Carpe Diem

With the amount of people on Hit The Light’s tour bus, you could have sworn we were having a bus party in the middle of the day. It consisted of Hayden and I, Hit The Lights, and Taking Back Sunday, trying to kill some time in the two hour gap between Taking Back Sunday played. Needless to say it was complete and utter mayhem.

“I want a go!” Lidia whined as she tried to grab the Xbox controller off of Matt who was attempting to beat David.

“No! you’re not allowed, you’ll beat me.” Matt said as he frowned.

“Suck it up!” She scoffed as she snatched the controller out of his hands.

I chuckled to myself and glanced over to Nathan, David, Adam, and over who were putting a variety of different foods into our smoothie blender before drinking them to see what they tasted it, it really wasn’t going to end well, especially not for Nathan as he’d added chilli’s in with ice-cream. Yuck.
As for Collin and Hayden, they had decided to go out somewhere with Kade, I guess Collin really didn’t want to give me that twenty bucks, ha-ha. I pushed myself up off of the sofa with great effort and made my way towards the end of the bus and up the spiral staircase. I made my way over to my bunk and pulled the curtain back before rummaging through my backpack to find a guitar plectrum. I walked over to my acoustic and picked it up, inserting the plectrum through the first fret before climbing up to the top bunk, which happened to be Collin’s.
I loved being alone and playing guitar, it made me feel so content, it was great. I was half way through playing “Annabelle” when I heard footsteps drawing nearer as someone approached the top of the stairs.

“Whoa you were right, Nath! It’s incredible up here!” Adam laughed as he called back down the stairs, not noticing me, even though I was still playing.

He turned back around to face me and rolled his eyes.

“I didn’t realise you were up here.” He scoffed.

I stopped strumming and put my guitar down on Collin’s bed, moving to the end of his bunk and climbing down.

“Yeah sure you didn’t, you just wanted to see me.” I smirked, two could play the game.

“Yeah, like I’d want to see you.” He spat.

I pretended to wince.

“Harsh, Lazzara. That cut deep.” I scoffed.

“You never take anything seriously, do you?!” He seethed as he moved closer to me.

“I could say the same thing about you.” I said as I rolled my eyes.

“I take a lot seriously, Taylor. Believe me.” He glared.

“What exactly is it you’re trying to do, Adam? Enlighten me.”

“I’m not trying to do anything except for try and make you realise what a bitch you are.”

“Yeah that’s right, try and turn it all around on me, Adam. You need to grow up.” I spat.

“I have grown up, Taylor. Maybe you should too.” He said as he rolled his eyes.

“I have grown up, I had to in a respect because I have a son, so you can’t pin that on me.” I scoffed once more.

“Oh yeah, you have a son. Considering he looks about three you must’ve had him not long after you left, well, you clearly move on fast.” He spat.

“How can you say I moved on fast? Nothing happened between us, Adam! And yeah that’s so true, I left and suddenly got pregnant because I want a kid at such a young age!” I yelled.

“How can you say nothing happened?! We both know what happened, Taylor!”

“All that happened was I ended up in trouble and you helped me out and kept it quiet, that’s it!” I lied, I knew what he was referring to, I just didn’t want to hear him say it.

“That’s what you’re choosing to remember!” He yelled.

“That’s not true!”

“I told you I loved you Taylor, and you just left!”

“How could you expect me to stay?! After you and your vindictive girlfriend put me through hell and then I got my throat practically cut?!” I screamed.

He was really starting to piss me off.

“Well I thought you’d consider staying as you felt the same way!” He screamed back.

“I never said that!” I said, playing it off.

“You didn’t have to say it.” He said calmly.

“It doesn’t matter how I might have felt, I still left and we’re back to square one!”

“Yeah we are, and who’s fault is that?!” He exclaimed.

“I’ve had enough of you trying to blame me for every fucking thing, Adam!”

“I’m only blaming you for what is your fault!”

“Do you know what? I’m glad I left, I couldn’t have bared staying!” I seethed.

“I’m glad you left, too! I’ve never been happier!” He screamed.

Ouch.

“Well that’s good then, isn’t it! Everybody wins!” I shouted, pushing past him roughly.

“Do you know what? I wish we’d never met!” He spat.

“That makes two of us!” I seethed before I ran down the stairs as fast as I could.

I had to get out of there, before I strangled that prick. I made my way quickly through the bus ignoring the questioning calls that were being fired at me as I reached the door, pushing it open roughly and jumping down the steps, closing it behind me. Adam really knew how to push my buttons, no-one wound me up as much as he did, it and infuriated me. I unlocked the gate roughly and closed it behind me, once again making my way through the crowds of people. I didn’t get very far though, considering I suddenly felt a cold sensation running down my chest.

“I am so sorry!” A girl who looked around my age with dark brown curly hair and puddle mud brown eyes apologised as she tried to wipe the water off of my shirt.

“It’s okay, I think I needed that.” I chuckled.

“People really need to stop pushing, it’s so frustrating!” She laughed as she screwed the bottle cap back on her bottle.

