Backseat Serenade
[4] Well I did want to be a Disney Princess
I was the last to get on the bus; I slowly shuffled towards the bunk area to claim a bunk for myself. I yawned as placed my handbag on a free bunk above Alex’s, I lightly placed my head against the soft blanket and took a deep breath.
“Daww, poor little GemGem is hungover” Alex cooed as he looked up at me from his bunk
“Shut up, Lex or I will beat you” I sneered not lifting my head
“Empty threat”
I just put my hand to his face, and shook my head.
“Yeah you can’t blame me for this” Matt said from behind me
“Your opinion is not valid here,” I snapped, but I managed a smile towards him
I heard him chuckled behind me, I slightly turned my head some more to see he was placing his small Disney collection into the bunk. Suddenly my hangover seemed to light for a second until I began to unpack my own stuff.
Then I climbed into the bunk so I could lie down and get my head together. But I overheard Alex and Matt talking.
“So where did you end up last night? I’m presuming Gemma gave you the message,” Alex asked
I waited to see if Matt would tell the truth or make up some excuse.
“The usual, went down to the lobby and slept on one of the couches, but dude more notice next please”
“You know me, can’t help myself”
Then they continued to talk about guy related stuff so I tuned out. I just wanted to sleep or just do something that didn’t involve moving. But I knew Matt would be pulling me aside of manager related crap.
“GEMMMMMAAAAAAA!!!” Jack shouted from the front longue
I grimaced at the loud noise, so I peeked my head out of the bunk and glared at him.
“Yeah, Alex said you where hungover” he childishly grinned at me
I glared at him and I hung my head down to Alex’s bunk.
“Watch while you sleep tonight, I am going to beat the living crap out of you” I glared upside down at him
Matt chuckled again at me; I sat back up and smiled at him. Then opened his laptop but I noticed his kept glancing up at me. Once again the butterflies returned.
***
“Okay, I’ll ease you in. Here’s the schedule tomorrow, all we have to do is make sure that boys get to interviews, get to sound check and get to stage on time” Matt smiled at me as he handed me a piece of paper
My eyes darted over the page infront of me. It seemed simple enough but I know these boys and getting them in one place at one time was also difficult.
“Don’t worry Matt, I can handle it” I grinned
“Good, we start tomorrow at 9am, sound check is at 10 for us, and the boys have interviews at noon. So I’m warning you they can be pretty pissy in even you have to wake them” he ended with a chuckle
“Alex and Jack I can handle, I’ve been waking them early for years” I smiled
“Good, Rian and Zack are normally awake anyway”
“Thanks Matt, well if we are done here, I’m gonna take my mac, climb into my bunk and fall asleep to Grey’s Anatomy” I smiled
“Ok-ay” he said with a confused look on his face
“It’s my hungover routine” I winked as I scurried off towards the bunks
And I did as I said, but first I took advantage of the empty bathroom to change into my old vest blink top and my sleeping shorts before climbing into my bunk for the night.
As I settled down, I looked at the memories I’d taped to my bunk wall. I never really made friends over my 3 years at college; the people in my course just didn’t take well to me. They found out Alex was my brother and though I’d have a leg up on everyone else, which I did I spent the better part of older teenage years helping the boys when they were starting, hence my reason to go to college. But the memories I had on the wall, where old ones. From the good years. Pictures of me and Alex as kids, ones of me and the boys which made me question what I was doing with my hair as a teenager and ones of myself and Matt.
I grabbed my mac, booted it up and loaded a few episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, and then I pulled the curtain back so everyone walking past wouldn’t be staring at me as I cried or was shouting at the show.
I was happily watching the show, until someone gently pulled my curtain back. When I looked up I saw Matt’s smiling face staring at me.
“I know you in your routine but I wanna show you something” he smiled
“But Matt, I’m in my pj’s there is no way I am going outside” I whined
“Okay, it can wait till tomorrow night” he smiled
He had turned to walk away, but I gently grabbed his arm.
