A Fool's Revenge

City Lights

It was hard keeping the happy façade up, but I did it for a good week. Today was our second to last day off until the end of tour. It was just getting dark when our bus slowed down and came to a halt. I could hear the mass amount of guys outside and I jumped out of my seat in the back lounge, as did the guys, and walked off the bus. The smell of burning wood filled my senses and I looked around.

"Jayme!" I heard my name and searched for who called me. a wide smile grew as Ricky came into view with Priscilla in tow.

"Hey guys!" I smiled and hugged them.

"Come on, we're grilling stuff and hanging out." Priscilla chuckled and I followed them to where they had a little grill and a bunch of filled chairs set up. I greeted the people I knew and found a seat by Chris. Him and I have been talking almost every day and have become pretty close. I was even getting close with his band, I had even spent a night on their bus just watching movies and chilling.

It's times like these where I'm grateful for all of the bullshit that life has put me through because it has led to making amazing friends and that's more than I could ever ask for. Then again, I could really do without the bullshit.

"What are you thinking about?" Chris asked with a smile. I sighed and shook my head at him.

"Why, or how, do you always do that?" I chuckled and he just kind of furrowed his perfectly drawn on brows.

"How do you always know when I'm thinking of something important? Am I really that easy to read?" I chuckled again.

"Like a book. No, you just get this starry, glazed over look in your eyes. I don't think it's that noticeable but your eyes get a little lighter too." I blushed a little but nodded.

"So, what were you thinking about?" he said in a 'come on already' tone.

"My life. I like where it has taken me, even with all the shitty things that have happened." I leaned back and looked at the star studded sky. It was a beautifully clear night.

"I do that a lot." He sighed and seemed a little upset about it.

"What's wrong?" This would probably be the only time I would be able to read him like he reads me so I took my chances.

"Well, I love what I do but I hate the fact that we're so overlooked, you know? Sure, we're popular now, and I use that term very lightly, but... I don't know, I guess I expect more than I should, feedback wise. I get the reactions but it seems like they're mostly the negative ones. It bothers me a little." He squinted and looked into the sky.

"It's kinda like high school all over, huh?" I laughed slightly and his head snapped to face me.

"It's ironic, right? We wait four years to get out of school only to realize your who life is just like it." he chuckled and I nodded. It was true. Maybe not as harsh as it was then but it was very true.

We stayed in a comfortable silence but Ben broke it by taking me away to the drinks. I didn't want to drink a lot today because I knew tomorrow was going to be one of the hottest days seeing as we were in Las Vegas, Nevada and it was known to get searing.

"Here you go, love." Ben smiled and just looked at me as I took the drink and smiled. I noticed that his smile quickly turned into a smirk and I raised an eyebrow.

"What?" I wasn't sure what would come out of his mouth but his smirk was replaced with an innocent smile.

"Nothing. I've just noticed you've been getting all comfy cozy with Chris." He gasped like a little girl and I laughed.

"He's just a friend. Nothing is going on between us, I promise." I laughed at his accusations.

"Okay." he raised his hands in defense and we walked back to where I was before. I sat down in my seat and Chris just looked from my drink to me.

"What's your poison?" he asked with the slightest bit of a smirk playing at his lips.

"Fireball and sprite." I took a quick sip and smiled. He nodded and turned away when his name was called by Ben. I knew he was straight edge so there was no point in returning the question. I started up a little conversation with the ever so quiet 'Ghost' and we ended up getting in a heated debate over Photoshopping. He argued that Photoshop was pointless while I rebutted that it was more important than he thinks.

"What do you think makes all of you guys look like the perfection that little girls drool over?!" I yelled and laughed.

"Us. We're beautiful just the way we are!" he said in a girly voice.

"Speak for yourself!" Ricky yelled from across the circle making some of us laugh.

"Are you really arguing with a photographer about Photoshop? You're gonna lose. She's right anyways." Chris said with a chuckle and I smiled in triumph. Devin gave us and rolled his eyes.

"Jayme! I've been looking all over for you, didn't expect to find you with these guys though." Mike said with a slightly bitter laugh and I rolled my eyes. I could see the jealousy in his eyes as he looked between Chris and I and it just made me laugh. Chris did too but he didn't bother looking at Mike. Over the past week I had actually told him the full story of my love drama. He gave some good advice and definitely a new perspective to the whole situation I caught myself in and now I'm pretty settled on what I'm gonna do about it.

"Hey Mike. I've been hanging out with these fools pretty much every day, just ask Priscilla." I laughed as I saw the jealously burn intensely in his brown eyes. Chris looked at me briefly before shaking his head and turning to talk to Ben again.

"Oh, that's nice. Glad to see that smile back." He said with a condescending smile and walked away.

"Is he for real?" Chris said as soon as Mike was out of earshot.

"Probably." I chuckled and chugged my drink. I pulled my legs up to my chest and listened to all of the bustling conversation. Jealously is a bitch but he caused it, not me. It's not like anything is going on between me and anyone right now, there's no need to be jealous.


It's been a good hour and a half since I've held a decent conversation with anyone so I looked around and left without a trace or goodbye. After Mike popping up, I had more than enough shit going through my head. I walked on the bus and heard moans. I groaned and left. I really just wanted to get away from everyone.

I snuck off the bus and looked around to make sure no one was around to follow me. I walked out of the venue and down the street and found a little diner. I sat down and pulled out my phone to see two texts from Chris and one from Ben; both just asking where I was and if I was okay.

Chris' being more in depth with the questions though. I replied saying I was fine but didn't bother saying a location because that would effectively ruin the point of wanting to get away from everyone. It's not like they wouldn't see me again, it was only ten o'clock. I would be back far before bus call.

"Hello, sweetheart! What can I get ya?" an older lady, maybe in her mid-forties, said with a smile. She handed me a menu and I scanned it over real quick before deciding on a cheese burger and chocolate shake. It's been a long while since I've the combo and it just sounded delicious. She took my order and walked away. I set my head down on the table for merely a minute before I felt the presence of another person.