Left For Dead

Ally's POV
“Kevin why ?” I asked frustrated, walking into the front lounge and looking at him with a teary eye. “Why what ?” He asked, confused. “Snape, Fred. Why ?” I said. “Get out of here.” He insisted while rolling his eyes and going back to his phone. This was probably our one hundredth time watching Harry Potter and the last part always seems to get to us. I sat down next to the girls and sighed. Well, shit.” Shannon said. “Yup.” Echo agreed. We sat there for the next five minutes or so ranting about the entire series and why they died until Kevin came back in the room. “Guys we're really going to need someone to cover for Vanna while she's gone.” He said, still occupied with whatever was on his phone. “Nobody could cover what she does.” I said. “Awwwww.” Vanna said pinching my cheek. “Owwww.” I whined while holding my hand up to my cheek. “I don't know about this.” Shannon spoke up. “I'll only be gone for two days for the funeral guys I'm sure you can find at least one person to do just those two days easily.” Vanna said. I looked at her as her face began to get sad again, probably just saying the word funeral could ruin her entire day. I gave her my last piece of chocolate that I had bought just the night before at a gas station and her face immediately lit up. I chuckled at her reaction and pulled out my phone. “I know someone who could cheer you up.” I said to her while searching for Jaime's number.
***hours later**
“Remember that time we were at the beach in Cali and Vivi threw Jaime that volleyball and it hit him directly in face.” I said, laughing. People around us began laughing thinking back at it. “What can I say, I'm a natural.” Vanna said putting her hands up in defense. We were currently sprawled in the sand on the hot Tampa beach. Vanna was leaving early tomorrow morning and I wanted to have a little bit of fun with her and everyone before she left and had to face the funeral. We had done just about everything today, skateboarding around town, go-karting, laser tag, eating at some fancy restaurant which everyone had to put in money and now we were at the beach relaxing. “We're going to get a few more drinks, do you guys want anything ?” Echo asked while standing up. I looked at her and wiggled my eyebrows as Alex stood next to her. I was so happy for her when she told Alex how she felt. I wasn't surprised about it, I always had a feeling about those two. She noticed me and rolled her eyes while grinning. “Nothing from me.” Vic said, everyone else joined in and with that her and Alex left. I looked at the time in my phone and realized it was getting late so we all agreed to go in the water for a little bit for the last time.
“I'll race you guys.” I said challenging Shannon and Mike. “And if I win you both have to buy me a kids meal from McDonald's.” I said as I took my shoes off. “And if you lose ?” Mike asked. I thought for a minute. “The last day of tour, I'll make sure no one gets inside the bus while you guys are in there.” I said, winking at Shannon on the last part, making her blush slightly. “Deal.” Mike said. “Ready go!” He said and with that we were off. I was so close to winning but before I could get there I felt like I was flying only to realize I was being lifted up. “Guys stop!” I squealed as they basically threw me in the water. “I win!” I heard Mike shout as he stepped back out of the water and went on to go towards Shannon. I looked at Tony and Vic who were trying their best to hold in their laughter as they tried acting casual. “Fuckers. You made me loose.” I muttered, desperately thinking about food I won't get while trying to get closer to shore. “Wait stay with me!” Kellin sputtered as he moved closer to me and took ahold of my hand pulling me back in the water. “I'll never let go Jack.” I said dramatically quoting titanic. I giggled at his terrible attempt to sing the mini chorus of the main titanic song. “What the hell?” Jack said from behind us. “Just ignore him, it's what I do.” Gabe said from his side. I laughed and took Kellin's hand letting the waves carry us.
***
“I don't want this day to end.” I said as I laid my back in my towel. “Me neither.” Kellin said laying next to me. I sat up and turned my body looking towards him as he did the same. I made a funny face as he looked at me making him laugh a little. As we continued talking he began leaning in. I looked at him smiling, with that same dumb smile I always had every time he talked to me. As our lips barely touched my phone went off and the spongebob theme song came on. I looked down embarrassed and pulled my phone out of my pocket. “Why does this always happen ?” He asked, laughing. I shrugged and answered. “I need you girls back in 20 minutes.” Kevin said from the other line. “Damn it.” I whispered making Kellin turn his attention back to me. “Sorry, but we have to leave early if we're gonna drop Vivi off the airport in the morning. And I found a replacement for her.” He said with tiredness feeling his voice. I didn't argue knowing he was probably exhausted from staying there all day. “Alright, we'll be there in a few.” I said, hanging up. “We have to go.” I sighed looking at his changed expression.
