Right Where You Want Me

I finally had the courage to go back to the bus and apologize to Ara. I hoped that the worst that could happen would be her just getting mad. I didn't want our relationship to end, I honestly didn't. She's different than all the other girls I dated. Yeah, I know corny and cliché but it was the truth. She’s not with me for the fame or money; she’s with me because she loves me.

I saw the bus door open so I climbed up the steps and found Vic alone on the lounge. I looked around the bus in search for any sign that she was still here but so far nothing. I approached my brother.

"Where's Araceli?" I asked. He finally looked at me and shook his head. I didn't have time for him to lecture me; I just wanted to fix this situation with my girl. He can save it for later, but right now I needed to speak to her. I don’t want her to think I don’t love her even though it’s exactly how it looks.

"She left."

My heart sank after hearing those two words come out of his mouth. "What? No she was here just a few minutes ago." I walked down the aisle to the bunks in search for her but there was no sight of her. I looked inside my bunk and then the back lounge but it was vacant. Her stuff was gone.

"Mike she left. She packed up her things and left to the airport when you left to do something."

"Why didn't you stop her!?" I was angry now, if he saw her crying, why couldn’t he help her or comfort her until I came back? This wasn't supposed to happen. She was supposed to stay in here and cry. I was supposed to fix this before she even left. Now I can’t even apologize to her. It ruined my plan.

"I don't think it's my business to do that. She was crying her eyes out. I wasn't going to stop her."

I punched the wall of the bus in anger. I held my head as I paced around in circles muttering things under my breath. I looked through my bunk again just in case she left something behind.

"Mike, I'm here for you if you need someone. I know it's none of business what went down between the two of you, but—"

"I cheated on her with Melissa!" I spat out and his eyes grew wide. He was left speechless, not knowing how to react. I heaved a heavy sigh and leaned back on the bunk walls and threw my head back. I waited for him to give me a big lecture since she’s gone and there was no way of getting a hold of her. I know she won’t answer my calls and she’s probably at the airport already.

"Melissa? The merch girl for the Horizon boys? The one going out with Matt Nicholls?" Vic finally spoke. I nodded my head, removing my hat from my head and placing it down on my bunk. He stayed quiet again, rubbing his chin. "Matt is going to k—"

"I know!" I shouted. "It was a stupid mistake. She just..." I rubbed my face. "I don't want to lose Cheli."

"Call her. Tell her how you feel and that you're sorry for what you did and actually mean it. Why would you even—"

“I don’t want to hear that right now, okay?” I hissed at him and he put his hands up in defense.

“Call her before it’s too late. You might catch her before they aboard the plane and change her mind.”

"You're right." I took out my iPhone and dialed her number on the pad. I walked outside and waited for her to answer but she didn't. The call went to voicemail. "Fuck!" I called again and again and again. I wasn't going stop until she answered. I knew she didn't want to answer my calls because her phone was turned off after I tried calling for the twentieth time. I wanted to throw my phone on the ground but I didn't want to break it. I decided to leave a message. "Baby, I'm sorry. You didn't let me explain. Please call me back or answer your phone. I want to know if you made it to Cali safely."

I leaned on the bus with arms and tried taking deep breaths. She'll turn her phone back on once she goes back to California and she'll answer my calls. I know she will. She just needs some space right now and that’s what I’m going to give her.

I kept my phone with me throughout the day with the volume loud. I would call once in a while after a few hours passed. I left her voicemails and text messages. I needed to know if she made it safe.

We were up to play and I didn't want to hand my phone over to our tour manager. I wanted to take it with me on stage to check between songs if she called or replied to my texts. He was darting his eyes at me but I couldn’t hand it to him. I kept promising him that I wouldn’t use it but he wouldn’t believe me.

"Mike just hand him your phone. The fans are waiting." Vic said, fixing the guitar strap on his shoulder. He was getting agitated but that wasn’t my concern.

What if she calls when I'm on stage? What is that’s the last time she’ll ever call me?

"Mike you guys are on!" Kevin shouted. I handed him my phone telling him to answer any calls that went through. I walked up the steps and onto the stage. I sat down on my seat and got ready for the intro. Once we finished our set, I rushed out and ran to Kevin. I asked for my phone back and he took his sweet ass time handing it over. I took the phone in an inappropriate manner and quickly turned on the screen. No messages or calls from her. I sighed heavily and punched the wall with my hand.

