The Life Of A Franz Ferdinand Reference

24

The rest of the night went well, except Strawberry and Paul were up late playing mario kart on Strawberry's 3DS. Maybe I was annoyed by the rainbow road theme playing softly throughout the bus. Maybe I texted Strawberry too many "please go to sleep" texts. But truly I thought it was kind of cute that they stayed up playing video games together. It reminds me of back when Strawberry and I were in 3rd grade and we thought 11 PM was late.

Anyway, Rowan wasn't answering my texts and Alex and I were slightly panicked. We both felt that it was our job to protect Nick. Maybe it's just that Alex always gets credit for everything. But then again not getting lead vocals is fair if someone protects you with their life. Alex just wants even more credit than he already gets.

//ALEX//: everything oki doki over there my friend?

//GLASIE//: you're 21 you shouldn't text like a dad

//ALEX//: fine whatever is Nick okay

//GLASIE//: idk how about you bunk up with him tonight instead of me

//ALEX//: I thought you guys were like a thing thing u know?

//GLASIE//: doesn't mean I want to do this even I need some space sometimes and after tonight

//ALEX//: I'm sure he'd be more comfortable with you anyway.

//GLASIE//: sure not like he's extremely disoriented and about to black out again

//ALEX//: EXACTLY

//GLASIE//: fine.

I turned my phone off and tried to focus on something to describe so I could calm down. I wouldn't want to be extremely boring and describe something I've described countless times.

It was raining now. Like soft, quiet rain, not violent thunderstorms. Missing You suddenly started playing in the back of my head. Thanks, mental playlist. I always hated that song, honestly. I hated how absolutely depressed Alex sounded. Then I realized he was like 10 feet away and I could hug him as much as I wanted right now. I then realized how quiet Nick was. I could tell he was still awake. I really wish I could do something to help him, but all I could do was wait while he was trembling quite violently next to me. I decided to say something to make sure he was alright.

"Hey, are you sure you're okay?" I whispered, attempting to turn my phone on for a bit of brightness.

Nick just stares at me blankly for a couple seconds before answering quickly.

"Y-Yeah, I'm alright." He mumbled, trying to control his breathing and how much he was shaking at the same time. Like I said before, I wish I could help.

"100% sure?"

Nick half smiled and nodded silently.

"Is there anything I could do to help?" I asked.

"Honestly, Glasgow... I'm fine."

"You're not. I can feel you shaking, dude."

Nick stayed silent for a couple seconds. Maybe to focus on breathing, maybe because he realized that I proved a point.

"Fine. I'm not okay."

"I wish I could help..."

"When's Rowan coming back?"

"No clue. I can't text her... Dimension stuff."

"What about leaving? We need to get out of Chicago."

"Touring while we all have so much going on was a terrible idea. When Rowan and Cassiopeia are back, we can return to the apartment."

Something inside me wanted to say "we can't tour because you're not exactly doing very well and Ace and Ryan are out to eliminate you," but I didn't say that.