“I'm sorry.” I said as I stood up. I looked around looking for the girls. I realized most of the guys were talking to some local girls from around here who had happened to recognize them and we're probably flirting with them. Echo was with Alex sitting down near them, just talking and goofing around. Shannon was cuddled with Mike in our little picnic area, they even had the Harry Potter blanket Leon had gotten her for Christmas last year. And Vanna was with Jaime playing the guitar Vic had brought. It was perfect. I felt bad just interrupting their moments. As I gathered the girls back, I heard Kellin call out to me. “You almost left without saying goodbye.” He said trying to catch his breath from running. “Sorry but we have to get there for Vanna.” I said looking down. “It's fine. We'll talk in the next venue.” He answered. I nodded and embraced him in a small hug, giving him a small kiss before walking off. I caught up with the girls and intertwined my arm with Echo’s. “You need to tell me what happened with you and Mr. Quinn later.” She whispered while wiggling her eyebrows. “And you need to tell me what happened with you and Mr. Gaskarth.” I said doing the same, making her blush. “I will.” She said rolling her eyes as we got in a taxi and went back to the bus.


Echo’s POV
I stepped out of the bus in the sunlight of the city of Charlotte. I was followed by Shannon and Ally and was half expecting Vanna to follow after. But she wasn’t there.
As we had returned from the beach, Vanna had taken her stuff off the bus and had stayed in Tampa as we drove away. She would take the airplane towards California from there and go to her brothers funeral. I got the shivers just thinking about it. Just imagine going to your BROTHERS funeral. I admired her strength so much.
Saying goodbye to Vanna was weird, because even though we knew it wouldn’t be for long, we still all wanted to hold her as long as possible. Mostly to give her some courage I think.
But after all, getting out of the bus and preparing for our set was even weirder with Vanna not there. It had become a bit of a routine over the last weeks, but it was now just missing a certain blue haired person.
In Charlotte we had met her replacement. Her name was Mandy and she seemed pretty nice, but it wasn’t Vanna. She couldn’t be as good as her and she wouldn’t spill as much food on her clothes.
Apparently, Mandy had signed up for the place as bassist in this band too when Lauren left, but they eventually chose me instead. But this girl could play guitar as well and that’s why Kevin called her to jump in for Vanna for two days.
When we were on stage, I heard that she was actually really good, but I was still kind of searching for mistakes on this girl somehow. Unfortunately she didn’t make any big ones. I at the other hand played a little less than normal, just because I felt a bit out of place with another person being here on stage with us. I could see the other girls did too.
Other bands had replacements all the time and I couldn’t really understand how they did it. A band has to have some sort of chemistry to play well. It didn’t really work if they didn’t know each other.
When we got off stage, we all gave each other a sweaty hug. I noticed Mandy standing awkwardly next to us and I was contemplating over giving her a hug too. I wasn’t really the most outgoing person around people I didn’t know. But I did feel a little more confident because I already was in this band and she was the new person.
I was shaken out of my thoughts when Alex tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around and hugged him. He cautiously hugged me back. “Ew, you’re sweaty.” He said in a basic white girl voice.
I let go to hit him on the chest and he laughed. I walked away from the stage with Alex next to me, already forgetting about our replacement guitarist.
We were talking about nothing special at first until Alex brought her up again. “So, how’s the new girl? She seemed pretty good.” He said as we just passed the Kia Soul Stage, were Pierce The Veil was currently playing their set.
I sighed. “I don’t know. She seems okay, she is nice.” I said and I kind of swallowed away the rest of the words I was going to say.
“I feel a ‘but’ coming.” Alex said, pressuring me to tell him what was on my mind.
“But I don’t feel like I like her that much somehow.” I said and I let out a sigh with it.
Alex let out a short chuckle and I was surprised by it. I looked up at him confused and he explained. “You don’t like her, because you are comparing her with Vanna, who you know a lot better of course. You don’t seem to realize that this girl is you of one month ago.”
It suddenly hit me that he was right. She was new, she was filling in for someone else, a spot of a person that the fans and the other band members knew a lot better. I suddenly really understood how Ally, Vanna and Shannon must’ve felt when I joined the band. I knew now why they didn’t immediately warm up to me.
“Ah well, it’s only for one more show anyway. Vanna will back in no time.” I said and I realized that I had stopped walking. I started moving again, certainly having another view on this girl. Not only did I knew now how the girls must’ve felt, but I also knew how this girl felt right now.
*
“Ouch!” I said as Shannon brushed my hair. She had just brushed over a big knot and I had raised my hands to touch it, but she hit my hand away.
