I wasn’t looking forward to the next month. While I had Jack, Rian, Zack, Matt and Vinny to keep me company, I was dreading the moments I’d have to deal with Alex.After all, he was the one who gave up on us, not me. Though I would be the first to admit that I wish I would’ve handled things differently.
I figured it would all go back to the way it was before. The glares, petty fights, and the insults would come back as if nothing else happened, right? No, it wasn’t quite like that. It was more that my existence seemed to be completely erased from Alex’s life.
For the rest of my time with the band, I tended to stick close to Jack, Matt, or Vinny, depending on where I was supposed to be for the shows. My most common jobs were merch girl, guitar tech, and Matt’s personal assistant, thought I didn’t really mind any of them too much. That’s why I was there anyway.
With school starting up again on September 1st, I was set to go to the airport the morning of August 30th, so that I would have plenty of time to prepare. I had called my mom to tell her I would be heading back to Baltimore soon, but I didn’t tell her anything that had happened throughout the tour. Matt and I would probably both get in trouble for that.
The night before I left, I received hugs from the boys while Alex hid in his bunk. I promised to text, call, and Skype each of them whenever I could. “Ah, but don’t you guys be strangers,” I said. “I live in Baltimore. When you’re home, you have to visit me.”
Jack grinned at me. “Well duh. Did you think we’d let you go easy?”
I felt so loved by them all, that for a moment, I didn't care about Alex. But, as I crawled into my bunk for the last time that night to sleep for my early morning flight, he was all I could think about.
Matt shook my shoulder the next morning, urging me to get dressed for my departure. The boys were all still asleep, so I crept quietly around the bus, trying to gather all last minute items and put them in my suitcase. Once I was ready, Matt took me to the airport, even helping me take my things inside and check in. Then, we were left to stand off to the side of the TSA line, neither one of us wanting to really say goodbye.
“There will be a break in the tour for about a week near the end of October. I think I might just fly to Baltimore with the boys,” Matt smiled.
“You better,” I replied. “Listen, thanks for letting me tag along. It was such a wonderful summer, and I got to meet so many cool people. Not to mention, I got my uncle back. That was pretty cool.”
He pulled me into a hug. “Then don’t forget to call your old uncle, alright? And do your best in school. Maybe we can even take you back next summer,”
I could feel tears well up in my eyes, but I quickly blinked them away. “I would love to come back.”
He pulled away. “See you soon.”
I nodded, and he hesitated a minute before finally walking away. I then went through security, got some snacks, and waited at my gate until it was time to board, my heart heavy with goodbyes.
My mother was waiting by my gate as soon as I walked off the plane. She greeted me with a warm smile and a hug. “I missed you so much! Did you have fun?” she asked.
I paused, before smiling. “Yeah. I really did.”
“Good. Let’s get you home,” she said.
On the ride to our house, I texted Matt to let him know I was home. It wasn’t long before Kyle called me either. I talked to him for awhile, ate dinner with my mom, and then went to bed thanks to my jet lag. I had forgotten how much I liked being at home though. The familiar consistency welcomed me warmly. Sure, I missed everyone, but it was nice to be home. I even missed Alex.
My life soon returned to what it was before summer started. Early morning and late afternoon classes, dinners with my mom, and Saturday afternoon coffees and study dates with Kyle became my routine quickly. It was almost like my summer on the road had never even happened.
Matt and I texted and called often, and Jack had made it a point to give me updates about everyone almost daily. He ended up sending me a lot of selfies too, which I couldn’t help but laugh at.
But, the Saturday about 2 weeks after I returned home was most unexpected. I was upstairs in my room, looking up a few things on my laptop. Just as I was getting really focused, my mother called me from downstairs.
“Maxine! That boy you like is here!” She said.
I closed my laptop with a sigh, leaving my room and quickly jogging down the stairs. “Mom, how many times do I have to tell you that Kyle is gay,” I replied, but I did a double take when I saw who was really there. “Alex?”

Notes

Okay now you all can't COMPLETELY hate me. After all, I brought him back :D I hope you enjoyed. New chapter of X-Kid up tomorrow hopefully, and then another of this the day after that :)

Also, can I just say that I love you all? I mean, when I began this story, it was more for fun than anything, but you guys have given me a reason to continue. Thank you to all 42 of my subscribers. You're all truly amazing!