The Calm
Chapter 31
-Austin's POV-
My head was pounding and last night was currently a blur. I know Scar and Vic were sucking each other’s faces for a while. Lauren and I were talking and we even exchanged numbers. That’s about all I currently remember.
I forgot to see or at least experience how Scarlett was “different”, but that was only one night of tour.
Suddenly the curtain to my bunk was flung open and light poured in.
“The fuck” I said grumpily.
“Get up it’s almost one in the afternoon our set is in an hour!” Alan yelled.
I groaned and forced myself to get out of my bunk and into the bathroom.
I came out to the front lounge after I was completely finished with getting ready.
Brook was sitting in the front lounge with Scarlett. Guess they made friends.
“Hi ladies.” I said politely.
“Hey Austin” Brook said.
I grabbed water out of the fridge, checked that it was 1:38, and grabbed my pass. So Scarlett was going to ignore me and not be civil. She was the one who was on my band’s bus.
“Where’d the guys go?” I asked Brook.
“Pretty sure Alan went to go find Tyler before the set…you know them two and their guy crush” she said and rolled her eyes.
I laughed, “Aw you jealous Brook! I got to go round him up I guess before our show. See you later!” I said directly to Brook.
“Good luck finding him! Kick ass out there today!” she said.
“Thanks” I said and slowly looked at Scarlett who was looking at her phone.
Whatever I headed off the bus and found that Phil and Tino were in my sights, so at least I had one guitar player and my drummer.
“Aaron is where?” I asked them.
“In the port potty, where he hopefully doesn’t get taken away this time.” Phil said.
Tino and I laughed. “Alan’s with his boyfriend right?”
“Yes” Phil groaned.
I looked at Tino wondering what was wrong with Phil, we didn’t exchange words, but he knew what I meant and shook his head. Aaron came from the bathroom and we decided to head to the stage without Alan. We had 10 minutes and Justin said he would go find him.
Then 5 minute warning, Alan showed up with Tyler who wanted to see our set.
“Ayee man! Been a long time!” Tyler Carter said, and shook my hand.
“It has, nice seeing you!” I said.
“I’ll get out of your guys’ way, have a good set!” he said and stepped side stage as we all said thanks.
The guys went on stage before me, and then it was my turn. I shouted a hello to the crowd then began into “The Depths”.
It was so great performing again. The second day went well. Night had fallen and that meant it was time for parties.
I was on the bus with Phil. He was allowed to party at all because apparently Anouk was paranoid, and he was not about to get on her bad side.
I just didn’t want to go out tonight and it wasn’t because of Scarlett. I just felt tired; guess two years of not touring had caught up with me already.
Suddenly the bus door flew up and since Phil and I were in the front longue, we jumped.
“AUSTIN ROBERT CARLILE!” It was a drunken Alan and Tyler was not far behind him.
“What?” I said, annoyed.
“Why aren’t you partying?” Alan now asked at a normal volume.
“I’m tired” I said and it was the honest truth.
“Aus, Lauren is asking for you.” Tyler said.
“One drink Austin!” Alan said.
“Ah fine. You two are trouble.” I said and got up, grabbing my phone.
I walked out with the two of them and spotted Lauren. I really hadn’t stopped texting her since this morning, she knew I was tired. She came over and gave me a hug.
“Did they drag you out?” she asked.
“Ah yes. Them two don’t understand what no means.” I said and laughed.
She laughed as well. Then we head to get drinks. She was extremely nice and I enjoyed her company. I just wasn’t too happy that the guys were pushing me to hang out with her. Alysha and her knew each other well and since she was here with Mike, she invited Lauren.
“I don’t like her, by the way.” Lauren suddenly said.
“Wait what?” I said.
“Her. I know she’s your ex. I’ve heard the things Aly and her have been saying about you.” She said as she nodded in Scarlett’s direction.
“I don’t want you to take sides or anything.” I said.
“No Austin I’m not. Since she saw that we are talking she’s shady as fuck. I guess she thinks we are talking about her all the time. I hate to say it but she’s a bitch.” Lauren said.
So was this how Scarlett had changed, she turned into a shady bitch? Lauren and I had already discussed our pasts. She knew everything about mine, basically because I had nothing to hide anymore. I know we’ve known each other for a day, but Lauren is just really different to talk to. I don’t know how to explain it but I like it.
I got lost in my thoughts. Lauren was staring at me by this point.
“Sorry” I said.
“No, it’s my fault.” She said.
“No it’s just that nothing about this is adding up.” I said.
“I thought the same thing, from all that you told me.” She said and sipped her drink.
Someone broke out an acoustic guitar, which started a jam session, with everyone sitting around. Lauren sat on my lap. Across from us were Vic and Scarlett, and he stared at me when he realized that Lauren was on my lap. She had her phone in her hands, and kept typing me things. Like “ignore him, he’s a dick now too” and “we can get out of here” and finally, “Austin let’s go walk around the grounds”. I was getting angry at the fact that Vic was having a fit with this.
“Okay” I whispered in her ear.
