Carpe Diem

Alex, Logan, Jake and I literally spent the majority of the next day in Albany cut off from the world and everyone around us, no exaggeration there. We ended up missing Hit The Light’s, A Rocket To The Moon’s and Taking Back Sunday’s sets as we’d dedicated the whole day to bringing the songs we’d wrote up to scratch as well as completing half written ones and writing the music too. Needless to say it was an extremely hectic and busy day. I felt bad for missing the other bands sets but there was no way around it, especially as we were playing our first show of the tour together tomorrow as well as it being my first show full stop and we were determined to start it off with a bang.

“So that’s another song in the bag.” Alex laughed as she ran a hand through her hair.

It was around seven in the evening and needless to say we were all well and truly exhausted, but stoked at the same time, funny how that works.

“We now have four songs not including Easy, I am therefore proud.” Jake grinned as he high-fived Logan who was sat next to him.

“I don’t know about you, but my brain can’t function anymore, not today, anyway.” I chuckled as I unscrewed the top off of my bottle of water, bringing it to my lips and drinking some.

“I’ve got to agree there, but considering we’ve not had any music performances today, I think we should put on one of our own.” Logan said as he glanced at each of us in turn.

“You want us to get all the instruments and amps, not forgetting amps and microphones, and set up here? On the grass?” I said raising an eyebrow as he nodded. “Works for me.” I laughed as I stood up.

“Lets do this.” Alex exclaimed as she stood up, pulling me up with her.

“Who’s going to get what?” Logan questioned.

“I’ll go and get the amps.” Alex said.

“I’ll get the different parts of my drum kit.” Logan said before Jake spoke. “I’ll help him.”

“I’ll get the bass and guitar, then.” I chuckled as we high-fived each other and made our way onto A Rocket To The Moon’s bus.

“You lazy fuckers.” Alex laughed as she walked past the chair that Nick was currently in, hitting him across the head.

“I’ll have you know, we did play a set today, not that you were there!” He exclaimed, glaring playfully at us.

I rolled my eyes and laughed. “We’re too cool for you.”

“I’m too cool for you!” Eric piped up as he dropped his Xbox controller before standing up and began dancing.

“Halvo, you’ve watched Camp Rock? Just, get out.” Jake chuckled as he made his way over to the staircase that was identical to ours with Logan following in pursuit.

“You’ve watched it to know that it’s from that!” Eric called after him as he defended himself.

“Camp Rock? Really?” I said as I began to laugh hysterically.

“Do not diss Camp Rock, Demi Lovato is a babe.” Nick laughed.

“Dude, she’s like fifteen in that movie, that’s just wrong.” Alex exclaimed as I nodded, trying to stop laughing.

“Clearly he has a thing for younger girls.”

“Clearly.” I scoffed as he glared at me.

“You’re making me sound like a paedophile!”

I shrugged. “You brought it on yourself, Lovato fan.” I laughed as I made my way up the staircase after Jake and Logan.

I bit my lip and chuckled as I watched Jake and Logan attempt to pick up as many different bags that each part of the drumkit was in as possible.

“I think it’d be safer to take your time, losers.” I said as I made my way past them, spotting Alex’s Bass and Jake’s guitar.

“Don’t worry, your pretty head, Taylor. We’ve got this.” Jake said proudly he made his way slowly down the staircase as Logan followed, trying to hold onto everything.

“We’ll see, boys. We’ll see.” I called after them as I picked up the Bass in one hand and the Guitar in the other before making my way after them, running down the stairs quickly.

“And where are you going?” Halvo asked as he crossed his arms playfully, looking at me.

“What are you my mother?” I scoffed playfully. “If you must know, we’re having band practise. Outside.”

“Ooh look at you, getting professional.” Justin winked.

“Chyeah, if you call professional playing outside on the grass.” I laughed as I made my way off of the bus and making my way past Jake and Logan who were going to get the last few pieces of Logan’s drumkit.

“You lazy fuck, go and get the amps!” I chuckled as I placed the Bass and Guitar down next to Alex.

“I’m going, I’m going.” She sighed as she stood up and made her way slowly over to the steps of the bus, making her way up the first one, needless to say she didn’t make her way up the others.

