IMMORTALIZED - Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour by Cirque Du Soleil

Chapter 21: European Beginnings and Hospital Visits

October 9, 2012 - November 3, 2012
London, Herning, Copenhagen, Stockholm

The next morning, it was time to go. Time to go tour the continent of Europe continuously for the next three months. And with seven of us, it’s going to be a blast. And maybe stressful. We’ll see how it goes.
Around six in the morning, a Taxi picked us all up. Well, it wasn’t really a taxi. It was more of those big ugly vans that picked us up, since we needed to carry all of our things. It dropped us off at the airport with our things, and as the coordinator, I headed up the line to the check-in area. “Everybody, give me your passports.” I said. In the beginning of the tour, I used to keep their passports so they wouldn’t lose them. Now I let them carry them. They need to learn responsibility.
Once we were at the front of the line, the lady asked for our party name and destination. “Well, I don’t know, would I say the company name?” I asked. “Sure.” She said. “Cirque Du Soleil and we’re going to London.” I told her. She searched the computer. “Ah here we go. Quite a large group.” She commented. “Yup, just seven of us.” I told her. I placed the seven passports down on the counter, and she checked them, along with the boarding passes and then we each had to weigh and pay for our bags. Normally Cirque pays for the bags themselves. They didn’t this time so we had to pay ourselves.
Once we got through the check-in process, we immediately headed towards security. Then after we got through that, which was an interesting process, we headed toward our gate. On the bright side, we were in first class overseas, which included a breakfast on the six hour flight, and snacks, and TV. We were first to board and get settled into our seats. I originally wanted to be able to text the parents that we were safely on the plane, but my phone, along with Adrian’s, Joshs, Marcell’s and Leo’s. Tara had to switch our plans and internally get us new phones, which she will be giving to all seven of us when we arrive in London. So after we took off and left the North American soil, I was able to Facebook them all to tell them, as well as to tell them that we would not be able to contact them until we get our phones in London.
Once we were clear in the air, we were served breakfast, which was oddly good for airplane food. I had waffles, hash browns and coffee. The choices were limitless. They must have a full size kitchen of board, because the menu they gave us was completely ridiculous. It was pretty amazing. After eating, once again, Adrian was up making videos, explaining that we’re on a plane to London and how we grew from five kids on the tour to seven. It’s quite exciting.
On the plane, we missed an entire day, which is going to mess up our sleeping cycles. We didn’t land in London until seven-thirty. Once again, we had to go through customs to get into the country legally. While walking around the airport, I saw several advertisements for our premiere in a few days. Of course, pictures and of course with Adrian, video. Once we were actually in the baggage terminal, we found our bags and then were able to call a large van through a taxi service to bring us to our hotel.
“Oh my god! We’re driving on the wrong side of the road?” Marcell exclaimed. “Yeah, don’t remember? In Europe, they drive on the other side of the road.” I said. “I’m pretty sure it’s just England.” Ryan commented. “No, It’s all of Europe I thought.” Ryan didn’t respond. I just shrugged.
The drive from the airport to the hotel was really exciting, being able to see London. Of course, we were here just a few months ago for promotional reasons, but this is real, completely real. When we finally arrived at our hotel, right outside was Desiree who was getting out of her taxi as well. We just ran straight toward her and almost knocked her over.
Once all of our things were out of the car, we tipped the driver a fair amount and headed inside. Let me tell you, in our little group, how many bags we travel with. Ryan and I started the trend of two rolling suitcases per person. Two times seven is fourteen. Plus Adrian, Marcell and Elliot have duffel bags. That’s seventeen. And then we all have backpacks. That’s twenty-four. Add our school road case. That’s twenty five things that our group travels with. That’s a lot of stuff!
The rooming is a lot different on this portion of the tour and probably from now on. Most hotel rooms are quite small and only accommodate one bed per room. But see, Leo cannot sleep by himself in a room. It’s a comfort thing. And I’ve learned that on tour, that other person in the room, normally has to be me. So even though I have him booked in his own room, I’m anticipating some sleepovers.
