I'm... I'm sorry. Lately, I just haven't been a friendly person. And thank you for being nice enough to do that."

She faces me, nods, and walks away. Nice going Chaz. You scared her away. I look down at Talinda's patch of dirt. Something purple is poking out from underneath my boot. I lift my foot and move it back. The flower, now crushed and the petals plucked off, is covered in dirt. I bend over and pick it up. As I hold it in my hand, more petals fall off leaving one clinging for dear life. I sigh. What is wrong with you? She's just being nice. You're a jerk to her and you ruin her flower. *******. I shake my head and look across the cemetery at her, sitting on the ground facing her mom's gravestone. I look away then to Talinda's grave.

Five minutes stroll by and I can't take it anymore. I have to leave. And on the way home I decide one thing... tomorrow... tomorrow I'm going to buy a bunch of lilies and give them to Alex's mom.

* * *

At home, I read "Cat In The Hat" to Tyler and kiss him good night. Shuffling down the hallway, I stub my toe on a car toy. Ignoring I keep going and arrive at Jaime's door. I creak open the door and peek inside. The lights are out, but I can hear his headphones blaring. How can I get through to you? He pretends to sleep and I pretend not to notice by closing the door and quietly making my way down the stairs. In the living room are the guys, chatting about today's events the dinner their wives made. How they wish they could cook. And when they notice me they say how I should be their ******* and cook for them. I laugh a little and sit down, drinking a beer.

Mike gets up and leaves the room. I ignore it... he's probably going to the bathroom. But after ten minutes of him being gone and listening to the rest of the guys talking about X-Men with me as if they are trying to distract me, I get uneasy. I shake my legs and sit there nodded my head to the questions about which character is cooler.

I look at them, "Do any of you know where Mike went?"

They shake their heads and immediately go back to talking, except this time about "The Matrix". Chaz... you are one foolish man. I laugh a bit, get up, and start to search the house. I wonder what they're up to this time? I'm in the hallway thinking, Where to start? The first thing that comes to mind is my bedroom upstairs... but he's not there. And as I head to the bathroom to check there, I hear a voice coming from Jaime's room... it's not Jaime. Mike.

The door is opened slightly and the light is on. I stand off to the side, my head rested on the wall.

"So your first day of high school was bad?" Mike asked sympathetically.

I can hear Jaime's light breathing and Mike's heavier breaths.

"Yeah." He answered quietly.

"What happened?" Mike questioned him again.

It's almost like...

"No one wants to talk to me. I'm "weird" according to one kid."

...Mike's his father...

"Well," Mike paused, "You have to talk to people first. You're quiet and kid's have to respect that."

Jaime went silent.

Someone was fiddling with a piece of paper.

"Have you gone to the cemetery yet?" Mike's too bold... and he just crossed the line.

More silence from Jaime. A light weeping comes from the room.

"Hey kiddo. It'll be fine." I hear Mike tell Jaime. That's a hefty promise to make to someone Mike.

The sobbing becomes clearer. They're most likely hugging. I take a peek. I'm right. I slam my head back on the wall a couple of times, tears pricking my eyes; I choke them back.

Mike starts up again, "I'm going to go. Okay bud? Remember to look up and if any of those kids at school give you any ****. Tell them I'll beat the living day light out of them." That's a promise a dad is supposed to make... like me.

There's a slight giggle and footsteps. Then, the door opens and out walks Mike looking right in my direction... right at me.

"How long have you been there?" He asks.

I answer, "Long enough."

He looks down and back up, "Look man... I'm sorry. But... someone needs to talk to him."

"I talk to him!" I snap back.

Mike gets serious, "I mean actually talk to him. Not tell him to get his *** out from in front of the T.V. and to go do his homework! He's lonely Chaz. He needs his father." The second sentence is bitter; The last kind.

I look down at my feet. I am a ****** father. And the worse part is... I've even got my friends telling me this now. ****...

Mike says, "Sorry, but it's true." And tells me to get some rest. Him and the guys are going to leave, so I can have some alone time.

As if that's what I need. The only thing I need is a miracle and a cigarette.

 

[acdcrules04]

Wow. This is really good!

 

[andrea]

Aww! Poor everyone one. Chester, Jamie, Alex. That was nice for Mike to talk with Jaime but kind of crappy of Chester to snap at him. Things need to get better!

Like always, can't wait for the next one!