“Hey this episode basically over, you wanna join me and watch a Disney movie I have all of them since 1937” I grinned, I knew Disney was Matt’s weak spot
“Well if you insist,” he grinned
I moved over in my bunk so there was room for him, I glided in between me and I brought up my massive collection of Disney movies.
“I know you like Disney films, I didn’t know it was this bad” he chuckled
“Well I did want to be a Disney Princess when I was 7, ask Alex he’ll tell you” I giggled
“Well you choose, you know I’ll watch anything” he smiled
“Little Mermaid it is”
As the film went on, I noticed at the corner of my eye Matt kept watching me, and his smile got stronger as he seen me mouthing the words to all the songs.
But soon enough, I started to fall asleep and Matt noticed that.
“I’ll take this, you looked wrecked” he smiled
“Fine”
Then I snuggled into the blankets as I tired to get comfortable, but unlike last night Matt cuddled right up to me and wrapped his arm around me. But I was so wrecked that I didn’t noticed anything after, but I think I heard he whisper
“Good Night Princess” and lightly kiss my head
Next Day
When I woke the next morning, Matt was gone and I checked the time it was 8:30. I stretched before getting out of the bunk and headed to the bathroom to do my normal morning routine. I grabbed a cup before making a pot of coffee, I yawned as I stood with my back to the counter, I peered outside we’d made it to the venue last night so all I could was tour buses but from the way the sun was shining I guessed it a sunny and warm day. Nothing new on this tour, the sun seemed to follow it. After making my coffee I headed to my bunk to find something to wear. I went with something simple, denim shorts, a glamour kills tank top and a pair of checked vans, it was practical and I wouldn’t be dying in the heat. Finally I grabbed my mic and hand set, clicked it to my short and the strap on my top and headed outside.
The shorts were a good idea, it was barely 9am and yet it was still warm, something I would love, I loved the sun, the heat against my skin it was nice. I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket and it was a text from Matt.
Matt
Hey, meet us at the Kia Rio Stage, we’re getting set up and I can show you the ropes :)
I smiled to myself as I made my through the sea of buses and through the venue. I could already see fans lining up to get in, it was nice.
I ducked through the separating curtain and there I found Danny and Matt. When Matt noticed my presence he smiled and turned to me.
“Hey Danny” I grinned
“Hey Gem, ready for your first day of hell” he chuckled
“Oh come Danny, it can’t be that bad. Right” I nervously giggled as I looked at Matt for an answer
“Don’t worry Gem, Danny is only messing with you”
Danny laughed with us, and then he patted Matt on the shoulder and went back to work.
“Right, time to show you the ropes” Matt grinned as he gently took me by the hand and lead me to the stage
“Okay, well as you know Danny handles the guitars with Dan, Evan the sound and Jeff the lighting. So we just set up the stage around them, with setlists, double checking mic’s and anything that’s needed” he explained to me
“Seems simple enough” I smiled
“You’ll get the hang of it”
And Matt was right; everything seemed to come second nature to me, even the rest of the crew seemed surprised that I’d taken to the role so quickly and naturally. I’d guessed it was the Gaskarth in me.
Soon enough, Matt ventured off the wake the boys for sound check; while I looked over the All Time Low double-checking I knew the songs. Lucky enough I’d spent my life just learning every ATL song on guitar just for an occasion like this.
As I sat on one of the stacks, quietly playing my Gibson, I felt someone’s chin on my shoulder; I gently peered around to see it was Matt.
“Hey you” I softly smiled
“So I finally get to hear Gemma sing and player. I’ve only been going by Alex’s versions of events” he chuckled
“Great, all I need pressure” I sighed
He gently rubbed my arm and grinned.
“You’ll do fine”
That moment clicked again, we just stood in silence just smiling at each other, but Jack abruptly ruined it whined about how early it was for him.
“Oh Jack will you shut up” I grinned sticking my tongue out at him
He said nothing back, but I once again caught Alex looking at Matt and me with almost a glare. I wasn’t sure why he was doing this all of a sudden.
