Carpe Diem

As I tossed the folded names of all the band members into a bowl, considering we had no hat, and shook it about a few times I made my way down the stairs of the bus and onto the grass where the band members who were participating were all waiting, immediately ceasing conversation as their eyes landed on me. I can’t express how nervous I felt, it wasn’t even about the whole ‘talent show’ concept anymore, it was entirely on who I was going to end up collaborating with, and with luck not usually being on my side, I’d set myself up for the worst.

“Who’s going first?” I piped up, glancing around at the mass of band members before me.

“I will!” Eric exclaimed as he quickly shoved his hand in the bowl before pulling out a piece of paper. We all watched intently as he opened it up, his eyes glancing over the name as he groaned in response.

“But I don’t want to collaborate with Justin! We’re in the same band, can’t I just pick another name?!” He whined as he reached out to stick his hand in the bowl yet again, but I quickly moved it away before he could.

“Sorry, Halvorsen.” I chuckled as he flipped me off.

“I’ll go next.” John stated as he smirked at me before sticking his hand in the bowl. I couldn’t help but gulp nervously as he inspected the name on the piece of paper he’d picked out, praying that it wasn’t mine.

“Nick.” He said simply as I breathed out a sigh of relief, not caring in the slightest if it was obvious.

The anticipation and nerves were eating me alive as Alex and Garrett picked their names, to the extent that I couldn’t take it anymore, the nagging feeling that Adam was going to pick my name wouldn’t shake.

“I can’t take this, I’m going next.” I declared as I shoved the bowl into John’s hands roughly, ignoring his protests, before sticking my hand in.

I can’t tell you how much I prayed that it wasn’t Adam, I would have given anything, and I mean anything for it to have not been. That would’ve been the icing on the cake, the worst thing that could possibly happen, and as I swirled my hand around in that bowl as my finger-tips landed on the deciding piece of paper, I just knew that his name was going to be the that I picked.

But it wasn’t.

“Kennedy!” I exclaimed as I jumped into his arms, relief flooding my small frame as he chuckled, embracing me just as tight.

I didn’t care if it looked strange for me to have reacted like that, I didn’t care if any of my friends shot sceptical glances at each other about what had just taken place, I truly didn’t care. All I cared about was the fact that I wasn’t collaborating with Adam meaning I could avoid all contact just a little while longer, I guess lady luck was on my side for once after all. Although, I didn’t manage to miss the glare that Adam threw in my direction at this news.

[&]

So in the end, the pairing for the collaboration of cover songs with the participating band members was as follows:

Alex and Nick Thompson.
Eric and Justin.
Nick and John.
Garrett and Colin.
Adam and Jared.
Kennedy and I.
Fred and Jake.

Whilst Logan, Pat, Mark and Nate decided to stick to drumming for each of our songs rather than participate properly themselves, which we all had no complaints about considering the band members who had decided on not doing acoustic songs had time to attempt to perfect their covers with a drumbeat. Around ten the next morning all of the participating band members sat spread around the upstairs bunk area on The Maine’s bus as we discussed compulsory things for the day ahead in order to make it as successful and fool proof as it could possibly be.

“We need to decide what song each pair is doing so we don’t end up choosing the same song.” I stated, messing Kade’s hair up as he sat in my lap quietly.

“How about each pair just takes ten minutes in order to figure out a song and then we’ll just write them down and if there’s a clash we’ll think of a fair way to decide who gets to play the song and who has to choose another?” Alex suggested.

We all nodded in unison before moving off with our partner in order to pick a song. I stood up with Kade in my arms and walked the short distance over to Kennedy before sitting down opposite him genie style on the floor.

“Rubano and Kade.” Kennedy grinned.

“Brock.” I laughed as he reached out and scooped Kade up into his arms, “Any song ideas?”

“Are you a fan of Third Eye Blind?” He questioned, looking at me intently.

“Are you kidding?” I replied in disbelief, “An Ode To Maybe is one of my all time favourite songs!”

“You’re a mind reader I swear,” He chuckled, “I was just about to suggest that song as it‘s one of mine too.”

“Lets do it!” I exclaimed, sticking my hand in the air for a high-five which he accepted.

“Where’s mine?” Kade protested, outstretching one hand out to me and other other to Kennedy as we both high-fived him in amusement.

“Well, that didn’t even take two minutes.” He stated, running a hand through his hair.

“It’s because we were born to decide things.” I joked before standing up quickly and making my way over to where the pen and paper was placed in order to write down Kennedy and I’s song, unfortunately for me though, it was placed right next to John and Nick. Although John didn’t make any snide comments, which I thought was a little odd, well until I noticed that his line of sight was fixated on Kade in a curious manner.

“Something caught your eye, O‘Callaghan?” I questioned smugly, earning a scoff off him in response as his eyes flickered onto me.

“What song are you doing?” Nick asked quickly, hoping to change the subject.

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” I joked playfully as he shot me a wink in response.

John groaned “Someone just gag me with a spoon. Take the piece of paper and leave, your flirting is ruining my day.”

