You're Not Alone Anymore

I spent the rest of the day with Selena and Shane unpacking boxes of t-shirts and posters, organizing each of them by design, size, and price. Selena was definitely right, this job was pretty easy. Plus it was nice to meet new people.

Selena was so nice and Shane was quite funny as well. I really liked working with them.
“So Dakota, how do you like being friends Of Mice & Men?” Selena asked interrupting the silence.
“Oh, it's great. They are super great guys. I consider them to be my older brothers as well.” I simply answered back.
“No way! That’s so awesome! So I bet you guys are super close, huh?”
“Yeah, they are some of the best people I know. I trust them with my life, I would do anything for them.” I answered honestly.
“Aw, that’s so cute! I can Austin and the others really care for you.” Selena said in awe.
I just half smiled back at her.

“So why did you decide to come on this tour?” Shane asked while checking off all of the products.
“Oh, um well…” I started to say, trying to conjure up an answer. So I just decided to tell the truth, “My boyfriend and I had recently broken up and Austin noticed how it was affecting me, so he decided it would be good for me to get away for awhile and have some fun.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Break ups are always hard, I just got out of a relationship not too long ago, so I know how you feel.” Selena said with sympathy, “If you ever need to talk, I’m always here. I know we don’t know each other too well, but I also know that it sometimes sucks being stuck on tour with all guys and sometimes you need some girl talk.”
“Thanks, Selena, I’ll keep that in mind!” I said giving her a hug.

“Okay, so in about 45 minutes the fans will be let into the venue. Since we are all done, we have some time to kick it.” Shane stated, “You guys wanna head over and see the guys’ sound check?”
“Yeah, sure!” Selena and I said in unison.
We headed into the concert hall and took a seat on the side of the stage.
“So who are the opening acts?” I whispered to Selena.
“Bring Me The Horizon and Issues.” she answered back to me.
“Austin never told me that! And he knows that Bring Me The Horizon is one of my favorites.” I said a little irritated. Yes, I do have a habit of getting anxiety when I meet band members, but that’s not completely under my control. At least I don’t scream at them.
“Oh, well I’m sure he just didn’t think about mentioning it?” Selena said shrugging her shoulders and then turning her attention back to her phone.

That’s when out of the corner of my eye I saw Alan walking towards me. He hopped down from the stage and headed over to me. I decided to stand up and meet him half way.
“Hey Dakota, how’s your day going so far?” Alan asked engulfing me in a sweaty hug.
“Ew Alan! You’re all sweaty!” I said wiping it off of my face, “And it’s been great, this job is a piece of cake. How about yours?”
“That’s good! Do you like Selena and Shane?” Alan asked me, “And it’s alright I suppose. Just sound check, not too exciting.”
“Yeah, I really like them, they’re super cool.” I replied.

“So how come none of you guys thought to tell me that Bring Me the Horizon was one of your guys’ opening act?” I said crossing my arms, “I mean you and Austin both know I love them.”
“Oh well, I wasn’t supposed to say anything. Austin’s orders.” Alan said trying to drop it.
“Aw come onnnn, tell me, Alan!” I said batting my eyelashes at him.
“Okay, fine! It was supposed to be a surprise! But don’t tell Austin I said anything about it.”
“That’s so sweet of you guys! And don’t worry I won’t” I said pinky promising him.
Alan and I conversed for a few more minutes before we were interrupted.

“Yo, Dakota!” I heard Shane shout from behind where Alan and I were standing.
“Yeah?” I said while turning around.
“They’re going to be letting the fans in, in a few minutes. We need to head back over to the merch table.”
“Okay! I’ll be right there.” I said, and then turning my attention back to Alan, “Sooo, I should get going.”
“Make sure to make it over here for a couple of songs okay?” Alan said with pleading eyes.
“Don’t worry I will! Break a leg out there.” I said back to him.
He nodded his head and then gave me a quick hug before walking back over to the stage.
I walked out heading over to the merch table, where I saw there were already a shit ton of people.
•- - -
We finished selling merch to fans pretty early, everyone was inside enjoying the show. We sold a pretty hefty amount, which was good.

“Is it okay if I take a break?” I asked Shane who was enjoying a cigarette.
“Yeah, sure, go ahead. Just make sure to be back before the show ends.”
“Okay, no problem. Thanks!” I said to him and walked away.

I walked over towards the side of the stage and flashed my pass to the security guard and he let me by. I wanted to watch the boys just like they had asked me to do. I was in the back watching them, god they were so good out there. The fans were amazing as well, always so supportive of them. I could tell they enjoyed doing this.

Austin was in the middle of Bones Exposed, sweat was gleaming all over his tattoos. That’s when I saw Alan glancing over at me. He caught my gaze and smiled at me. I smiled back, giving him a thumbs up.

I loved being here side stage, watching the people I love doing what they love. It made me strangely happy. Especially since I got to spend time with them, I got to see live performances, meet new people, and have a job I absolutely love.

I could get used to this!

It was getting close to the end of the show now so I decided that I should head back to the merch table. I walked back out into the venue walking alongside where everybody was standing. That’s when I saw him.

Josh was at the Of Mice & Men show.

Notes