She got up and put her hand out for mine. I took it and as we proceeded off I heard wolf whistles and we just laughed.
We walked to a grass area, holding hands the whole time, I don’t know if she was doing this to make them jealous or what, but I obliged.
“I didn’t do it to make them jealous, if that’s what you’re thinking”
“Why then?”
“I wanted to hold your hand Carlile” she said and giggled.
“Well you are,” I said and we both laughed.
“They said you were a terrible person. When I can see that you aren’t. I haven’t known you long, but I just know.” She said.
“Thanks, I needed to hear that.” I said.
“You are the one who knows the truth about your life. Don’t let them get to you.” She said as she touched the side of my face.
I smiled and slowly went in for a kiss, hoping she would respond. This was the alcohol in me who got courageous.
She met me in the middle and it was a sweet little 10-second kiss. We pulled away smiling at each other.
It was now 3AM and I was alone in my bunk. Phil and Aaron had also taken to their bunks. I was wide awake we thoughts from earlier tonight.
After Lauren and I stayed away from the crowd for about an hour just talking and stealing kisses, we made our way back to the party that had started again. She was going on my bus with me, until Tony grabbed her off of me. Apparently, Scarlett didn’t want Lauren associating with me so she told Tony and he took matters in to his own hands. Lauren argued back and everything but he didn’t care. I couldn’t do anything about it and it sucked. She mouthed that she would text me when Tony was dragging her away, but it’s been an hour and I haven’t heard from her.
She was an adult who could do what she wanted. Whatever was going on with the whole Scarlett thing was ridiculous.
My phone finally buzzed.
Lauren: I wish I could be with you instead of these assholes
Austin: What happened?
Lauren: apparently you’re so kinda violent monster, they don’t believe that you’ve change and want me away from you so I don’t get hurt. I have parents here, this is crazy!
Austin: That was the old me. I’m not trying to hurt you in anyway. Sneak here
Lauren: I know Aus. And I can’t. Maybe tomorrow when they play their set?
Austin: Okay
Lauren: Can I stay for a couple days, I don’t mean to intrude but this is down right wrong what they’re saying.
Austin: Of course
Lauren: Goodnight Aus xo
Austin: Goodnight xo
Yes, whatever was going on was crazy and this confirmed it for sure. I wanted Lauren off of that bus before they said crazy things to make her believe shit about me. The bigger question is why they would all do such a thing? What did Scarlett say I did to her? Alan was the one who treated her like shit. Finally my thoughts got the best of me and I drifted off to sleep.
My head was pounding and last night was currently a blur. I know Scar and Vic were sucking each other’s faces for a while. Lauren and I were talking and we even exchanged numbers. That’s about all I currently remember.
I forgot to see or at least experience how Scarlett was “different”, but that was only one night of tour.
Suddenly the curtain to my bunk was flung open and light poured in.
“The fuck” I said grumpily.
“Get up it’s almost one in the afternoon our set is in an hour!” Alan yelled.
I groaned and forced myself to get out of my bunk and into the bathroom.
I came out to the front lounge after I was completely finished with getting ready.
Brook was sitting in the front lounge with Scarlett. Guess they made friends.
“Hi ladies.” I said politely.
“Hey Austin” Brook said.
I grabbed water out of the fridge, checked that it was 1:38, and grabbed my pass. So Scarlett was going to ignore me and not be civil. She was the one who was on my band’s bus.
“Where’d the guys go?” I asked Brook.
“Pretty sure Alan went to go find Tyler before the set…you know them two and their guy crush” she said and rolled her eyes.
I laughed, “Aw you jealous Brook! I got to go round him up I guess before our show. See you later!” I said directly to Brook.
“Good luck finding him! Kick ass out there today!” she said.
“Thanks” I said and slowly looked at Scarlett who was looking at her phone.
Whatever I headed off the bus and found that Phil and Tino were in my sights, so at least I had one guitar player and my drummer.
“Aaron is where?” I asked them.
“In the port potty, where he hopefully doesn’t get taken away this time.” Phil said.
Tino and I laughed. “Alan’s with his boyfriend right?”
“Yes” Phil groaned.
I looked at Tino wondering what was wrong with Phil, we didn’t exchange words, but he knew what I meant and shook his head. Aaron came from the bathroom and we decided to head to the stage without Alan. We had 10 minutes and Justin said he would go find him.
Then 5 minute warning, Alan showed up with Tyler who wanted to see our set.
“Ayee man! Been a long time!” Tyler Carter said, and shook my hand.
“It has, nice seeing you!” I said.
“I’ll get out of your guys’ way, have a good set!” he said and stepped side stage as we all said thanks.
The guys went on stage before me, and then it was my turn. I shouted a hello to the crowd then began into “The Depths”.
It was so great performing again. The second day went well. Night had fallen and that meant it was time for parties.
I was on the bus with Phil. He was allowed to party at all because apparently Anouk was paranoid, and he was not about to get on her bad side.
I just didn’t want to go out tonight and it wasn’t because of Scarlett. I just felt tired; guess two years of not touring had caught up with me already.
