legends never die || josh kiszka

17

Lorelei

My wet hair dripped onto the sweatshirt I put on after my shower, which was much needed after the show. It was a lot more energetic than usual because of the twins' birthday, leaving me exhausted. I yawned as I leaned into Josh's side, inhaling the smoke coming from the blunt as we passed it around.

Sam was singing happy birthday for the sixth time, at least, at the top of lungs. It was obvious he had started drinking before any of us arrived - pregamed, if you will. Josh had declined any drinks, but I had taken two shots. I told myself it stopped there.

Haha.

We came back from the zoo just in time for soundcheck. It was a blast - seeing all of the animals made me rethink my third backup plan as a marine biologist to pursue zoology, but I changed my mind by the time we got back to the hotel.

While there, we stopped by every single restaurant or food cart, telling the workers it was their birthdays to see how many things they could get for free. Oh, the answer? Seven.

It was fun to see the boys act normal, doing average human things for once. Sam was the most excited out of any of us, pointing at every animal he saw and reading us the little information boxes at their habitats. Josh was excited too, but he was better at hiding it.

They didn't want a party, they just wanted to hang out after the show, per usual. Anastasia protested, suggesting we should at least go out to a nearby bar or club, but Jake wasn't having it. We all looked pretty tired, except Sammy, of course, so it was understandable that all they wanted to just chill out and smoke for a while instead of going out.

Tomorrow, we leave for Los Angeles - I've been a handful of times since my departure from the big screen, but I usually try to avoid it for the same reason I like to avoid Montana. Chris lives there, but as long as I don't go anywhere near the studio i'll be fine. It'll be quick - we leave at six tomorrow morning, arrive there fourteen hours later, go to bed, do an interview tomorrow afternoon, show in the evening, and then sleeping in the bus on the way to Las Vegas. One day is all I have to get through this time, thankfully.

Anastasia handed Jake the present she had gotten for him, so I figured now would be the time to give them their presents as well. I really didn't know what the hell to buy for either of them, - I'd only known them for just over three weeks.

So I handed Jake and Josh their presents and watched, nervous as they ripped the tissue paper from the bags. Jake was in awe over the boots he had been talking about for weeks, now sitting in front of him, and the huge bottle of his favorite liquor that would probably last three days, max. He thanked me, twice, before leaning over to hug me. I closed my eyes, taking in this moment as I assumed they would be less frequent in just a few more months. He and his brothers made me feel safe.

Jake hugs are the best.

Josh opened his next, which was a beanie and matching sweatshirt since I was the one who wore his old beanie now - it was practically mine. I was saving the better present for when we were alone, not wanting to get too sappy in front of everyone else.

"Thanks, darling. I love it." Josh smiled, leaning down to peck me on the lips. They were soft, smooth. I savored it, feeling extra emotional, but not sure why.

Maybe it's because we've found people who love us? You know, I've never felt more motivated to come back.

Shut up, Leslie.

After about thirty more minutes of laughter and Sam breaking things, Jake got up to go to bed and we soon followed, knowing we had to wake up in less than five hours to hit the road. Something in me was excited about the almost fifteen hour drive, wondering what it might have in store for us since it's our longest yet.