I walked off the stage and to the dressing rooms in the back. I called her again but it was still turned off. I left another voice mail. "Baby. Please. I love you. I know I did something horrible just...please pick up. I miss you." I removed the phone from my ear and ended the call. I leaned on the wall and stared up at the ceiling.

"Mike?"

I looked to the side and found a girl around 18 walking slowly towards me. She looked shy and scared. She was holding onto some paper about to cry. A fan since she didn’t look familiar to me. I took a step closer to her, changing my attitude because I didn’t want her to think I’m an asshole. I also didn’t want Vic arguing with me about keeping my personal life away from my career life.

"You okay?" I asked, putting on a friendly grin.

"I just love you so much. You saved my life and I'm a huge fan." She said quickly and I couldn't help but smile and give her a huge hug. She handed me an envelope with my name written across it. She explained to me about her problems and struggles. She also explained how my band made a huge impact in her life. It made me feel better inside.

I took a hot shower before going to sleep. I decided to call her once more before I knock out. I needed to hear her voice. The line started ringing and I was hoping she'd answer...but once again nothing so I left another message. "I'm going to sleep right now but I just wanted to say I love you and hope you made home safe. I'll call you tomorrow morning. So good night baby and sweet dreams." I end the call and cover my eyes with my arm.

Tossing and turning on my bunk, I finally fell asleep. The first thing I did the next morning is check my phone. I saw her name on the screen and quickly slide the message to open it.

I made it home safe.
-Araceli

I quickly called her up hoping she was awake or at least would answer my call...which she does. I was relieved that she did. My lips quirked up when I heard her voice.

"Yeah?"

"Baby, I'm freaking sorry for hurting you. I'm such a dick head and I'll make it up to you, I promise. I didn't want you to find out that way. You have every right to be mad at me just don’t leave me."

"Okay."

I sighed in relief and put my arm over my forehead. "I still love you Ara. I swear. Once I get home I'll take you out anywhere you want. I promise."

"Mike, you don't have to." She still sounded hurt which she should be. I already feel guilty as shit. I'm just happy that she answered and we're talking again. She replied with short answers which was my cue to give her more space. I said my goodbye and hung up the phone. I got out of bunk and went straight to the small bathroom on the bus.

Weeks later, tour finally ended and we were heading home from Arizona. I was looking forward to seeing her and taking her out. She still seemed bothered by it but we were talking more than before. I sent her flowers and other gifts to let her know that I am sorry. She sent me a smiley and a heart when she received them and that made me smile.

Once we got to San Diego, I quickly ran to my truck to pick her up from her place. I was tired and I wanted to sleep but I had to see her. It's been weeks and I wanted to take her out.

I parked on the curb and immediately got out of my seatbelt and climbed out. I walked to her door and knocked on it. I had my phone in my hand and placed it on the back pocket of my jeans.

Cheli answered the door and she smiled when she saw me—a small smile. It hurt but I deserved it. I smiled widely and attacked her with a big hug.

"I missed you baby." I said through her hair, rocking side to side.

"I missed you too." We hugged for a long time and she looked at me afterwards and I tried kissing her but she moved her head and I ended up kissing her cheek. I didn't see that one coming.

I held on to her hand and walked her to my truck. I opened the door for her so she could climb in. I took her to my place first because I wanted to take a hot shower before taking her out. Once we walked inside, everyone stared at us for a second. Daniel came down the stairs and stopped moving once he saw us.

"Mike." He said with a surprised look on his face. He was putting on his watch.

"Dan." I said confusingly and walked down the living room and up the stairs to my room. He watched us and then continued going down. He's probably high.

We arrived to my room and she sat down on my bed and leaned back. She put her feet up and made herself comfortable.

"I'm gonna take a quick shower and I'll be right out, okay?" She nodded and I kissed her forehead before leaving the room.

I did what I promised and took a hot shower. Once I was out I wrapped a towel around my waist and walked back to the bedroom. She was on her phone with the tv on. I went to my dresser and picked up a pair of boxer briefs i changed on the side of bed while she paid attention to the tv. She was quiet and it bothered me. I know it shouldn't because it's my fault but still.