Suddenly the bus door flew up and since Phil and I were in the front longue, we jumped.
“AUSTIN ROBERT CARLILE!” It was a drunken Alan and Tyler was not far behind him.
“What?” I said, annoyed.
“Why aren’t you partying?” Alan now asked at a normal volume.
“I’m tired” I said and it was the honest truth.
“Aus, Lauren is asking for you.” Tyler said.
“One drink Austin!” Alan said.
“Ah fine. You two are trouble.” I said and got up, grabbing my phone.
I walked out with the two of them and spotted Lauren. I really hadn’t stopped texting her since this morning, she knew I was tired. She came over and gave me a hug.
“Did they drag you out?” she asked.
“Ah yes. Them two don’t understand what no means.” I said and laughed.
She laughed as well. Then we head to get drinks. She was extremely nice and I enjoyed her company. I just wasn’t too happy that the guys were pushing me to hang out with her. Alysha and her knew each other well and since she was here with Mike, she invited Lauren.
“I don’t like her, by the way.” Lauren suddenly said.
“Wait what?” I said.
“Her. I know she’s your ex. I’ve heard the things Aly and her have been saying about you.” She said as she nodded in Scarlett’s direction.
“I don’t want you to take sides or anything.” I said.
“No Austin I’m not. Since she saw that we are talking she’s shady as fuck. I guess she thinks we are talking about her all the time. I hate to say it but she’s a bitch.” Lauren said.
So was this how Scarlett had changed, she turned into a shady bitch? Lauren and I had already discussed our pasts. She knew everything about mine, basically because I had nothing to hide anymore. I know we’ve known each other for a day, but Lauren is just really different to talk to. I don’t know how to explain it but I like it.
I got lost in my thoughts. Lauren was staring at me by this point.
“Sorry” I said.
“No, it’s my fault.” She said.
“No it’s just that nothing about this is adding up.” I said.
“I thought the same thing, from all that you told me.” She said and sipped her drink.
Someone broke out an acoustic guitar, which started a jam session, with everyone sitting around. Lauren sat on my lap. Across from us were Vic and Scarlett, and he stared at me when he realized that Lauren was on my lap. She had her phone in her hands, and kept typing me things. Like “ignore him, he’s a dick now too” and “we can get out of here” and finally, “Austin let’s go walk around the grounds”. I was getting angry at the fact that Vic was having a fit with this.
“Okay” I whispered in her ear.
She got up and put her hand out for mine. I took it and as we proceeded off I heard wolf whistles and we just laughed.
We walked to a grass area, holding hands the whole time, I don’t know if she was doing this to make them jealous or what, but I obliged.
“I didn’t do it to make them jealous, if that’s what you’re thinking”
“Why then?”
“I wanted to hold your hand Carlile” she said and giggled.
“Well you are,” I said and we both laughed.
“They said you were a terrible person. When I can see that you aren’t. I haven’t known you long, but I just know.” She said.
“Thanks, I needed to hear that.” I said.
“You are the one who knows the truth about your life. Don’t let them get to you.” She said as she touched the side of my face.
I smiled and slowly went in for a kiss, hoping she would respond. This was the alcohol in me who got courageous.
She met me in the middle and it was a sweet little 10-second kiss. We pulled away smiling at each other.
It was now 3AM and I was alone in my bunk. Phil and Aaron had also taken to their bunks. I was wide awake we thoughts from earlier tonight.
After Lauren and I stayed away from the crowd for about an hour just talking and stealing kisses, we made our way back to the party that had started again. She was going on my bus with me, until Tony grabbed her off of me. Apparently, Scarlett didn’t want Lauren associating with me so she told Tony and he took matters in to his own hands. Lauren argued back and everything but he didn’t care. I couldn’t do anything about it and it sucked. She mouthed that she would text me when Tony was dragging her away, but it’s been an hour and I haven’t heard from her.
She was an adult who could do what she wanted. Whatever was going on with the whole Scarlett thing was ridiculous.
My phone finally buzzed.
Lauren: I wish I could be with you instead of these assholes
Austin: What happened?
Lauren: apparently you’re so kinda violent monster, they don’t believe that you’ve change and want me away from you so I don’t get hurt. I have parents here, this is crazy!
Austin: That was the old me. I’m not trying to hurt you in anyway. Sneak here
Lauren: I know Aus. And I can’t. Maybe tomorrow when they play their set?
Austin: Okay
Lauren: Can I stay for a couple days, I don’t mean to intrude but this is down right wrong what they’re saying.
Austin: Of course
Lauren: Goodnight Aus xo
Austin: Goodnight xo
Yes, whatever was going on was crazy and this confirmed it for sure. I wanted Lauren off of that bus before they said crazy things to make her believe shit about me. The bigger question is why they would all do such a thing? What did Scarlett say I did to her? Alan was the one who treated her like shit. Finally my thoughts got the best of me and I drifted off to sleep.
Notes
Comment, rate, and subscribe!
Thank you xx
Ok! Ready for the next!!
12/22/14