“Stay still, Echo. Stop being a pussy.” She said and I heard Ally grin from beside us.
All three of us were sitting underneath a tree on Warped grounds. Ally was sitting against the wood and was looking how Shannon tried to make some sort of braids in my hair. She had seen them online and wanted to try them out. For some reason I thought it was a good idea to let her try them out on me.
“I’m trying, okay? But I’m born a pussy and you’ve been pulling my hair for the last ten minutes.” I said. Shannon just responded by pulling at the right side of my hair. “Oops.” She said sarcastically.
I groaned and looked around. In the distance I could see Mandy walking around on her own. She seemed a bit out of place. I felt this was my chance to make this girl, who felt just as out of place as me the first few days of Warped, feel a bit better about herself.
“Hey! Mandy! Come sit with us!” I yelled and I raised one hand to wave at her. The red haired girl turned around and looked at us with a surprised look. She shyly came our way and sat down next to me on the grass. I shot her a friendly smile, because I didn’t really knew what else to do.
Just before I was about to start an awkward conversation with her, Shannon spoke up. “Hey, isn’t that Alex going into the We Are The In Crowd bus?” she asked a bit confused.
I looked over and indeed saw Alex head for the bus. I shrugged. “Yeah, he and Taylor are still together.” I said like it was no big deal.
To me, it really wasn’t. After I had revealed my feelings to him and kissed him, we had actually just gone back to best friends. The thing is, I had never expected him to choose me. I just needed to tell him how I felt and that has been the best thing I had ever done. I had felt very relieved lately and our friendship had grown even stronger. Our feelings for each other hadn’t been in the way, like I had expected them to be. It had just led to us being more open to each other.
“Wait, is that Alex from All Time Low?” Mandy asked me and her eyes had gone big. I smiled at her and nodded. “Yeah, he is my best friend.” I explained to her and her eyes got even better. It was so weird how she was stars struck by these people, while we got used to being around them over this last month.
“Yes and he is her crush.” Ally said giggling and I rolled my eyes. She would never stop trying to set us up.
“So, you are in love with him, he is in love with you, Taylor is a bitch…Can someone explain to me why you guys aren’t together yet?” Shannon asked as she was braiding the last bits of my braids (link).
I sighed. “Firstly, Taylor isn’t a bitch. She was just upset because she likes him a lot, it’s her boyfriend of course.” I said thinking back to the fight I had had with Taylor “And secondly, I never expected him to just break up with Taylor and come to me. That would be weird. If it ever happens than I would be happy, but for now I’m content with this.” I said and I meant it. Maybe in a few months or years, it would be our time, but that time obviously wasn’t now.
Mandy shook her head, obviously a bit blown away by all the new information she had learned. “Wow, that sounds like a lot of drama.” She said.
Ally, Shannon and I chuckled. “Yeah, our lives kind of turned into a cheesy teen soap since we joined Warped.” Ally said and I laughed.
It had all seemed so normal over the last month, but as I was looking back at it, I realized she was right. Things had happened to us on this tour, that wouldn’t have happened to us at all when we were at home. And even though there had been a lot of problems, it had all been worth it.


Shannon POV
So vanna isn't here, but we obviously have to deal with that. We are currently on our way to our next stop, which also happens to be the last stop with Mandy.
I don't know about Mandy, it's like echo, I don't like new people around the band. Me, ally, Mandy and echo were all in the back lounge with the door locked. We were just talking about anything that came into mind. Left for dead are an extremely open band. But there are some dark things we want no one to find out, they are better left unsaid.
“When we get back are you visiting their grave?” Ally said aloud.
Mandy frowned and I put my head in my hands. Ally mouthed sorry, “sorry Mandy, we are talking about my parents, it would mean a lot if you kept it quiet”. She smiled and nodded. I thanked her and we carried on with the conversation.
***
The next day, we woke up in a new city. I forgot what city we were in to be honest. We did what we did everyday. We got up, got dressed, talked to Kevin, and went to explore the grounds. There were not many buses here yet, but my favorite bus was. I called ally, echo and Mandy over to come onto the pierce the veil bus. I knocked and walked in. “I'm here” Tony looked up from the couch “you are indeed”.
I jumped in between him and Jaime on the sofa. While the rest of the girls came stumbling up the steps. Echo and ally sat on the other sofa and Mandy took seat next to them. “I am so so fucking hot oh my god” I complained.
Them from, the bunk area I hear a shout and footsteps “you are right about that” said Mike as he walked over the me in shorts and no shirt. “Thanks” I said while smiling. He picked me up and put me into a standing position. He lent down and whispered in my ear.
