MY WORLD TOUR: The ultimate backstage of how it all started

chapter 10: 2 days until MSG (miserable)

Mackenzie opened her eyes as she heard some weird noises coming from the front part of the bus. Ryan was asleep by her side and the room was all dark and cool. She got off the bed, very slowly so her brother wouldn't wake up. He worked the whole day as she was sure he needed his rest. With the MSG show coming up, the whole crew was working way more than usual.

Mackenzie rubbed her greenish eyes as she took some quiet steps outside her room. She passed the small hallway and got up front, only to find Justin clearly looking for something, as he opened several cabinets.

"J, what are you looking for?"- Mackenzie asked in a small voice, gently placing her hand on his shoulder, so she would not to scare him. Despite it, Justin jumped a bit at her voice- "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you"- she gave him a smile, but it quickly turned into a frown when she saw Justin's tear-streaked cheeks and red eyes.

"I don't feel good"- he let out a whimper, his voice sounding painful and stained. Mackenzie noticed how bad he was shivering, his teeth chattering and his hand trembling- "I can't find my medicine".

Mackenzie recorded Pattie putting Justin's medication on the kitchen counter right after he fell asleep.

"It's here, J"- she said back, in a low tone so they wouldn't wake the crew up. Justin smiled at her when he saw the bottle in her hand- "Sit down, Justin. I'll take care of you".

Justin got himself settled on the couch and Mackenzie rushed back inside her room, taking the knit navy-blue blanket, and gently laying on his lap. After making sure he was comfy, she went into the kitchen and filled a glass halfway with Canada Dry ginger ale. The soda would not only help him wash out the bad taste of the medication but settle his stomach as well.

"Here you go, J"- she said, giving him the cup to hold but motioning for him to wait before sipping it. He opened his mouth, and she stuck the thermometer inside, while they waited for his temperature to register, she made sure to fill the small syringe with the pink medicine, just as Pattie did- "Let's see"- Mackenzie said, taking the device from under his tongue- "Maybe we should get your mom, JB. You're burning up, really bad".

"She needs to sleep. She was up all night taking care of me last night"- he barely let out- "I just need medicine".

Mackenzie frowned but nodded her head. She gave him the syringe and Justin squirted the medication inside his mouth before handing it back to her, sipping immediately on the ginger ale. He put the glass on the table before whimpering and laying down, curling up on a small ball and wrapping his body on the blanket. He was absolutely miserable.

"Do you want me to stay here with you until the medicine works a little?"- Mackenzie asked, and he shook his head, but didn't seem too sure about it- "Are you sure, J?"

"Go back to sleep, Kenz. You're going to be tired in the morning. I'm going to be fine"- he said, feeling sick from being so hot but bizarrely cold at the same time.

She ignored his order and sat down, gently setting his head on her lap. Justin smiled a bit, curling up even further and letting small groans come out of his lips. Mackenzie rubbed his arms and back, trying to make him a bit warmer, but he was extremely cold and uncomfortable.

"Try to sleep, okay?"- Mackenzie whispered, slowly starting to play with his bangs. Justin nodded and rubbed his eyes a little bit, before turning onto his side and nuzzling his face on Kenzie's flat stomach. The girl took one of his hands into hers, and with the free one, she kept on massaging his silky hair. Justin closed his eyes before swallowing hard, his throat burning. A minute later, he slipped into a deep, restful sleep.