After Jack stopped complaining, sound check got under way. It was straightforward; with the only hiccup being Alex insisted that I’d do female vocals for guts and remembering Sunday unless Tay Jardin was watching from side stage.
***
The boys had finished there interviews, sound check was done and well all that was left was the actually play but that wasn’t for another 3 hours. Alex and Jack went off in search of people they knew, Zack decided he needed a run and well Rian, him and Danny went to check out some minor bands. Which left Matt and myself on the bus and for once Matt wasn’t tied to his laptop or phone.
I grabbed a hair bobble to try up my hair since I was trying to annoy me and walked out to the front of the bus to find Matt leaning against the kitchen counter top, almost waiting for me.
“So, I was thinking I could show you that thing I was on about last night” he grinned
“Well I have nothing else to be doing, so sure go for it”
Then he gently grabbed my hand and dragged me outside. It seemed like he was taking me out of the venue and towards a small hill just on the venues edges.
“I found this spot our first warped and well it’s just a great get away” he grinned as he took in the view.
And he was right; it was quite, the view was breath taking. But I wanted to ask him something, something that had been annoying ever since the argument with Alex over this tour.
“Hey Matt, I was wondering if you knew the real reason why Alex didn’t want me here, because what he said was complete bullshit”
I heard him sighed heavily, before he spoke.
“Yeah, I know” he paused for a second
“It was because of me”
“What? Why? Don’t you like me or something? Have you been playing me with this entire time?” I asked in a panic, while pulling my hand from his
“No, no it’s nothing like that”
“What is it then” I asked, looking up at him slightly
“Alex, knows that … well am …” he stuttered
I said nothing and just looked at him funny.
“I have this thing, for you” he said quietly, not meeting my stare
I stayed silent, and just took his hand in mine and squeezed it.
“So you’re saying that, you like me more than a friend” I smiled
“I completely understand if you don’t feel the same” he sighed looking at his feet
I pulled him closer and our lips connected, and that spark happened. Something I’ve only read about in books. The spark that means you have something more with that person.
“Don’t worry Matt, I have this thing for you also”
“Daww, poor little GemGem is hungover” Alex cooed as he looked up at me from his bunk
“Shut up, Lex or I will beat you” I sneered not lifting my head
“Empty threat”
I just put my hand to his face, and shook my head.
“Yeah you can’t blame me for this” Matt said from behind me
“Your opinion is not valid here,” I snapped, but I managed a smile towards him
I heard him chuckled behind me, I slightly turned my head some more to see he was placing his small Disney collection into the bunk. Suddenly my hangover seemed to light for a second until I began to unpack my own stuff.
Then I climbed into the bunk so I could lie down and get my head together. But I overheard Alex and Matt talking.
“So where did you end up last night? I’m presuming Gemma gave you the message,” Alex asked
I waited to see if Matt would tell the truth or make up some excuse.
“The usual, went down to the lobby and slept on one of the couches, but dude more notice next please”
“You know me, can’t help myself”
Then they continued to talk about guy related stuff so I tuned out. I just wanted to sleep or just do something that didn’t involve moving. But I knew Matt would be pulling me aside of manager related crap.
“GEMMMMMAAAAAAA!!!” Jack shouted from the front longue
I grimaced at the loud noise, so I peeked my head out of the bunk and glared at him.
“Yeah, Alex said you where hungover” he childishly grinned at me
I glared at him and I hung my head down to Alex’s bunk.
“Watch while you sleep tonight, I am going to beat the living crap out of you” I glared upside down at him
Matt chuckled again at me; I sat back up and smiled at him. Then opened his laptop but I noticed his kept glancing up at me. Once again the butterflies returned.
***
“Okay, I’ll ease you in. Here’s the schedule tomorrow, all we have to do is make sure that boys get to interviews, get to sound check and get to stage on time” Matt smiled at me as he handed me a piece of paper
My eyes darted over the page infront of me. It seemed simple enough but I know these boys and getting them in one place at one time was also difficult.