“we need to talk” he said making the hairs on my neck stand up. I nodded and we dismissed ourselves from the bus hand in hand.
We soon found a place in the shade away from the buses that are arriving.
“So what do we need to talk about?” I said looking towards him as we were sat side by side on the grass. “After warped” he said while looking down still holding my hand and playing with my fingers. I sighed “I don't--” but before I could finish what I was going to say he stopped me and said “Shannon we have less than a week, we need to figure something out”. I looked down at our entwined hands and nodded.
After about an hour we had talked about having breaks off of making the album and visiting them on tour.
“It's weird” he said while smiling. “What is?” I said slightly confused. “We have only been dating a month and I know that I don't want to be without you” I laughed and poked his stomach. “Soppy bastard” he laughed slightly.
**
It was a couple of hours after we had finished performing and we were trying to find Mandy to say goodbye, but she was nowhere to be seen. So we decided to go back onto the bus and talk to Kevin about Vanna.
When we walked onto the bus, Kevin was on the sofa with his head in his hands.
He looked up towards me with sympathy on his face. “Shannon..” I nodded and sat down across from him on the other sofa the girls hot on my trails. “Look at Twitter” I nodded and did what he said. The girls also did the same and went on my Twitter. To see something that made me want to throw up everywhere and pluck my own eyeballs out with a fork then feed them to the dogs.
“@Mandzzz
Inside scoop for left for dead-
Shannon's parents are both dead.
She is ashamed of them both.
That's all for now, more coming soon.”
I sat back with a blank expression on my face. Everyone has found out. I'm not ashamed of my parents, I just don't want people to look at me different because of what my parents did. I walked over to the sofa where Kevin was sitting and cried into his chest. Echo had never really seen me cry. I honestly didn't cry often. So, you always knew that when I did something fucked up had happened. He tried to calm me down by shushing me but it didn't help. Ally got a notification and looked straight to her phone.
“2 new updates” she said and she rushed to read them
“Inside scoop for left for dead-
Echo is having a secret love affair with Alex gaskarth behind Taylor's back.”
&
“Inside school on left for dead-
Shannon is pregnant with Vic Fuentes baby”
More to come later
@mandzzz.
“I feel left out where is a tweet about me” Ally complained. Echo was just stuck, she couldn't speak or move. While I was still leaning into Kevin's shoulder.
We heard the door open and in came the whole of pierce the veil.
“So Mandy was so nice after all” Vic said flopping on the sofa next to echo. “Mhm” Ally said because she knew if she opened her mouth she would rant on and on.
“Those were really stupid lies anyway” I choked up.
“Not all of them were lies” I said quietly.
All of pierce looked and me and Vanna looked at me and nodded.
“Wait, your pregnant with my kid, because that's kinda Impossible” Vic said laughing nervously.
“No you dick shit, obviously I'm not pregnant with your kid” I turned around and sat up. “The one about my parents being dead, that's the truth, the lie in that is that I'm ashamed, I'm not ashamed about what or why they did it. It's the fact, I didn't want anyone to look at me differently for it.”
“If you don't mind me asking, how did they die?” Jaime said intrigued.
I looked towards Mike and felt guilty for not telling my own boyfriend about it.
“My dad he was in gangs, and he got in a fight and got stabbed. A couple days later, my mum wasn't herself. I said I loved her and went to school. I came home found a letter on the side, explaining how she couldn't live any longer without my dad and that was pretty much it. Other than me going into her bedroom and seeing her limp body hanging for the pole in the walk in wardrobe”. I said with no emotion on my face. Tony just came off of his phone “I just messaged Alex and told him to come to the bus now” echo nodded still out of it. I stood up and grabbed Mikes hand. I walked just outside the bus.
I sighed “Mike look I'm so sorry for not te--” I was cut off by being pulled into a hug. I felt him rest his chin on top of my head. “It's fine” his words muffled slightly.
“We have to get this Mandy bitch back” I said into his chest.


VANNA-
“Vanna? You ready?” My aunt called from the other side of the room. I wasn't ready, I really wasn't. I want all this to be one big prank, but I knew it wasn't, I just wished it was.
“Uh yeah. I'm going.” I place my feet in a pair of black shoes and looked at my outfit in the mirror (link). All black. No color. No nothing. I look around my surroundings and sat on the bed that now had no owner. Damien’s stuff were untouched, everything was where he left them, even his dirty laundry. I chuckle, shaking my head and wipe my tears away. nasty boy. My phone rings and I immediately grab it.
