[Phoenix POV]


"Good morning!"

I almost jumped in surprise. I didn't expect that jolly greeting coming from Alan. It was the 2nd day of their 4-day break. After this, they're headed to Canada for another 1 month of touring.

"Come on Phoenix, let's eat breakfast." He sat down on the table just beside her. She was sitting down at the front lounge finalizing the tour schedule. Josh left to go back to NY for some important meetings.

I looked at him while busy eating his pancakes. He looks really fine. And based from his facial expression, he looks happy. Why? This is not how someone would look like after a break up. Or maybe they've patch things up that's why he was so happy.

What you see on him is what you get. That's how transparent he is. And maybe, the two of them already got back together.

Even if I want to be happy for him, deep inside I'm hurting. But I'd rather choose to see him happier with Sam than see him hurting too much.

'Martyr!' my mind was screaming this word.

"Hey! You want some?" Alan tried to gave me his plate with a piece of pancake. "Eat. Don't stare at me." then he grinned

"Sorry!" then I looked at my laptop.

He chuckled. "Work?"

I nodded without looking at him. I was wearing my nerdy glasses. "Yeah. A lot"

"That's fine. As long as you're not busy with Austin."

I immediately looked at him.

"I'm just joking!" He said while smiling devilishly.

But I only gave him a poker face. What the hell did he just say?

He grinned from ear to ear. "Why don't you smile? You always looks serious."

I rolled my eyes at him.

Is he making fun of me?

"Where are you going?" I heard him asked when I suddenly stood up.

I went to the cupboard and planned to get some coffee. It's too high for me to reach the cream and sugar from the back of the cupboard then I was surprised when suddenly, I saw a hand reached for it. When I looked at my back, it was Alan.

"Here." he placed the sugar on my hand then our eyes met. His face was a few inches away from mine. I couldn't read his expression. He was just staring at me.

That moment was interrupted by my phone ringing. It was Jasper.

"H-hello?"

"Phoenix! Where are you now?"

"In Seattle, why?"

"You need to go back to Vegas. We have a meeting tomorrow at the Nevada office."

I frowned. "About what? We're headed to Canada after 4 days." I have a feeling that Alan was just watching me.

"Of Mice and Men is being invited for a UK tour. And we need you. Meet me there at 10 in the morning tomorrow. Meeting's at 11." then Jasper cut the line.

I blew out a sigh. I opened the band's schedule.

"Is there a problem?" Alan asked.

I shook my head. "I just need to go back to Vegas. We have a meeting for a UK tour."

"I'll drive you there."

Before I could even answer, Austin came out from the bunk area.

"Good morning!"

Both Alan and I looked at him.

"Dude!" he went to Alan and wrapped his arms around his shoulder. "How is your heart? Still beating?" He asked him playfully. Then he sat down beside me "Hello Girlfriend!" Giving me his trademark smile.

I was still looking at him.

"What?" He asked laughing at me.

I gave him an, are you okay? look. But he just laugh and pinch the tip of my nose.

I saw both of them talking about some random things like nothing happened. I was observing their moves, facial expression. Most especially at Austin, after his confession 2 days ago, he looks really fine.

2 days ago, I saw his other side. Far from Austin that I knew. After his confession, I didn't see him for 2 days straight. I tried to call him but he didn't answer. I was so worried about him. I wasn't able to sleep and everytime the door would open, I would peek from my bunk hoping that he came back. I felt like my heart was crushed for the millionth time. It's hard to lose him. I know I can't have Alan but at least I have Austin.

But he was now on my side. I didn't expect that we would stay the same. But he was jolly and hyper as ever. It's like nothing happened. He was such a good pretender.

"Is she alright?" I heard Austin asked Alan. "She's staring at her laptop but the screen is all black."

I looked at both of them. "I'll go back to Vegas before lunch. I need to go to the mall today. I have to visit Hot topic to schedule you for a meet and greet tomorrow." I opened my laptop and started typing.

"Why are you going back to Vegas?" I imagined Austin's eyebrows burrowed but I did not look at him.

"Meeting for a UK tour."

I heard a low 'Ohhh' from Austin.

"I'll take you." Alan said.

"I'll drive her. I wanted to stop by the mall and grab some things."