Let me explain, it was one of those ‘slow motion’ kind of things you sometimes see in movies, you see, as Alex was about to walk up the next step of the bus Jake couldn’t see over the Kick Drum he was holding and he ended up missing a step and slipping, falling straight onto Alex as the Kick Drum bounced out of his hands on impact, rolling over to where I was currently stood.

“Jake you asshole!” Alex groaned as she pushed Jake off of her.

“That’s Karma Mr. We’ve got this.” I smirked as I made my way over to them as Logan appeared at the top of the stairs.

“Dare I ask?” He laughed, looking sceptically at Alex who was now rolling around groaning in pain as Jake just led there.

“I wouldn’t.” I grinned as he nodded, making his way down the stairs.

Luckily, after that incident nothing else went wrong, well, not with gathering all the equipment and assembling Logan’s drum kit, anyway.

“Hey losers! We’re going to deafen you with our crap music now okay? Okay.” Alex laughed as she ran off Taking Back Sunday’s bus, not waiting for a response.

“You’re playing now? Out here?” Matt questioned as he suddenly appeared at the top of the stairs.

“Why not, we’ve got nothing to lose and we need to practise. I suggest you close your bus door, though.” I laughed as he shook his head before speaking once more. “I’m coming to watch!”

“It’s at your own risk, buddy.” Jake laughed as he finished tuning his guitar.

“What’s going on out here?!” Collin exclaimed as he made his way off their bus.

“Band practise, fool.” Alex grinned.

“Out here?” He asked, sceptically.

“Why do people keep saying that?” I chuckled. “Yes out here, there’s no where else, doofus.” I joked as he flipped me off before running back on their bus, before running back out only a few minutes later with Nathan, Omar, David, Nick, and Hayden.

“We’re watching!” Hayden exclaimed as Nathan began clapping.

“Aren’t you just lovely, Nate.” I winked playfully as he placed a hand over his heart.

“Hey! Don’t forget us!” Fred yelled as I snapped my head around in the direction of Taking Back Sunday’s bus as he, Mark, Eddie, and Matt made their way off the bus. I couldn’t help but smile, I knew Lidia was looking after Kade so she wouldn’t have come out to see, as for Adam, well I wasn’t bothered about that, but I truly had the most supportive friends there was. Not forgetting Nick, Eric, Andrew and Justin who also came out to see.

“We’re only playing like three songs, don’t get your hopes up.” Logan joked as he began twirling his drumsticks through his fingers.

“Lame!” Justin scoffed playfully as I flipped him off.

“So ladies, yes ladies. This first song’s called Both Sides Of The Story.” Alex grinned as I brought the cordless Mic up to my mouth. Jake.

“If this is what you think is honest
Honestly, I think I'm gonna freak out
This isn't where I wanna be, wanna be
I think I'll let myself out
Show me the door, oh
'Cause I'm leaving the way I came in
With the mess I made
Tonight will be the one to set it off

We had our lights on the town
Your eyes were smiling then!
You left me hanging around with all your wack friends
You don't take me serious
Boy, you make me furious
Guaranteed, we'll disagree

I found out finding out isn't the worst part
Don't believe it's just me
And I've found out
Do you really even have a clue?
You're not quite Satan, but I really think I hate you!
We had our place in time, this is now that was then
You've left me high and dry with all your stuck-up friends
You don't take me serious
Girl, you're just delirious
Guaranteed, we'll disagree!

I found out finding out isn't the worst part
Don't believe it's just me
And I've found out
Do you really even have a clue?
You're not quite Satan, but I really think I hate you

If this is what you think is honest
Honestly, I think I'm gonna freak out
This isn't where I wanna be, wanna be
I think I'll let myself out
Sh-sh-show me the door, oh
'Cause I'm leaving the way I came in
With the mess I made
Tonight will be the one to set it off
Tonight will be the one!