Ally: We aren't there physically, but always mentally.
My Jaime: I wish I could be there, baby. Call me when you have the chance.
Kevin: We are all here for you, Vanna. I hope your family is doing well, I send my regards.
Holden: I'll be there soon, can you pick me up from the airport?
Holden was going to be here. My heart leaps with joy and I grab the keys almost bumping into people as I quickly made my way outside.
“VANNA!”
“I'll be back!” My mom shakes her head, disappointed, but I ignore her reaction and made my way to the airport. I look around, my head hurting, my legs shaking, as I park in front of the pickup place for Holden. I get out off the car and stand by the passenger seat. Everybody looked at me weird, but I didn't care. My eyes and makeup were probably all over my cheeks, but like I said. I had not interest.
“VI!” I look at Holden and run towards him, tears running down my cheeks again. I wrap my arms around his neck, and I let out a sob. He only had one bag, and maybe he was going to leave the same day I was going too, but he was here. “It's okay… it's okay.” He whispers and Passes his hand through my hair.
“Thank you.” I sobbed. “Thank you.”
***
At the funeral home, I had sat in the front, right next to the casket, with my head on it. My mom would ask me to move but I ignored her and she left me alone. She didn't want me in a way… I knew that me being here wasn't a good thing, but I didn't come for her. I came for Damien. Officers were standing around the casket and well, some were retired Veterans.. Others were men who were with him the last few hours of his life. Mom and Dad said words, I couldn't go up without breaking down, and Holden was there to say a few words too. the funeral came and went. I remember scraping my knees with the rocks to not seem like the crazy crying girl. My dad held me as the casket slowly went down to the ground and the officers shot in the air. The two days passed by quickly, too quick, but it was better than staying home and being ignored by my mother. I was exhausted and need of sleep, but I couldn't even close my eyes.
“Come on, Vanna. Our flight is soon.” Holden says, as he held my hand. I nod and we walk towards the terminal, waiting for our flight to be called. I texted everybody that I was on my way and turned off my phone, as we entered the plane in our way to Wisconsin.
***
“Just uber it.” I tell Holden as I search for my wallet and made sure my small luggage had everything.
“ Have your card? “ I give it to him and he quickly put in my information and we wait for the uber. “You sure the girl is also playing today?”
“I told Kevin I wasn't going to play the same day I was going back. I just hope he listened.” though I seriously doubt that he did. I added in my mind. Fifteen minutes later, the person that we got uber from was in front of us and we immediately enter. We tell her the name of the venue and she nods, smiling. Soft instrumental music plays in the background and I place my head on Holden’s shoulder. His head goes on top of mine and we play with my rings on my hand. Before coming back to finish the tour, the only thing I took from Damien's room was his graduation ring before I changed the knob and locking it. Mom wouldn't want to enter his room and I'm sure she'll want to get rid of it. That room will never be anyone's room. It's his and his only. My phone rings and I sigh, ignoring it. I wanted to have no calls right now, from no one.
“is this the place?” The driver asks and we look outside. All the buses were parked far and I just frowned, maybe we can get a security person come pick us up or something.
“Yes, thank you.” I say, giving her a small and sincere smile. We get out of her car so she can go on her merry way, and Holden takes out his phone. “What are you doing?”
“I'm not walking through that.” He says, pointing at the crowd of kids. “and I'm sure as hell that you don't either.” I nod and wait for him to finish his quick call. A few minutes later, a golf cart with Kevin and the security guard stops right in front of us. We didn't say anything, and we hopped at the back and we were on the way to the buses. Holden goes back to Bless’s after giving me another hug. I thank him for going for the last time and he just smiles. I walk inside my bus and I'm attacked by six pair of arms.
“Hey guys.” They didn't say anything, and just held me. “I missed you guys too.” I whisper and let tears fall down. The last two days were hell, and being back with the girls just gave this little black world a little more color. they let me go and smile at me. “Now, what did I miss?”


Ally's POV
“So this bitch basically showed up out of nowhere and started all these rumors and I had to tell everyone about them.” Shannon said looking down at her shoes in the last part as she remembered having to tell everyone about her parents. I put my hand over hers and give her a comforting smile earning one back. “Well we have to get her back somehow, that's just messed up to be given this opportunity only to use it like this.” Vanna said while standing up. We all nodded in agreement. “I think I know how.” She said as she gave us a small smirk and pulled out her phone. “What is your crazy ass going to do now ?” I asked while taking some chips out of her bowl. “We'll see.” She said.
