I know your pain

The chaotic mess

Chris' pov

I entered the cozy living room where my friends were gathered, eager to share their ideas. "Listen, now that Rowan is no longer with us, we can start booking some local shows at the cool bars around here. Who knows, maybe some of you will even find some girlfriends," I joked with a light laugh. However, Ricky shot me a furious look and stormed off. "How could you say something like that? Just focus on getting our shows booked and we'll play them. But please, don't bring up Rowan again," Vinny said sternly before walking away, followed by Ryan and Justin.

"I can't believe you did this! She means so much to all of us!" Ricky shouted. "She's out there with my babies, and you just kicked her out. You were supposed to be there for her, not betray her," Ricky sobbed. "She hasn't spoken to me in days. She won't tell me where she is, just that she's safe," he cried. "I'm sorry, Ricky, but I had no choice. Maybe once you find out where she is, you should move in with her," I yelled before storming out of the house.

Rowan's pov

The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains as I reluctantly pushed myself out of bed, dreading the long day of work ahead. Ignoring Ricky's texts had become a habit, but it only seemed to intensify the ache in my heart. As I got ready for the day, I felt a sense of relief knowing that Ricky's mom had kindly agreed to look after the twins while I was at work.

"Hi, Mom," I greeted her as I made my way downstairs. "Once I have the money, I promise I'll pay you for babysitting them." She looked at me with a puzzled expression. "Hun, you don't have to pay me. They're my grandbabies, after all. I'm just happy to spend time with them," she said with a warm smile. I nodded gratefully. "Well, I'll make it up to you. But for now, I have to head to work. I'll see you tonight!" With those words, I left the house, grateful for Ricky's mother's support as I embarked on the day ahead.

As I hurried to the venue, my eyes caught sight of several posters announcing an upcoming performance by Motionless in White the following night. "No, no, no, I can't believe they're playing here so soon... so much will happen," I murmured to myself as I made my way inside the venue. "I see someone is a fan of the band playing tomorrow," remarked the manager. "Yeah... I have a close connection with Motionless in White, especially with Ricky," I replied, nervously twisting my engagement ring. "I heard that his fiancée was involved in a serious accident after being kidnapped," the manager mentioned. "Well, you're right..." I responded with an edge of anxiety, raising my left arm adorned with a cast. "Wait, Rowan, that was you? You look different," he observed, and I nodded slowly. "Just using more makeup to conceal the bruises and scars," I explained, and he nodded in understanding. "Well, it should be an enjoyable night for you guys; I'll let you get to work now!" he said before retreating into his office.

How am I supposed to deal with seeing the band after Chris kicked me out of the house. How are they going to react of me working at a popular local venue here. "Oh wow you're from the news! I'm surprised you survived that crash!"a man said. "Yeah it was a crazy one.." I laughed nervously while he gave me his drink order.

After a few hours of working, I found myself becoming the center of attention for many customers, some of whom recognized me from the news or from my association with Motionless In White. A few lady customers shouted "Freak!" at me and even took pictures, while others chimed in, exclaiming "Ricky deserves better!" I tried to maintain my composure as I fulfilled everyone's drink orders. Amidst the chaos, a man exclaimed, "I heard she cheated on Ricky to do crazy things with her ex!" I couldn't help but sigh, feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.

My boss, noticing my distress, promptly called for a break and took over my place. Meanwhile, Gabby, my colleague, expressed concern for my safety, advising me not to work the next day when the band would be in town for a sold-out show. However, I insisted, "I need the money to take care of my babies... I have to work. I'll be okay." My words trembled as I spoke, and Gabby nodded hesitantly.

Ricky's pov

I've been experiencing some unusual behavior with my phone notifications lately. Earlier today, I decided to check my phone and found multiple pictures of Rowan looking visibly stressed while working. As I examined the photos more closely, I noticed a video that suddenly appeared. I clicked on the video and was shocked to see someone hurling a drink and a glass cup at her. The glass shattered and cut her cheek, and then I heard someone shout, "Olson!" Immediately, the boss whisked her into the back room. It's clear that Rowan is being targeted, and it's all because of Leo. She certainly doesn't deserve any of this.

I was really keen on going out to search for her, but I knew that the bar would be packed with fans who would go wild and want to take pictures with me. I thought of going in disguise, but without any of Rowan's clothes left behind, I couldn't pull it off. I began to wonder if she might be working at the venue we were heading to tomorrow, thinking that maybe I could finally have a chance to talk to her again. "Have you seen these pictures and videos of Rowan?" Vinny asked. I nodded in response. "I'm going out there. I know that bar. You're staying here. I'll get some answers," Vinny declared, to which I slowly nodded in agreement.

Vinny's pov

I found myself sporting a quirky hat and sunglasses as I strolled over to the bar. It didn't take long for me to notice our event flyers scattered all around, featuring bands like Bad Omens, Black Veil Brides, and Wage War. It was clear that the upcoming show was going to be a blast. Suddenly, the boss hurried out of the venue and expressed relief, "Thank goodness we finally have security here! I need you to safely escort Rowan Olson home tonight. She's had a rough night and shouldn't be driving with her injuries." It seemed like I had been mistaken for a member of the security team. Without hesitation, I made my way into the venue and headed toward the back. And there Rowan was sitting in the chair, trying to wipe away the blood from her cuts.

"Alright, Rowan, I need your keys and your address so I can make sure you get home safely," I said, and she handed me her keys and phone. I noticed that her chat was open with Ricky, and it looked like she was about to text him, but she never sent the message to have him come get her. Opening her maps on her phone, I quickly found her address. Rowan and I walked out of the back door and made our way to her car. As I took off my sunglasses and hat, she froze. "Vinny..." her voice shook. "Don't worry, Ricky doesn't know. Let me take you home," I reassured her, and she sighed.

We got into her car, and the drive to her house was silent and short. "Vin, you can't tell anyone where I live. Ricky can't know yet. I'll see you guys tomorrow," she said, taking her keys and phone.

Hopefully Chris doesn't start anything at the show tomorrow.