Time-Bomb

I woke up to the sound of people talking. I saw Alex, Jack, Rian, and Zack standing around. They all had backpacks slung over their shoulders.

“What’s going on?” I asked groggily. Alex seemed to suddenly realize I was still in the room and walked over to me, kneeling down next to the couch.

“We’re leaving.” he whispered.

“Why?” I asked.

“Since I remember our songs now, we can go back for the last few weeks of tour.” he explained.

“You said you’d stay.” I said weakly. His face softened.

“I know. But we have to get back out there. For the fans.” he said.

“So, once again, your family comes second. Is that right?” I asked sharply.

“August, come on.” he scoffed.

“No, you come on, Alex.” I snapped.

“August, you know it’s not like that. This...this pays. I swear to God, this time I will send money every month. I...I don’t know what to do.” he said helplessly.

“Here’s an idea, don’t leave!” I cried.

“Gus, I have to.” he sighed, playing with a lock of my hair.

“Don’t touch me.” I said through my teeth.

He dug through his back pocket and took out his wallet. He took out a few bills.

“Here’s five hundred.” he sighed, pressing the paper into my hand.

“Thanks.” I said dryly.

“I’m sorry.” he whispered again. I got up to say goodbye to the other guys. I started with Jack.

“It’s not gonna be the same without you, Gus.” he whispered.

“I know Jacky.” I whispered back.

He squeezed me in a hug.

“You better keep in touch. At least with me.” he said, pointing a finger at me.

“I’ll try.” I laughed.

I moved onto Rian.

“Bye, August.” he said, smiling his toothy smile.

“Bye, Ri.” I smiled back, choking up. He gave me a big bear hug.

“Look, if you ever need anything, call us, okay?” he said.

“Of course.” I replied.

Last was Zack.

“My life’s gonna be pretty dull without you and Josie.” he smiled.

“You’ll live.” I replied, smiling back dryly.

“And so will you.” he nodded, as if that were the gospel truth. He hugged me, his muscles engulfing me.

“Call us.” he stated, and waved at me.

Alex stood there awkwardly.

“Well, do I at least get a hug?” he asked.

“Sure.” I nodded. He hugged me, resting his chin on my head. The smell of Axe circled me as his arms held me, protecting me from what was going to happen next.

“Bye, Alex.” I choked.

“Bye, Gus.” he nodded. They walked out the door, waving to me. I was left with Bailey.

“Well, he’s gone. I'm alone. Just like that." I whispered brokenly.

"Not completely. You've still got me and Josie and Alex is going to send you money." she replied soothingly.

"But he just left! And now I'll have to listen to his voice every night! And what about my job? I gave that up so I could work for Alex. There's no way I'll get it back." I cried.

"You don't want that shitty job anyway. You should go into photography." she told me.

"Get real. No one will buy my photos." I said bitterly.

"Yes they will. You're so good." Bailey assured.

"You're right. After Josie gets better, we're starting a new life." I said.

And we did start over. I went back to school for photography, taking night classes while Bailey watched Josie for me. And it turned out that I was pregnant again. I had another beautiful baby girl named Katherine Olivia Gaskarth, but I called her Kate.

And just like that, we were fine. But some cracks in the foundation of our lives can't be fixed, or even overlooked.

Notes

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xoxo

Hayley