I found out finding out isn't the worst part
Don't believe it's just me
And I've found out
Do you really even have a clue?
You're not quite Satan, but I, I

I found out finding out isn't the worst part
Don't believe it's just me
And I've found out
Do you even fucking have a clue?
You're not quite Satan, but I really think I hate you
You're not quite Satan, but I
You're not quite Satan, but I really think I hate you!” I finished as everyone began clapping and cheering.

“Fuck!” Justin grinned.

I laughed as I pushed my hair out of my face, glancing over at Matt who gave me a thumbs up. I don’t think I’d ever felt so happy, proud, almost.

We ended up playing the three other songs we were planning on playing for our first show tomorrow, I mean we could’ve played more, but we didn’t want to over-do it, being the first show and all. I wasn’t complaining though, with the way that band practise just went I knew that tomorrow was going to be one in a million, even if the crowd didn’t like us that much, it was all part of the fun, but only time would tell.

We weren’t making our way to the next state until tomorrow so by suggestion of Nathan, (who else) we’d decided to attempt to have some sort of crappy tour barbeque thing. Of course we made Nathan go out of his way to go to the nearest store and get us a barbeque considering he wanted it, but surprisingly as it was suggested by him, it didn’t turn out that bad, heavy on the that.

“Chef Nate, you’ve killed this burger!” I laughed as I pointed at the extremely burnt burger on my paper plate.

“Stop complaining, Rubano! Appreciate the cooking you don’t have to do for once in your life.” He smirked.

“Whoa VanDame, don’t be getting sexist on me or I will put you down.” I warned playfully as he held his hands up in defence.

“Don’t mess with the midget, Nath.” Alex grinned as I hit her over the head. “Speak for yourself.” I scoffed as she stood up, digging her cell out of her pocket. I glanced around noticing that it was only Nathan, Alex, Jake, Justin, Eric, Matt and Omar left outside. I’d say three hours after the barbeque began everyone else had gone off and done their own thing after the first half of Nathan’s failed barbeque, more like making sure they didn’t get food poisoning, ha.

“I’ll be back soon.” Alex announced as she shoved her cell back in her pocket before running off.

Weirdo.

Alex’s POV.

“Don’t mess with the midget, Nath.” I grinned as I felt Taylor‘s hand collide with the back of my head. “Speak for yourself.” She scoffed.

I stood up as I felt my cell vibrate in my pocket, digging it out quickly.

One new message from Collin Ross.

Houston, we might have a slight problem.

I stared at the screen for another moment before shoving my cell back in my pocket quickly.

“I’ll be back soon.” I said as I ran off towards Hit The Light’s bus.

Words couldn’t describe how confused I was at that moment. I ran up the stairs of their bus quickly, turning the corner as I nearly ran straight into Collin’s chest.

“Sorry.” I laughed. “What’s wrong?” I questioned, raising an eyebrow.

“I can’t find Nick.” He said.

I glanced over his shoulder to see Nick sat in one of the chairs, tapping away at the keys on his laptop.

“He’s right there.” I said, pointing over his shoulder before he turned around quickly, then turned back to face me.

“Not that Nick, your Nick.” He said as he bit his lip.

“What do you mean you can’t find him? He was with you?” I laughed.

“He was, we were walking along then I had to stop as I noticed one of the laces out of my converse had come out of my shoe so I had to try and shove it back in, then as I’d finally succeeded in doing it I looked up and he was gone!” He exclaimed.

I ran a hand through my hair. Shit.

“I mean, it’s not really that dark, right? I’m sure he’s fine, he’s probably just finishing that walk.” I said, I knew my brother well enough to know he wouldn't have gone far.

“I feel like it’s my fault, though. Regardless of if he’s fine or not, I’m going to go and find him.” He sighed as he walked past me, walking down the steps of the bus quickly.

“I’ll come with you, I need to kick his ass for this!” I exclaimed as I followed after him.

Once I got my hands on my brother I was going to give him a piece of my mind, that was for sure.

Taylor’s POV.

My eyes flickered over to Alex and Collin who’d suddenly appeared together, before disappearing once again. Weird.

I sighed as I ran a hand through my hair, nudging Nathan in the leg as he occupied Alex’s previous spot, led next to me on the grass.

“Taylor you dick, I was half asleep then.” He mumbled as he reached up and pushed me in the shoulder.

