I could feel someone’s hands carefully probing the top of my head.

“How’s she doing?” I wasn’t sure, but I thought the voice belonged to Zack. But I was certain I didn’t know the voice that replied.

“She’ll be fine, there’s no lasting damage. How’s your friend doing?” What friend?

“He’s okay; we forced him to clean himself up. He’s more concerned about her.” Rian answered.
As much as I tried to force my eyes open, nothing was happening. I was trapped in the darkness. I wanted to know what had happened and remembering the look on Jack’s face, I wanted to leave before he came back. I heard the door open.

Somebody laced their hand in mine and brushed the hair out of my face, tucking it behind my ear. I knew who I wanted it to be, but it couldn’t have been.

My eyes slowly opened.

“Alice” It was so good to see her.

“I can’t leave you alone for five minutes can I?” She grinned at me.

“What happened?” My head pounded, I felt like I’d been hit by a train. I was laying on a sofa in what I presumed was a dressing room backstage.

“Do you remember the guy giving you trouble by the pit? He was obviously on something, and thought it would be hilarious to try smashing a bottle on the back of your head. Luckily Jack saw it and got you out before anything else could happen.”

“I don’t think he wants to see me Alice.” I couldn’t hide the sadness in my voice.

Her brows pulled together in confusion.

“Well he’s got a funny way of showing it.”

“What do you mean?”

“He dropped his guitar and left the stage mid-song to get you out. He’s in a room up the hall cleaning himself up. It turned into a bit of a brawl and the rest of their set had to be cancelled.”

“What?” I looked at her in disbelief.

I swung my legs round, standing up too quickly. Alice caught me before I landed on the floor in a heap.

“Where is he?” Alice wrapped her arm around my waist, keeping me stable.

“I’ll show you”


Alice led me down the hallway, stopping outside a door.

“I’ll leave you to it, come find me if you need me. Are you sure you’ll be okay?”

“…. I think so.” Alice nodded and went to turn away.

“Wait, Alice… do I look okay?” She grinned at me, rolling her eyes.

“Of course you do, now go get him!” She gave me a gentle push towards the door and left. I was on my
own now.

I took a deep breath and knocked the door. Alex answered, a smile widening across his face.

“Hey there trouble.” He pulled me into a hug.

“How’s the head doing?”

“It’s still tender, but I’ll live. I’m sorry about you not being able to finish your set.”

He just looked at me curiously and laughed.

“Yeah, how dare you get bottled!” He said mockingly with a smile.

“It’s hardly your fault. If anyone’s to blame its Jack for starting the damn fight.”

Rian popped his head round the door.

“He’s been spending way too much time playing wrestling games on his Xbox, thought he could take that guy on.”

“How is he?”

“He’ll be a whole lot better knowing you’re okay.”

I heard Rian calling for him. Alex moved aside and gestured for me to come in.

“Yeah?” Jack appeared out of the shower room, his hair wet and stuck up in every direction. I had no idea which way this was going to go. Jack’s eyes met mine. The smile from the hospital, my favourite smile, spread across his face.

“Hello you,” He moved forward, hugging me tightly. As he came closer I saw his face more clearly. I gasped

“Jack, your lip!” I held his chin straight so I could get a better look at it. He just rolled his eyes at me with a smile.

“It looks worse than it is, promise.”