You're Not Alone

The End is Where We Begin

(Jen's POV)

I sat on my suitcase, trying to zip it up. This was our last day at home until the tour. Under normal circumstances, I'd be overjoyed, and I was to an extent. But a tour meant facing Mason. I wasn't sure I was ready for that.

The room lit up as a cloud moved away from the sun. Rays of warmth streamed in through my window and landed on a geode I'd placed on my dresser. The gems castes reflections on the walls and I smiled. There was always hope.

I pulled my knitted sweater closer to my body as Austin waltzed through the door frame. "Hey, girlie. You packed?" I nodded and looked up at him. "You alright?" He asked, sitting on the edge of my bed. "You seem tense?"

I nodded and pressed my fingers against my temples.
"Yeah, yeah. Just...y'know, worried."

"Mason?" He asked. I nodded. "Can't blame ya, kid."

I shook my head. "Dad, what do I do? I love him. Oh my God, I love him so much. But I'm tired of getting hurt and walked on." Austin sat silent. "This is the part where you're supposed to tell me that it's just a misunderstanding and that Mason and I will get married and travel the world together, going to villages in third world countries and helping the children there get clean water and an education and grow old and die together and that everything's gonna be okay."

"Jen, truth is, I don't know that for sure. Hell, for all we know, Mason could murder all of us tomorrow night." I felt my eyes go wide. "Sorry, bad example. All I'm trying to say is that you need to hope for the best, but prepare for the worst."

I nodded. "You're right."

Austin smirked. "I'm always right." He playfully punched me in the shoulder. "The guys from Issues will be here soon to talk about last minute things. That'll give you some time to figure out where you stand with Mason.

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"TOUR DAY! TOUR DAY! TOUR DAY!" Tino shouted. "WE'RE GOING ON A TOUR TO-"

"For the love of God, Tino, will you please shut your fucking mouth?!" Alan snapped, rubbing his temples.

"Don't drink tonight, Ginger Princess. Your hangover right now is already bad enough." I teased, ruffling Alan's hair. I reached into my pocket and handed Alan a Tootsie Roll.

Alan chuckled. "Oh, Jen. You make me smile." He unwrapped the chewy chocolate candy and popped it into his mouth.

A large knock sounded at the door and before anyone could open it, it burst open and a blurry figure charged through.

Mason.

I felt both excited and terrified. But when he picked me up and hugged me with all his might, I didn't hesitate to melt into his embrace.

"Jesus Christ, I was so worried." He whispered into my hair. He set me down gently, tucking hair behind my ear. "Are you alright? Does it hurt? Can I do anything for you?"

This was the reason why I still had faith in Mason. He was treating me like the only girl in the world.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm alright. It's still kinda achey and it bleeds a little from time to time, but it's nothing serious." I stared down at my shoes, tilting my head to the side to avert his gaze. He ran his fingers on the square bandage taped to my neck.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry." He pressed his lips to my nose and let them linger for a bit before planting another kiss on my lips.

I was falling in love with Mason all over again.

"God dammit, Mason! Didn't even give us a chance to say hello!" A new voice said, with a slight twang to it. A taller man entered the room and I couldn't help but notice him twitch from time to time. He had a scruffy beard and huge holes in his ears. From what Mason described to me, there was only one person he could be; Michael.

"Well, I'm sorry that I love my girlfriend, Michael!" Mason retorted. I blushed.

Michael dragged in his bags, making his way to me and extending his hand. "It's nice to finally meet the girl who my cousin won't shut up about." I took his hand it he shook it firmly.

"What's good, bitches?!" Another new voice said. A shorter man thane first walked through the door, holding a bottle of alcohol in one hand and a duffle bag in the other.

Mason chuckled, hiding his face with his hand. "That's Tyler. His voice is amazing but his personality is shit."

"Oh, shut the fuck up. I'm wonderful." Tyler exclaimed.

The rest of the band piled through the door, greeting and hugging all of the OM&M members.

"So this is where it all gets crazy, huh?" Mason whispered to me.

"I guess so."

HEY WASSUP HELLO

Sorry this chapter took so long, guys! VBS (Vacation Bible School) just ended at my church yesterday and I'm completely exhausted. I was on the worship team and in the drama and for the past 4 weeks, we've been crazy busy with rehearsals and it all paid off this week.

So I'm back for the time being until I leave for camp for a week. I'll let you guys know when that is. That update will take some time because we're not allowed to have our phones at all that week.

Thank you all so much!

Chapter song: The End is Where We Begin by Thousand Foot Krutch.

Love you guys bunches!

-Gracie