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Those In Glass Houses

Slaves to Substance

“You have three weeks dear. Time is ticking.” Josh whispered in my ear. I felt him leave and my first instinct was to look on stage. Alan was running to Austin who was on the floor and people were screaming, trying to run out. I heard my name being called but I couldn’t. It was my fault that Austin got hurt. What if he got killed? He couldn’t! I felt hands on my shoulders and I flinched away, seeing Sarah worriedly looking at me and saying something. I couldn’t register anything she said. Her mouth moved but all I thought about was about the trigger being pulled and Austin falling.

I felt hands grab my hips and suddenly I was over someone’s shoulder. I didn’t even fight. I knew it wasn’t Josh since he ran out and I just hanged there limply, seeing Sarah in front of me, following the person who had me. I saw us walk out of the venue and get in the bus before I was set on the couch and Tino stood in front of me.

“You okay?” He asked, sweat was dripping from his hair and his eyes shown worry. I looked around, seeing that the rest weren’t here and that’s when it hit me that Austin got hurt. He really did get hit! I stood up, about to run out the bus when Tino pushed me back on the couch and held me down as I tried to get away.

“Tino, I need Austin! Where’s Austin? Is he hurt?” I tried getting away but Tino wouldn’t let.

“Annie everything is fine, he’s okay? The bullet just hit is thigh but he’ll be okay!” I gave up, leaning back into the couch and letting the tears fall. Tino let go of my arms, and I felt someone sit next to me.

“Everything is fine. You heard Tino, everything is cool. Austin was taken to the hospital and he’s getting it out. He’ll be back before you know it.” Sarah whispered, calming me down. I leaned into her chest, crying and having her rub my back to sooth me. I finally calmed down before Alan, Phil, and Aaron walked inside the bus.

“How is he?” Tino asked sitting next to me. I sat up, looking at Aaron who smiled at me.

“Perfectly fine; his thigh is bandaged up and we’re going to pick him up in the morning. Get some sleep Annie.” He assured me. I nodded, getting up and walking to the bunk with Phil following me.

“I’m going to shower.” I whispered, walking to my bag and grabbing some sweats and a sweater. I know I promised them I wouldn't relapse, but I just couldn’t anymore. If I was going to leave them so they could be safe, I needed strength. I opened my makeup bag and took out my eyeliner sharpener.

I turned the shower on, taking off my clothes and sitting on the shower floor. I took out the blade from the sharpener and took a deep breath, running the sharp blade across my thighs. I sighed, happily leaning my head back to the wall and moved to my hips. After a few cuts, I got up, putting the blade on the ledge and took my shower. After I changed into my sweats, I laid down in Aaron’s bunk and pulled the blanket up to my chin, closing my eyes.

I knew Josh was going to kill them. I knew he was serious about it. I had to leave once we got to LA and I had to get away from them. It was for the best. I wiped a few tears away and closed my eyes, about to fall asleep when the curtain opened and someone sat on the bed.

“Annemarie, don’t pretend like you’re sleeping. Now you tell me what’s going on or I'll find out myself.” I heard Sarah’s voice whisper. I sighed, sitting up and looking at her.

“Sarah, I have no clue what you’re talking about.” I whispered back. Sarah frowned, looking like she was disappointed in me.

“Anne, I heard the shot coming from the tent, don’t lie to me. Josh was there right?” She whispered. I looked at the blanket and grabbed her hand.

“He said he was going to kill them if I’m still with them by the time we get back to LA. I can’t have that happen to them. I have to get away from them, make them think like they annoy me. I can’t be with Austin anymore.” I whispered, tears falling from my eyes again.

“Anne, you need to tell them. The band loves you and you can’t do this by yourself.” Sarah scooted closer and I looked at her, grabbing her shoulders.

“Tell me what I’m supposed to do. Stay and have the only people I care about get killed, or save them?” Sarah didn’t answer, she just looked at me and I sighed. “Promise me you won’t tell them.” I whispered again.

“Anne-“

“Promise me, Sarah.” She hesitated before nodding.

“I won’t tell them. I’ll quit working for them and I’ll go with you. I won’t have you face that monster alone.” She looked at me determined and I shook my head.

“He’ll kill you too.” I cried more.

“I don’t care. Like I said, I’ll quit the band and go back to working at Old Navy. Nothing will go wrong when you’re with me.” She smiled. I nodded, hugging her tightly and thanking her. She left, getting off the bus and ignoring the guys when they asked what I had said. I curled up back in the blanket, closing my eyes and let sleep take me away.