“Don’t worry Matt, I can handle it” I grinned
“Good, we start tomorrow at 9am, sound check is at 10 for us, and the boys have interviews at noon. So I’m warning you they can be pretty pissy in even you have to wake them” he ended with a chuckle
“Alex and Jack I can handle, I’ve been waking them early for years” I smiled
“Good, Rian and Zack are normally awake anyway”
“Thanks Matt, well if we are done here, I’m gonna take my mac, climb into my bunk and fall asleep to Grey’s Anatomy” I smiled
“Ok-ay” he said with a confused look on his face
“It’s my hungover routine” I winked as I scurried off towards the bunks
And I did as I said, but first I took advantage of the empty bathroom to change into my old vest blink top and my sleeping shorts before climbing into my bunk for the night.
As I settled down, I looked at the memories I’d taped to my bunk wall. I never really made friends over my 3 years at college; the people in my course just didn’t take well to me. They found out Alex was my brother and though I’d have a leg up on everyone else, which I did I spent the better part of older teenage years helping the boys when they were starting, hence my reason to go to college. But the memories I had on the wall, where old ones. From the good years. Pictures of me and Alex as kids, ones of me and the boys which made me question what I was doing with my hair as a teenager and ones of myself and Matt.
I grabbed my mac, booted it up and loaded a few episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, and then I pulled the curtain back so everyone walking past wouldn’t be staring at me as I cried or was shouting at the show.
I was happily watching the show, until someone gently pulled my curtain back. When I looked up I saw Matt’s smiling face staring at me.
“I know you in your routine but I wanna show you something” he smiled
“But Matt, I’m in my pj’s there is no way I am going outside” I whined
“Okay, it can wait till tomorrow night” he smiled
He had turned to walk away, but I gently grabbed his arm.
“Hey this episode basically over, you wanna join me and watch a Disney movie I have all of them since 1937” I grinned, I knew Disney was Matt’s weak spot
“Well if you insist,” he grinned
I moved over in my bunk so there was room for him, I glided in between me and I brought up my massive collection of Disney movies.
“I know you like Disney films, I didn’t know it was this bad” he chuckled
“Well I did want to be a Disney Princess when I was 7, ask Alex he’ll tell you” I giggled
“Well you choose, you know I’ll watch anything” he smiled
“Little Mermaid it is”
As the film went on, I noticed at the corner of my eye Matt kept watching me, and his smile got stronger as he seen me mouthing the words to all the songs.
But soon enough, I started to fall asleep and Matt noticed that.
“I’ll take this, you looked wrecked” he smiled
“Fine”
Then I snuggled into the blankets as I tired to get comfortable, but unlike last night Matt cuddled right up to me and wrapped his arm around me. But I was so wrecked that I didn’t noticed anything after, but I think I heard he whisper
“Good Night Princess” and lightly kiss my head
Next Day
When I woke the next morning, Matt was gone and I checked the time it was 8:30. I stretched before getting out of the bunk and headed to the bathroom to do my normal morning routine. I grabbed a cup before making a pot of coffee, I yawned as I stood with my back to the counter, I peered outside we’d made it to the venue last night so all I could was tour buses but from the way the sun was shining I guessed it a sunny and warm day. Nothing new on this tour, the sun seemed to follow it. After making my coffee I headed to my bunk to find something to wear. I went with something simple, denim shorts, a glamour kills tank top and a pair of checked vans, it was practical and I wouldn’t be dying in the heat. Finally I grabbed my mic and hand set, clicked it to my short and the strap on my top and headed outside.
The shorts were a good idea, it was barely 9am and yet it was still warm, something I would love, I loved the sun, the heat against my skin it was nice. I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket and it was a text from Matt.
Matt
Hey, meet us at the Kia Rio Stage, we’re getting set up and I can show you the ropes :)
I smiled to myself as I made my through the sea of buses and through the venue. I could already see fans lining up to get in, it was nice.
I ducked through the separating curtain and there I found Danny and Matt. When Matt noticed my presence he smiled and turned to me.
