Time-Bomb

We made our way back to where the shows were being held. Soon, it was noon and we were getting a break for lunch.

We sat at the picnic tables. In the middle of it, someone touched my thigh. Not in a sexual way, just in a gentle, comforting way. I looked to my right and Alex was there, smiling small. I rested my head on his shoulder.

When the shows finished and All Time Low had done their meet and greet, Alex came over to me and helped Vinny and me pack up. He rested his head on my shoulder and closed his eyes.

“I’m so tired.” He mumbled.

“Bus call in twenty.” Matt, our tour manager called as he walked by with his walkie, as usual. Alex and I walked over.

We all got back on the bus and set off to drive to San Francisco, where the next date was. Alex and I put Josie to bed then decided to have some “alone time” in the back lounge while Zack agreed to keep an eye on Josie in case she woke up. Alex took off his shirt, stretched, and plopped down in the center of the couch. He patted the place next to him and I lay down as well.

“You have a day off tomorrow.” He mumbled.

“There are no shows?” I asked.

“Oh, there are shows. You’re just not going to be selling merch during them.” he replied.

“Then what am I supposed to do?” I asked.

“You’re going out with Kelsey and McKenzie, since they’re actually not having a show tomorrow. Everyone else can help with Josie.” He replied.

“You sure?” I asked.

“Positive.” He replied.

“Thanks.” I smiled.

“I just need to know a bit about Josie.” He said.

We talked for awhile, him asking questions about Josie and me answering them. Then we were kissing. I sat on his lap and the kiss deepened.

“Momma, Daddy?” Josie asked. We broke apart and I fell to the place I’d been on the couch before we’d started kissing. Alex glared and crossed his arms, looking to the floor. I picked Josie up.

“What’s wrong, sweetie?” I asked.

“I had a bad dream.” She whimpered.

“What was it about?” I asked.

“You and Daddy were gone and I was sick and no one was there to help me.” she sobbed, burying her face in my shoulder. I rubbed her back, but she didn’t stop crying.

“Alex, can you please help?” I asked.

“What do you mean?” he asked back.

“Sing to her.” I pleaded. He cleared his throat.

“Don’t try to hide the mistakes I’ve made this time. But please try and listen. Cuz I’m breaking my heart tonight, so you can see what’s inside. Cuz wherever you go, well that’s where I’ll go.” He sang What We Hate, We Make by The Rocket Summer.

She stopped crying at his voice, seeming mesmerized. By the time he was finished, she was sound asleep.

“Oh great, my voice puts girls to sleep.” He laughed quietly.

“That’s a good thing.” I smiled.

“Sorry we got interrupted.” I whispered.

“It’s okay.” He sighed.

“Do you regret it?” I asked him.

“Regret what?” he asked.

“Coming back into our lives.” I replied.

“Of course not. Do you get this a lot?” he asked, gesturing to Josie.

“Yeah. I couldn’t handle it at first, but it gets easier. I used to put on your CD’s and she’d go right to sleep.” I told him.

“Y-You bought our CD’s?” he asked, surprised.

“Yeah. I figured if they couldn’t see you, they should at least hear your voice. And after a while, I needed it too. I started to forget how it sounded...” I admitted, choking up with tears.

“You know you could’ve called me. I would’ve picked up before it started ringing.” He reminded me.

“I was mad at you, but I couldn’t get over you.” I replied.

“Why not?” he asked softly, putting some hair behind my ear.

“Well, Josie is a spitting image of you and plus I was hearing your voice on a nightly basis. Nice work, by the way.” I replied.

“Thanks.” He smiled.

“You’re welcome. Shall we put her in her bunk and go to sleep?” I asked.

“Sure.” Alex nodded.

We walked out, Alex carrying her. We tucked her in then changed.

Alex’s Perspective

We woke up and got Josie dressed and gave her breakfast. It was surprisingly easy and she did what I told her. I found August and gave her what she’d earned so far.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“Everything you made yesterday. You deserve it.” I replied. She hugged me.

“Are you sure you have everything under control?” August asked for the millionth time.

“Relax. Everything will be fine.” I assured.

“Okay. But if it isn’t, I’m cutting off your favorite body part and we all know what that is.” She warned. I laughed. Finally, she left. Everything would go great. Or so I thought.

I situated Josie with Vinny at the merch stand and some coloring books to entertain herself and went to play my set. Soon, I jogged back, but Josie wasn’t with Vinny.

“Where’s Josie?” I asked through my teeth trying to stay calm.

“What? Oh, shit.” Vinny whispered.

“Vinny! What the hell?” I asked. I had to call August.

“Hello?” her lovely voice chirped. She had no idea what I had to tell her.

“August, I messed up.” I whispered.

“What is it?” she asked.

“Josie’s gone.” I whispered.

“WHAT?!” she screeched.

“How did that happen?” she asked sharply.

“I let Vinny watch her while we played and I came back and she wasn’t there.” I told her.

“Look for her.” August stated.

“I,” I stammered, but she cut in.

“Look for her!” she yelled and hung up.

I sighed. I looked everywhere, but didn’t find her. I went to the back lounge. Rian, Zack, and Jack were playing Xbox and by the looks of it, Jack was getting his ass kicked.

“Hi guys.” I sighed.

“Not now. I’m about to catch up!” Jack yelled, followed by a stream of loud profanities, most of them being ones he made up.

“Guys, Josie’s gone.” I told them.

“You’ll figure something out.” He told me, still not paying attention. I unplugged the Xbox.

“What the fuck, you pussy!” Jack yelled. I grabbed him by the shirt.

“Listen, you. I’ve known my daughter for like three days and I’ve already managed to lose her in an unfamiliar city no less. Help me or when August comes home I’ll have her kill you as well as me.” I snarled and let him go.

“Listen to Alex, dude.” Zack chimed in.

“Okay. Where did you last see her?” Jack asked.

“She’s a three-year old girl, not a t-shirt!” I snapped.

“Just trying to help.” Jack said, putting his hands up. We looked all around but didn’t find her. We hung out next to our bus, leaning against it.

“I hate this. She could be hungry, cold, sad, lonely, hurt, sick, and I wouldn’t know and I can’t do anything about it.” I sighed.

“It’s okay, man. It’s not your fault.” Zack assured.

“Yeah, it is. I was supposed to be watching her and I just left her alone with a guy she doesn’t know. There goes my Father of the Year award.” I choked, almost crying.

“It’s okay. Listen.” He said and I heard a girl crying.

It was coming from somewhere towards the front of the bus. We looked at each other. I dashed inside and found Josie in my bunk, crying.

“Daddy!” she squealed. I picked her up in my arms.

“Baby, I’m so, so sorry. I love you, I’m sorry.” I whispered. August called just then. “Hey.” I said wearily.

“Did you find her?” August asked.

“Yeah. She was in my bunk on the bus. But she’s okay.” I replied.

“Good. I’ll see you soon.” She said and we hung up.

Notes

There's a life lesson: never leave your young child alone with Vinny!

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xoxo

Hayley