Luckily, the way I placed the rooms, is that I’m half way down the hall, with Leo next to me, and then Marcell followed by Adrian. Kind of across from me is Ryan, then Josh and then Elliot. We take up half a floor. Well, the tour takes up nearly a third of the hotel. Once we all got upstairs, they each had their key and could get into their own room. “Are we gonna go walk around tonight?” Marcell asked. “Yeah, put on a sweatshirt.” I told him.
Maybe more than a sweatshirt might’ve been needed. Normally, on tour, we travel where it’s warm. Nope, on our European tour, we’ll be in the area straight through winter. And since we’ve been virtually away from the winter for over a year now, this may come to a shock.
Our hotel is right on the water, and since the nightlife is really coming out, and there are tons of cool lights to see, we took a water Taxi from the area our hotel is in to the downtown part of London where we could see many clubs. I’m not sure if this was the best place to hang out at nine at night, especially since we don’t have our phones with us, but we took the risk.
We got back to the hotel around eleven. When I got into my room, sitting in a cardboard box on my bed was seven phones. Looking through them, they were all setup completely the same way, so it didn’t matter which phone which person would take or not. So I went room by room, giving each person the phone and then reminding them to put their case on it and then give their numbers to their parents. “I’ll make a group message, and then post your number from your phone onto the message so we all have each others.” I said to everyone.
Around midnight, I did my parenting job and made sure that Leo, Adrian, Marcell and Elliot all went to bed. I’m not going to parent Josh and Ryan. They can make up their own bedtime, I really don’t care.
I’m going to skip the next few days. The following day, we were all tired/awake and bipolar between the two, so we did very little sightseeing. We had a rehearsal at five that night where we just went over and integrated Ryan and Elliot back into the show. We trained them well enough to just hop right in. The only differences is that Ryan is not a fanatic anymore. But he’s still doing all of his other roles and then he’s a gang member in Beat It.
The next day, we had an early day rehearsal, in which we ran through the show twice. It was exhausting, but that night, after rehearsal was over, we walked around the gardens by our hotel, just to check things out and was really impressed by the amount of work that is put in by the people who maintain this garden.
Everyone is psyched. It is time. It’s time for our London premiere. In the audience are members such as Bono and U2. Honestly, I’ve never heard of them but apparently they’re quite big here. As Adrian, Marcell, Leo and I head out into the audience to entertain them before the show, we are astonished by the activity of the audience. They were so into what we were giving them. They were dancing to the opening music. It was really cool to see such a participating group of people. Plus, this is O2, full house. Twenty-thousand people tonight. It was going to be big. Going to be huge.
When the appropriate cue hit, we made it up onto the stage. It’s time for the second biggest premiere in our lives. Europe.
It was so great having all of us bow at the end. Normally, the five fanatics bow at the end after the musicians get their ten seconds of fame. Now, all seven of us bow now, which is quite incredible. If people pay attention to the program where it says our ages, they would understand why. Even though the dancers page goes in order of alphabetical, the seven of us are listed lastly on the page with our picture with our ages.
After the show was another afterparty. As much as I love these parties, I was completely exhausted and only stayed myself for a few minutes, no longer than fifteen. I then left Ryan and Josh in charge of the troop and I took a taxi back to the hotel myself so I could lay down. For the first time, I was overtired and I don’t know why. But I couldn’t go to sleep. I just couldn’t. I laid in bed with the TV on, and I just couldn’t. So I sat up in my bed on my laptop. I checked Facebook, looked at pictures and did useless things for nearly an hour before everyone else came back. I could hear them in the hallway. It was now two in the morning. I went out in the hallway and told them to go to bed, no staying up. And they better listen.
We just can’t win. We just can’t win. It’s been a tough couple of weeks here on tour. Let’s see where the tour’s gone. We did another week of shows in London, and all were a hit. we had 100% ticket sales. Then we took a train, yes a train, to Herning, Denmark. In Herning, we had our 200th show which was super exciting. Then we flew to Copenhagen. That was really exciting because we were playing at the biggest arena we’ve ever played in and had 18,000 people watching us. It’s not only a show record, but also a company record! It was amazing! More than the O2 or Madison Square Garden!