“I couldn’t agree more!” I smiled as I ran a hand through my hair.

“I’m Alex.” She said as she stuck out her hand.

“I’m Taylor.” I grinned, accepting her handshake.

“So what brings you to this incredible tour?” She questioned as we began to walk in a random direction.

“I’m here with Hit The Lights, but also my cousin’s in Taking Back Sunday, what about you?” I asked.

“Really?! That’s so cool, Nick inspired me to start playing guitar. I’m here because my band were meant to play on the smaller stage as just a supporting band but our singer quit yesterday, I’m here for my brother too, though.” She smiled.

“Oh really? How come she quit?” I questioned.

“She was too bossy, and when we’d disagree with her she’d get prissy about it, and that’s what happened yesterday so she quit, but good riddance really.” She chuckled.

“Ah, well, I’m glad you’re still here regardless, too bad you can’t play though.” I sympathised.

“It sucks, but what can you do.” She sighed.

“Well, on the Brightside, you’re in for a great tour!” I laughed as we ended up outside Hit The Light’s merch tent, where fans were waiting, confused looks upon their faces.

“Oh dear” I sighed. I decided to play along and go and join the queue. “Hey guys, what time are Hit The Lights meant to be signing?” I questioned.

“In five minutes, but no-one’s seen them.” A girl sighed.

I nodded and walked back over to Alex.

“Hit The Lights are so unreliable!” I chuckled as I took my cell out of my pocket and dialled Collin’s number.

"Taylor? Where are you?!" Collin questioned.

"The question is where are you?! You have a signing in your merch tent in five minutes Collin! I’m fine, I’m just hanging out with a new friend, no need to worry." I chuckled.

"That’s now?! Shit, okay I’ll round everyone up and we’ll be there in a minute!" He panicked.

"Hurry! Bye."

"Bye."

I hung up and turned to Alex. “Unreliable boys.” I chuckled.

“Oh tell me about it, I have the same problem with-” She started but was cut off as a few girls began to scream.

“You have Collin Ross’s number?!” One yelled at me.

“Yes, but you’re not having it.” I laughed.

“Fine, I didn’t want it anyway.” She huffed as she turned back to her friends.

I laughed as I turned to Alex.

“I’m such a bitch.” I sighed dramatically.

She grinned in response and shook her head.

“We’re here!” Collin exclaimed as he ran into the tent, followed by David, Omar, Nathan and Nick. Hayden walked over to me and nudged me in the side.

“Where the hell did you go?!” She exclaimed as she repeatedly nudged me.

“Chill!” I laughed. “I made a new friend.” I grinned as I pulled Alex into view.

“Alex this is my best friend Hayden, Hayden this is Alex.” I chuckled as I pointed to each of them in turn.

“Hey!” They said in unison.

“We have another friend now, Hayden!” I grinned as I clapped my hands together.

“You’re such a kid.” Hayden scoffed.

I playfully flipped her off and glanced over to the guys who’d manouvered themselves around the table and were now signing things for the fans, including the crazy screaming one, so I couldn’t help but laugh to myself.

“Taking Back Sunday are playing in about twenty minutes, Matt wants us to go and see them before on their bus, though.” Hayden said.

“Ah okay, well I’m sure they won’t mind us bringing Alex along, that is if you want to come?” I questioned.

“Sure, that’d be great. Although I’d have to let drummer and guitarist of my band know just to tell them where I’m at.” She chuckled.

“That’s cool.” Hayden nodded as she linked arms with me.

She grinned and dug her cell out of her pocket, presumably to let them know.

“So where did you go with Collin?” I asked as we waited for a response from Alex’s band.

“For food, nothing special.” She mumbled.

“Oh yeah, nothing special alright.” I scoffed sarcastically.

“Okay I’ve let them know and it’s cool, do you want to go now?” Alex grinned.

“Lets do it.” I chuckled as Hayden and I waved at the guys quickly before leaving the tent and making our way through the crowds of people once more.

“What did Matt say he wanted?” I questioned.

“He didn’t say, I think he just wants the good luck reassurances.” She chuckled as we neared the gate.

I laughed in response as I unlocked the gate, opening it wide enough of Hayden and Alex to get through, before locking it again quickly. As we walked the short distance over to the bus my blood began to boil as I realised who was stood outside of the bus.

“And the drama queen returns.” Adam scoffed.

I rolled my eyes. “Why don’t you just do one.”

“Why don’t you just stop being so dramatic? I mean really.”

“Yeah you’re one to talk Mr. “oooh I wish we’d never met.” I said sarcastically.

“I’m going to introduce Alex to everyone before this gets messy.” Hayden chuckled as she pulled Alex inside the bus, which I was glad of.

“Wow, you actually managed to find another friend? What’s that now? Two?” He smirked.

“Oh Adam you’re so funny, why don’t you just shut the fuck up? Your bullshit’s getting old.”

“Same old, same old. It’s only the first day, yet you’re still being a bitch, I guess you’re not capable of being nice?”