****
“We'll be home soon. Yes ma I know. Yeah I'll be fine. Alright. Be careful. I love you too, byee.” I said with a long sigh as I hung up my phone. “What happened ?” Echo asked as she finished doing her hair. “Mandy happened.” I said, pulling my laptop out of my bunk. “Apparently she's been posting more of her crap and now my mom saw it and thinks we're doing bad things.” I said quoting my mom from earlier. “What did she say now ?” She asked as she sat next to me. “Let's see.” I opened up my Twitter account and immediately searched for Mandy. Her last updates were:
@Mandyzzz: Watch out! There's a baby in the way! Actually two… cough cough Shannon & Vanna!
The tweet then had a small picture with it of Shannon and Vanna photoshopped into two pregnant girls. “Why would someone waste their time with this ?” I asked starting to get heated up. This was just stupid.
@Mandyzzz: Congratulations Vic and Jaime, you'll two will soon be dads!
@Mandyzzz: Ally is cheating on Kellin with two other guys.
It then had a picture attached with me and two guys I had taken a picture with in one of our meet and greets. “Bitch where.” I said slamming my laptop keys and continuing to scroll down her page rather madly.
@Mandyzzz: new sneak peak of Alex's & Echo's secret love affair.
The tweet said as it had a picture attached of Echo and Alex giving each other a side hug. I stood up. I've had enough of it. “What the hell ?” Echo said as she moved my laptop closer to her. “Wait! Look some fans replied to her. They're defending us.” She said looking through the comments. Some fans seemed to be on our side and fighting her back through there. She had apparently earned some fans herself and they were fighting with us as well. Spreading dumb rumors.
“Where are Shannon and Vanna we have to tell them about this.” I said as I slid my converse on. “They're at Pierce's set.” She said as she did the same. “Let's go look for them.” I said as we began walking out of the bus. As we made our way through the crowds we manage to find our way to main stage and luckily the girls were standing behind it getting food. “They're you are!” I said stopping in front of them to catch my breath. “What's up ?” Vanna asked casually as she licked her ice cream. “Look at this.” Echo said as she pulled out her phone to show what Mandy had wrote on Twitter. The girls took the phone and began looking at it. Their facial expressions changed from relaxed to just mad. “This is fucking stupid!” Shannon said angrily as she scrolled down the tweets. “I really want to fight her right now.” Vanna said chuckling a bit.
“Hello Seattle!” Someone said into a microphone loudly. I recognized the voice, it was Vic. And Pierce the Veil was on. “What are we going to do ?” I asked as I carefully grabbed Vanna's bag of chips and taking some. “I know what I'm going to do.” Shannon said as she began stomping away. “Uh oh.” I said as I began following her. “Shan, what exactly are you going to do ?” Echo asked as she did the same. “Are you going to beat her ass just like you did with Taylor because that was just awesome!” I said. Vanna and Echo began giggling as we finally caught up with Shannon's fast pace. “I need a mic.” Shannon said to a tech guy standing at the side of the stage where the guys were currently performing. The guy soon realized how scary Shannon looked given she looked really heated up at the moment and quickly look for a mic around him. Mike, who was currently playing noticed Shannon who had anger written all over her face and looked at us confused. We shrugged and payed our attention back at her. The tech guy finally came back and gave the mic to her. She grabbed it and began running on stage. “Shan wait!” I said but it was too late she was already standing at the center right next to Vic and Jaime.
She waved her hand in the air as if she was a kid's teacher trying to grab everyone's attention. “I'm not pregnant with Vic's baby.” She shouted into the mic, pointing towards Vic who was in shock to how she got on stage and why she was standing next to him. The crowd gasp almost in sync and started shouting things. I couldn't help but laugh, “Shannon you're crazy!” I said from the side stage. She then did a rather funny mic drop, high fived the boys, made sure to kiss Mike in front of everyone and ran off stage with her right hand middle finger up. The crowd then started clapping and we began laughing. “You're insane!” The tech guy said, running to the stage to retrieve the mic. As we kept on trying to process what just happened, Pierce resumed to performing again and we began enjoying the show. “Maybe that'll shut them up.” She said while shrugging.


Echo’s POV
As we were playing our last song, of our last performance on Warped, I tried to take in as much as I could. I took in the happy and singing faces of the crowd, my fellow bandmates jumping over the stage and every tone of the music. I was doing this, because in a few minutes, it was over. The best and weirdest weeks of our lives, would be in the past. A memory of the good old days. I probably didn’t even realize yet what an impact this tour would have on my life.