Now what happened with people on the tour? Ryan left the tour after four shows in London. Don’t ask me why, but he’s on the no-call list for the company. He left though, wasn’t fired. And Elliot’s still here, thankfully, but his father is being a prick again. So we’ll see where that leads us.
Now, we’re flying to Stolkholm, Sweeden. It’s been a fussy few days and right now, we all just need sleep. It’s been stressful, and not to complain, but majorly on my part because I’ve had to deal with it. Plus, the kids run to me when there’s a problem, so if there’s anytime I really feel like a parent, it’s now.
In addition to it, Adrian’s getting sick. He’s been real tired, very fatigue and kind of weak. He’s glued to me just because he knows he can relax around me. At first I thought it was just stress but it’s not. I don’t know what it is yet, but it’s just been fatigue. On the bright side, none of the transports in Europe are right after the show, they’re the next day, so I don’t have to worry about over-tired boys.
This particular plane ride wasn’t too long, landing us in Stockholm around one in the afternoon. At the same time, so we learned from family and friends back home, that Hurricane Sandy has just arrived and it looks bad. I told them to keep me updated. I wished them luck and prayers over Facebook.
Once off the plane, a customs agent visited us between the plane and the bus. We didn’t even need to go inside the airport. He was setup at a high table with a laptop. He scanned our passports and stamped us. Unlike touring in North America, all of our stops are in need of a passport now. It’s kind of annoying, but cool looking through my book to see where we’ve been. On another note, we’re still visiting Hard Rock Cafe’s in Europe. There was one in London and Copenhagen. There’s not one in Stolkholm.
There’s a lot in store here in Stolkholm. I heard the arena is mad cool and it’s Halloween and we’re having a big halloween party which is going to be awesome. Don’t know what I’m going to be yet, but I have two days to figure it out.
When we got to our hotel, I had to explain the rooming plans since we were given a low number of rooms here. As kids, we also get screwed a lot. We’re smaller and can fit easier into smaller places. So we are doubling up in rooms. I gathered the small group when we got off the bus before we went to get our things from the compartment under it. “Okay, so we were only given three rooms, so Elliot and Leo, you’ll be in one room. Adrian and Marcell, you got the other one, and Josh and I got the last one. Okay?” I told them. They nodded then split into pairs to figure out who would run to get the key. Josh went to go grab our keys. When he came back, he looked confused. “Why does it feel like we have so many keys?” He asked. “Because I get keys to their rooms.” I told him. “Oh, so do you have keys to my room in like London and stuff?” He asked. “No, just for the younger ones.” I told him. We then turned to get our luggage off the bus. Even with Ryan gone, we still have 20+ bags for just us kids.
Leo’s Mom kept me updated on the storms back at home. My family had lost power and I couldn’t contact them. It’s going to be a sit and wait situation for the next few days probably. Leo, Adrian and Marcell said they don’t normally lose power in storms, so I was counting on them.
With our winter Jackets on, we started walking around Stolkholm. I really wanted hot chocolate because I heard that this country has the absolute best. Plus, the weather here kinda calls for it. We stopped at a shop that looked like a cafe. Now we’re in a country where we don’t speak the language, so when we get to a new stop with a new language, usually on the plane or bus, I make sure that Elliot, Adrian, Leo, Marcell, Josh and I know how to say “Do you speak English or French?” in that language. Most people speak one of those two. So when we got to the front of the line, I asked “Talar du engelska eller franska? (Do you speak english or French?)” “Franska (French)” the woman responded. “D’accord. Avez-vous un chocolat chaud? (Okay, do you have hot chocolate?)” I asked. “Oui.” She responded. “Puis je-avoir six tasses de chocolat chaud? (May I have six cups of hot chocolate?)” I asked. She nodded and punched it into the cash register. “Oh, crap! I never put my cash into sweedish money!” I said. None of us did that. I panicked. “Prenez-vous des cartes de crédit? (Do you take credit cards?)” I asked. She nodded. “Wooh....” I said, taking a relief. I pulled out my credit card and gave it to the girl. Visa, best card to go internationally!
