Life on Tour

“All right guys, thank you everyone! This has been All Time Low. See you next time!” Alex said to the crowd before they all made a few notes with their beloved instruments, and left the stage. Alex and Zack came out on my side, and Rian and Jack went out the other.

“So, were we amazing?” Zack asked. I giggled and rolled my eyes.

“Could've been better.” I joked. Alex made a sad face and Zack laughed.

“Are you kidding? Best show yet!” Matt said, high-fiving the boys. We then made our way to the dressing room.

“Okay, I'm gonna go shower then meet the fans.” Alex said. Rian and Zack did a bit before, so they weren't in as much of a rush as the others.

“I'm not gonna bother showering first. I'm just gonna go straight there.” Jack told everyone. He had a bit of water and a toilet break before going out to meet everyone.

“Libby, do you wanna go with? You can just go outside and hang out with some of the crew if you want. I think Vinny might be there.” Alex suggested. Vinny Vegas is the main merch guy for the band. I haven't seen him in ages, but he's always been a good friend of the band.

“Yeah. Okay. See you in a bit.” I said. I went out, and Zack soon followed. The fans screamed when the door opened, but when they saw Zack, they screamed even louder. I wasn't much of a big deal. I mean, I heard a few whispers along the lines of 'Alex's sister.' but nothing too massive.

“Well, if it isn't the girl version of Alex?” Vinny joked from behind me. I giggled.

“Hey Vinny.” I said, giving him a hug.

“I haven't seen you in months. What's been going on?” He asked. I shrugged.

“Honestly nothing much. But, I’ve managed to go on tour with these idiots, so that's always fun. I haven't been doing that since a few summers ago.” I told him.

“I know. So, how do you like this one? A little different to what you're probably used to.” He said. I nodded my head.

“Yeah. I know so much more now. It's weird. Plus, I haven't had people know who I was in relation to the band before.” I said. He laughed.

“Yeah. It's weird when people start knowing who you are rather than the band. Speaking of which...” Vinny said, gesturing towards Jack, who was making gestures with his hands to get me to come over.

“Coming.” I said loud enough so he could hear. I walked towards him and the fans.

“Sorry for disturbing you. It's just that I was wondering if I could have a photo with you and Jack.” A fan asked. I smiled and nodded my head.

“Sure.” I answered. The fan was in between me and Jack, and we were all smiling. It felt kind of nice.

“Thank you so much. Congratulations by the way.” She said. I creased my eyebrows, and so did Jack.

“Congratulations?” Jack asked.

“Yeah. You two, being together and stuff. It's really sweet.” She said.

“Um, what? We're not in a relationship. We've never done anything romantic in the least. We're just friends.” I assured her.

“Oh. It's just that I read it somewhere. I might still have the magazine with me.” She said, a few moments later, she pulled out a copy of Kerrang! Magazine. Included in the article of our so called budding romance, was a picture of Jack and I at the restaurant we went to last month. We were sitting by the window just joking around. The picture made it look like we were holding hands, but in reality, he was just giving me his phone to show me something.

“What the...” I began, but I just couldn't find the words to continue.

“I guess you can't really believe everything you read, huh? Sorry about that. I just assumed...” She began.

“It's fine. Honestly. If it wasn't you we found it out from, it would've been someone else. But we're just friends.” Jack said, putting his arm around my neck in a friend-like fashion. All of a sudden, loads of screams were coming from the crowd, and there were flashed from cameras. Jack instantly let go of me. I gave the magazine back to the fan, who was very nice, despite everything, and I walked back inside. I didn't go too far in, but just enough that I couldn't be seen by the fans.

I don't know what I was most upset about. The fact that this whole rumour had started, or the fact that it wasn't true. Because Jack and I weren't dating. And I’ve always been so sure that I didn't want to date him. In fact, up until a few years ago I had been certain I never wanted to date anybody. I'd just find someone who was rich, marry him, and divorce him, keeping the money. It was a perfect system. But even then, I’ve recently been hit in the face by how much I’d love to have that companionship, and even more recently, I’ve decided I would love that companionship to be with Jack.

“What's wrong?” Someone asked. I looked up, and noticed it was Rian, fresh out of the shower and going to meet everyone. I shrugged.

“I've barely been on this tour for half a day, and already there are rumours circulating around about me and Jack.” I told him. Rian's eyes widened.

“What?” He asked, in a seemingly terrified way. I mean, I get it. I wasn't supposed to get hurt or be in any trouble while I was here, but it seemed like an overreaction. I shrugged it off anyway.

“You know when I went out for that walk that took ages and then Jack found me?” I asked. He nodded his head. “Well, after that he took me out for something to eat because I must've been starving. Anyway, while we were there he was showing me something on his phone, and he passed it to me, and then someone took a picture of it which makes it look like us two holding hands, and then Kerrang! has decided that we're dating.” I explained. He sighed.

“Okay, don't worry. This rumour will get sorted out sooner than you think. In fact, it's probably getting sorted right now. Does Alex know about this?” He asked. I shook my head.

