Layla- An Unrequited Love (Gerard Way/Jared Leto)

The drive to New York wasn’t that dreading. Finally, I felt freedom getting closer to me as the distance between me and Jersey grew.

I stopped by a gas station to buy some snacks for my trip and I called a dear old friend.

“Claire. Hi! It’s me Layla. I used to be Layla Delancy...”I trailed off lamely, feeling guilty that I had not been in contact with her since I moved to New Jersey.

“MY GOD! Layla! It’s been a while! How are you? Are you okay?” she asked with enthusiasm.

“Err...not so. I’m own my way to New York right now. I wanna ask if you still have that extra room in your apartment on vacancy? Because I kinda need a place to stay.”

“Sure! It’s still the same as the day you left. Just let me know when you reach here.” Claire replied.

“Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. I have to go now. Bye.”

“Ok Layla, take care of yourself. Love you.”

New York, there’s no place like home. So many nostalgic feelings came rushing back as I drove down the street towards Claire’s apartment. I was born and breed here. After being away for years, I finally appreciated what I had before.

I finally reached the apartment building and to my great surprise, Claire was standing there at the entrance of the block, smoking a cigarette so casually. When she finally noticed me as I got out of my car, she ran to me and engulfed me in the biggest hug I ever gotten from a friend. With such warmth and love, I couldn’t help but cry. She soothed my hair and told me it was going to be alright. I got a hold of myself and wiped away the tears. Claire helped me with my bags and we went inside.

My room was fairly simple. Lilac walls, a single bed, a small dressing table and 2 windows that was decorated by green curtains. It looked exactly the way it did 5 years ago. Claire helped me unpack most of my stuff. She was folding some of my clothes when she finally asked me to spill everything, which I did. I told her about my life in Jersey, my cheating husband and the death of my child. How miserable and lonely I was with no one to turn to.

I settled in comfortably in my new house in 3 days and in those 72 hours, not once did Gerard called me. It was logical in the sense that he was busy with his new love and casted me aside like a piece of tasteless old gum. On the fourth day, I received a call from Donna, my mother-in-law while I was flipping classified ads looking for a job. It was regarding my child’s funeral and she persuaded me gently to come back and at least bid my final farewell that coming weekend. She assured me that everything had been taken care of and there was nothing to worry about. I thank her greatly and told her that I will be flying back the next day before disconnecting the call. The feeling of guilt arose from the pit of my stomach. How could I have left my child just like that? Being emotionally stress was not an excuse.

Claire overheard my conversation and volunteered herself to accompany me back to Jersey. She said that I needed a cheerleader and an entourage to beat up that whore who stole my spouse. I told her violence was not necessary only when needed.

On the day of the funeral, Bob drove me, Claire and Donna to the church where the service will took place. Claire held my hand throughout the whole journey. Though it was a solemn day, the sun was bright and the sky was the shade of pale cornflower. How could a heartbreaking event happen on such a beautiful day?

When we reached our destination, I discreetly got out of the car and made my way inside. I scanned the room and basically everyone was there. Even her, clinging onto my husband’s arm everywhere he went. I narrowed my eyes in hatred and looked away.

I got up and walked towards the coffin. I was in such immense pain that everything seemed surreal to me. I caressed the carvings on the lid, whispering “Why did you have to leave me?”

“We have to give the baby a name...”

I was startled by the interruption and turned around. Gerard stood there looking indifferent and for once, Mindy was not with him.

“Was it a boy or a girl?” I asked, turning back my attention to the coffin.

“A boy.”

“Gabriel....Gabriel Aiden Way....” I said. “Or Gabriel Aiden Delancy since you never wanted a child anyway.” I added snidely.

“I never said that.” He retorted.

The burial was done swiftly and everyone went back to Donna’s house for the luncheon. Frankly speaking, I was in no mood to eat or socialise. I sat at a corner with a drink in hand, staring most of the time, at my black shoes. I was also getting sick of people giving me their condolences and feeling sorry for me. I was ready to go back home to New York.

I was yet again taking great interest in my shoes when a shadow of someone cast over me. My instinct was right when I saw Gerard before me.

“Can I talk to you for a sec?” he asked.

I gave a sigh and followed him outside the house where it was quieter. Day had turned into night. I looked up the sky and admired the stars, facing my back to Gerard.

“Layla, I know it’s all my fault and I’m sorry for what I did and how much pain I’ve caused you. I should have stayed faithful when I was away. And I regret it. I’m sorry.” He explained.

I stayed quiet and let those words sank in for a moment. Part of me was cynical about it whereas another part wanted to believe him.

“Layla, please....” he begged, yet again, I didn’t say anything even though I could sense his frustration.

“GODDAMN IT! SAY SOMETHING!” he yelled, grabbing me by the shoulders and turning me to look him in the eyes.

“What do you want me to say? That I forgive you? That I still love you while clearly love another?” I cried, this time not stopping the tears to flow.

“I still love you just like the day that we first met-“he replied before I cut him off.

“That wasn’t what I heard from you last week at Frank’s house.” I said coldly.

“If you claimed that you love me, then WHY IS SHE STILL HERE GERARD?” I asked distressingly. “You can’t have 3 people in a marriage. Why can’t you see that?” I continued as aggravation began to set it.

“And why can’t you see that I’m trying my fucking hard to salvage our marriage after being such an asshole?!!” he growled, grabbing my face with both his hands this time and pulled our bodies closer.

The smell of his cologne filled my senses but it didn’t contain the same aroma as it used to because I could smell her on him. I tried to free myself from his hold but he managed to keep me where I was.

“You can’t get rid of me that easily Layla, because I have your heart. You know I do.” He murmured while tracing the perimeter of my lips with his index finger.

“Please let me go...I have to pack up and leave tomorrow...” I could hear myself begging him.

“If you must, you have to follow me home tonight.” He insisted, inserting the tip of his finger in the small opening of my mouth.

“What about Mindy?” I asked.

“Who cares?” he shrugged, grasped my wrist and ran; leading me to his car.

Before I knew it, we were gone from Donna’s house and away from everyone else.

Just me and my husband....