“Wake the fuck up and keep me company.” I chuckled as I nudged him once more.

“Fuck you, you don’t deserve my company.” He laughed as he stood up, brushing himself off.

“Hey losers!” Hayden grinned as she made her way over to us.

“Fuck off, Nate. You’re not wanted anymore.” I smirked playfully as he rolled his eyes before flipping me off, making his way over to Hit The Light’s bus.
“Where’s everyone gone?” Hayden questioned as she glanced around, realising we were the only two left outside.

“I think everyone’s died from food poisoning, as for Collin and Alex, I think they’ve gone off on an adventure somewhere.” I chuckled, picking some grass out of the ground.

“Or to barf, I wouldn’t be surprised, poor Nathan can’t cook for shit.” She laughed as she brought her legs up to her chest. “Are you nervous about tomorrow?”

“Nervous doesn’t cut it.” I said seriously, looking at her.

“You’ll be fine. Have faith.” She grinned as she placed her head on my shoulder.

“This wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for you, any of it. And I can’t thank you enough.” I said as I slung my arm over her shoulder gently.

“I knew you’d thank me someday. I’m just glad you finally see it’s where you belong.” She replied.

“After a lot of wise words I’ve gotten over the past few days, I think it’s safe to say I’m starting to believe it.” I chuckled.

We sat in silence after that, a comfortable silence. I felt so content, with everything. I felt like everything was going my way, and I couldn’t have been more thankful, believe me when I say that. It wasn’t too long though until Alex walked over to us, fidgeting.

Alex’s POV.

Collin and I couldn’t find Nick anywhere, we retraced their steps and continued in the direction he must’ve walked but we found no sign of him, I wasn’t the type of person to worry easily but I was slightly worried. I took a deep breath and made my way over to them slowly, I wasn’t planning on saying anything about the situation though as I was sure it wasn't that big and that he would reappear.. I knew Nick and Taylor weren’t together, but it was obviously to see how much she cared about him, heck, everyone cared about Nick, enough to throw in a few insults at him for being such an idiot when he did eventually turn up from what looks like his own hiking expedition in the middle of no-where.

Taylor’s POV.

“And where have you been?” I laughed, glancing up at Alex who was still fidgeting.

“Just on a walk.” She mumbled as she crossed her arms.

“Is something wrong?” I questioned, raising an eyebrow.

“Nothing major, it's fine.” She said as she bit her lip.

“I’ll leave you to it.” Hayden said as she looked between us before standing up and making her way in the direction of Hit The Light’s bus.

“Alex what’s wrong?” I stated as I stood up.

“Nothing, it’s nothing.”

“Alex-” I began but she cut me off.

“I can‘t find Nick.” She mumbled under her breath.

“What?”

“I can’t find Nick.” She spoke a little louder, "He seems to have wandered off somewhere."

“But didn’t he go off with C-”

“He did, but he’s not come back. We’ve looked everywhere, Taylor. We actually can't find him.”.

"We'll find him, you know we will." I laughed, “Come on.” I said as I pulled her back in the direction she’d told me she’d previously been in.

I couldn’t help but feel a little worried myself, it was obvious that Alex felt slightly worried no matter how much she tried to play it off, but we knew he couldn't have gone far so there was no point screaming about all hell breaking loose about it. I bit my lip as we began to search for him.
I’d say we searched for about an hour, but there was still no sign, we’d searched everywhere we could think of, we’d even traipsed into a nearby forest to look, but it was completely useless. I sighed as we headed back over to the tour buses, I truly had no idea where he could’ve gone, it was insane, that was one word to describe it, insane. It was like he’d disappeared off the face of the earth, either that or he was really good at getting lost.

“Alex, we'll find him. Just think about how you're going to be the first one to kick his ass for this." I laughed, trying to lighten the tense mood.

“Oh you can count on that, I just want him to reappear though, this is taking the piss.” She said as she rubbed her eyes.