Of course, it had a big impact on my personal life. I suddenly had friends. Real friends, that actually cared about me, before this tour I never had those. And I admitted to my best friends that I was in love with him. Something I would’ve never dared before all this. All these things had turned me into a confident and more positive person.
But this tour also had a big impact on the popularity of our band. When we set out to go on this tour, none of us meant to date rock stars or to do big interviews. We had gained so much popularity because of everything going on here. Yes, some of it was bad, but at least there was a lot more attention to our music. Because we might forgot it now and then, but in the end it was all about the music.
The last chord slowly faded away and the crowd went wild one last time. While I was staring over the hundreds of heads, I started to feel a tear form in the corner of my eye.
I looked beside me and saw that Vanna also had tears running down her cheek. She looked my way and chuckled at my wet face. I smiled back at her at the same time as I suddenly felt two arms wrap around me. It was when I saw that these hands were holding drum sticks that I realized it was Shannon.
Soon Ally and Vanna joined us and we were all standing there, hugging and crying on stage. We ended it the way we went into it: together. I wouldn’t know what I would do without these girls anymore.
We broke up for a few seconds to bow for the crowd and then it was actually time to go off stage. Ally screamed “Thank you, Portland” in the mic for the last time and then we all ran off stage.
As we stood backstage, we all were silent for a while, all of us kind of taking in that this was the last date. Vanna wiped the tears away from her cheeks and took a deep breath. “That was…something.” She said and she laughed at the last word.
We all let out a small chuckle, still being a bit out breath from jumping around the stage. “Now we have to go back to the cold, hard reality.” I said and I feared it a bit. What if things weren’t the same outside Warped anymore?
“Best summer ever.” Ally said and she went with her hand through her sweaty hair.
“It’s not over yet. Let’s enjoy it while it lasts.” Shannon said grinning and every single one of them knew what she was talking about. There was a big bottle of champagne in the bus with our name on it. We had already invited the boys of Pierce The Veil, Sleeping With Sirens and All Time low to help us drink it.
“Okay, let’s go then!” I said and I walked away from the stage, heading for the bus. I was followed by three overly excited girls that were all talking about our last performance. It had definitely also been our best one.
Halfway to the bus I was tapped on the shoulder. I turned around to see it was Alex. I was about to hug him, but then remembered the tweet Many had sent about us. I didn’t need people to think that we were together, everyone already knew that he was together with Taylor. The last thing I wanted was that people thought he had cheated on her.
But Alex obviously didn’t care. He just shook his head and dragged me into a hug. “Just ignore those rumors, Echo. Who cares as long as we know the truth?” he said against my hair. His voice had such a comforting effect on me.
I eventually let go of him only to notice that the girls were already in the bus. “Yeah, I know. It’s just the first time I have been the victim of rumors, well except for high school of course. I don’t like people thinking something that isn’t true.” I said. “It’s just all so stupid. Our rumor is nothing compared to those that have been spread about Shannon and Vanna.”
Shivers went through me just thinking about it. Just imagine a rumor being spread about you that you’re pregnant. Although I must say that Shannon handled it extremely well. She kicked some serious ass on that stage yesterday.
“It will be over before you know it. Every band goes through this from time to time. They will notice very fast that Shannon and Vanna aren’t pregnant and in no time people will stop talking about Shannon’s parents being dead. Kellin and Ally are getting quite serious too, so soon people will see that Ally would never cheat on him.” Alex said and I believed him, but right now it just felt like something really bad.
“Yeah, I think so.” I said and I sighed. “Well, I’m going on the bus. I see you later, okay?”
I said and I walked towards the entrance of the bus. As I was stepping on the stairs leading to the door, I was suddenly stopped. “Wait Echo.” Alex suddenly said, still standing on the same spot as he was just standing.
I turned around with a confused face and saw that he had a serious look on his face. “What if I choose you?” he asked.
At first I didn’t really understand it, because we had been talking about a totally different subject a few seconds ago. But slowly things started to fall in its place. “what?” I said softly, my eyes widening as I started to realize what he was talking about.
“What if I choose you? We never actually talked about it, but what if I broke up with Taylor to be with you? Do you think we could make it work?” he said and I saw something new in his eyes. I guess it was hope. He looked like a kid that was asking his parents for something big.
My heart beat faster with every word he spoke and sweat started building up in my hands. I had never even thought about that possibility. I had never even thought he would actually want that. Why would he trait someone so nice and beautiful as Taylor for me? It sounded ridiculous to me.
But I did want it. Although I was content with the situation as it was now, I was still in love with him and I wanted nothing more than to be close to him in every way possible.