I went to my closet and pulled out a pair of denim jeans but she made a "uh-uh" noise. I looked back at her and she shuffled off of the bed. She looked at me with a straight face then to my closet. I stepped away while she looked through my wardrobe and pulled out black skinny jeans and my Dead View gray shirt. She also picked out my snapback from my hat shelf in my closet. She handed them over to me then went back to my bed. I changed quickly to not keep her waiting. I dried my hair and then put on my hat. Once I was done, I leaned on the bed and kissed her forehead again, making her smile.

"Let's go?"

She nodded and got off my bed. I grabbed her hand as we walked down the stairs and out of the house. She wanted to go to Universal Studios like I had promised her before so I did. At least she was acting a little normal and talking. She didn't kiss me at all but I had to get used to it. She won't get over it that soon.

While we waited in line for the rides, I wrapped my lanky arms around her neck and kissed her head every now and then. I sometimes pulled her closer to me with her waist and tried kissing her but she just laughed and looked away. I noticed the ring wasn't on her finger. I didn't want to ask her about it because I was trying to avoid bringing up the sex conversation. I didn't want to go anywhere near it.

We ran into a few fans and she stepped away from me while I took pictures with them. They asked her to join but she denied in a friendly way. Once they left, we continued on with the day. But what kind of killed me was whenever there was a girl with big breasts or some “model” looking chick, she’d let go of my hand and hug herself.

Araceli's POV

It was the day of my wedding. Everything looked white and bright. I was in my room finishing up the last touches. Christina was placing my necklace on and my mother was tearing up next to me. I smiled as I watched myself in the mirror in front of me. It was my big day. I was finally getting married like I had planned when I was a teenager.

Chris placed my veil on my hair and then covered my face with it. I actually did it. I saved myself for marriage when I thought I would give up at some point.

“Araceli, you’re glowing!” My cousin Isabella beamed at me. I turned to face her and she had on a wide smile on her face. I then looked at my mother and she was fanning her eyes so she wouldn’t mess up her make up. Christina stepped away and joined the others. There was a knock on the door and it creaked open. It was Ryan. He smiled at the sight of me.

“Whenever you’re ready.”

“She’s ready,” Chris replied.

I walked over to the door while every followed behind me. Isabella and Christina picked up the back part of my dress while I walked over to my father that was standing near the door. Everyone was in place, the flower girl, the ring barrier, the maids and man grooms. Perfect. I couldn’t wait to marry the man of my dreams.

The music started to play and the flower girl went in first followed by the little boy carrying the pillow that had our wedding rings. I was getting nervous. My dad squeezed my hand, telling me he’s proud of me for everything. He was young when he married my mother. They were barely nineteen and they didn’t want me marrying young.

It was finally my turn to walk down the aisle. We took slow steps while everyone stood up. I looked around me viewing the entire guests that were attending my wedding. There were tons of people, some I didn’t recognized but I guess they were from his side. I recognized familiar faces closer to the Minister.

We finally reached the end of the aisle and my father smiled at me and squeezed both of my hands. I smiled back but my smile went away when I saw Daniel approaching from behind my dad. He smiled at me and took my hand. I looked around me wondering why Mike wasn’t up there with me. I finally found him sitting down next to Vic, Jaime and Tony. They were all smiling like it if nothing had happened. I turned back to Daniel as we approached the Minister. I kept examining him wondering if this was real.

Why am I marrying Daniel?

I woke up sitting up quickly and breathing heavily. I removed the sheets from my legs and tried to stay calm. I wasn’t wearing a dress; I was wearing my jeans and shirt. I searched the room from left to right.

“What’s wrong?” Mike asked, rubbing his eyes and staring at me. I had forgotten I fell asleep with him in his bed. I was just relieved that it was all just a dream. I’m still with Mike. I’m going to marry Mike and not Daniel.

“You’re sweating, baby.” He sat up in bed, still looking at me. I started to feel guilty for almost sleeping with his roommate. I think it was sign telling me to tell Mike what I had done. I finally looked at him and he looked worried. I swallow the big lump that I had on my throat and shook my head. I can’t tell him anything. I promised Daniel I wouldn’t and I can’t break that promise.

