''We're here guys, the House of Blues, LA!'' I beamed into my camera, mid vlog. ''It's about two hours until doors open and I am ridiculously excited!"

To most people around me, I probably looked crazy, but back in England, it was normal to see me out and about in town with my camera. I made YouTube videos as a living, lame I know... I have no actual skills so I sit in my room telling the internet about how uneventful my life is, well, when my flatmates aren't bombarding me with their crazy antics. A lot more people have heard of my housemates, Jason and Patty, known online as VeeOneEye and PattyWalters, but I didn't mind them, they're total sweethearts. It's all thanks to Patty that my channel got more popular after I duetted with him actually. And now I run a semi-successful cover channel too.

''I'll try and record something inside, but I can't promise anything!" I smiled, ''but I will go all Adam Elmakias on you guys and get some great shots!"

I turned off my camera and walked around the outside of the venue, my earphones in drowning out the rest of the world. By the time I got back around to the front, Linkin Park was almost bursting my eardrums, but it didn't stop me from miming along as if I was in a music video.
I perched myself on my heels as I sat down, not wanting to get my jeans dirty and started playing Temple Run on my phone like the loser I am. I sat there for a good ten minutes when I decided I needed to stretch my legs out to stop them from cramping up, so I got to my feet, taking weird long strides as I walked past about 50 odd 14 year olds with those trashy ''I <3 ATL'' tops on. I rolled my eyes and kept my pace up, only to walk right into the back of someone.

''My God, I am so sorry!" I stammered.

Looking down slightly I was met with a really pretty girl with bright orange hair who smiled nervously at me. 'N-no, it's my fault.'' She blushed.

I gave her a quick smile and was about to leave her to it when she ever so gently touched my arm,

''Could I...get a picture with you?''

''Why would you want a picture with me?'' I asked, shocked, ''I'm sure that privilege goes to hot band members, am I right?'' I winked, nudging her playfully.

''Well, I'm a huge fan of yours too,'' she almost whispered, looking at the ground and tracing patterns with her shoe. ''I've watched your videos for ages.''

I wanted to just swallow her up in a massive hug, but she seemed pretty freaked out as it was, so I took a couple of photos with her and whatnot, which gained more people's attention and they made their way over too.

Soon enough, there was a small group of about 20 girls surrounding me which was weird in itself, as big headed as it sounds, I'm used to getting recognised in public, but I didn't think it would happen over here in the states. I was taking pictures left and right, having random conversations with everyone when I started to get the feeling of claustraphobia creeping up on me, and I had to get out.

''Well, I hope you guys enjoy the show,'' I smiled at them, ''But I have to go and make a call.''

And with that, I pushed past them and did another lap around the venue. Once I got around the back, I flipped out my camera again and recorded a quick 'It was nice seeing some of you' message before shutting it off, having another game of Temple Run and heading round the front once more. I was about to turn the last corner when the side door suddenly opened, whacking into my arm and knocking me to the floor with a thud. Looking up, I spotted none other than Jeff Maker gawping at me with a clipboard in hand.

''Shit!'' We both cussed at the same time, me because of the pain, and God knows why he said it.

He held out his free hand and I instinctively took it, hopping up to my feet and brushing myself down as quickly as I could, not wanting to look like anymore of an idiot than I already did.

''You do know you're not meant to be back here, right?'' He asked, cocking an eyebrow at me.

''And you do know it's rude to assault people with stage doors, right?'' I shot back sarcastically. ''Besides, I needed time away from the ever growing horde of people out front...''

''That was you everyone was crowding around?'' He almost scoffed.

''Yes,'' I replied defensively, ''why does that surprise you?''

He waved his hands defensively, ''Just... Am I supposed to know who you are?''

''I am a pretty big deal.'' I joked. ''Nah, I'm just a YouTuber that covers music-''

Jeff perked up at that point, as though I had just told him he'd won the lottery of something. ''Wait...right here.''

''Why-'' I didn't even finish my sentence as he disappeared behind the door again, ''Stupid Jeff'' I mumbled under my breath.

