Complicated (Alex Gaskarth)

Slipped Away

Alex and Elizabeth's story wouldn't be complicated without a complicated meet cute, right?

Influenced by the above photo. Credit to owner.

I am going to gut him!

Because it wasn't already enough that I was dragged to this music festival—the day of my birthday nonetheless—but he's also left me alone.

Alone in the Godsmack pit among the heavy mass of sweaty bodies, which is clearly not making me enjoy the song currently playing that I know as Bulletproof, but instead, has me feeling rather claustrophobic and anxious.

At my discomfort, I suddenly find myself pacing in the small corner I've claimed, all the while my heart races, my breathing intensifies and my palms become sweaty, the latter manifestations of the pressing questions plaguing my anxious mind.

First, why did my brother suddenly disappear on me at all, when after 30 years of communal living, he knows that I don't do well in crowds, fault of generalized anxiety! Second, why did Sam not warn me of his sudden, let's call it, exodus? Surely, if we'd spoken about whatever his plan was beforehand, not to mention had a safe meeting place, I'd have been okay with it. The truth of the matter is that I'm not fine with it, because he's left me stranded in a place I am not comfortable with, and what's more, have absolutely no idea of his current whereabouts!

As I continue to assess the facts, I suddenly feel myself on the verge of hyperventilation, the inevitable flashing before my eyes.

Was his not warning me his subtle way of telling me to have followed him? Granted, I've never been good with hints, but could I have missed that? Because if I did miss something as banal, then he's probably just as panicked as I am. Yet, for all our sibling comradery and, it would seem telepathy, in this situation, it's impossible for us to locate each other, not in such a sea of strang-

Suddenly halting my ongoing pacing is a solid chest that I barrel into, which at the embarrassment of bumping into a stranger, has me simultaneously jumping back, in preparation to apologize for my clumsiness.

But not before I take in said man, who, it would seem, is about my age and staring at me in curiosity behind his white sunglasses, his head titled to the side and small grin highlighting his interest.

Which, unsurprisingly, has me feeling perhaps a little shy and at that, doing the opposite of apologizing, that is, accusing him of something he obviously can't control.

"You're not my brother." I say as I seize him up and down.

"I am not, no." he chuckles, "Am I supposed to be?"

"It's just," I sigh in embarrassment, then incessantly babble, "I was dragged to this stupid music festival by my brother despite the fact that I don't do well in big crowds and he disappeared on me about five seconds ago to I don't know where. You guys have a pretty similar build so I thought you were him."

"Hi, my name is Alex and I have anxiety, too."

"I'm Elizabeth." I smile at his deflecting, grateful for the focus no longer being on me, "Thank you for being so understanding about this."

"Happens to the best of us. Can I offer you some advice, though?"

"If it has anything to do with anxiety, I'm pretty sure I've heard it all already." I shrug, "But whatever, shoot."

"Why don't you go backstage with me?" he offers as if this were a common occurrence.

"B-b-ackstage?" I sputter, as my eyes widen, "You have access backstage?"