I scoffed, snatching the pen and paper up off of the floor, “Sort your priorities out.” I spat before turning on my heel and making my way back over to Kennedy and Kade.

“I’m sorry about John.” Kennedy said sheepishly as he placed Kade on top of his shoulders.

“There’s no need to apologise for him Kenny, he’s the one with the stick shoved up his ass.” I mumbled, sitting back down as he laughed in response.

“He’ll warm up, just give it time.” He said comfortingly.

“I don’t care if he never warms up to me, I’m not particularly fond of him anyway, Kade on the other hand-”

“Kade what?” Kade questioned innocently as he attempted to spike up Kennedy’s hair.

Kennedy shot me an apologetic glance as I chuckled softly, “Nothing baby.”

“I guess we’ll just see how this tour pans out, it doesn’t bother me whichever that particular situation goes.” I stated carefully in order to not arouse anymore suspicion from Kade as Kennedy nodded in response.

“I hope he gets a grip, though. The kid’s one of a kind.” Kennedy laughed as he attempted to swat Kade’s hands off his hair who simply giggled.

[&]

“I think you should stay away from Nick.” Adam announced as he pulled me to one side, away from all the other band members practising their songs before it was time for Hit The Lights to perform their set for the day, then A Rocket To The Moon, Kids From The Summer, The Maine, and Taking Back Sunday in order to be as well rehearsed as possible for the Talent Show that was taking place afterwards. Needless to say everyone was feeling the pressure.

“Excuse me? Who are you to tell me who I should stay away from or not?” I countered, crossing my arms.

“I don’t like the way you are with him, or he is with you.” He stated bluntly.

“That, my friend, is called jealousy. You want what you can’t have.” I said smugly, “You have no right to say that to me, considering the only time we talk is when you can’t control yourself from kissing me.”

He scoffed in disagreement, “I have a girlfriend.”

I glanced around at the occupied band members before taking a step towards him and pressing myself against him. “Like that stopped you before. Like I said, I’m not going to be your bit on the side Adam, I deserve to be happy even if you’re only pretending you are, deal with it.” With that said, and him not even opening his mouth to attempt a comeback I walked away, over to Nick to be precise.

“Hey, loser.” I greeted as he rolled his eyes at me.

“Jeeze, it’s nice to see you too, Taylor.” He responded as he slung his arm over my shoulder.

I bit my lip as Lidia’s words began to replay over and over inside of my head as I glanced side ways at Nick. I knew Adam was no good and that I deserved better, much better to push it even further, but there was just something about him that I couldn’t stay away from, it was like some sort of magnetic attraction as cliché as it sounds. Then on the other hand I knew I couldn’t just spend my time waiting around for a day that might never come whilst he pretends to be happy with Charlie because he’s too much of a coward to do anything or to even get out of that relationship. So I decided to let it all play out in terms of Nick and I because there was just something about him that I just loved to be around, not to mention he didn’t treat me like complete dirt, and the perks of making Adam jealous would come as a bonus.

I wrapped my arms around Nick tightly as I buried my head into his chest, “I’m really sorry.” I mumbled, even though I knew it was inaudible.

“What?” He laughed, pulling me back slightly in order to hear what I was trying to say.

“I’m really sorry,” I repeated as I glanced up at him, “I’m sorry that I pushed you away in terms of, well, us.”

“Taylor-”

“No listen, I truly am sorry and I know this apology is dumb but-”

“Taylor it’s fine, you just didn’t feel the-”

“But that’s the thing Nick,” I sighed as I cut him off once more, “I‘d like to give it a shot.”

He raised an eyebrow sceptically, “But Adam-”

“-isn’t worth a moment of my time. He just brings unnecessary problems and complications.”

“And you suppose that I could help with not bringing unnecessary problems and complications?” He laughed.

“I was hoping you could.” I grinned as I entwined my hands with his.

Adam’s POV

I felt my blood begin to boil as I narrowed my eyes at the sight before me consisting of Nick and Taylor. I clenched and unclenched my fists angrily before turning my back on them in order to calm myself down. I hated how she made me feel, I despised her for it, even though there was a part of me, of course, that liked it, liked it a lot in fact. I sighed as I ran a hand through my hair, noticing Charlie approach me out of the corner of my eye. I couldn’t be dealing with her being clingy at that moment I really couldn’t, I needed space to be able to breathe, and that’s something I didn’t usually get around her, well recently anyway. I don’t know what it was, but it was like she had to constantly be around me, and if one of the guys mentioned Taylor she’d shift uncomfortably, I didn’t understand what her deal was, especially as she didn’t know anything, well I suspect she didn’t know anything, otherwise there’d be a lot of objects flying, abusive words, and ending relationships.

“Hey, you.” She smiled as she reached me, wrapping her arms around me tightly as I inwardly groaned before patting her back awkwardly.

She didn’t seem to notice though as she pulled away as her eyes landed on Nick and Taylor, their hands entwined and their grins at each other was enough to make my stomach turn, although it seemed to have the opposite effect on her.