“A fan just passed her congratulations on to us after taking a photo with us, and...” I began, but he interrupted me.

“Wait? A fan asked for your picture?” Rian asked. I nodded my head.

“Yeah. Why?” I asked.

“Okay, listen. I'm not angry at you or anything. But I'm going to need you to stay out of sight from the fans for the rest of the evening. Who's the girl who took the picture?” I asked. I shrugged.

“Everyone took our picture. Jack hugged me.” I answered. Rian sighed and nodded his head.

“Okay. Listen, when we get on the bus, we're all gonna have a meeting okay? Don't worry about it. It's gonna get sorted. You're in safe hands.” He said, leaving the building to meet the fans, and Alex walked out a few minutes later. Soon enough, we were back on the bus. Zack and Alex were completely unaware of the entire situation, and Jack didn't seem to mind about it until I saw Rian speak with him. So now everything's all a bit weird.

“Okay, guys, we kinda need to have a whole meeting.” Jack announced. Alex sighed.

“What? It's only been our first show. What's so bad?” He asked.

“Something big. The entire fan base now thinks that Jack and I are together.” I told them. Zack looked mildly taken aback, but Alex looked as though he was willing to murder a puppy if it came to it.

“WHAT?” He screamed. The bus had already started to leave about 10 minutes ago, and we were already in a ton of traffic, and trouble it seems.

“Look, it wasn't anybody's fault.” Rian said, explaining the whole situation. “We just need to straighten things out.” He concluded. Alex looked a bit calmer, and Zack looked exhausted for us.

“Okay. Alright, you two tell everyone on twitter. I'll call up Kerrang! and Rian and Zack can get some sleep or whatever.” Alex said. Jack and I pulled out our phones, and began tweeting. We already had loads of notifications containing the pictures of us, but it wasn't a big deal. We just needed to let everyone know that it wasn't true, no matter how much I wish it was.

Hi everyone. @JackAllTimeLow is not my boyfriend. He's too lanky for me anyways ;) I typed, trying to make light of the situation. I also got a notification from Jack.

Guys, stop spreading around rumours about me and @LibbyyG. #SoMuchForKeepingThisJustFriends He tweeted, quoting one of their songs. I giggled.

“Right, listen, I know what it looked like, but you can't do that. That's not fair. She's a minor, and he's almost 10 years older than her. So just make sure you clear it up. Is that understood?” Alex said over the phone. “Yeah, okay. My email should be on the system. Thank you. Bye.” He said before hanging up. Jack and I got ready for what would probably be a lecture from him.

“Is everything gonna be sorted?” Jack asked. He sighed and shrugged.

“They said they're willing to put out a note apologising for it, but they'd do an actual article if it's done within an interview.” He answered. “Listen, I know that what you guys were doing was platonic, but you have got to be more careful. I mean, this sort of thing just sucks. They also said that they're gonna try and sort everything out with the journalist and photographer. For now, though, I think its best we head to bed.” He continued, and we nodded our heads. I got changed in the bathroom, and once I was out, everyone was in their bunks. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out like a light. I also had a very vivid dream. It didn't all make sense, but the general plot of it was quite intense.

“I mean, I don't know about you, but I think we'd be a great couple. We could get a giraffe, and we could grow plants in it together.” Jack said to me. I shrugged.

“I don't know, Jack. Alex always told me that it's better with cars. Besides, you always said we shouldn't.” I told him.

“Well, things have changed. I mean, I love Alex like a brother, but not as much as I love you as Libby.” He said.

The rest of the dream was a bit of a blur. Rian started growling at a fridge, and Alex was using some powers to get Zack's muscles and practically switching bodies. But Jack carried on wanting to buy a giraffe together, but the only thing that was holding me back was Alex at the back of my mind, constantly screaming no at us. It sucked.

“Wake up, Libby. We're stopping off to get breakfast in a bit. Thought you might want to get ready.” Alex said. I groaned.

“How long until we stop?” I asked. He smiled.

“About an hour.” He answered. I nodded my head, rubbed my eyes, and went in the bathroom to get ready. I got dressed, and once I was ready, we still had around 20 minutes left. It seems like I take a long time to get ready under a deadline.

“So, I think that once we get breakfast, we could go and buy some DVD’s. I mean, if they have anything, or any games or something. I know that we're gonna get pretty bored soon.” Jack suggested.

“Yeah, alright. But as long as I pick some out myself. Last time, we didn't even have enough money to buy me a chocolate bar because you spent it all on Home Alone merchandise.” Zack told him. Jack shrugged.

“Deal.” He said.

“What about you, Libby? Do you want anything?” Alex asked. I just shrugged.

“Not really.” I answered.

“Is everything okay?” He asked, seeming to be treading on eggshells around me.

“I just can't function at this time of day.” I answered. Alex looked at the clock on the wall in confusion.

“It's 10 o'clock.” He said.

“My point still stands.” I told him. He sighed and walked to the back lounge, leaving just Jack, Zack and I. I decided to check my twitter to see what people were saying about the whole situation.

That sucks. You guys look perfect together.

@LibbyyG @JackAllTimeLow But you guys look at each other with so much love in your eyes! #Pissed!

