Oh Ms Believer

16. Tyler

"I have to go home. I have to go," I said, frantically.

"What's going on?" Josh asked. "Ty, what's happening?"

"There's a shooter at Samantha's school," I said. Josh's jaw dropped.

Our manager, Mark, came in.

"Ty, what's going on? Debby is freaking out. She said you need to go home? Is it the kids?"

"It's Sam. There's a shooter at her school. She's supposed to be writing exams but there's a shooter. Jenna can't get a hold of her."

Mark swore and then pulled out his phone.

"I'll cancel the next three shows, and get you on a flight home today. We'll figure it out once you know more. I'll get you home, Tyler."

I nodded. I was glued to the TV. CNN was already reporting from the school. It was surreal seeing Sam's high school on the news while I was in Washington state.

I'd tried calling Sam as well and I didn't get an answer either. I was frantic. Not being able to reach Samantha terrified me. Especially in this context.

I watched the kids being brought out of the school, single file, with their hands on their heads.

"There are unconfirmed reports that the gunman, thought to be a student, is dead along with at least three of his classmates. Their identities have not been released, including that of the shooter, but it is thought that the shooting was contained in one classroom," the CNN reporter was saying. "There are reports of injuries, but the number of students dead or injured is not known at this time."

Josh moved to turn off the TV.

"Don't touch that!" I exclaimed. Josh jumped.

"Ty, it's not good for you to watch."

"I have to know. I have to know if Samantha's gone," I cried. The tears had started when I heard the news. They wouldn't stop.

Mark was rushing around making arrangements for me to fly out, making arrangements with the tour company, the venues, logistics. He was awesome.

"Tyler, I got you a flight in an hour. Grab your stuff. You're going home."

I ran out to the bus and threw clothes in a bag. I have clothes at home. I didn't need to pack everything. Just enough for a couple of days.

"Call us when you know anything," Mark said as I came back into our dressing room. I nodded.

He led me out to the back of the venue where a car was waiting to take me to the airport. He'd come with, make sure I got checked in, then go back and be with Josh and Debby.

All I wanted was to be home. And I wanted my daughter. I needed to know she was okay. I was afraid she wasn't.

We got to the airport and I practically leaped out of the car. Mark stopped me, gave me a hug, told me to try and stay calm and to let them know as soon as I knew. Whatever the outcome.

I ran into the airport and checked in. The shooting was everywhere. It was on all the televisions in the lounge.

"Isn't it terrible?" A woman watching the news said to me. "What is happening to this country?"

I shook my head. I didn't have words.

My phone dinged with a text. I looked at it. It was from Jenna.

"The shooter was in Sam's classroom. No one has come out of that room."

I stifled a sob. The woman looked over at me and at the phone in my hand.