"No, I'll do it. She already agreed earlier."

I looked at Alan and frowned. 'When did I agree to that?'

Before I could protest, Austin grabbed my hand. "Let's go!"

I glared at him. "It's too early! I haven't take a shower yet. And what's with the 'who's-gonna-take-me-to-the-mall'?"

Both of them stopped and didn't answer.

---

After a few hours, we're now on our way to Hot topic. In the end, both of them come with me.
Alan's phone suddenly rang. And it was playing Sleeping With Sirens' song, All My Heart.

"Answer your goddamn phone Alan, it's irritating!" Austin told Alan and looked at the rear view mirror. He was sitting at the backseat.

"It's not. I'm just playing my playlist."

"If you want music, I could open my car stereo."

"No thanks! I like mine."

"On repeat? Seriously?"

"It's my favorite."

I heard Austin scoffed.

'What's with these two?'

They're both acting like a child. I shook my head and massage my temple.

Supposed to be, Alan should not be coming with us. But we're about to leave when Alan suddenly sat by the backseat.

There's nothing wrong if they want to accompany me. But when I look at Austin, he was just frowning and I couldn't even paint his facial expression. Is there's something going on with them? A silent rivalry maybe?

Finally, we arrived at our destination. I could feel the tension inside the car. I almost shiver with the silence. When I got out from the car, I looked at them.

"You guys do whatever you wanted to do. I'll go to the store, alone!" I just don't want to mess up the meeting.

I didn't wait for them to protest and head straight inside.

---

After the 1 hour meeting, I went back to the parking and saw them talking to some fans, taking pictures and stuff.

I went inside the car and waited. Once they're done, we head back to where the bus was parked and we saw Phil and Tino outside.

"Hey!" It was Phil. They looked tense.

"What's up?" I looked at both of them. Austin was still parking the car and Alan was just behind me. I was about to went in but Tino grabbed me. I looked at him with question on my face.

He just shook his head and his eyes flew to Alan. "Sam is inside."

I froze. I suddenly felt cold. I looked at Alan.

Alan didn't answer because Sam was now standing on the doorway.

"Alan. We need to talk." It was Sam.

I went inside the bus and head straight to my laptop at the fron lounge. I don't want to hear whatever the hell they wanted to talk about.

I heard them went in and head to the bunk area.

"Why are you doing this to me Alan?"

"You must be thankful. I made it more easier for you."

"By hurting me this much?!"

"It's your choice Sam not mine."

"No! I won't let you go. You can do this to me."

"Then choose me! Very simple."

"What I'm asking is for you to understand me!"

"I tried! But I think I had enough."

I can't concentrate with what I'm doing. The bunk door is closed but I can clearly hear them. I heard the door opened and saw Sam went out.

"Why Alan? What made you changed? Is she the reason why?" When I look at them, I saw Samantha looking at me furiously.

'Wait! What in the hell did I do now?'

"Enough Sam! She has nothing to do with us."

"You think I didn't notice Alan?! Ever since the day you met her, you changed!"

"You do not know what are you saying!"

"I know what I'm saying, damn you!" She almost hissed. Sam is losing her control. I tried to stood up because I don't want to get involved, but she blocked my way. "You!" she pointed at me. "You're nothing but a liar and a bitch!" She's about to slap me but Alan grabbed her hand.

"I said enough Sam! Don't make a scene here!"

Sam struggled. "Let go of me! Let go of me!" This time, she's screaming.

"Samantha!" Alan yelled at her. "Stop it!"

"No! I won't stop unless you fired her!" because of her struggling, he hit Alan on his head. We were both surprised when he suddenly collapsed on the floor.

I kneeled down at his side. "Alan?" His eyes were closed and he was just holding his head like a fetus. "W-what happened? Does it hurt?" My heart was beating intensely not knowing what to do.

He groaned.

"Sam..." When I looked up to her, she was just standing with her eyes wide open. "Sam!" I yelled at her. Then she looked at me. "Get the ice compress in the cupboard and put some ice from the bucket beside the table."

"W-what?"

"I said get the ice compress and some ice!"

"W-where--?"

"Shit! Look for it Sam! I need it now! Or just get Austin here!"

Then Sam went outside the bus.