“Hey Danny” I grinned
“Hey Gem, ready for your first day of hell” he chuckled
“Oh come Danny, it can’t be that bad. Right” I nervously giggled as I looked at Matt for an answer
“Don’t worry Gem, Danny is only messing with you”
Danny laughed with us, and then he patted Matt on the shoulder and went back to work.
“Right, time to show you the ropes” Matt grinned as he gently took me by the hand and lead me to the stage
“Okay, well as you know Danny handles the guitars with Dan, Evan the sound and Jeff the lighting. So we just set up the stage around them, with setlists, double checking mic’s and anything that’s needed” he explained to me
“Seems simple enough” I smiled
“You’ll get the hang of it”
And Matt was right; everything seemed to come second nature to me, even the rest of the crew seemed surprised that I’d taken to the role so quickly and naturally. I’d guessed it was the Gaskarth in me.
Soon enough, Matt ventured off the wake the boys for sound check; while I looked over the All Time Low double-checking I knew the songs. Lucky enough I’d spent my life just learning every ATL song on guitar just for an occasion like this.
As I sat on one of the stacks, quietly playing my Gibson, I felt someone’s chin on my shoulder; I gently peered around to see it was Matt.
“Hey you” I softly smiled
“So I finally get to hear Gemma sing and player. I’ve only been going by Alex’s versions of events” he chuckled
“Great, all I need pressure” I sighed
He gently rubbed my arm and grinned.
“You’ll do fine”
That moment clicked again, we just stood in silence just smiling at each other, but Jack abruptly ruined it whined about how early it was for him.
“Oh Jack will you shut up” I grinned sticking my tongue out at him
He said nothing back, but I once again caught Alex looking at Matt and me with almost a glare. I wasn’t sure why he was doing this all of a sudden.
After Jack stopped complaining, sound check got under way. It was straightforward; with the only hiccup being Alex insisted that I’d do female vocals for guts and remembering Sunday unless Tay Jardin was watching from side stage.
***
The boys had finished there interviews, sound check was done and well all that was left was the actually play but that wasn’t for another 3 hours. Alex and Jack went off in search of people they knew, Zack decided he needed a run and well Rian, him and Danny went to check out some minor bands. Which left Matt and myself on the bus and for once Matt wasn’t tied to his laptop or phone.
I grabbed a hair bobble to try up my hair since I was trying to annoy me and walked out to the front of the bus to find Matt leaning against the kitchen counter top, almost waiting for me.
“So, I was thinking I could show you that thing I was on about last night” he grinned
“Well I have nothing else to be doing, so sure go for it”
Then he gently grabbed my hand and dragged me outside. It seemed like he was taking me out of the venue and towards a small hill just on the venues edges.
“I found this spot our first warped and well it’s just a great get away” he grinned as he took in the view.
And he was right; it was quite, the view was breath taking. But I wanted to ask him something, something that had been annoying ever since the argument with Alex over this tour.
“Hey Matt, I was wondering if you knew the real reason why Alex didn’t want me here, because what he said was complete bullshit”
I heard him sighed heavily, before he spoke.
“Yeah, I know” he paused for a second
“It was because of me”
“What? Why? Don’t you like me or something? Have you been playing me with this entire time?” I asked in a panic, while pulling my hand from his
“No, no it’s nothing like that”
“What is it then” I asked, looking up at him slightly
“Alex, knows that … well am …” he stuttered
I said nothing and just looked at him funny.
“I have this thing, for you” he said quietly, not meeting my stare
I stayed silent, and just took his hand in mine and squeezed it.
“So you’re saying that, you like me more than a friend” I smiled
“I completely understand if you don’t feel the same” he sighed looking at his feet
I pulled him closer and our lips connected, and that spark happened. Something I’ve only read about in books. The spark that means you have something more with that person.
“Don’t worry Matt, I have this thing for you also”
Notes
I started work today, so i'm gonna be working 8-5, 5 days a week now this summer, so writing and posting this may be slow but I'll do my best :DSoo Pleasee bare with me :D
Enjoy guys :P
GemGem xx
11/19/13