“I know, I know. Go and get Justin, Eric, Andrew, Jake and Logan and I’ll go and round up Hit The Lights and everyone else, okay? We need some extra help on this. ” I said as she nodded.I began walking the short distance over to Hit The Light’s bus before running up the steps and turning the corner to be met with the sight of everyone sat around. I sighed to myself as I cleared my throat.

“Listen up, fuckers. We're going for a walk.” I announced as everyone looked at me like I had three heads.

“I take it you didn't have any luck?” Colin questioned.

I shook my head and shrugged.

“Lets go for this walk, then.” Colin sighed as everyone stood up. “I suggest you stay here, Taylor, just incase he suddenly comes back or something.”

“I’m fine to come back out, I want a part in this-”

“Taylor.” Colin glared.

“Fine.” I sighed once more in defeat as he nodded before making his way off the bus, the others following in pursuit.

I bit my lip and pushed my hair out of my face as I sighed. I was trying to keep calm for Alex’s sake, not to mention everyone else’s, but as time went on the more nervous I felt. I couldn’t relax, I couldn’t sit or stand still. I pulled a glass out of the cupboard and filled it with water, drinking it down quickly before placing the glass in the sink. I closed my eyes for a second before re-opening them and making my way towards the spiral staircase. I walked up the staircase slowly, feeling no need to rush as I reached the last step, glancing around. I had no idea what to do with myself, no idea at all. I raised an eyebrow as I noticed the large window at the far end of the bus was open but shook my head, I wasn’t going to worry about a window, not then of all times.
I made my way to my bunk slowly and pulled open the curtain, immediately screaming as I placed a hand over my heart, my breathing becoming erratic as I was met with the sight of Nick sat in my bunk leaning against the back of it, my laptop in his lap.

“You fucking idiot!” I exclaimed, jumping on him as my laptop fell down the side of the bunk and landed on the floor with a thud.

“What did I do?!” He shrieked.

“You. Fucking. Idiot!” I repeated once more as I punched him in the chest after each individual word.

“Taylor would you quit hitting me?!” He exclaimed.

“You’re such an asshole!”

“Why are you screaming at me?!” He said as he grabbed my arms. I broke out of his grasp and jumped out of my bunk, pulling him out roughly.

“You’ve had us worried for hours, Nick! Where the fuck did you go?!” I screamed as I clenched my hands into fists and placing them behind my back before I could hit him anymore.

“I went for a walk with Colin, then I kept walking as he’d stopped then the next minute I turned around he was gone so I kept walking and I ended up walking in a circle and ended up back behind this bus, so I climbed the tree outside like Tarzan and climbed through the window.” He said as he pointed to the window I’d previously been contemplating about.

“Everyone’s out looking for you! Your sister’s going to seriously kick your ass for this! Don’t ever fucking do something like that again!” I yelled as I ran a hand through my hair.

“Would you quit yelling?! You’re making me feel bad!” He whined.

“I’m fucking angry! Not to mention your poor sister who at this point is probably thinking you‘ve died or have been kidnapped or something!”

“Come here.” He sighed as he opened his arms, moving closer to me.

“No, I will ninja kick your ass if you come any closer!” I shrieked as I backed away, “I am pissed to the end of the earth!”

“Taylor, I’m sorry!”

“Sorry doesn’t cut it!” I exclaimed as he wrapped his arms around me.

“Taylor come on, please? I’ll go and explain everything to everyone, especially Alex.” He said as he placed his chin on top of my head.

“You’re such an asshole.” I said as I pushed him in the chest but he didn’t budge.

“I know, I know. But I had you worried.” He chuckled.

“Slightly worried. Besides, I want to strangle you right now.” I mumbled as I wrapped my arms around him finally.

“You wouldn’t, you love me too much.” He said smugly.

“Oh more than ever, especially after this.” I said coldly as I threw one last punch at his chest.

“If only you knew, Taylor. If only you knew.” He laughed.

I sighed, not paying any attention to what he was saying as I hugged him tightly, worried he might suddenly disappear. I closed my eyes as I breathed in deeply. One thing was for sure, I couldn’t wait to see Alex’s reaction.

I realised two things that night;
1)I was made to come to terms rather harshly that I felt something for Nick.
2) I was completely screwed, but more on that later.