It was a few minutes later and I was about to leave when the door opened and Jeff came out again, this time with one hand behind his back and a grin etched onto his face.

''What're you smirking at?'' I asked cautiously.

''How would you like a backstage pass?'' He questioned, revealing his hand with the VIP pass on a lanyard and swinging it around his finger teasingly.

''Yes, yes, om my God yes!"

He retracted his hand slightly, and his smile grew even wider, ''It's yours, on one condition.''

My smile faultered as I thought of what he could possibly want from me. Please dear lord let it not be anything sexual.

''What's that?''

''Sing for me.''

What the heckity heck? I really want that pass, but I have no guitar....nothing. I looked around me, rubbing the back of my neck, deciding that I'd have to do something accapella, when Jeff produced a guitar from just inside the door, which I recognised straight away. My eyes scanned over the black gloss, and it looked even more beautiful in real life. Jeff handed it to me, nodding to me to give me the go ahead.

''J-Jack's guitar?'' I stuttered.

He nodded to me again, ''Yep! But shhh, it'll be our little secret.'' He said with a wink.

I gladly took it from him, slinging the strap over my shoulder and giving it a quick strum to make sure Danny had done his job properly, which he had. I quickly racked my brain for what I could play for him for that goddamn backstage pass, and settled on one of my most popular covers; an acoustic version of Backseat Serenade.

''Okay,'' I smiled up at him, taking in a breath to calm myself down a little and strumming out the intro and then going into the lyrics.

Lazy lover find a place for me again
You felt it once before
I know you did, I could see it
Whiskey Princess
Drink me under, pull me in
You had me at 'come over boy I need a friend'
I understand
Backseat serenade, dizzy hurricane
Oh God I'm sick of sleeping alone
You're salty like a summer day
Kiss the pain away to your radio

I continued with the song, putting my spin on it like I do in all of my covers, hitting the notes correctly and putting everything I had into the 'performance'. Once I finished and the last chord was left hanging in the air, I looked up for the first time at Jeff who looked like he'd just seen God or something. He didn't even hesitate to hand me the pass, and I hung it around my neck and swung Jack's guitar so it was against my back as I stood up to hug him.

''You got talent, kid!" He enthused as we parted.

I felt a blush rise to my cheeks and I mumbled out a 'thanks' just as the door opened again, this time, Vinny was standing there.

''Yo man, we need you bag here!" He said to Jeff, and throwing a smile my way in the process.

''Sure, I'm coming,'' He replied, then turning to me and saying ''You gotcha pass, head back and do your thang.'' And then disappeared.

What the fuckity heck just happened?

---

Stupid Jeff and stupid Vinny didn't tell me where to go so was left aimlessly wandering around looking for anything that wasn't a hallway or bathroom. Luckily, after a while I found a black door that had a white piece of paper taped to it reading 'All Time BLow'' where someone had scrawled on the letter B. Looking around and still being completely alone, I knocked on the door, but not getting an answer, so I opened it to find it empty. I walked into the middle of the room, just to check, and I swiveled on my heel to come face to face with the one and only Jack Barakat.

''Uh, hi.'' I squeaked out.

''Why do you have my guitar on your back?'' He asked, stepping closer to me.

''Long story,'' I answered, taking it off and handing it back to him. ''So, where is everyone? It's like a zombie town in here.''

Jack made his way to the corner and set the acoustic down before turning back to me, ''sound check.... What are you doing back here?''

''What is this, twenty questions?'' I replied, my confident side shining through like it usually does when I'm trying to impress someone and make a good impression. I made my way over to the leather couch and took a seat, pulling out my phone.

Jack looked at me as if I'd just done something awful, so I shot him a cheeky wink and stood back up. ''Is there a bar around here? You're making me nervous and I need a drink.'' I admitted.

''Uhh, yeah. Follow me.''

Jack led me out of the dressing room and along more corridors that seemed to be never ending until we reached what I presumed to be the backstage bar/lounge where everyone hung out. As we entered, everyone turned around to look at me and I was met with the familiar faces of the band members and crews which made me feel uneasy. Most of the time, my nerves went away when I was meeting some of my idols, but with so many people just staring at me, it didn't really happen.

