Five Years

The room was quiet and I grew tired of sitting around all day. Zack was supposed to be home any minute now to take me out and meet up a few of his good friends before I went on tour with his band. It was kind of odd that I was starting my job at Alternative Press writing about what it was like being on tour with All Time Low. The article would also be featuring pictures of the band and crew taken by Adam Elmakias so needless to say, I was pretty excited. Normally I would have to follow the band around in my own car but since Zack is my brother, he wanted me to stay close so he could make sure that I was always safe.

“Shay,” I heard someone call from the front door. “Are you ready to head out now?”

I removed myself from the couch and made my way to the front door where Zack was standing. He smiled and patted my shoulder before we headed out the door and out to his car. For some reason he wouldn’t tell me where we’re going and I didn’t know exactly who I was going to meet.

“Someone’s being quiet.” He stated and kept his eyes straight ahead.

“Well I’ve asked you where we’re going and you never told me so I’m just going to wait until we get there.” I shrugged and looked out my window.

“Whatever you say Princess Merrick,” He chuckled and drove us along the road downtown until we reached a small restaurant that Zack and I used to go to when we were younger. We got out and walked into the doors only to be greeted by a loud roar of guys yelling his name. He smiled and walked me over to the edge of the bar where all the guys were sitting, they seemed to look familiar, guys from the band and a couple of his friends.

“Well if it isn’t little Shay Merrick,” Jack smiled and got up to pull me into a big bear hug. “I didn’t think I’d get to see you again since you went off to Ohio to get hooked up with a sick AP job.”

“And here I am again.” I laughed as he let go of me.

“How long has it been?” Alex got up from his stool to pull me into a hug.

“Jesus,” Rian laughed. “Five years is just too long to see a good friend again. I’m not gonna lie though, I’ve been keeping an eye out for your interviews and articles in the mag and online. They’re always fun to read.”

“Aww thanks Rian.” I pulled him into a hug. “It’s nice to know that someone looks forward to reading my work.”

They pulled me into a big conversation about the company and then onto the big up and coming project that involved a US tour. It had been predetermined that I was going to get my own bunk but besides that I was supposed to make it seem as if I wasn’t even there at all. Just to see what the band was like in their natural habitat. But we all knew that wasn’t how it was going to be at all. When I was around the guys, I just became one of them so I’m going to be very involved this tour whether I’m helping with merch or just preparing with the crew for the show. So this article was not only going to get a full spread, but also a cover feature which is going to be my very first and it has to be good.

“Right, so tomorrow we head out to our very first date and of course we have to start off with a bang.” Matt spoke as we all sat around a large table. A waitress came along and passed out beers to everyone as Matt continued. “And since this is Shay’s first time seeing one of our shows post high school, we have to make it great so she can start off her article on a good foot.”

It was cute how much they were trying to impress me. I was only here to write a kick ass article about life with the band but they were just so happy to be reunited with me and I was happy too. Being away from them for so long made me forget how much fun I could have and made me regret leaving in the first place.

“Okay,” Zack rolled his eyes. “Let’s make this a kickass show for the fans, not my sister. Besides, Shay didn’t even pay for her own tickets.”

“Well bro, that’s because I’m here on business, just like you.” I smirked. “Hasn’t it always been about the fans anyway?”

“To the fans!” Jack yelled and held up his beer mug. We all yelled it back before chugging down some beer. We all laughed and continued to talk through the night but closer to the end Alex pulled me aside and took me out to the front of the building.

“What’s up Alex?” I asked and shoved my hands in my pockets. I was a little nervous to talk to Alex alone considering that he was a result of me leaving in the first place.

“I’ve just missed you a lot.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “And I want you to know that I’m no longer with Lisa.”

I furrowed my brows and frowned. “Alex, you don’t have to update me on your relationship status. Your private life is none of my business.”

“Oh.” He looked down at the pavement and cigarette butts that littered the ground. “I just thought it would make you happy to know that she’s gone.”

“You can’t change the past Alex, and I know that you wish that you could.” I reached out and patted his shoulder. “We both made mistakes, all right? But why don’t we just stay friends for now? I just don’t want to make this tour weird.”

He nodded and pulled me into another hug. “It’s nice to have my friend back again.”
“It’s nice to be back again.” I laughed. We went back inside the restaurant and sat around the table and continued to talk through the night.

Notes

Sorry that the first chapter is short! I promise that the story will get better as it progresses.