 

[X...Re-Arranged...X]

Thank you for the nice reviews! One more section will be coming out tonight hopefully. And things will get better... but not for a couple of more sections.

 

[X...Re-Arranged...X]

On the way over to the cemetery I picked up some lilies at a stand on the sidewalk. I didn't feel like taking my car today, so I ended up walking. It's a nice breezy day and the temperature is comfortable. My palm is sweating as I grasp the stems to the flowers. My other hand stays flat and at my side. I breathe in slowly and take in the air. If only I could get Jaime to go on a walk with me. Then we could talk. But that will never happen.

Twenty minutes and five cigarettes later, I'm standing in the cemetery. Looking to Alex's usual spot. Missing. She isn't there. I sigh and walk over. Kneeling down, I place the flowers in the fresh mud. Last night it rained around two. I remember being up just staring at the ceiling and listening to the rain hit the window. Thinking about Jaime... how I was a jerk to Mike... an ******* to Alex.

I stop dead in my tracks as I'm walking away. Will she even know they're from me?

"She will." I whisper to myself, "Who else would leave some?"

Her sister, dad, brother, cousin there's possibilities and plenty of them. I turn back to the flowers and walk back over. Maybe I should stay. You know... wait for her. So she knows who they're from.

"No." I whisper to myself, "Not after yesterday."

Spinning back in the direction of the road, I bump right into her. She's looking at me softly.

"Now I'm caught in the act." I half laugh and move out of the way, so she can see the flowers.

She smiles, "Thank you, but you didn't have to."

Nodding I tell her I did need to. That I was a complete idiot yesterday.

She walked to the grave and sat down in front of it. I joined her.

She was looking at me, "I don't blame you. Being famous and such... I could've been a stalker... creep... you had every right to be suspicious."

I give her a weird look, "I still shouldn't have been like that though. Wait... you know who I am?"

She laughed, "True and yes. What do you think... that I live in a shell? I know what goes on in the world around me. Too be completely honest I can't say I'm not a big fan."

"Oh... it's just that... the way you talked to me and... you hate our music?" I point to her at the last part.

She sighs and looks down, "I'm not going to lie, but no... I really don't. I'm sorry." She gives a nervous laugh.

My laugh is pure, "It's fine. I don't expect you to. Not everyone will love us. What kind of music do you like then?"

She shrugs a little.

She's afraid to tell me, "Come on. I won't laugh. Promise!" I hold my pinky up.

Grinning, she wraps her pinky in mine, "Promise?"

I nod.

She mumbles it quietly and I can barely hear. I ask her to repeat herself.

"Michelle Branch..."

I shake my head a little, "How are you afraid to tell me that?"

She lowered her eyes, "Well, I thought since you were a big rocker and all..."

Cutting her off I tell her, "Our band's guitarist likes Brittany Spears... trust me... I'm not going to laugh at you." I smile.

This drags on for and hour until she tells me she has to go and get to work. She's a nurse at the hospital downtown that works the night shift. After she leaves I make my way to Talinda's grave... I stay for five minutes. When I get home the house is quiet. Tyler is with Sam today... she volunteered to take him, so I could relax a bit. I don't mind her having Tyler every once and awhile. Having a woman around a couple of days a month would do him some good. Abruptly, laughter comes from the living room. The guys are here.

The first thing they say when they see me is, "What are you so happy about?"

At that moment, I realized I'm smiling... a little too much. Why am I so **** happy?

I just shrug. Then notice something... where's Jaime?

"Hey... where's Jaime?" I ask them.

They grow wide-eyed.

"We thought you had him." Joe said concerned.

I shake my head angrily, "No... didn't the bus go by?"

Rob replied, "We just got here a couple of minutes ago. We figured you picked him up from school."

I turned away and hurried upstairs. I shove open his door and he's not there.

"Jaime?!?" I yell down the hall. "Jaime?!?"

Brad comes up. I shake my head.

When I get downstairs a couple of the guys are in the basement searching for him while the rest are in the front and back yard.

Where could he have gone? I think I'm going to hyperventilate. The phone rings.

I run into the living room and pick it up, "What?!?" I scream into the phone.

The voice speaks back, "Mr. Bennington? This is concerning your son... Jaime."

HA-HA! I'm leaving you there! And wanna know what's funny? You're not going to know what happened to Jaime for a WEEK! Leaving for Virginia ya'll! Woot! I'll try to update before I leave, so you're not left hanging like that...