“Can I sit down?” Adrian tugged on my shirt. I looked at his eyes. He was really tired. Like really tired. “Yeah, go sit over by the window.” I told him. He went to go sit and the others, minus Josh followed him. Within a minute, out drinks were made and I carried them on a tray to the table. Adrian was asleep, leaning his head against the window. I purposely sat next to him. I gently rubbed his shoulder. “Adrian, want your hot chocolate?” I asked. He opened his eyes and slowly took his drink. “Probably hot.” I commented. I took a sip. “Oh, I lied. It’s at a nice temperature.”
After eating, I split up with Josh. He went with everyone but Adrian to find a bank, or post office or someplace to exchange money. I gave him all my cash, all forty-five of it to get the equivalent and bring it back to me.
I took Adrian back to the hotel, brought him to his room and helped him lay down. He was probably asleep before I left the room. I went back to my room and tried figuring out how it was in Connecticut, specifically Bethel. Wasn’t getting much of a response since most people seemed to be out of power. I tried calling everyone, including Adrian, Marcell and Leo’s parents but I couldn’t get in touch with them. Or anyone. For the first time on tour, I felt completely cut off from people at home, and it kind of upset me. It makes you feel trapped. So I went in and sat with Adrian. He was sleeping, but having someone from home in the same room makes a big difference.
Josh returned a bit late since they got kind of lost. It got dark and they couldn’t tell exactly where they were and they had forgotten the name of the hotel, so they had to call Cherylie for help. They all forgot that all that information was in their email.
The loud stirrings in the area around Adrian and Marcell’s room woke Adrian up, and for the first time in a few days, he seemed perfectly fine. Maybe he just needed that nap? It confused me. Josh and I hung out in our room. Josh was skyping with some of his friends, in which I Skype bombed several times. By jumping across the bed behind him. He was sitting on the edge.
Around nine-thirty, people started calming down and heading into their rooms. I tried watching TV but listening to a language I couldn’t understand annoys me. Luckily, I have nearly any TV/Movie streaming site on my laptop paid in subscription, so I can watch TV on my laptop. American TV. I actually spent time watching the state news. It was bad. Really bad.
Around ten-thirty, I was sitting in my room, Adrian came in. Elliot was sitting in the chair in my room since we were watching something on my laptop. “Storm, I feel lightheaded.” Adrian told me. “Okay, drink some water and let’s have you go to bed. I don’t really have any medicine to give you. Sorry dude.” I said. He nodded. He looked kind of pale. I didn’t want him walking back to the room by himself. “Elliot, I think it’s time for bed. Can you walk Adrian back to his room then go to bed?” I asked him. He nodded. He got up from the chair and held onto Adrian’s shoulder. “Goodnight guys.” I said. “Night” They responded then left the room. Elliot closed the door behind them.
A few seconds after leaving the room, I heard Elliot in the hallway. “Storm! Storm!” He screamed. I could tell by the tone of his voice that something was wrong. I’m pretty sure I glided off the bed and to the door, opened the door and looked to the right down the hall. Adrian was just laying on the ground. I ran over to him and kneeled down. I started to shake him. “Adrian? Adrian?” I asked. I put my ear to his mouth and my hand by his heart. He was still breathing, but unconscious. “Quickly, someone find the number for 911!” I said. I know it sounds stupid, but what I mean was “Find the number equivalent for 911 in Sweden!” Josh ran out into the hallway, already looking at his iPhone. It’s in the email that we get sent on each city we go to. I kept gently tapping Adrian. By this time, Leo and Marcell had come out into the hallway because their doors were open. “I got it. It’s 112.” Josh said. He quickly held his phone up to his ear. He was calling. One benefit about our phones is that it sets itself to local standards when we travel.
“English? English?” Josh said into the phone. “Yes, we’re um, at our hotel and we have a boy here who just fell and he’s unconscious.” Josh paused for a second. “We’re at the Hotel Courtyard Stockholm and we’re in the hallway of the sixth floor.” He said. He answered a few more questions and then hung up. “They’re on their way.” He said. He was still unconscious. I didn’t know what to do and it was really scaring me. “Somebody call the front desk and tell them we called 911... or 112 so they don’t freak out and someone call Tara.” I said. “I’ll call Tara.” Elliot said, running to his room, probably to get his phone.