“I don’t know.” I said honestly. It could end so bad. We could end up losing each other. “you know that if you chose that, you’ll lose Taylor, right? If you chose her, I will still be here, but if you chose me, she will be heartbroken.”
I saw the little sparkle in his eyes fade out as I spoke. It didn’t matter how many feelings he had for me, he cared for her and I knew it. “I don’t know what to do.” He said and he looked down at the ground.
Normally I would give him advice when he told him he was confused. But I couldn’t help him anymore now I was involved. “You always told me to choose with my heart. Choose whatever your guts tells you to do.” I said.
He looked at me with helpless eyes and I was at the point of giving in and falling in his arms, when his name was being called from far away. Jack was waving at him and screaming that they had to go on stage soon. So Alex shot me a small smile and walked away from me.
I was suddenly aware that I was still in the opening of the door and quickly got in.
The girls were too busy with talking about the whole tour to notice that there was something off about me. I decided to shake it off for now and just enjoy the last night on this tour.
Soon the guys of Pierce The Veil joined us and quickly after the boys of Sleeping with sirens too. We had opened the bottle of champagne and the guys had brought loads of more booze with them.
We did notice that our bus was a little too small for our little party and we moved to outside. We had put up chairs and tables and everyone was laughing.
Within only a few minutes the conversation went towards tour memories and we were thinking through all the crazy things that had happened on tour.
“Oh my god! Do you guys remember when we went to Las Vegas?” Justin asked and mixed expressions went through the faces of all the people. I saw Jaime raise his hand that was intertwined with Vanna’s and kiss her palm.
“Oh and when Tony fell on stage!” Vic laughed and Tony gave him a punch in the ribs. Vic just kept laughing.
“And the time Vanna spilled food on her clothes!...oh wait, that was practically every day!” Shannon said, sitting on Mike’s lap. Vanna flipped her off with the hand that wasn’t intertwined with Jaime’s.
“Or what about the time Echo climbed on top of the roof of the bus.” Ally said and everyone laughed.
My cheeks got a soft shade of pink that probably wasn’t even visible in the dim light of the candles we had put up. By now everyone had quite a lot to drink and the moon was already shining high in the sky. “It was my birthday and I had a lot to drink, okay!” I said in a weak attempt to defend myself.
Jack, who was sitting next to me, patted me on the shoulder. “It’s okay, Echo. It was pretty hilarious.” He said.
All Time low had joined us a few hours ago after their set had ended. But without Alex. Rian had told me that he was with Taylor. I must say that that hurt me quite a lot. He shouldn’t have given me hope in the first place.
Suddenly our half-drunk conversation was interrupted by far away screaming. Every single head in the group turned their head towards the source of the noise. I soon noticed that it had come from the We Are The In Crowd bus.
I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Taylor was pushing Alex out of the bus and he almost fell in the grass. He could balance himself just in time.
Tears were running over Taylor’s cheeks as she was screaming at him and Alex just looked at her, shocked and guilty.
“Holy fuck, I think he is breaking up with her because of you.” Vanna said with a shocked voice. I heard Ally let out a small scream and clap her hands.
I just shook my head in complete shock. “H-he can’t be.” I said in a small voice.
Zack scoffed. “I think he is actually doing it, Echo. All these years he has been crushing over you and now he finally got the balls to go and get you. I never thought I’d see the day.”
I saw Taylor put her hands in front of her face and break out in sobs. If this was really happening, than I felt so sorry for her.
Alex tried to comfort her, by putting a hand on her shoulder, but she hit it away. She started to yell to him again and then mentioned for him to go. “Leave me alone!” was the only thing I could hear from the entire thing. They were too far away for me to hear more of the fight.
Alex said something to her and then he walked away from her. She immediately went inside and closed the door behind her.
I didn’t really notice, though. I was way too busy with Alex who had found my eyes from far away. He was just as shocked as I was for some reason. He then took a deep breath and started walking towards us.
Our entire group was silent as he walked over to me and stopped a few feet away. He looked to the ground and I saw him trying to find the words to say. But the fact is, I didn’t really needed words. He was sad because of what he did to Taylor, but he did it for me. Who would've thought anyone would ever do something like that for me?
I stood up from my chair so I was face to face with him. “It’s okay, you don’t need to say anything.” I said as I raised his head with two fingers underneath his chin. His dark eyes met mine and slowly a beautiful smile grew on his face. He leaned in until our lips touched and I kissed him back, throwing my arms around his neck. Getting lost in the wonderful touch of his lips. I wasn’t even aware of the group of people around me that had started clapping.

Notes