We arrived at the venue just an hour late as I predicted. Still there was no movement from the bunks and I parked in our designated area and stopped the engine. Alan, Austin and Tony woke up from their naps and we left the bus together.

I connected power and water to the bus and was just about to say goodbye to the guys when Austin interjected. "No way we are going to leave you alone with these psychopaths Easy, we have to go to sound check now but you're coming with us so that we can have an eye on you." Alan wanted to take my hand but I pulled away pouting.

" Sound check is boring and I honestly don't need a baby sitter".

"Do you want to come with me to catering then? My band just texted me they are having lunch there." Tony asked putting a hand on my shoulder.

My mood immediately brightened "That sounds more like it, yes food, I need some food" I pulled a face at Alan and he flipped me off. Austin rolled his eyes at us. I have to admit we sometimes act like we are two teenage siblings.

We parted and I followed Tony to the food tent where we got our plates loaded and looked for his band.
Vic saw us first and called us over. "Hey Tony and ahem - Bus girl come over here."

"Hi, my name is Easy" I said as we reached their table standing around a bit awkwardly.

Jaime practically jumped up hugging me tightly. "Finally, the girl everybody talks about." He held me on arms length "you look so innocent like a little angel. Angelito. I can't believe the weird things they say about you." The others groaned at his not very flattering remark.

Mike stood up with a bright smile hugging me against his bare chest. "I want to hear everything about the surf trip." He said with a surprisingly soft voice.

Vic was the last one to greet me hugging me gently for quite some time lightly swaying us from side to side. " I am so happy to finally meet you Easy, please sit down I want to know so much about you." Wow this guy is so sweet he really seemed genuinely interested.

First I was a bit shy because of all the attention I got from the guys. Tony sat beside me holding my hand loosely in his lap playing with my fingers absentmindedly while listening to the conversation. He obviously was back in his shell again.

I told them what had happened before and the guys were a bit shocked but also amused about the boldness of our plan.

Vic had eyed me closely the whole time when he finally leaned over to me looking in my eyes. "Can I ask you a question Easy? You don't have to answer though if it makes you uncomfortable."

"Of course, Vic what is it?"

"I don't know how to put it but why are you - I mean how come you ended up - no, - is being a bus driver what you-did you never think of-. God that all sounds so wrong" he hid his face in his hands in frustration.

I looked at him amused. I think I knew what he wanted to find out. " You mean why am I ONLY a bus driver? And you want to know if that's what I wanted to do all my life? You wonder if I never dreamt of becoming something better or bigger?" He looked at me kind of sad nodding his head.

"Firstly we all need those people that drive us around, that prepare our food" I pointed at the people behind the counters. "That empty our bins and mow our lawns. And I am grateful for them. Those might not be the best jobs but somebody has to do them." They all nodded in agreement.

"As for myself doing this job here was more of an accident than a plan. I had a big dream once that I pursued just like you do but other than with you my dream ended soon." I looked up at their faces to see Vic nudging me to go on so I took a deep breath and decided to tell those strangers a bit about what I thought I had left behind.

"I grew up in a little beach town in Australia, what you do there is, you surf. I started to surf when I was pretty young I was around ten I guess, I became good pretty fast, surfing competitions and winning them as well. By the time I was sixteen I had a sponsorship, traveled the world, and had good chances of winning the junior world championships.

Then one day it happened, I was out practicing on my home spot when I misjudged a wave that slammed me directly onto some rocks.
I broke my back and needed surgery. I was lucky though I could have been dead or paralysed for the rest of my life, but it was also the end of my career.

My back would never be strong enough to cope with the strain of professional surfing.

I thought that was the end of my life but I got through it and grew stronger than before, I know it sounds cliché but I now live everyday like it could be my last.

I found out that it is not so important what you do it is who you are." I looked up at the guys and felt a tear running down my cheek that I hadn't noticed I had cried.

Vic turned to me and pulled me close to his chest. "Oh Easy, I'm so sorry, I did not know. You are such an amazing girl with so many talents I have only known you for minutes and you are already so dear to me. I can totally understand why Tony is so intrigued by you"

My head snapped to Tony who was looking down not meeting my gaze. " I am sure you will be able to find and follow a new dream and you will succeed. If you ever need help or advice please know that we will be there for you. I think I can speak for all of us here."

They all murmured in approval. "I heard people say you have a beautiful voice, I would like to hear you sing one day if you feel like it. But you look tired now. Do you want to use one of our bunks for a nap? You shouldn't go back to your bus before the guys have to go on stage."

He was right. I was tired, unlike the others I had driven through the night and had to try to get a few hours of sleep before my next shift started. So I gratefully accepted their offer and Tony walked me back to their bus where he showed me his bunk and I instantly fell asleep once my head touched the pillow.

Notes

Thanks for liking this so far <3