Beside You~a.i.

Ch. 22: Saying Goodbye

~Bailey's POV~:
Ava and I were standing in the front row watching the guys rock the stage for one last time before we go back to Minnesota. Of course my eyes were trained on Ashton for the majority of the show, seriously his biceps will be the cause of death for the entire female population.

I wasn't the only one stealing glances at Ashton though, it came to dawn on me that I was standing in a stadium filled with hundreds of thousands of 5SOS fans, most of them probably thinking Ashton's arms were some gift from the heavens just like I do.

Beside You began, causing my heart to stop in a standstill because it is definitely my favorite song of theirs'. The lyrics seemed so relatable for Ashton and I as Luke and Calum sang about wanting to be with the girl they had to leave behind. I felt a tear slide down my cheek at the realization that this was literally going to be Ashton and I tomorrow, the same goes for Luke and Ava. I noticed how Luke got a little emotional as his voice cracked slightly while sadly staring at my best friend. Luke even came over to where we were and held Ava's hand for a few seconds as he sang,
"When we both wake up underneath the same sun.

Time stops, I wish that I could rewind.

So close but so far away."

Ava was letting her feelings show as she gripped onto his hand tightly and let the tears fall in plentiful amounts. Eventually Luke had to pull away, slowly sliding his hand away from Ava's who just squeezed her eyes closed and grabbed my hand tightly. She was obviously upset and needed a little support so I used the hand that she wasn't currently squeezing the life out of to rub her back soothingly. I knew that tonight was going to get emotional and that tears would be shed so Ava's actions didn't take me by surprise. I had to ignore the death glares from the teenage girls around us as this all occurred, the jealously these fans possessed was quite annoying.

The boys went through the rest of their set list; Amnesia, Long Way Home, Mrs. All American, Teenage Dream, and What I Like About You. The best part was after What I Like About You when Ashton stood up from his drum set, allowing their friend John Feldman to play, as he grabbed a microphone and made his way to the front of the stage with the other guys. His smile was amazingly huge as he looked out at the crowds screaming in excitement. He began singing, well chanting, the famous 5SOS anthem:

"MICHAEL WANTS ANOTHER SLICE!"

"MICHAEL WANTS ANOTHER SLICE OF PIZZA! PIZZA!"

He was running around, his happiness very well shown. I couldn't help but smile at how happy he was to be doing this as his career. Anyone with eyes could see that these boys loved music more than anything and that being in this band was the most important thing of their lives. Even I know that if Ashton had to choose between me or the band, he'd choose the band and that didn't bother me. If I was in his position I'd feel the same way, it actually brings me joy to know that music is what makes him happiest.

The show ended in fireworks, literally, as the fireworks exploded over the topless stage above, the night sky now lit up by bright colors. Fans cheered and the stage went dark. Ava and I waited for the seats to be cleared completely before we made our way backstage. I ran into Ashton's arms and just sank into him. I knew I had to leave soon to catch my flight but I just needed him right now.

"Hey Bailey can we talk in private real quick?" I was still embracing Ashton but I nodded in agreement as he led me to a small room next to their dressing room. He pulled me inside gently by the hand and closed the door behind us. His hands began to cup my face, his thumbs rubbing my cheeks lightly. I looked into his beautiful hazel eyes and saw the sadness hidden within them. I'm leaving him soon. Why did time have to fly by so fast? "Bailey I don't want you to go...I know that you have to and all but I'm just imagining how tomorrow will go without you and it makes me feel so empty. And I guess that before I let you leave me for the next three weeks I need to make sure you know how much I like you." I closed my eyes, expecting him to say love but I know that we've only been on one date so far and that it's a little early to expect such powerful words to be exchanged when I don't even know if I love him myself.