I Don't Even Know His Name...

Collectively we all decided to leave Alex in peace, no matter how hard it was to go. But it was the wisest choice seeing as everyone was extremely exhausted. Walking down the corridors back to the waiting room I sighed idly playing with the hem of my shirt.

“Rian is it okay if I get a lift back, I think I’ll fall asleep on the side-walk if I don’t get back soon” My gaze turned to see Zack smiling pushing his hands into his pockets and looking towards us.

“I’d like to see that” Rolling my eyes I shoved him slightly in response following both of them out the parking lot. The stars still littered the sky but the moon was fading slightly. Shame the same couldn’t be said for the weather it was still freezing out here. Gladly sliding in next to Zack he slammed the door shut as the car started.

The journey was uneventful, quiet to say the least; the hum of the radio was my only distraction. My eyes would occasionally look over to see Zack asleep, mouth open, obviously out of it. Rian noticed too as he chuckled glancing over his sleeping form only to go back to focusing on the road. But it didn’t take my mind too long to wonder back to thoughts of Lex, how scary it must be not to recall anything about yourself, or the life you were living. He is probably so confused right now I don’t how he’s going to sleep tonight. I’m sure as hell not getting any sleep tonight that’s for sure.

Grimacing at the thought my eyes spotted the familiar scenery surrounding the car. It wasn’t long before we pulled up to my house, I was staying with my parents for awhile seeing as I don’t see them as often as I should. Slowly I opened the door the cold winds an unwelcome greeting.

“Thanks for being there Rian I’m not sure if I would’ve coped without you there, Zack too but he’s dead right now,” I laughed stepping out onto the driveway rubbing my hands together. A small smirk played on his lips.

“No problem, you know we are always here, I’ll call you tomorrow” with that he re-started the car, shut the door and waved over his shoulder. As they pulled out of the driveway my feet stumbled their way up the driveway my hands busy unlocking the door. God it’s been awhile since I last tried to sneak in without my parents noticing. Silently kicking my shoes off at the door it dawned on me how creaky our floor boards are. Even though my journey to my bedroom wasn’t completely quiet with my stealthy reflexes I managed to sneak up the stairs straight into my room slowly closing the door behind me. Mission accomplished. Quickly shedding my stained clothes my body slid under the covers pulling them tightly over myself. Hopefully some sleep will come my way, but it was doubtful.

The Next Morning:

Right now I can hear my parents downstairs, the clatter of kitchen utensils as well as the faint noise of the TV was a giveaway. But I didn’t want to go and explain what happened although I knew it had to be done. Managing to haul myself off the bed my hand slowly turned the door handle, this wasn’t going to be fun. Just about halfway down the stairs my phone buzzed blowing my cover, my parents saw me instantly. Great.

“Jack?” they called out from the kitchen. Thankfully my phone was the perfect excuse to not talk to them at the moment so quickly I pulled my phone to my ear mouthing an apology.

“Yo Rian what’s up?” Whilst walking to the kitchen and grabbing a mug from the shelf there was a strange sound in the background kinda like someone yelling, that unnerved me.

“Rian?” my voice was curious as I filled the red glass with cold water taking a quick swig before walking to the living room, wanting to keep the conversation private.

“J-Jack there isn’t time turn on channel 21 now!” my eyebrows knitted together but I complied, grabbing the remote and flicking till it landed on the desired program. My parents filed in wearing the same expression as I was at the moment. Both of them stood awkwardly by the couch arms crossed tightly across their chests.

“What’s going on Jack?” Mums question had that mildly pissed off tone. My hand ran messily through my black untamed morning hair.

“I’m wondering the same thing” sighing in frustration whilst pulling my phone away slightly I tried to concentrate on the TV set. It was only till a news reporter popped up with a bold headline underneath her stating "All Time Low Tragedy" when it hit me. My mouth fell open as the women proceeded to talk.

“On to our latest report, Alex Gaskarth lead vocalist of popular pop punk band All Time Low has been hospitalized late last night. Witnesses state he is currently suffering serious injuries to the head and chest following an alleged shooting, police are currently investigating the case.” How could they already know about the shooting? We do have press follow us but I don’t think we have ever been on the news like this before.

Mum gasped behind me yet Rian was still silent on the other end of the phone. This was insane, this was too much, immediately my fingers hit the off button on the remote frustration began seeping into me.

“Rian I’m going over to the hospital get Matt and Zack and meet me down there. We need to straighten this shit out with the press” my voice was firm but on the inside it was hard to keep myself together.

“On my way I’ll see you in the parking lot but until then don’t do anything stupid alright?” I gulped blinking a few times trying to clear my eyes. Ending the conversation with a lack luster mumble in agreement I rose to my feet trying to avoid any eye contact with my parents. But a hand on my shoulder stopped me.

“Honey are you okay?” her voice barely above a whisper. Turning slightly I shook my head grabbing my hoodie and pulling on my shoes before walking out the door without a word. The slam of the door reminded me of what had to be done, that hopefully I could manage it without breaking down again. The fans need to know what happened.