Josh ran into our room, probably to use the phone in the room. Adrian began to open his eyes. “Where am I?” He asked. “Adrian, just lay down. You’re in the hallway.” I said. I waited a second until he fully opened his eyes. Marcell came out with a pillow. I lifted Adrian’s head and he put it under it. “Adrian, where are we right now? Like where in the world?” I asked him. “Ummm... Stockholm, right?” he asked. “Yup, and do you remember how we got here?” I asked. “We flew.” He said. I then did the follow the finger test. He passed. Through all the commotion, Pom came out first, and then ran towards us, followed by Harvey.
Within a minute, Tara came running out of the elevator and down the hallway. “Is he awake?” He asked. “Yeah, he’s up.” I said, looking at her. “Maybe not...Storm.....” Marcell said, holding his brothers hand. Adrian’s face became pale white and once again, he was unconscious. I tested his heartbeat and his breathe. Thank god.
He woke up again in just a few seconds. I wanted to get him in a chair, but he refused to move. Hotel management showed up, followed by our physician for the tour. A real crowd showed up. “Josh, take the boys into... somewhere else. Storm stay here.” Tara demanded. Marcell was holding onto his brothers hand. “Marcell, you need to go. I promise, he’ll be fine.” I told him. Marcell nodded. He didn’t want to leave. “Marcell, there are people here to help Adrian and you can’t be here right now. Trust me, he’ll be fine.” I said. Josh helped him up and they went into his room.
Within a few minutes, medical treatment arrived on site. He was going to the hospital whether he liked it or not. He hates hospitals or anything medical. They lifted him onto a gurney and I walked down with him. Luckily, one of the guys spoke really good English.
I rode with them down in the elevator and got into the back of the ambulance with them. Within seconds, we were off, sirens blazing to the hospital. I think Adrian was freaked the fuck out. First off, the only one in the vehicle who spoke English was an EMT person. So they’re doing things to him while speaking Swedish. They’re testing his blood pressure, they’re checking hydration, all this stuff with all this weird equipment.
When we got to the hospital, they rolled him into the ER, or whatever they call it in Sweden. Of course, I followed, even though I was in the doctors and nurses, Adrian would not let go of my hand. He held a tight grip. It was like for dear life.
We were at the Hospital all night. After doing tests and such, he fell asleep around midnight and myself, around one. I was sleeping in a very uncomfortable chair. Eventually, Tara came in and woke me up. I stepped out into the hall with her. “I think that it was just a lot of stress of being away. I’m not sure if you remember, but the first few days when we were in Montreal, he was very tired, and kind of stressed because it was all new for him. The doctors said he would be fine. Just to keep him hydrated and lot’s of rest. And he needs some more calories in his body.” I told her. “So you really think it’s just stress? I can see that.” She said. “Between the anxiety of being away after being home for three weeks, and then he’s not been eating as much because the foods all new and weird overseas.” I said. She nodded. “Just make sure that is fixed.” She told me. “You wanna go back to the hotel and get some sleep and I’ll stay here with him?” She asked. “No, I’ll stay.” I told her. “Actually, that was more like theirs a taxi outside waiting for you and you can come back in the morning after you spend a few hours in a real bed. Wasn’t a question.” She told me. “No really Tara. I want to stay here with Adrian.” I told her. “Marcell would say the same thing, but what would you do?” She asked me. I grabbed my coat that was sitting over a chair and grabbed my phone. “Don’t pull that stupid parenting stuff over me.” I said, exiting the room. “Goodnight.” I told her, walking away and down the hallway.
On my way back to the hotel in the Taxi, I attempted to call Adrian’s family. No one, including his sister was picking up. When I got back to the hotel, my noises of entering the room, which weren’t that loud at all awoke Josh. “How’s Adrian?” He asked. “He’s fine, just needs some more nutrition.” I told him. I opened up my laptop and looked into my records for Adrian and Marcell’s emergency contact information. Since we often travel, our emergency contact information people are all over the world. For example, Leo’s international emergency contact is his Grandparents in Italy. I found the number. I dialed it. Someone picked up.