''Is there something on my face?'' I asked Jack, looking up at him.

''Yeah, these metal things,'' he said, fiddling with my snake bites.

I swatted his hand away and left him in the doorway, needing a drink more than ever. I sat at the bar on one of the stools and ordered my favourite drink; a straight up glass of Jack Daniels. I downed it in one go and got myself another, feeling the warmth of it spreading throughout my chest and I leant my head on the counter, only to be tapped on the shoulder by Alex.

''Hey." He smiled.

I looked around me, checking if he was indeed talking to me, ''Hello.''

''If you don't mind me asking, how'd you get back here?''

I rolled my eyes and scanned the room for Jeff, hoping he could explain his actions rather than me. ''Backstage pass?'' I said, showing it to him.

He looked back up at me, confused. ''But... even the VIP doors haven't opened yet.''

I shrugged, just as Jack joined us saying ''She was in our dressing room with my guitar.''

''My God you make me sound like an obsessed fan!" I groaned, taking a mouthful of my drink. ''Jeff let me in early.''

''Why?'' They both asked in unison.

''He was curious as to why people were taking photos with me outside, and I explained that I do covers on YouTube... one thing led to another and I sang to him outside and he gave me a pass...'' I said, taking another gulp of the alcohol in my glass. ''Ranting, I know, sorry.''

Alex was grinning at me like a Cheshire cat and bouncing up and down excitedly, ''sing for meeeee!"

''Nah, I've already got my VIP....thanks though.'' I smiled, swivling in my seat to face the bar, only to be turned around again.

''Don't be such a sour puss,'' Alex pouted, ''You must be decent if Jeff let you in.''

''Of course.'' I grinned over-sweetly.

''Well, I have a huge favour to ask you.''

''Oh God, what is it?''

He got down on one knee in front of my and held one of my hands in his, ''Would you... Shit, what's your name?''

I raised an eyebrow at him worriedly, ''Abi. Abi Sabourn.''

''Will you, Abi Sabourn do me the honor of singing Juliette's bridge in Remembering Sunday on stage tonight?''

I choked on my own saliva. Gross, I know. It would actually be pretty great to say I've sang with Alex Gaskarth in the House of Blues, but Jesus Christ I'm not anywhere near that good. I tore my gaze away from him to Jack who was still stood there, now with a drink in hand, who was just smiling at me.

''I'm flattered, honestly...but I'm no way near good enough to actually go on stage infront of that many people.'' I said.

''Bullshit!" Jeff chimed in from nowhere, slinging an arm around Jack's shoulders. ''She's probably better that Juliette!"

I just stared at him in disbelief, and Alex looked at me, his jaw practically hitting the floor.

''You are so in, you can't back out now!" He chirped excitedly.

Thank you VERY much, Jeff.

---

I had been run through what was going to happen tonight and I had to repeat it over and over until it was stuck in my brain; be at side stage when Therapy starts, Danny will sort out my microphone. They had insisted that I stay either backstage or at the side throughout, but I explained that I had my vlogging and photography to do, so they said it was okay for me to wander around as long as I was back in time. I even got a pass saying I was allowed directly in front of the stage to take the pictures, which is exactly what I did.

I worked my way across the stage, snapping pictures here and there of Pierce The Veil, The Downtown Fiction and last but not least, All Time Low, but mostly waiting for that golden moment where one of them would pull a funny face, or where they looked so transfixed in what they were doing.
I let the loud cheers of the fans behind me fade out as I focussed on the live music coursing through my veins. The bassline pulsing right through me and the beat of the drum making my hear pound. It was just so magical. And I never wanted it to end, but as A Party Song started, I made my way to the small contol room at the top of the hall where you could see the entire stage, and I was greeted by Evan who was leaning back in his chair, admiring his work in front of him.

''Hey, Evan , would it be cool if you recorded the Remembering Sunday performance for me?'' I asked, holding out my camera to him.

''Sure thing,'' he replied, taking it from me, ''You're Abi, right?''

