I returned to the party, feeling like shit. What the hell has been Jack's problem? He won't talk to me,a and he's so moody lately. I sat on the couch and let the party happen around me, I didn't need anymore drinks. What I needed to do, was try and figure this all out.

He's been acting like this for a good month now. We hardly ever do anything together anymore. After that one night of bar-hopping and the day after, we hardly even kiss. Usually it was like a needed thing, when one of us leave the room, like a habit. I bit on my thumbnail, trying to figure it out while I watched Vinny compare himself and Matt to vodka and a can of coke.

The only time I remember Jack being like this was when we were younger, but, he can't be having any issues now. He might not be in therapy anymore, just one or two check-ups a year but he has his meds.

His meds....

I got back up and went back to the bunks. Our bunk's curtain was shut, so I figure I better be quiet so he doesn't hear me. I went to 'my' bunk and got out his suitcase before digging through it. I found clothes, shaving cream, even extra hairspray. No bottle of pills. Frowning, I went through my bag and our extra ones and still found nothing. Putting everything back where it was, I went to our little bathroom and looked though the drawers. Still nothing. I started to panic.

He wasn't taking them. He couldn't be. I tried think about the last time I saw him take them at lunch or something and came up to a blank. I leaned against the bathroom door. How do I even ask Jack about this? With the way he's acting now, he'll freak out at me.

I'll just have to get him alone sometime and simply ask. I'll try not to sound accusing. Yeah, that will work.

~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~
At the next concert, I was in charge of checking mics while Matt did meet and greet. I was a little bummed that I didn't get to do it, since there was always a good twenty minutes of down time before it where I could have taken Jack aside.

As I worked with the sound guys on stage, I couldn't help but feel a bit of nagging in the back of my head. Saying something was wrong. I wrote it off as being paranoid about Jack and his medication and kept doing my job.

My suspicions however arised again when I was chilling in the green room and Alex walked in.

“Ember...we need to talk.”
“About?” I asked, and he sat down.
“Um, it's about Jack.” He said, looking down.
“Is he okay?” I asked, worried. Fangirls can get a bit wild.
“Well, yeah...or maybe no. I don't know.” He sighed and rubbed his neck nervously. “Just...just don't freak out. Okay?”
“Just tell me, Lex.”
“Well...there was this girl, at the meet and greet. She was...a little too friendly with Jack.”
“Alex,” I chuckled. “You're fans love you guys, it's no wonder-”
“No, I mean. Super friendly. She acted like she knew him, and he talked with her for longer than anyone else. She didn't even come see the rest of us.”
“I'm sure some fifteen year old girl isn't going to do harm.” I tried, feeling my heart clench.
“There was no way she was eve close to being that young. She looked like she was our age.” Alex said.
“Well, we don't know anything yet.” I got up. “I need to go and do some work...”
“Ember, please, just. Watch out okay?” He got up and walked after me. “Jack's been acting weird, and I don't want to see you get hurt.”
“Nothings going to happen.” I insisted.
“Who are you trying to convince? Me, or you?” He asked and I just shook my head and walked away.

This can't be happening. This cannot be happening.

I walked around backstage, bumping into almost everyone accept the one person I wanted to find. I gave up looking inside and went out back. No one was by the bus, I doubt he's be on it, so I went around the building. I was just checking the other alley way when I heard voices. Peeking around the corner, I saw a head of messy black hair along with a red head. I went back around the corner and covered my mouth to quiet a gasp.

Jack was talking to some girl.

I got out my phone and texted Alex.

“Hey, um...out of curiosity. What did the fan look like?”
“She had red hair.”
“Thanks.”

Sliding down the wall, I stayed where I was, straining to hear what they were saying. All I could make out was bar, night, and the girl calling him some pet name. Did Jack...sleep with her when he went missing that night? Is that where he was?

I sat there for some time, trying not to cry when the voices finally stopped. I heard some unidentifiable sounds then footsteps heading my way. Here was my chance to choose. Walk away, or say something.

I went with the latter. Standing up right as Jack rounded the corner.

“Ember?” He jumped upon seeing. “Umm, hi.”
“Hi.” I mumbled, crossing my arms. “What...what were you doing?”
“Oh just...clearing my head. You know, before show pumping.” I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from just braking into tears right there. He was lying to me.
“Really? Cause it sounded like you were talking to someone.” I said, and he paled.
“No..I-i wasn't.” he stuttered and I stomped my foot.
“Don't lie to me! Who was that? What have you been up to?” I yelled, unable to contain it any longer. “I looked in our bags Jack, where are your pills? Have you been taking them at all? Have you been just going around lying about everything?”

Instead of apologizing, or trying to lie some more, he did something completely different. Jack grabbed my shoulders and slammed me against the venue wall.

“Look, I don't need you yelling at me right now. I've had a bad day.”
“You had a bad day? Seems more like you've been having a bad month Jack. What the hell is going on?”
“Nothing.”
“Stop lying to me!”
“I'm not.”
“You are!” I screamed, and Jack growled.
“Fine. You want the fucking truth? I haven't been taking those God awful pills, I'm sick of being so okay with everything. Those things only kept me mildly emotionless.”
“Jack, they level your emotions.” I insisted.
“No, they fucking hide them and I'm sick of not being able to feel and have fun like everyone else.”
“Oh. Now cheating is fun?” I asked.
“I never said I cheated.” He frowned.
“Well did you?”
“Of course not.” he scoffed and let go of me. “What's with the sudden trust issues?”
“Well maybe since you haven't been talking to me about anything, at all. Or the fact that Alex just warned me about some red headed girl and I find you-”
“Oh Alex told you, huh? Why did he go straight to you? Why is everyone only concerned about you?” he pushed me back against the wall. “How do they not get sick of you?”
“What the hell is wrong with you!”
“Nothing. I'm perfectly fine. I can see everything so much clearer now.”
“No, you're fucking nuts. Tomorrow, we're going to get you a refill and your gonna take your medication again.” I demand, and Jack glared at me.
“Oh are we? Cause I don't want to, and you can't make me.”
“I can tell someone.” I threatened, and Jack's grip on my shoulder tightened.
“Oh wow, what a great idea. One problem. If I still refuse, and I will, everyone is going to want me to 'get help.'” he said sarcastically. “Which mean, tour will be canceled, and how are we going to explain that to all our loving fans? Considering they no nothing about my so called condition.”
“You got to be kidding.” I whined.
“We both know you wouldn't want to ruin this for anyone.” He said, smirking evilly. “So, I suggested you keep your mouth shut.”

Jack gave me one good shove before walking off and back into the venue. I rubbed my shoulder, feeling a small pain build up but paid no mind.

What happened to the guy I loved?

Notes

Oh snap, things are heating up.