Rain

•4•

The next morning is awkward for Patrick. He's at his mirror, trying to brush his hair into submission. He gives up and puts a fedora on. He's wearing a dark green bomber jacket over a black and white striped shirt. Black jeans and black converse compete the look.

Does he look too emo?

"Oh I love when you wear your hat." His mother peeks her head into his room.

He smiles.

"Feeling better since last night?"

Patrick plasters on a fake smile and nods. "I'm really sorry."

"It's no problem, I realize how your allergy hurts you."

Patrick nods.

"Would you like some pancakes? I have chocolate chip ones too."

Patrick actually smiles, not a fake one. He fucks with some chocolate chip pancakes.

"Yes please." He follows his mother down the stairs and to the kitchen. His dad sits, a steaming cup of black coffee next to him. He adjusts the paper.

"Morning Patrick." His dad smiles, pulling the Music section out of the paper.

On the cover is Brendon Urie, rocking a sparkly blazer and bedazzled shoes to match. Only Brendon could pull off a looking like an light show.

"They're coming here."

"Yeah...the tickets are sold out but the radio station I like is giving 2 away."

"Have you entered?" His mother sets a stack of steaming pancakes in front of him.

"No." He cuts through the fluffy discs of goodness. "You have to be over 18 to enter." He pops a piece in his mouth.

"I can enter my name for you...so can your mother." His dad offers rather quickly.

Patrick knows they're trying to get him out of the house again.

He has no problem doing it this way.

"That'd be great!" Patrick sits up straighter.

His dad grins. "That's so good. Where do you enter?"

"Www.102.5.com"

"I'll enter after I finish my delicious breakfast." He winks at his wife.

"It is really good mom." Patrick skewers two pieces and pops them in his mouth.

"I'm glad you like them. Do you want syrup?"

Patrick shakes his head, trying to finish quickly. As he chews, he scans the news article. Envious of the fans who got interviewed as they waited for tickets to drop.

Paula from South Beach: I'm so excited that I'm getting these tickets. Christmas came early!!

Mark and Anthony from Lawrence: The tickets are worth every penny. Hell, we might even spring for the meet and greet!

"Can I read it after you?" His mother finally sits with her morning smoothie and two pancakes.

Patrick, who skewers the last piece of pancake on his plate, slides her the paper and stands.

"Are you done?" She points to the paper.

"Yeah." Patrick swallows the pancake.

The paper crinkles as his mother grabs it. On his way out, he grabs a stick of peppermint gum, to freshen his breath. He finds it easier than straight up brushing his teeth. And besides, he's about to get a sugary coffee anyways so why waste toothpaste and time?