The Life and Times of Valor

Valor’s POV

Let me just start by saying that I was not a physical fighter, in the least. I had been in one actual fight my whole life and it was embarrassing, I mean I’m kind of tall but I’m little. The punch that hit Hector, I have no idea where that even came from. Then there’s this asshole, Ronnie Radke.

While I was lost, trying to find my cooler filled with alcoholic goodies, Ronnie says hi and asks me how I am settling in on my first warped tour. He was even kind of charming, telling me that I was a unique kind of pretty. Even mentioned my music and how he liked it. That’s when he said “you’re a screamer in bed aren’t you?” I decided enough was enough and told him to fuck off. See, I have no trouble in voicing my opinion, which probably gets me into trouble 90% of the time and this was one of those times. Just as I went to walk away this fucker pins me against the bus and tries to cover my mouth.

“Listen, you can scream all you want, just not right now. Let’s say you and me go to my bus and get naked?” He was saying it, directly into my ear, ew.
I was going to fight, but I decided he would probably enjoy that, so I just raise an eyebrow at him, questionably and went limp.
“Where’s that fight?” He smiled at me, menacingly and then uncovered my mouth.
“Oh Ronnie, if I didn’t know any better, you prefer a girl who puts up a fight.” I said smoothly.
“Mmh, I do enjoy a good fight, but my favorite is when a bitch let’s me have my way.” He went to shove his tongue down my throat and I kneed him hard in the balls.
“Fucking bitch.” He grabbed my arm as I tried to run, so I punched him in the face and kicked him in the ribs as he hunched over.
“No you don’t.” He grabbed my ankle and I fell forward catching myself with my hands.
I turned around and he pulled back his arm to punch me. What a little fucking bitch.
“Ronnie, don’t you think you should pick on someone your own size?” I heard someone behind me.
“You’re not apart of this Carlile.” Ronnie sneered.
“Listen, this is my friend and if you lay one fucking hand on her I will fuck you up, understand?” Austin said through gritted teeth.
“I’ve already laid several hands on her and she enjoyed it.” Ronnie smirked.
“Ew. No, excuse me while I go puke at the idea of that.” I made a gagging noise getting off the ground.
“Are you okay?” Austin asked looking me over.
“Oh yeah I’m fine. I was making a get away.” I lied.
“Really? Cause it looked like he was go-“ Ronnie cut him off.
“Bitch asked for it.” Ronnie snapped.
Austin pushed me behind him and he was in Ronnie’s face staring him down as Ronnie smiled like the sick sociopath that he was.
“Leave. her. alone. You got me?” Austin spat.
“Didn’t know she was your property, but you can have the prude bitch. I certainly don’t waste my time with prudes.” He looked over at me and I gently raise my middle finger, smiling.
Ronnie walked away into the darkness and I let out a huge sigh of relief. Glad that nightmare was over, goodness gracious I just wanted a beer.
“Go fuck yourself. Since no one else clearly wants to.” I shouted after him.
“You’re funny.” Austin said laughing.
“I guess so.” I smiled.
“So rough day?” He began.
“I mean, I punched two people today and I have never even been in a physical fight before and it’s night one. Holy fuck.” I said exasperated.
“If it’s any consolation I think you punching Hector in front of everyone was legendary.” He smiled.
“Fucker deserves it. He’s an asshole. Did Hunter film it?” I ask, curiously.
“Yeah, I’m not gonna lie.” He laughed.
“Perfect.” I sighed.
“Do you want to go back to the party?” Austin pointed in that particular direction.
“I think I have had enough socialization for one night.” I chuckled.
“Well I will walk you to your bus. Clearly you attract bad company.” He started walking towards our bus.
“So what does that make you?” I raised an eyebrow at him.
“The worst company of them all!” He shouted, playfully.
“Does the worst company of them all come equipped with two chairs and beer?” I punched him gently in the arm.
“Oh of course, the worst company of them all is always prepared.” He nodded his head.
“I’m going to grab my cigarettes, you don’t mind if I smoke?” I asked leaning half way out of the bus.
“Nah, I’ll be right back.” He started skipping away and I laughed hysterically.
A 6’5 man skipping across a parking lot. You don’t even know how funny that is. I grabbed my cigarettes out of my purse. I was in the process of quitting and had cut myself down to three a day, which if pretty fucking good if I do say so myself.
Austin had chairs set up and beer in hand waiting for me. I grabbed the beer and sat down, cracking it open.
“So, why did you hit Hector?” He asked randomly.
“It’s not like Ann didn’t tell you.” I countered.
“I just thought there was something else I was missing.” He shrugged.
“I know everyone is saying I’m crazy and it’s true I wouldn’t leave Hector alone, but there are things people don’t know and don’t need to know about our relationship. I punched him because he could’ve saved me. Instead I was standing on the edge of bridge while my best friend happened to find me and talk me down. I asked for him to listen and he didn’t care.” I went to light a cigarette, then decided against it.
“He sucks.” Austin stated.
“And there’s nothing worse than sucking.” I added.
“Well, Valor, you have a friend in me now, so get use to me.” Austin chided.
“Oh the joys of making new friends.” I chuckled.
“Seriously, I believe you. I never did like him. He seems like the selfish sort. Only getting to know people who benefit him in some way.” He was totally right.
“I completely agree. He’s not entirely a shitty person and he’s extremely talented, but he’s definitely selfish.” I nodded.
“Well fuck him and fuck Ronnie. Warped Tour is amazing. I know you’re unsure about it, but it’s going to do wonders for your band and from what I hear you guys are really good.” He said.
“You’ve never even listened to my band?! I’m appalled.” I said, turning my face and flipping my hair in dramatic fashion.
“Shut up.” He laughed.
“I know this is good for my band and that this experience is going to be enriching and all. I just hate the idea of having to spend it with people I don’t know and my ex boyfriend of all people. I’m just really shy and I don’t really have many friends so large groups of people tend to freak me out unless I’m performing on stage.” I confessed.
“You have social anxiety?” He asked.
“I actually have general anxiety and I tend to get freaked out around groups of people I don’t know.” I shrugged my shoulders.
“You seem to be doing fine here so far.” He pointed out.
“Well, for whatever reason I am doing a lot better then I thought I would.” It was true, I thought I’d be hiding under my bunk by now.
“I enjoy your company and I know everyone else does too. Don’t worry, someone says you’re crazy and I’ll punch them in the face.” He finished his beer.
“Well apparently I’m punching everyone so you just tell me and I’ll punch them myself.” I yawned.
“Someone is tired! And you have me as a friend now and my friends are going to love you. Just remember to relax.” He advised.
‘Yeah I’m actually exhausted. I’ll see you tomorrow?” I got up and he grabbed my phone out of my hand.
“Nope. I’m going to text you nonstop.” He laughed.
“I don’t want to have to kill my new found friend.” I laughed along.
“Good night Valor.” He waved.
“Night Austin. If you see my band mates or Ann, tell them I’m asleep.” I walked into our bus after he told me he would and I climbed into my bunk passing out. Tomorrow was going to be an extremely long day after all.