“Hello?” The woman said. “Is this Rebecca?” I asked. “Yes it is. Can I ask who’s calling?” She asked. “Yes, um... I’m not sure if you remember me. My names Storm. I’m a dancer in Immortal but I’m also the one who looks after Adrian and Marcell.” I told her. “Oh, right. Storm. Is everything okay?” She asked me. “Not the best of days. Adrian’s been hospitalized for a brief anxiety attack. Due to the storm, I can’t get in touch with his mother or father and you are his emergency contact.” I told her. “What happened?” She asked. “He collapsed and lost consciousness in our hotel and we brought him to the hospital.” I told her. “Okay, where are you guys? How can I contact you?” She asked me. “You can call me on this number.” I told her. “And we’re in Stockholm, Sweden.” I told her. “Stockholm?” She asked. “Yes.” I replied. “I’m on the next flight out.” She said. “That’s not necessary.” I told her. “Storm, it would make our entire family feel so much better if I could just come.” She explained. “Okay, well, you can call me on this number.” I told her. “See you in a few hours.” After talking to her, I texted Tara. “Called Adrian’s Emergency Contact (Aunt) and she is coming to Sweden. She said she wanted to.” A few minutes later, Tara responded “Ok”. That was it. I then fell asleep on the bed, without my covers, still with my shoes on.
I was awoken when my phone rang. I looked at the clock. It was seven-thirty in the morning. It wasn’t a call, it was a text. It was from Tara. “Adrian wants you to come back to the hospital.” It said. I didn’t ask why. I simply responded with an “On my way”. I called the front desk and requested a Taxi, which took five minutes because the english translator didn’t understand “Taxi”. I then changed clothes, brushed my teeth, shaved, and put on deodorant. Before leaving, Josh awoke. “Going back to the hospital?” He asked. “Yeah, I’ll text you soon.” I said then left out the door. In the lobby, I found the taxi driver who brought me to the hospital.
When I arrived, I found Adrian in the same room he was in when I left just six hours ago. “Hey dude, how ya feelin’?” I asked. “Storm, can we go back to the hotel now?” He asked. “Not until the doctor says so.” I told him. “Any updates?” Tara asked. “They want to run another test, just to test for something.” Tara said. “I don’t want any more tests! I want to go back to the hotel. I’ll be fine.” He said.
“Adrian, you’re going to do what the doctor says and that’s the end of it. If the doctor says you’re having a baby, you’re gonna have a baby. He knows best.” I told him. “I am not pregnant.” Adrian responded.
About an hour later, after having him eat, they took him to a testing room, escorted by me where they tested his red blood cell count. When we arrived back in the room, Josh called asking if he could bring Marcell, Elliot and Leo to visit. I told them that it wasn’t a good idea right now.
The doctor came in with a translator. They pulled Tara and I out of the room. The doctor spoke in Swedish. “He has amenia.” The translator said. “What is that?” I asked. Translated, “It’s a low count of red blood cells caused by a lack of Vitamin B and C.” The translator said. “So we’re going to do a blood transfusion right now and then he can go home this afternoon around dinnertime.” He said.
When we told Adrian, he was not into that. “No needle goes into my body.” I felt the same way. I hate needles. But it needed to happen. So over the next three hours, he had a blood transfusion. He couldn’t do anything. I went back to the hotel and got his laptop and he played on that for a while. We had yet to tell him about his aunt. Honestly, we forgot.
Around five that night, Adrian was discharged and we took a Taxi back to the hotel. We took the elevator up to the sixth floor and I walked him to his room. None of the boys were there. They were probably out, walking around. I helped him change into some clothes and set him up with my laptop so he could watch TV. I then continued to talk to him, making sure he knew that the reason he had Anemia is because he needs to eat more.