“You’re such a fucking hypocrite, Hitler was nice compared to you, and you know that’s saying something.”

“We’ll see, we’ll see.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“We’ll see.” He shrugged, a smirk playing across his lips.

“Alright break it up!” Matt sighed as he stepped off of the bus, with Lidia, Hayden, Alex, Fred, Mark and Eddie in hot pursuit.

“Adam, stop being such an ass.” Lidia groaned as she hit him in the arm.

“She started it! I-”

“What are you five?” I scoffed.

“Okay stop. Adam we’re going to set up, so stop being an ass and come on” Matt sighed as he made his way towards the gate, the rest of Taking Back Sunday following in pursuit. Adam shot a glare in my direction and caught up with the rest.

“Fucking prick.” I sighed.

“What’s up with you two?” Alex asked, utterly confused.

“It’s a long story, I’m sure it’ll be explained to you soon enough.” Hayden chuckled.

“I don’t think she’d want to know.” Lidia laughed.

“It’s not pretty, but I‘m sure I‘ll get round to explaining it to you on this tour.” I chimed in as all three of us moved away from the bus and towards the gate.

“Something tells me it’s a very interesting story.” Alex chuckled as she unlocked the gate, opening it.

“Oh you have no idea.” I smirked as we all slid through the gate, locking it behind us.

We made our way through the crowd once again and found the stage with no trouble at all this time, I suppose we would’ve been back to square one if Nick didn’t help us find it last time though, ha-ha. As we neared the stage I couldn’t help but get lost in my thoughts, all revolving around Adam and how much he infuriated me. I must have had one weird look on my face as the next thing I knew Hayden was nudging me in the ribs.

“You’re frowning, calm down before your head explodes.” She chuckled as she rubbed my shoulder.

“He really knows how to push my buttons.” I mumbled as I ran a hand through my hair stressfully.

“I know but come on, we love Taking Back Sunday, lets just enjoy this.” She smiled.

“Yeah come on, what could go wrong?” Alex reassured.

Oh, she had no idea.

Before I could respond though, screaming filled my ears as Taking Back Sunday ran on stage, I couldn’t help but smile at their grin-filled faces as they took their instruments on stage as Mark sat down.

“HEY NEWARK! WE’RE TAKING BACK SUNDAY!” Adam cheered, earning screaming in response.

“Okay so, first things first we have to thank our friends A Rocket To The Moon and Hit The Lights for putting on amazing sets today!”

I smiled a little, no matter how much I hated Adam, at least he was appreciative of everyone else.

I felt a tap on my shoulder to see Collin, a grin plastered across his face as well as Nick, Omar, and David standing behind us.

“So you all may know this first song, it’s called Liar!” Adam yelled as the opening chords and drum beat for Liar started up.

It was such a great atmosphere, and I’d started to relax throughout the song as it was my favourite one, but unfortunately it didn’t last long.

“It takes one to know one!” Adam sang at the end of the song as the crowd screamed along.

As soon as the song ended cheering erupted once more, I was so proud of them.

“So this next song’s a song I wrote a few years ago, it’s on our album Louder Now, and it’s the first time we’re playing it live, you may know it, and if you don’t, we hope you like it!” Adam said as he looked at the crowd, more importantly, at me. I felt myself tense up, I didn’t know why at the time, but I felt anxious.

As the song kicked in a lump rose in my throat as I stared at Adam as he sang.

That look was priceless, don't let me get carried away
I've seen it before, and it still suits you the same
You catch on quick! (You catch on quick!)
The cynics deaf, before they give the same reviews
(You catch on quick!) You catch on quick!

Oh oh, now this is where, where the party is
Are you coming home? (Well, are you coming home?)
Are you coming home? (Well, are you coming home?)
You had your chance! (You had your chance!)
Open arms reject assuming hands (arms reject assuming hands)
You had your chance! (You had your chance!)
Open arms reject assuming hands (arms reject assuming hands)

The abortion that you had left you clinically dead,
And made it all that much easier to lie
But it’s nothing that I'm proud of (No, it's nothing that I'm proud of)
I'm making an example out of you (This is phase one)
This is a preview (This is phase one)

Oh oh, now this is where, where the party is
Are you coming home? (Well, are you coming home?)
Are you coming home? (Well, are you coming home?)
You had your chance! (You had your chance!)
Open arms reject assuming hands (arms reject assuming hands)
You had your chance! (You had your chance!)
Open arms reject assuming hands (arms reject assuming hands)

Don't act like you're the first one
I treat it like disease
Sure it's rough around the edges
It's the only thing you see

Don't act like you can't see me, darling, I'm coming
And act like you don't see me, darling, I'm coming
And act like you don't see me, darling, I'm coming
And act like you don't see me, darling...

You had your chance (You had your chance)
Open arms reject assuming hands (arms reject assuming hands)
You had your chance (You had your chance)
Open arms reject assuming hands (arms reject assuming hands)

You had your chance
You had your chance (You had your chance)

As the song finished my hands balled into fists as Hayden and I looked at each other. He’d gone too far this time.