Carpe Diem

“I think it’s safe to say you’re going to have a bruise,” I laughed as I placed my hand on Nick’s cheek as he winced slightly, “Your sister sure can inflict pain.”

“You’re telling me,” He scoffed, “I guess I deserved it though.”

“You guess? I’m surprised she didn’t do worse.”

It was silent for a moment before I realised my hand was still on Nick’s cheek.

“Sorry,” I mumbled as I felt my cheeks heat up as I moved my hand awkwardly.

“You’re so awkward.” Nick laughed as he took my hand in his.

“Hey guys.” Charlie said, causing me to jump slightly before retracting my hand from Nick’s.

“Hey Charlie.” I smiled as I glanced over at Adam who was watching me intently.

“We just wanted to wish you luck.” She smiled.

“Thanks, I need all the luck I can get.” I laughed as she outstretched her arms.

I felt completely awkward at the gesture, but I wasn’t not going to hug her. I wrapped my arms around her hesitantly as she did the same.

“Taylor, come on! We better head over.” Alex exclaimed as she ran over to us. I breathed a quiet sigh of relief as I retracted my arms from around Charlie.

“Good luck.” Adam smiled.

I nodded in response, returning the smile.

“We’ll see you over there.” Charlie smiled before entwining her fingers with Adam’s as they walked away.

“Hurry up and kiss or whatever, just get your ass over to the backstage area in three minutes, I will be counting.” Alex glared playfully before running off and catching up with Adam and Charlie.

I laughed as I watched her run further and further away from us before I spun around to face Nick.

“Nervous?” He chuckled as he leaned against the side of the bus.

“I feel like I’m either going to throw up or pass out, or both.” I sighed.

“You’ll be fine.”

“Everyone keeps saying that.” I laughed once again.

“Maybe because it’s true?” He scoffed playfully as I narrowed my eyes at him.

“Do you want a black eye to go with that bruise?” I warned as he held his hands up in defence before wrapping his arms around me tightly as I mimicked his actions.

A few minutes later phone began to vibrate in my pocket and I sighed, knowing very well who was texting me.

“I better go before your sister kicks my ass.” I mumbled into his shoulder before I retracted my arms from around him as he did the same.

He nodded before suddenly exclaiming, “Hold on a second.”

I nodded as I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion as he began to pull at the many bracelets on his wrist.

“Nick wha-”

“Sh, I’m nearly there!” He said as he managed to untie a blue and white woven bracelet before grabbing my left hand and tying it around my wrist.

“For luck.” He smiled.

I couldn’t help but grin in response as I wrapped my arms around him tightly once more before doing something I can officially say I’d never thought I’d do. I leaned up and pressed my lips to his cheek softly before taking a step back. I felt my cheeks heat up once more as I bit my lip.

“I better go..your sister..yeah.” I rambled as he chuckled before nodding.

I grinned once more before I spun around and began to run towards the gate. Despite feeling that I was going to end up throwing up everywhere and passing out I felt happy, all those emotions didn’t go well together, I can tell you that much. I unlocked the gate as I made my way through it before shutting it behind me and quickly manoeuvred my way through the crowd and over to the backstage area.

“Finally!” Alex laughed as she stood waiting by the security guard before grabbing my wrist as the security guard moved out of the way to let us through.

“I think I’m going to throw up.” Jake announced as he began jumping up and down.

“Then jumping up and down isn’t the wisest option then is it, Jake?” I laughed as I pushed my hair out of my face.

“No way!” Alex exclaimed as she grinned at me expectantly.

I raised an eyebrow as Jake and Logan looked at each other sceptically before moving away from us and going through “warm up techniques” as I recall it.

“What are you having a spazz about?” I scoffed.

“Isn’t that one of Nick’s bracelets?” She smirked, pointing at my wrist.

I glared at her playfully, knowing what point she was trying to make.

“It’s for luck.” I defended as her smirk grew bigger.

“Do you see me wearing any bracelets off my brother?” She said, outstretching both her bracelet filled arms as I scoffed in response.

“Maybe they‘re all from him.” I laughed as she shook her head.

“You’re not going to get out of this, you know.”

“Watch me.” I winked as I pushed her out of the way as I bounded over to Jake and Logan.

[&]

“You’re on in five minutes!” A random crew member for the show exclaimed at Logan, Jake, Alex and I.

“I seriously think I need to throw up.” I stated, completely serious.

“Taylor shut the fuck up and relax, you’ve already done this before, you’re just thinking it’s worse this time around.” Jake laughed.

“I can’t relax!” I whined as I began to wave my arms around frantically.

“Do you want a slap?” Alex warned as I dropped my hands and jumped behind Jake.

“I didn’t think so.” She grinned as I narrowed my eyes, moving back into view.