Within the hour, the group showed back up and I urged them to let Adrian rest. He really needs to rest so he can be on stage in two days. Of course, his health is number one priority, but we need to do our best to get him to work in forty-eight hours. Marcell stayed in the room with him while the other were reluctant to leave him alone and rest. “Storm, can we get dinner?” Adrian asked. “Yeah, how about I go and get some McDonalds, since we’re all used to that food?” I suggested. And with that, Elliot and I went out to get McDonalds for everyone.
While we were out, I got a call from a weird number. Something urged me to pick it up. “Hello?” I answered. “Storm, it’s Rebecca. We’re in Stockholm, at the airport.” She said. “Okay.... well we’re at the hotel now. Do you want us to send a Taxi?” I asked. “No, we have a Taxi, we just need to know the hotel.” She told me. “We’re at the Courtyard Stockholm.” I told her. “Tell the desk when you get here and I will send Marcell to come get you guys.” “Great, see you soon.” She said, then hung up. So Elliot and I quickly got back to the hotel with the food and separated it between all of us. I then got Marcell out of the room. “You’re Aunt Rebecca is coming, she’s here all the way from Florida. She’ll be here in a few minutes and you have to get her in the Lobby.” I told him. “But don’t tell Adrian. It’s a surprise.” I added.
A few minutes later, my phone rang and I was told I have a guest in the lobby. I then sent Marcell down to get them. A few minutes after that, they were on the floor and I greeted them. To my surprise, not only did Rebecca come, but also Matt, their cousin. “I didn’t tell him you were coming, to make it a surprise. He’s in the last room on the right there. The door should be open.” I said. She nodded and they followed Marcell to the room.
I just heard a lot of happy screams after that.
The following morning was Halloween! It was really exciting, though I slept until almost eleven after not getting much sleep the previous night. To my understanding, Rebecca and Matt stayed overnight in the hotel. From talking to Rebecca, she requests to stay with us until he gets 100% better or until we can contact his parents. I had no problem with that. The following morning, I sat in the room while Adrian laid dressed in the bed, with myself, Tara, and Rebecca around him. “So what, does he go back to work tomorrow?” Rebecca asked. “Yeah.” Adrian answered. “I don’t know, it depends on how you feel.” I commented. “I feel fine. I just want to get up and do something.” Adrian demanded. “Adrian, if we still deem you sick, you’re not going to work. I’m sorry.” I said. He got frustrated. “I guarantee that if you let me get up and walk around, you’ll see that I’m fine.” He told me. “Maybe this afternoon we’ll take a walk. If you can make it through this afternoon and then a bit at the party tonight, then we’ll see about tomorrow.” I told him.
During the late afternoon, Our group of six plus Rebecca and Matt walked through the cold streets of Stockholm and found a place to eat. The food is weird here, so we’re very cautious about where we eat. When we finally found a suitable place, we gladly took a seat. “What are going as tonight?” Adrian asked. “I don’t know, let’s find a costume store after this.” I suggested. “Matt... Rebecca, you guys are more than welcome to come to the party tonight.” I told them. “Why, that’s awesome. We’ll have to find a costume too then.” She said, nudging Matt. I think Matt was more entertained by being with his cousins in a foreign country than anything.
After an awesome Halloween party and then walking a bit around Stockholm alone with Adrian and evaluating him, I deemed it safe for him to return to work that night. Though following the recent events, Tara wanted all five of us at a rehearsal at four thirty, an hour before call time.
Our guests followed us into the arena to watch us rehearse. I didn’t completely understand why we had to be there an hour before call time though. We first sat and did nothing for close to twenty minutes, and then we ran through They Don’t Care About Us two times to test Adrian’s physical ability to work. He was fine, as I deemed and then we went and ate in the catering room.
We didn’t regain contact with Adrian and Marcell’s parents until our last day of shows in Stockholm, when their cell service was turned back on. They were in complete shock that not only Adrian was sick, but that Rebecca and Matt flew all the way to Sweden. They left this afternoon after watching the show and then making sure Adrian was fine the next morning. When I finally did talk with Adrian and Marcell’s parents, I had to assure them that there was no need for a trip to Sweden and that Adrian was no longer sick and he’s on medicine. They were just worried and wanted me to call them more often. I agreed. I kind of have to.