“I just had a nightmare.” I finally said, pushing back my hair. My breathing finally went back to normal so I laid back down where Mike pulled me closer to him with his arm. He kissed my shoulder and laid his head down next to mine. I stared at the wall thinking about my dream. Should I tell Michael or should I just keep it to myself?

Mike fell asleep again. I couldn’t go back to sleep because I had too much on my mind. Once I heard him snoring, I decided to get out of his arms and his bed then get a glass of water. I walked to the door silently and opened it. Once I was out in the hall way, I closed it. I turned around and jumped when I saw Daniel getting out of his room. He looked at me like he was scared to see me. It didn’t bother me because that’s exactly how I felt about him.

“I’m sorry,” I said, not knowing why I’m apologizing.

“Why are you apologizing?” He asked, lowering his eyebrows.

“I don’t know,” I whispered and leaned my head back to the door of Mike’s room. I combed my hair to the side with my hand. He slowly walked closer to me, a bit paranoid to see if anyone was watching us.

“We made a deal. I’m not saying anything to Mike. You have nothing to worry about.” Except the fact that I just had a DREAM about MARRYING YOU! “You haven’t said anything to him, right?”

“NO.” I whispered loudly. “He doesn’t know anything and he’s NOT gonna find out.” He nodded his head, biting on his bottom lip. I couldn’t help but examine his body again. The body I was about to have sex with while Michael was away.

“Are you checking me out?” He smiled—that cute smile again. I snapped out of it and shook my head. I rubbed my eyes and I heard him laughing lightly. What am I doing? I looked away from him, blushing. “It’s okay. No need to be embarrassed. I know I’m good looking.”

I chuckled, crossing my arms under my chest. That kind of helped me feel less uncomfortable around him.

“I’m gonna go down stairs and get some water.” I pointed to the right then started walking away but his voice and footsteps stopped me.

“I was just heading down there. I’ll join you.” We walked down the steps in silence. I didn’t know what to talk about and I felt like everyone would know what happened between me and Dan if I’m seen with him. We entered the kitchen and he started a conversation with me as he opened the fridge. I got down two cups from the cupboard and conversed with him.

We ended up making coffee and just talking to each other, laughing and messing around. It was easy to talk to him and he’s actually a cool person to hang out with. As we waited for the coffee to be ready, he handed me some sort of Mexican fruit snack bar that Vic and Mike had on the cabinets. He told me to try it because it was “good” and he was addicted to them. So I did and I actually fell in love with the taste also. It was some strawberry wheat bran bars.

I made two mugs of coffee and we leaned on the kitchen counters, talking and laughing again. I kicked him from where am at but he grabbed my ankle and wouldn’t let go.

“I’m gonna fall!” I shrieked, grabbing on to the counter.

“You know, kicking isn’t really something nice to do to someone who gave you a snack bar.” He smiled and moved my leg more towards him.

“DANIEL!” I laughed and set down my mug, trying to pull my own leg back. He finally let go and I smacked his hard chest. I walked back to the corner of the counter and sat on top. We exchanged stories about the random-est things and I got to know him more.

I heard my name being shouted from upstairs and we both stopped talking. Mike walked into the kitchen staring at both of us. He looked tired and he was scratching his head.

“Coffee?” I offered him but he didn’t say anything. He just looked at Dan, giving him the look that he wanted to be alone with me.

“I’m gonna go back upstairs. Good night.” He smiled, raising his mug then left the kitchen. Mike waited for him to leave then walked closer to me, cornering me on the counter. He placed his hands on either side of my legs and looked into my green eyes. The only thing on his body was his boxers.

“Do you want to sleep over or do you want me to take you home?” He lowered his head and kissed my forehead, hinting that he wanted me to sleep over. I didn’t think it was such a good idea. I never slept over before so it would be a new experience but then Ryan would be questioning me about my whereabouts in the morning or whenever I get back from Mike’s. I didn’t want that.

Mike then kissed my check and started heading to my neck, still waiting for me to answer. I moved my mug to the side as he got closer to me. He started sucking on my skin and I started giggling. I wrapped my arms around his torso and rest my head on his chest, nodding my head. I felt his arms around my neck. I could tell he was happy but I wasn’t.