“We’re going to rock this, we all know it, we’re going to rock it so hard it’ll…break.” Logan laughed.

“Nice analogy.” I scoffed playfully as he punched me in the arm.

“Kids From The Summer!” Jake exclaimed.

“Kids From The Summer!” Logan, Alex and I repeated, trying to get the adrenaline going.

I took a glance at the empty stage as I felt a lump rise in my throat. Don’t get me wrong, I was excited, but I also felt like this was going to be the death of me.

“You’re on!” The same guy exclaimed as he ushered us to move forward and onto the stage.

“Show time!” Alex whispered to me as she grabbed my hand and squeezed it tightly before pulling me forward and out onto the stage with her.

“WHAT‘S UP, ORLANDO?! WE’RE KIDS FROM THE SUMMER!” I exclaimed into my Microphone as I pulled it off the stand, the crowd yelling in response.

I couldn’t help but grin as I looked out seeing that a lot of people had turned up to watch us even though we weren’t playing on the main stage. My grin got even bigger though as I noticed that A Rocket To The Moon, Taking Back Sunday and Hit The Lights had come to watch, not that I expected them not too, but it was still amazing that they did, even Adam’s support meant the world to me.

“This is our first show on this tour! So you better be fucking nice to us.” Jake joked as he picked his guitar up off of the stand and placed it over his head, as did Alex with her bass and Logan positioned himself behind his drum kit.

“Guys, I’m nervous beyond belief.” Alex laughed into her Microphone.

“How do you think I feel?! I’ve only just joined the band!” I joked as the crowd cheered.

The nervous feeling began to creep up once again after it only momentarily disappeared. I wasn’t going to let the nerves of any of it get to me, though. I was in it for the long haul. I looked down at the setlist we’d decided on and breathed in deeply.

Both Sides Of The Story.
Lights Out.
Calendar Pages.
Carry Me Home.

“So this first song’s called Both Sides Of The Story!” I yelled as I winked at Alex.

I took a deep breath and began to sing.

“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

As the song properly kicked in I began to jump around, not being able to contain the excitement not to mention the adrenaline pumping through my body.

We had our nights on the town
Your eyes were smiling then! Jake sang.
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
“What Jake?!” I exclaimed.
Do you really even have a clue? He grinned.
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?! Jake grinned.
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 sang as the atmosphere was filled with cheers and screams. I grinned as I ran over to Alex, high-fiving her.

“Taylor I fucking love you!” Hayden screamed from the crowd as the cheering died down.

I laughed and placed a hand over my heart before bringing the Microphone up to my lips, “I love you too, Hayden baby!”

“So, we’re Kids From The Summer!” I began as the crowd began to chant. “And as Jake pointed out this is our first show on this tour! And it’s my first show with the band, ever!” I laughed.

“Taylor’s the newbie.” Logan chuckled as he began to hit his kick pedal.

“I am indeed! So, considering every aspect of this is new I think it’s only right for us to introduce ourselves, right?!” I yelled as the crowd cheered in response.

“So, I’m Alex Santino! And incase you’re questioning the last name thing I’ll say it now, Nick Santino’s unfortunately my brother.” She scoffed playfully as Nick flipped her off from the crowd.

“I’m Logan Evans!” Logan exclaimed as he began to play a random drum beat.

“I’m Jake Johnson!” Jake laughed as a few girls at the front began to scream.

“Jake, you’re in with the ladies.” I winked as the girls began to scream again.,“I’m Taylor Rubano!” I exclaimed as a few guys wolf-whistled, I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Taylor you’re in with the Gents.” He mimicked as I flipped him off playfully.

“So this next song’s called Lights Out!” Jake yelled as Logan began to drum.

I brought the Microphone to my lips once more.

Jake.

“I've been keeping track of everything
Notes and maps of where I've been
Somehow I've always found
A way to sleep through unfamiliar sounds
I lost myself in FM airwaves
And found a way to keep my mind straight
I'm living well, at least in my head
And letting go of what you said

Everybody come a little bit closer
Everybody sing a little bit louder
We run this town tonight

So keep your fingers crossed
Hide them behind you back
I'll hold my breath
And let you fill the room
With smoke and mirrors things look clearer
Just don't panic
So chase your words with your tongue
'Cause you can't avoid me now

I lost track of the little things
The cliques at home and the guilt they bring
Somehow I figured out
How well you keep your secrets now

I guess I'll keep it on the tip of my tongue
Another verse that won't be sung
Is bitterness supposed to taste this sweet to me?

Everybody come a little bit closer
Everybody sing a little bit louder
We run this town tonight
So keep your fingers crossed
Hide them behind your back
I'll hold my breath
And let you fill the room
With smoke and mirrors things look clearer
Just don't panic
So chase your words with your tongue
'Cause you can't avoid me now!" I sang as I began to run across the stage.