I giggled at that last one.

“What are you doing?” Jack asked, stirring his coffee in the mug, before taking a sip from it.

“None of your business.” I told him. He rolled his eyes jokingly.

“I'll get it out of you, Gaskarth.” He said, referring me by my last name. I groaned.

“You wish, Barakat!” I retorted. He smiled.

“Morning everyone.” Rian greeted, pouring himself some coffee.

“Hey loser.” Zack greeted jokingly.

“Why is he sulking back there?” Rian asked, nodding towards the back room where Alex was. I shrugged.

“Not a clue. He's always like this when something he considers big happens. It happened when I had that crush on that guy he didn't like, remember?” I asked. They nodded their heads.

“Yeah, maybe, but this isn't something that really happened.” Jack said. I nodded my head in agreement.

“I don't know. I'll ask him.” I said. I walked towards the back room. “Okay, what's crawled up your ass?” I asked.

“Don't speak to me like that.” He instantly responded. I rolled my eyes.

“Alex, what the hell is wrong with you? You're acting like a total ass hat for no reason.” I told him.

“Because this is what happens. All the time. Every time something like this happens, you always end up hurt, and I don't just mean when a guy breaks up with you and you're broken hearted. I mean you get so depressed. Things like this tear you up inside, even though you don't know it, and then you get angry at loads of things, and you start screaming and crying, and sometimes you get so low that you think of ways to kill yourself. I know that. I know what you're like, Libby. This morning, your attitude wasn't just not being able to function in the morning. It's what you get like when you're depressed, and I don't know what to do.” He angrily whispered. And once he took a deep breath, I knew that even though he meant it, I know he regretted it. I got up.

“I thought this was supposed to be the fun band that didn't take anything seriously.” I scoffed. I then walked straight back to the rest of the guys.

“Did you figure out what's up?” Zack asked. I nodded my head, obviously showing annoyance at our conversation just now.

“Wow. You even look like him when you roll your eyes.” Rian pointed out.

“He thinks I’m depressed because of the whole situation yesterday. I thought he just let it go, but no, he can't, because he thinks there's something wrong with me.” I answered angrily, taking a seat on the sofa next to Jack, folding my arms.

“Well, you're okay about it, right?” Jack asked, unsure of what my answer would be. I nodded my head.

“Yes. I promise I am.” I answered. He nodded his head.

“Then prove it. Just be okay with it, then he'll get over it. I promise.” Jack said. I nodded my head.

“It's true. He just needs a bit of proof, then he'll be fine.” Rian contributed. After just hanging out for a bit, the bus pulled over.

“Okay guys. Breakfast time.” Eddie said.

“Thank god for that. Pancake time!” Jack said excitedly. We all piled off the bus and practically sprinted towards the building. We sat down at a small café, and waited for someone to take our orders.

“So, I think I’m gonna go with the pancakes too. But with chocolate sauce.” I told them all.

“Good choice.” Jack said, giving me a high-five. Alex then gave us a death glare.

“Stop it. Remember what happened the last time you two touched hands in public?” He asked.

“Alex...” I began.

“Dude, are you angry at me?” Jack asked. Alex sighed and shook his head.

“No. I just don't want a repeat of it, that's all.” He replied. I groaned.

“Alex, can you stop already? I've had enough of it. You've already said it's been sorted out, and why does it even matter? We're not going out anyway, so you can just piss off.” I snapped. Maybe a little too loudly, because it gained attention from about 5 other customers.

“Okay, sorry about the delay, but I’m ready to take your orders.” The waitress said. I noticed Jack eyeing her up and down, like she was prey. Everyone knows that Jack has a reputation. He has a way of getting people into bed with him without any emotional attachment involved. Still. I couldn't help but feel a little bit sad about it.

“Can I have some pancakes with a bit of sugar on them?” Jack asked, winking at her. She started blushing, but remained professional, and wrote down the order.

“Um, the same but with chocolate sauce instead.” I answered. She wrote that down too.

“Just the waffles please, with some coffee.” Alex answered, seeming a bit grumpy. I hate it when he's like this.

“I'll have some toast with jam.” Zack answered.

“I'll have a bowl of cornflakes please. And could we get a jug of water for the table?” Eddie asked. She wrote down everyone's orders and smiled, looking at Jack one last time.

“Certainly. I'll be write back with your orders.” She said. I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy in the pit of my stomach. As evil as it was, I was half hoping the waitress would get fired just in front of us for being caught for doing something a while ago. Unfortunately, no such incidence had occurred.

“Damn, Jack. Anything that moves, huh?” Rian joked. Jack just shrugged.

“What can I say? She's not too bad looking.” He answered. I just rolled my eyes.

“I'm gonna go to the toilet.” I said, leaving the table. Once I reached the bathroom, I let a couple of tears fall. I felt like for some reason I had been holding them in for a while. Maybe Alex was right about the depression side of that creeping up. But I don't know if that had to do with the whole magazine thing. I think it's because I was jealous. Oh god. I think I might be falling for Jack Bassam Barakat.