"Alan? Hey?" I cupped his face. "Please answer me." I feel like I'm going to die. He was not moving.

"M-my head. It h-hurts." Finally he said.

"How intense is the pain?"

He didn't answer. His eyes were still closed.

"Alan?" My voice crack like I wanted to cry but I need to be strong. I need to focus.

'Shit! Where the hell is Sam?!'

Then I saw Austin, Tino, and Phil came in. "I think we need to get him to the hospital Austin. He's not moving and he said his head really hurts."

Sam was behind Austin and her eyes went wide. "B-babe?"

Phil brought out his phone and said, "I'll call 911"

"No need!" We all looked at Alan when he suddenly spoke. "I'll be fine." He was still lying on the floor, with his eyes still closed.

"I'm so sorry baby! I didn't mean it. I swear." She was sobbing beside him.

"I said I'll be fine. It was just a headache."

"Are you sure Ashby?" Finally, Austin spoke. I can see the worry on his eyes along with Phil and Tino who just silently watching us.

Alan just nodded.

But I don't believe him. I already saw this familiar pain from him almost 2 years ago. It's not a simple headache.

I looked at Austin and he was looking at me. We just looked at each other like we both know what each of us were thinking.

"Alan, I really think we need to see a doctor."

He didn't answer. I saw Phil went to the bunk area and he was talking on his phone. Probably Josh.

I looked at Tino and mouthed, 'Call 911'. Tino nodded and Austin went to get some things for Alan. We need to rush him to the hospital. This happened before and I wanted to make sure this was not something serious.

I tried to stand up to get pillows for Alan when he grabbed my hands. "Stay!" I heard him say. Unconsciously, I looked at Sam and saw she frowned.

"Baby I'm here!" she grabbed Alan's hand from mine. "I will stay if that's what you want."

Then slowly, he opened his eyes. His gaze met mine. But I couldn't read his expression. I tried to remove his hands because Sam is holding him but Alan wouldn't let go.

Austin came back and gave his phone to Alan, "It's your Mom."



[Alan's POV]

"I'm good! I'm fine! There's nothing to be worried about." I heard her panicking on the other line.
"Okay I promise!" I tried not to roll my eyes. "Yes, yes I will." I ended the call and gave the phone to Austin.

The pain in my head subsides. 911 came awhile ago and gave me some first aid. I said I don't need to go to the hospital as I am feeling fine now.

I blew out a sigh. I am now lying on my bunk bed with my curtains closed. Although I understand her reaction as my mother, sometimes she overacting. And it irritates me.

I put the cold compress on my head. Even I couldn't explain the pain I felt earlier. I was so scared to death. I thougth I'm gonna lose my eyesight again. It already happened to me when I was still blind. But at that moment, I saw a light. But today was different. Suddenly I blacked out then came the excruciating pain. But I could still hear the same voice who took care of me before. I could still feel her presence. It seemed like yesterday. Then one thing came to my mind.

I'm not really sure but I wanted to end this doubts on my mind.

I think Phil was right. I just need to follow my heart.

"Babe?" It was Sam.

I didn't answer. 'She's still here?' Then I heard the bunk area door closed.

I grabbed my phone and browse my contacts. When I saw the name I'm looking for, I hit 'CALL'
I need to talk to her. She's the only person I knew who can give me the answers.

"Hello...Alan?" I heard a raspy voice from the other line.

"Hello Lara! How are you doing?"

"What made you call Mr. Ashby?" I heard her scoffed. She is based now in London, as he heard. "I thought you've forgotten about me!"

I chuckled. "I'm sorry sweetie, I was busy with touring, you know."

"I know! But you still didn't even remember to call me after your surgery. Anyway how are you?"

"I'm doing fine. Uhm Lara, the reason why I called you.."

"What is it?"

"I just want to ask some questions about Samantha?"

"What about her? You two broke up?" I heard her gasp from the other line.

I chose not to answer her question. "I just wanted to ask you something."

"Shoot!" I can imagine her smile.

I don't know what to feel. I wanted my doubts to be answered but at the same time, I'm scared to finally know the truth.

Notes

What will happen when Alan learns about the truth with Phoenix? Would he finally nurse his feelings for her OR hate her for lying to him?

What has Lara got to do with it? Find out!