*One Year Later, Night of the APMA’s, Zjael’s POV*
It’s been one full year since I was pulled away from the terrible place I was. It’s been one full year since I left Jack. I changed quite a bit within the time frame. I stopped fixing the green in my hair and just dyed what was green to my natural black. From that point on, I just let it grow out and did nothing to it. I also had decided to see a therapist for about 4-5 months. It really helped me out and I was definitely doing better. I still had my bad days, but I was good for the most part.

I no longer smoke and feel much better about everything in general. I have a better understanding of what I want in my life. Well, I felt better about almost everything. I have stayed in contact with Alex, Rian, and Zack. All three of them have been telling me how Jack is…and it wasn’t good. It made me feel terrible about leaving. On tour, Jack would give his all for interviews, shows, and parties. However, afterwards he just stayed in his bunk. When off tour Jack would just disappear. No one knew where he would go. He wouldn’t be home. He wouldn’t answer his phone.

Tonight, I am working at the APMA’s. All Time Low is not only playing, but they were nominated for a few awards. Not to mention that Jack and Alex would be hosting it for the third year in a row. Afterwards, the guys would come over to my house, that was being packed up to move, and we would party and catch up. Tonight will be the first time that Jack and I see each other and talk since I left. To say I was scared was an understatement. I looked at myself in the mirror once more before leaving. I had my camera around my neck, black vans, black skinny jeans, and a black All Time Low shirt the guys made for me.

I left the house and got in my car. Nerves built up in my stomach as I got closer to the destination. I plugged my iPod into the AUX cord and pressed shuffle. I wasn’t surprised at the first song that played; it was one I listened to a lot since it was released last year. Missing You by, the one and only, All Time Low. I hummed mostly but sang out the parts that meant a lot to me.

“You’ve come this far, you’re all cleaned up, you’ve made a mess again. There’s no more trying, time to sort yourself out…hold on tight, this ride is a wild one, make no mistake, the day will come when you can’t cover up what you’ve done. Now don’t lose your fight, kid, it only takes a little push to pull on through, with so much left to do, you’ll be missing out, and we’ll be missing you.” I sang out loud as passionate as I was able with those lines. Those lines were so true for me. Even the guys knew they were so true for me and other fans.

Hell, if it weren’t for them, I would be dead. They legitimately saved my life. “Grit your teeth, pull your hair, paint the walls black and scream, ‘Fuck the world ‘cause it’s my life, I’m gonna take it back’, and never for a second blame yourself.” I was still working on the ‘never for a second blame yourself’ part. I always blame myself for the amount that Jack drinks. I blame myself for any negative change in Jack since I left. I just hope he doesn’t hate me.

It didn’t take long for me to park at The Schottenstein Center. I was supposed to get there before the bands. There was still a chance I could run into Jack before tonight. I wasn’t sure if he would recognize me since I had changed somewhat since he last saw me. I was wondering if he would know it’s me or not.

*Jack’s POV*
I walked around the venue with Alex and rubbed my eyes. “Why the hell are we here so early?” I asked Alex. He gave me a sympathetic smile.

“We need to prepare for tonight and we’re going to practice a few times.” Alex explained to me.

“You couldn’t just let me sleep until practice?” I asked. I watched as a familiar girl walked by. I rubbed my eyes again. It couldn’t be who I thought it was. I have to be hallucinating. I’m seeing things because I haven’t slept well since I last saw…no…I can’t even think about her name…let alone say it.

“Jack, are you okay?” Alex asked concerned and turned to look where I was looking. I forced my most convincing smile.

“Yeah, I’m good.” I said. The rest of the day and night went on. I spent the whole day faking my happiness to the highest quality I could. I would not let it show how numb and dead inside I really felt. We played and I could have sworn SHE was in the pit taking pictures all night with Adam. Finally, when the night was over, I was ready to go back to my hotel room, hide and disappear until next tour.

“Jack, where are you going?” Alex asked, running up to me.

“Back to my hotel room.” I said simply. He grabbed my wrist and stopped me.

“No you’re not.” He said with a big devious smile.

“Why not?” I asked and slightly glared.

“There’s a little get together that you won’t want to miss.” Alex explained, letting go of my wrist. His broad smile never left.

“Is that a threat or a promise?” I asked softly.

“It’s a promise.” Alex said. He placed a hand on my back and started walking me to a cab. “Trust me, this will be good for you.”

“Alright, fine.” I said with a sigh and got in the cab.

“Zack and Rian are already on the way.” Alex explained. I just nodded and stared out the window for a little while.

*Third Person POV*
Zjael couldn’t get the image of Jack out of her mind. She could tell just how bad Jack was by looking into his eyes whenever he wasn’t on stage. He had the same look she once had. The look that now only came back when she thought too much about the past. She heard a knock on her front door and went to answer it.

Instantly, she was pulled into muscley arms. “It’s been so long!” Said the familiar voice of Rian.

“Rian!” She said excitedly, hugging back. She felt another body behind her.

“Don’t forget about me, Z.” She recognized the voice of Zack now.

“I would never forget about any of you guys.” She said softly. The guys pulled away and smiled at her.

“Jack and Alex will be here soon. Are you ready?” Zack asked.

“I’m kind of scared, but I think I’m ready.” Zjael said with a nervous smile.

“Damn, girl, you look good!” She turned to see Jack and Alex in the doorway. Jack had a look of shock on his face. Zjael took a small step towards them.

“Hi, Alex. Hey, Jack. Why don’t you come on in and we can catch up.”

Notes

Sorry it's been 6 months since I posted. I was so busy with graduation, and then I went on a trip and when I cam back I had to start packing for another trip for a concert and when I came back from that I had to pack to move and then things didn't work out when I first moved, so I moved again and I live like across the country from where I lived. So, thats fun. I hope you enjoy this tho