Chapter Four

                                    

                                          
Mike's Point of View:
                          
I knew something was terribly wrong when I knocked on all the guys doors asking for Chester and none of them knew where he was. They all said he stopped by but left briefly after. All of us began to worry when we called his phone dozens among dozens of times and there was no answer.
                          
"Maybe his phone's dead." Phoenix suggested, drawing a dead sigh from my lips. "Why'd he leave anyway? He said he didn't want to stay alone last night. Why didn't he just go back?"
                          
My brows fused together in confusion. He hadn't told the others about Brad and I. I caught my partner's eye and saw the same sign of puzzlement in his eyes. I wondered whether we should come out or not but I suppose it should be up to Brad. I don't care anymore now that Chester knows.
                          
"He left because Mike and I have been messing around and I told him." Brad replied in a matter-of-fact tone. He glared at me in the eyes, showing he thought I did more to drive Chester away.
                          
"That's how he found out? When did you tell him?" I asked in a soft voice. The other's eyes had widened and were seemingly speechless.
                          
"When I went to the bathroom, I called him. You said you told him you were coming to my house and not just leaving him on his own. I don't want to hurt my friend, Mike." He shook his head and looked down to the kitchen floor. "He's been hurt far too much." 
                          
"I can't believe this," Rob muttered. I looked to him and noted the tears brimming in the corner of his eyes. "He came over so late last night and I just let him go."
                          
"It's not your fault, Rob. It's mine." I said in nearly a whisper, guilt beginning to fill me. I felt horrible, I still loved Chester just not as much as I had. I want him back, I made such a horrible mistake. "I miss him." 
                          
"You should've thought of that before you went and fucked with our guitarist!" Phoenix suddenly yelled, slamming his palms on the counter top. "And to think I wanted you and Chaz to get together!" 
                          
"Phoeni-"
                          
"What about me, Shinoda? Are you just going to leave me when we find Chaz? Just go back to him like a happy camper? Fuck you! I'm not letting you use me and then walk away! I doubt Chester would even take you back!" Brad matched Phoenix's pitch that sent everyone quiet.
                          
"When we find Chaz," Joe echoed, finally speaking up. "What if we don't find him? You guys are all missing the big picture here. He's gone. We need to focus solely on finding him, not what we're going to do if he comes back. Let's cross that bridge when the time comes." 
                          
"I agree with Joe," Rob said, hugging himself tightly. "We need to find him, he's our best friend."
                          
"We'll discuss you two when we get there." Phoenix sneered, glaring between Brad and I. "I can't believe either of you would ever consider hurting Chester. You're lucky we aren't dealing with you now. If we were, God so help me, I'd-" 
                          
"That's enough, Phi!" Joe snapped, which was completely out of text. Joe's never as so much has risen his voice at anyone before. 
                          
"Can I just talk to Mike?" Rob asked, looking at me. The other's grunted but allowed it and we stepped into my bedroom. 
                          
"What do you want?" I questioned impatiently, tapping my foot on the floor. I was growing anxious to see Chester again, I wanted to hold him and apologize again and again until he'd forgive me for this horrid mistake I've made.
                          
"You want Chester back, I can see it in your eyes. You need to realize that what you did could ruin the entire band. I know we said we wouldn't address this issue right now but you need to stay out of Chester's life when we find him." He said firmly and I bit at my lip, not making any promises.
                          
"What if he's hurt right now and we don't get him back? What if he's killed? What if he gets raped out there on the streets? He's been there before, he doesn't deserve to feel like that. What if I never get to apologize? What if I never see him again? I love him, Rob. I made a huge mistake. I love Brad too, I don't know what to do." I cried out the last part as I spoke all the thoughts in my mind. Rob's features softened and he gave me a quick hug before looking at me directly.
                          
"We'll find him, Mike. We have to."