These had been some of the hardest, most miserable two months of my life, but in a way I was thankful for them. Ember was constantly at the back of my mind. I'd write out text messages and emails nearly every single day, but I never sent them. I was waiting for her to reach out to me, though I admit, with as much time went by without contact.. I thought for sure we were over. The only way I got by was reminding myself of what I'd said to her. She'd call when she was ready, I just knew it.


In the mean time, I was thankful I wasn't smothering in wedding plans. I didn't have to worry about taking Bailey before I went to bed and as soon as I woke up. My playing improved and so did my connection with our fans. Even my relationship with the guys had gotten better. It was just like old times, just the band and crew enjoying the life we'd chosen for ourselves. Yeah, it was a great, but it didn't stop the lonliness from sneaking into my heart every night when I laid down for sleep.


Honestly, it was like a vacation. A really long, hard-working vacation. I guess that's why when Matt pulled me aside and told me about Ember's return, I freaked. At first I was pissed, for the simple fact that she called him and not me, but Matt explained that it wasn't a conversation to have on the phone. Then, I just became nervous. After two months, having her fly out.. What if she realized she's better off without me?


I sucked up all my fears, showered and got dressed anyway. Matt even sprung for a rental car for a few hours, so Ember and I wouldn't have to talk while riding in the back of a cab.
When I arrived at the airport, I was afraid she'd chicken out and not show up at all. I stood awkwardly, waiting, when finally.. I saw her. It all seemed to happen so slow and before I could comprehend the fact that she was really even there, her arms were around my neck and she was sobbing into my chest. Her words stung my heart and I managed to blink back my tears. My arms wrapped around her body and lifted her off the ground, holding her as tightly as I could without hurting her.


"Shut up," I smiled, leaning my head back so she had no choice but to look at me. "You don't have to say anything baby. You're here, that's all I care about."


She nodded her head as I brought one of my hands up to brush away her tears. Even in her raw emotions, she's was gorgeous. I'd almost forgotten how beautiful she really was. Within seconds, my lips were crashing down against hers. My hand slid from her tear-stained cheek to her hair, where I gripped it just enough to pull her further into me.


"I love you," I mumbled between the kisses. "I don't care how bad things get, I'm never letting you go, Ember."


She pulled away, breathless, with a small smile on her face. I gave her one last kiss and sat her down, my arm wrapping around her frame to tug her towards the exit. I carried her bag to the car, tossed it in the backseat and climbed in without saying a word. Once we were on the road, my fingers mindless went to hers, where I held her hand tight.


"I lied," I admitted, keeping my eyes on the road. "You do have to say something. I need to know what happened, why you freaked out, that way I can make sure it never happens again."


"It- It wasn't you, it was me. I didn't realize how much shit was going on in my head."


"Trust me, I've been there. I know exactly how that feels. You don't have the same issues that I do, do you?"


I shot her a glance, for a moment actually fearing that I'd rubbed off on her, but the glimmer in her eyes gave me hope. She shook her head sadly and glanced out of the window.


"You know what? We'll talk about it later. Right now we just need to get back to the bus so Matt can return this car. Besides, the guys are really excited to see you."


"Oh? I was kind of hoping we'd have some time alone."


"We will, I promise. They just want to say hey. They're going out for a bit tonight so we can have some time alone."


Ember smiled faintly and gave me hand a small squeeze. There was something going on in her mind, that much was obvious, but I let it go. It could wait until we got back to the bus and got her settled. It was killing me, wondering what she'd been up to these last two months and what all changes she'd made in herself.


As we pulled up to the parking lot in which the bus was located, I killed the engine and slipped out to grab her bags. She trailed behind me, nervous to see the guys again after the last time she was on the bus. I understood, but I'd talked it out with Alex. He agreed that Ember and I needed a break, but he also told me he wouldn't stand back and let me get treated like shit, just like when he'd stood up to me for Ember. That boy was something else, but his heart was in a good place. Besides, after she'd been gone for about two weeks, everyone came around. We all had to admit that we missed her and that we needed to support her with whatever she was going through. Honestly, that got hard with her not calling.. But we were waiting for this moment, all of us.


I pulled open the door and stepped on first, dropping Ember's bags to the side. The guys flashed me a smile as I moved out of the way to let Ember make her appearance. Matt took her into his arms first, then one right after the other, the guys all wrapped their arms around her frame. By this point, Ember was crying more, though I had a feeling they were mildly happy tears.


"I have to get this rental car back. I'm sure the cab is already waiting. We should give them some time alone."


"Thanks, Mickey," Ember managed to speak, moving closer to me. "See you guys later."


When everyone cleared out of the bus, I lifted Ember's bags again and carried them to my bunk. She plopped down on the bed and let out a warm sigh.


"Welcome home, baby," I sat down beside her, my lips softly kissing her neck. "I've missed you."

Notes

Ember is back! :D