''Right.'' I smiled, thanking him and leaving again, just as Therapy started.

I dashed through the crowd and made my way to side stage where Danny was tapping his foot, clearly annoyed. I shot him a cheeky smile as he sorted out my microphone as Alex was finishing up.

''Right, you're all set to go, just wait for your cue to walk out, and you're good.'' He said, patting me on the back reassuringly.

I felt really nervous now, and I felt like I was going to puke all over the place. Breathe Abi, breathe. I looked out at Alex who was sat on his little wooden stool, guitar in his lap and smiling at the audience before speaking.

''We're gonna keep it slow for one more song,'' he called out to them, strumming the chords that I recognised, earning cheers from the crowd, ''This song is called Remembering Sunday!" And then he started on the chords again, effortlessly playing them not even needing to look at his guitar. And when he started singing, I swear the whole world stopped, because damn that boy could sing.

He woke up from dreaming and put on his shoes
Started making his way past two in the morning
He hasn't been sober for days
Leaning now into the breeze
Remembering Sunday he falls to his knees
They had breakfast together
But two eggs don't last like the feeling of what he needs
Now this place seems familiar to him

He looked across at me and ever so subtly winked, causing me to panic even more at how real all this was. It wasn't a fucking dream, it's real. My God.

She pulled on his hand with a devilish grin
She led him upstairs, she led him upstairs
Left him dying to get in

More screaming filled the air and I looked across to the other side of the stage where the other girls I presumed to be VIP were smiling at him, hanging on his every word, and who cam blame them?

Forgive me I'm trying to find my calling
I'm calling at night
I don't mean to be a bother but have you seen...

He stopped singing and the crowd carried on for him, pretty darn good may I add. A ot better than what I'm about to do.

She's been running through my dreams
And it's driving me crazy it seems
I'm gonna ask her to marry me

Even louder screams, which I smiled at until I realised my entrance was getting closer and closer as each lyrics escaped his mouth.

Even though she doesn't believe in love
He's determined to call her bluff
Who could deny these butterflies, that are filling his, FILLING HIS?
Waking the neighbours unfamiliar faces
He pleads though he tries
He's only denied, now he's dying to get inside!

I was now pacing around, my hands getting clammy around my microphone. I can't do this, I can't do this. Yes I can, don't be so stupid.

Forgive me I'm trying to find my calling
I'm calling at night
I don't mean to be a bother but have you seen this...
She's been running through my dreams
And it's driving me crazy it seems
I'm gonna ask her to marry me


Crap crap crap, I need to walk out, shit shit shit. I took a shaky step out right as Alex started singing, and his eyes met mine with a smile as the crowd cheered out for me...cheered my name.

The neighbours said she moved away
Funny how it rained all day
I didn't think much of it then
But it's starting to all make sense


I didn't know what I was meant to do now, do I just stand there? I don't know what came over me, but instead of taking a seat on one of the amps like a normal person, I said crossed legged on the floor beside him.

Oh I can see now that all of these clouds
Are following me on my desperate endevour
To find my whoever, wherever she may be.

He smiled down at me quickly and I brought the microphone up to my mouth, squeezed my eyes shut and let myself get absorbed in the music.

I'm not coming back
I've done something so terrible
I'm terrified to speak but you'd expect that from me
I'm mixed up, I'l be blunt
Now the rain is just washing you out of my hair

I opened my eyes and seeing everyone swaying and enjoying themselves, I got a massive confidence boost. Just in the nick of time, too.

And out of my mind
Keeping an eye on the world
So many thousands of feet off the ground
I'm over you now, I'm at home in the clouds
Towering over your head

I looked back up at Alex who was once again smiling in approval and carried on singing with the outro.

I guess I'll go home now
I guess I'll go home now
I guess I'll go home now
I guess I'll go home...

The audience roared even louder than they had before and I jumped to my feet, waving to the audience wanting to get off that stage as quick as possible.

''Abi Sabourn everybody!" He yelled happily into his mic as I walked off stage.

Did that really just happen?

Notes

This is really late, but we ran into some difficulties! Sorry :c

-BringMeBarakat