Oh, lights out Poughkeepsie
You'll be just fine without me
Tell me the stories when I get home

Everybody come a little bit closer
Everybody sing a little bit louder
[font color=blue]We run this town tonight

So keep your fingers crossed
“Hide them behind your back I'll!” Alex, Logan, Jake and I sung in unison.
Hold my breath
And let you fill the room
With smoke and mirrors things look clearer
Just don't panic
So keep your fingers crossed
Hide them behind your back
I'll hold my breath
And let you fill the room
With smoke and mirrors things look clearer
Just don't panic
So chase your words with your tongue
[font color=blue]Because you can't avoid me
Because you can't avoid me!”

“Fuck yeah!” Jake exclaimed as he pushed his brown hair out of his face.

“So, I think it’s safe to say, this is going pretty well.” Alex grinned as she fist pumped the air earning cheers of agreement.

“Alex, I love you!” A Random guy in the front row yelled.

“I love you!” She shouted back, chucking her plectrum at him as he caught it.

“Aren’t you just the charmer?” I winked playfully.

“Don’t you know it.” She grinned.

“I think there’s lovin’ going on, on this stage.” Jake laughed.

“I’ll love you, Jake!” One of the girls who was previously screaming in the front row, shouted.

“Sweet! I’ll love you too!” He chuckled.

I laughed and rolled my eyes. He was such a ladies man it was unreal. Jake was without a doubt going to be known as the stud of the band.

“This next song’s called Calendar Pages!” I announced as I began to jump up and down.

“I've had it up to here with this
You're always calling
Girl, you're just tripping
No, I'm just falling
Over and over again
This change of heart is just
Is just a means to an end

This conversation just went dry
I know I'm crazy, I think I'm done wondering why
You know what you need to say
I haven't found a melody yet
A melody yet, a melody

All this time
We've been crossing off days
On the calendar pages
And all this time
Has been wasted, I'm wasted
Just thinking that this is the end

I've had it up to here with this shit
I'm always calling
Couldn't you just call someone else?
I bet you think it's funny how my voice stands out
When I'm talking to myself
You just keep pushing me farther and farther away
If you were never here
I'd bet you'd like it better that way
There's really nothing left to say
To me!

This conversation just went dry
I know I'm crazy, I think I'm done wondering why
This conversation just went dry
I know I'm not a memory yet
A memory yet, a memory

All this time
We've been crossing off days
On the calendar pages
And all this time
Has been wasted, I'm wasted
Just thinking that this is the end

Come on now
Won't you come around baby?
Oh we can work it out
But I think I know better than that
This time you're just a pretty face
And you're just a line in a song

This was all wasted
Come on, just face it
This was all wasted
Come on, just face it
Oh let it go!

This conversation just went dry
I know I'm crazy, I think I'm done wondering why
This conversation just went dry
I know I'm not a memory yet,a memory yet
A memory

All this time
We've been crossing off days
On the calendar pages
And all this time
Has been wasted, I'm wasted
And this is the end

All this time
We've been crossing off days
On the calendar pages
And all this time
Has been wasted, I'm wasted
Just thinking that this is the end
Come on now
Won't you come around baby?
Oh we can work it out
But I think I know better than that
This time you're just a pretty face
And you're just a line in a song
And you're just a line in a song
And you're just a line in a song!” We sang in unison.

“You’re amazing!” A girl in the front row shouted at us.

“Thank you! We aim to please.” I winked.

“So, would any of you ever watch us play again?” Alex asked the crowd, earning cheers in response. “Well that’s a good thing considering we’re playing another show here tomorrow too!” She said, earning even more cheers.

“Guys, I think we have fans!” I said, pretending to wipe a happy tear away from my eye.

“I love you!” Logan laughed as yells of “Love you!” ushered through the crowd.

I laughed as I looked down at the setlist to see that we only had “Carry Me Home” left. I breathed in deeply. This was my favourite song. so believe me, I was going to make the most of it.

“So this is our last song, it’s called Carry Me Home! It happens to be my favourite song, so join me in jumping around, okay?!” I yelled as the crowd cheered.

“I can’t hear you!” I sang as the cheers grew louder.

I grinned as I felt my heart rate quicken, I’d never get used to that incredible feeling.

“Carry me home tonight,
Carry me home tonight,

I'm doing all I can,
Hoping that you'll
Stay wrapped up in innocence

And dressed in all my plans

Tell me what,
You were thinking,
When you said,
You're better off without me,
Well I'm just a boy with a hole in my heart,
And I swear the world turns if it all falls apart!

