Chapter 10
I wandered back stage until I ran into Chris and his band. Chris turned around as he saw me and practically ran to me. "You kicked ass out there Chris. Better than in the club I've seen you play in." He hugged me as he approached and pulled back, "Thanks Trina. That means a lot coming from you. They loved every bit of us." I nodded, "I know I heard and saw what the ladies thought of you." Chris smirked a bit as the band walked by. I looked to Chris, "No need to act macho when the band is around Chris. I know how you are. No need to change around me." Chris looked to me, "I wasn't. I swear I am myself with and without the band." I nodded, "Just thought I would let you know." He nodded as Metallica walked by. James patted my shoulder as he walked by, "See you after Trina." I nodded as James stood on the side with the rest of the band as they were introduced and made themselves known to the audience.
Chris placed his hands upon his hips as he looked to me, practically gocking at James. I shook my head as I looked to Chris. "What?... Chris are you jealous of James?" I asked. He took his hands off his hips and shook his head, "Why would I be jealous of James Hetfield. I have no need to be." I shook my head as I took a few steps towards him. "No need to be jealous Chris. I look up to James for his music qualities and such. Not like I do with you. So no need to be alright?" Chris blushed a bit as I patted his shoulder and walked off. "Where you going?" he asked. I stopped in my tracks and looked over my shoulder to him. "To watch them perform. You think I would miss this? HELL NO!" I bellowed as I walked off. Chris shook his head as he followed me. Chris and I stood and watched the whole show from the best spot on stage but out of everybody's way of course. From the sound board. Chris had his arm over my shoulders the whole time. I didn't mind it at all, actually I really enjoyed it. Like I enjoyed the whole entire night. It felt great to get out and forget about the grief I was feeling for just a little while.
Chris walked off to grab his gear from the dressing room and say adios to his band. I stood waiting as I held the Marine medallion from TJ in my hand and just stood there staring at it lost in my thoughts. "I thought I would find you back here.." I shook my head as a voice brought me back. It was James. "I'm waiting for Chris. He's my ride home." James nodded as he ran a hand through his short dirty blonde hair. "Did you enjoy the show?" I nodded, "It was awesome. From beginning to end." He smiled to me and nodded, "Good to hear." The rest of the band came walking up and stood around James. James looked to them and then to me, "Oh yea I almost forgot. Chris mentioned you lost a family member over seas in the attack.. The band and I are going to dedicate this encore song to him. Let's go guys." I lifted a brow as the crowd was going nuts wanting an encore. The band walked out as they took there places. I walked over to the side hiding behind the curtain, as James looked to me as he announced to the audience about TJ. TJ was also into Metallica, we were both the biggest metal heads. His favorite tune of course 'Whiskey in the Jar'. They cranked the tune as they played it in dedication to TJ.
I stood there and watched as Chris came walking up behind me. I looked over my shoulder to him, "You didn't.." Chris shook his head, "I didn't.. I just mentioned it about why you acted kind of down and James did the rest." I looked back to James as the tune ended. He motioned for me to come out on stage. I didn't move until Chris nudged me with his elbow to go out. I started moving and then walked out onto stage. Up on the screen was a picture of TJ and the crew he was with over seas. I nearly lost it right there. I walked over as James placed his arm over my shoulders and then hugged me. I wrapped my arms around him as he said into my ear, "This ones for him." We pulled back from the hug as we saluted the crowd and walked off the stage. Chris patted my shoulder as James and the guys walked away after a brief word with Chris and I. I was still in shock about everything that happened tonight. Chris and I left the arena and headed back to my place.