The next day Warped was in full swing. My band members and I got ready to go on. I hadn’t performed in awhile and I was doing vocal warm up when my past had to re visit me.
“Val?” It was Hector.
“Go the fuck away I’m warming up.” I began doing warm ups again, completely ignoring his presence.
“Listen I would like to talk. Just find closure and end this so we don’t have to hate each other. We have to spend the next three months basically with each other and instead of us trying avoid the other we should just hash this out now.” He seemed real apologetic.
“I’ll think about it, please leave.” I didn’t look at him once.

He just stood there for a few moments. I continued on warming up and pondered why he was still standing there. It never made sense to me why he all of sudden is talking to me. He blocked me out of my life and I had never been so hurt. He was my everything and the day he left he took everything from me.

I finished warming up and found my way back to the stage. We had a huge crowd out there and it filled my heart to know I had fans who truly did care. It made me even happier knowing we saved some lives out in that crowd. That was the most enriching thing about doing what I did. Knowing that I touched so many lives. Landon walked on followed by Hunter, Scott and Jay. The crowd was screaming and then the band started off and thats when I ran out on stage.
“What the fuck is up!” I yelled into the mic and the crowd screams.
“We’re a band called Exit Here and we’re from Chicago, how are you guys doing today?!” I yelled again only to get replies back in screams.
“This song is called The Shutting Down of Organs!” And our set took off.

Notes

Third chapter, enjoy. Leave any comments or questions about the story line. Please feel free to post your opinions and thoughts and suggests [:

Title Credit: Broadway