Carry me home tonight,
You had your chance but baby
It's too late now,
Carry me home tonight,
No, no!

I've done my best to find
A little piece of mind
Between these bedroom fights
And days that we were fine

Tell me what,
You were thinking,
When you said,
You're better off without me
I'm just a girl with a whole lot of heart,
I ran over to Jake as we sang in unison.
“And I know the world turns when it all falls apart!”

Carry me home tonight,
You had your chance, but baby
It's too late now
Carry me home tonight,
No, no

Tonight let's play with our hearts
Like the sand in our hands,
We both know the way that it ends
Carry me home tonight

Let's show this small town just what we're worth,
Bound for city lights, like satellites
We'll outshine the stars

Tonight let's play with our hearts
Carry me, carry me
Tonight let's play with our hearts
Carry me home!
You had your chance, but baby
It's too late now,
Carry me home tonight,
Carry me, carry me
Tonight let's play with out hearts,
Like the sand in our hands,
We both know the way it ends,
Carry me home tonight,
You had your chance, but baby
It's too late now,
Carry me home tonight,
No, no
Tonight let's play with out hearts,
Like the sand in our hands,
We both know the way it ends,
I'll say I'm sorry,
But I don't feel sorry for you,
I'll say I'm sorry,
But I don't feel sorry for you,
Carry me home tonight!” I sang as the song came to an end.

I grinned to myself as I glanced over at Alex, Jake and Logan who all had the same expression as me playing across their faces, we’d done it. We’d played our first show.

“Thank you guys! We’ve been Kids From The Summer!” I exclaimed.

“If you see us walking around too don’t hesitate to come and say hi, we won’t eat you!” Alex laughed as the crowd cheered.

“Thank you once again!” I cheered as I placed my microphone back on it’s stand before running off stage with Alex, Logan and Jake in pursuit.

“I can’t believe we did that!” Alex exclaimed as she pulled the three of us in for a group hug.

“That was fucking insane!” I grinned as I bit my lip.

“We need a party to commemorate this!” Logan said as we all nodded in response.

“Come on, lets go and hug the shit out of people!” Jake cheered as we all piled out of the backstage area.

I truly felt on top of the world, I felt like nothing could bring me down, I was on such a high. The feeling I kept getting from being on stage was worth all the nerves, all the doubts I’d had at first, as it over-powered them by a mile.

“Taylor!” I heard from behind me to see Adam stood there awkwardly as if he were contemplating whether calling my name was such a good idea, I think what surprised me more was that Charlie wasn’t attached to his side.

I smiled as I made my way over to him and did the first thing I could think of, ignoring my head screaming that it was a bad idea, I flung my arms around him and hugged him tightly.

He laughed as he hesitantly hugged me back before messing up my hair.

“Fucking douche.” I laughed.

“Well done up there, seriously.”

“You actually don’t know how much that means.” I said honestly.

“Don’t turn all mushy on me Taylor, man the fuck up.” He said as I nodded before laughing once more.

“I still hate you.” I joked.

He shrugged before narrowing his eyes at me, “Oh you wanna go, shorty? we’ll go.” Adam said, trying to make himself look more intimidating.

“Bring it!” I scoffed as I glared at him, balling my hands into fists.

Before I could make a move he suddenly had me in a tight headlock as I flailed my arms around as I tried to bite his arm and pry his arm off me in order for him to release me.

“Fucking let me go, Lazzara! I’ll break your face.” I exclaimed as I tried to get out of his grasp once more.

“Well done, Taylor!” Charlie said as she suddenly appeared out of no-where before raising an eyebrow at Adam and I.

Adam immediately let go of me as I jumped away from him, flattening down my hair as I shot a dirty look in his direction.

“Thanks, I appreciate that.”

I began to feel slightly awkward once again, inside I cursed the fact Charlie had appeared as for once Adam and I were genuinely speaking and not throwing insults left right and centre and it just went back to how it always had been whenever she or anyone else made themselves known.

“I’ll see you guys later.” I smiled half-heartedly before moving away from them both and making my way through the crowd, trying to find someone, anyone that I knew.

A grin automatically formed on my face. Bingo.

I moved quicker, my destination in sight as loads of people who I’d assumed had watched our set shouted “well done” and other compliments in my direction as I shouted words of thanks back as I kept walking. I stopped for a second and I took a deep breath before grinning once more as Nick’s gaze turned away from Eric, his eyes meeting mine, his face mirroring the same expression. I took off in a run, closing the gap that continued to get smaller between us as I jumped into his arms, hugging him tightly as he mimicked my actions. I bit my lip and smiled to myself as neither one of us let go, savouring the moment before we were bombarded with unnecessary questions that neither of us could answer at that moment in time, after all, everyone had their own assumptions anyway.