you're just as far in as you'll ever be out

spilling like an overflowing sink

I have officially lost control of this story lol

"Why so glum, chum?"

Alana merely rolled her eyes at Dash's failed attempt to make her laugh. "Don't call me chum."

"But it's such a fun word," Dash said in offense, a goofy smile in place as he slid in the seat across from Alana in the dingy hotel bar. It was barely one o'clock in the afternoon and he could tell from the younger girl's eyes, she was at least three or four drinks in. "I thought you guys had press to do today?"

"Oh, they didn't want me to come," Alana snorted into her drink, tracing the rim absently when Dash sighed. "But whatever. At least I got reacquainted with my old friends Jack and Coke."

"Dude, it's like one in the afternoon," Dash pointed out softly. "How many of those have you had?"

Alana just shrugged. "What are you, the alcohol police?"

"Should you be mixing alcohol with your-"

"Who cares," Alana snapped, gripping her glass tightly. She pushed it away after a deep breath and looked at Dash apologetically. "Sorry," she whispered. "Sorry. I, I lost it or something. I can't find it."

"Fuck," Dash mumbled under his breath. "Do you think you left it at the last hotel in Auckland?"

"Maybe," Alana said. "Oh well. I discovered the more I drink, the less I care about being noticed."

"That's not good, Lanzo. We have a show tonight"

"It is good," Alana corrected with a lopsided grin. "I could go play the show right now without a care in the world."

Dash rubbed his hands together nervously. They had one show left in New Zealand. He hoped Alana's new discovery would not ruin it. "Yeah, I don't think that's a good idea."

"Why?"

"It just isn't."

"Why?"

Dash flagged down the waiter and asked for Alana's bill. She must have had more drinks than he initially thought. Now, she could barely hold her head up. "I'm cutting you off."

Alana blinked slowly and barely registered Dash paying her tab. "But I'm still thirsty."

"I'll get you some water."

"Water is soooo boring, Dashy," Alana slurred as Dash pulled her out of the seat. "I'm so over this tour. Aren't you?"

"Nah," Dash said, shaking his head. "I like touring."

"Oh."

Alana bit her lip in sadness. She tried desperately to stop it from quivering because that usually led to tears. Now it was awkward, especially since she never thought about how her actions were affecting Dash. She was too worried about her sisters to even think about Dash, Dan, and everyone in the touring crew.

She was ruining everything.

Dash didn't respond. Instead, he ruffled Alana's hair and helped her in the elevator.

"You good to get back to your room?"

"Yep."

Alana pressed 6 and slumped down in the excessively large elevator. It took her a few moments to get out.

Then, she realized she had no idea what room she was in or if this was even the right floor.

She hit her head repeatedly and searched through her jacket pockets, whimpering slightly when her hotel key was nowhere to be found.