“Aw, how cute!” She cooed happily as she nudged me before not so subtly pointing over in their direction, “I guess they’ll officially be together soon enough.”

“I guess.” I mumbled through gritted teeth as she entwined her left hand with my right.

“So, I guess you’re stuck with me.” She said quietly, narrowing her eyes at me slightly.

“I-What?” I asked, staring at her stupidly as I was completely dumbfounded by her words.

“You know what I mean.” She stated rather harshly, “Don’t think I haven’t seen the way you look at her.”

I scoffed as I removed her hand from mine, “I have no idea what you’re talking about, we’re not even friends-”

“You can try and defend yourself all you want, I’m not stupid, Adam. The sooner you realise that, the better.” She said before grinning and entwining our hands once more and pulling me along over to Nick and Taylor.

Shit.

Taylor’s POV.

I laughed as I was about to reply to something Nick said, but as I noticed Charlie and Adam walking in our direction my breath suddenly got hitched in my throat as they suddenly stopped in front of us, Charlie beaming quite strangely and Adam looking anywhere but at me.

“Hi!” She exclaimed, tearing her hand from Adam’s and pulling me into a bone-crushing hug that I didn’t respond to as it literally hurt, I was pretty sure she was trying to turn all the bones in my body to dust.

“What’s up?” Nick smiled at Charlie as he nodded at Adam who nodded slightly in response, his gaze resting on me as I gulped slightly.

“Are you two finally together?” Charlie burst out, clearly being unable to contain herself as Adam subtly shot a glare in her direction, before his gaze landed on me once more, his eyes slightly narrowed as I held back a scoff.

“Not officially, no.” Nick answered, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.

“You two are just so cute together, though.” She gushed sweetly as she wrapped an arm around Adam who looked extremely uncomfortable. I raised an eyebrow at him sceptically as Nick and Charlie began to talk amongst themselves. Adam shot me a glare and shook his head. Needless to say I was completely and utterly confused, the tension between him and Charlie was clear as day, and even though I had no idea why, I couldn’t help but feel slightly smug, in a what goes around comes around kind of sense.

“And so it begins! Give me some love, Tay!” Colin exclaimed as he bounded over to us and wrapped me in his arms tightly. I chuckled as I hugged him back just as tight.

“Knock ‘em dead, Ross.” I grinned as he winked before taking off onto the stage in pursuit of Omar, Nick Nate and David.

[&]

“Hello again, Los Angeles!” I exclaimed into my microphone as the crowd screamed in response, “How’d you enjoy each of the bands sets so far today?! Make some noise!” I grinned at the crowd before speaking once more.

“So, we have something special lined up for you guys this afternoon, something that’s never been done before, you lucky people! Who wants to know what it is?!” Alex announced as the screams grew louder.

“Well considering you screamed so loud, we’re going to have a talent contest, oh no actually, scratch that as it sounds lame, but let me assure you this is no ordinary talent contest, this one involves some of your favourite band members from some of your favourite bands collaborating with each other, how awesome is that?!”

“First up we have Nick Santino and John O’Callaghan performing an acoustic cover of Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls!” I exclaimed as Alex and I made our way over to the side of the stage as Nick and John made their way onto it. Nick grabbed my hand and squeezed it and John nodded in my direction. I slung my arm over Alex’s shoulder as we watched John and Nick perform Iris rather spectacularly. I couldn’t help but grin as Alex and I belted out the lyrics dramatically from the side of the stage, making complete idiots out of ourselves but it was worth every second. My fun was cut short though as I was dragged off roughly by Adam who had a tight grip around my wrist.

“Get the fuck off me!” I screeched, ripping my wrist out of his grasp as I rubbed the now red spot.

“What do you think you’re doing?! Don’t you listen to anything I say?!” He exclaimed.

“Why should I? You don’t own me!”

“I’m looking out for you!”

I couldn’t help but burst out laughing as his eyes narrowed at me, if only looks could kill.

“Looking out for me? That’s the biggest bunch of bullshit I’ve heard in a long time, you’re not looking out for me at all, you just want me to wait around for you and I won’t do it!”

“You’re being ridiculous! Can’t you see he’s-”

“He’s not doing anything! He’s not doing anything except being genuine and actually liking me, that’s what you have a problem with! Grow up!”

Adam began grinding his teeth in a frustrated manner, “I just don’t get what you see in him!”

“He’s everything you’re not.” I stated bluntly as he looked at me completely gob smacked, “He doesn’t make me feel like shit and that I’m not worth anything, not to mention he’s a lovely guy who I know won’t mess me around, I won’t wait for you, Adam. I can’t.”

“Taylor-”

“And do you know why I won’t wait for you?” I paused for a moment just to see if he’d say anything, but as he didn’t I carried on, “Because I’d be waiting on something that’d never happen, you and I both know it.”

He sighed before running a hand through his hair, “Do I really treat you that bad?”

“The fact you even need to ask that question shows how much of a douchebag you really are. Goodbye, Adam.” I said softly before walking off.

“But Taylor-”

“Bye Adam!” I called out as I didn’t look back, even though, as always, there was a part of me that wanted to.