Tragic Magic

Chapter Thirty Seven

For the remainder of the day we sat on the bus and talked about our great plans. The both of us hadn't shed a tear since we started talking about our soon-to-be engagement. The band was surprised to see us so happy about Ashley and Craig's news when in reality, we had plans of our own.

Tomorrow Warped Tour is scheduled to be in Phoenix, Arizona, meaning our bus needed to leave this evening. I planned to catch up with Alternative Press at the next venue and finish off some interviews before the end of the tour. Until then, I plan to spend as much time around Escape The Fate as I possibly can.

"So TJ," Craig sparks up the conversation, "Are you doing okay? I mean, you disappeared after our big announcement."

"I'm fantastic, Craig, thanks for asking. How are you?" He says, almost sarcastically.

I could tell this was going to be a long ride. We all filled the back lounge and watched as Ashley fluttered her diamond ring around and Craig bragged.

"Juliet," Craig grabs my attention, "Can I talk to you really quick?"

"Yeah, sure," I look over at TJ and he just shrugs at me.

We walk to the front of the bus and take a seat in the front lounge. It makes me feel uncomfortable to be around him again, its almost scary.

"What's up?" I ask, not wanting to know the answer.

"Look, I'm sorry I pulled you into all of this I-"

"Just stop, Craig," I interrupt him.

"I didn't cheat on you, Juliet, I cheated on Ashley," he admits.

"What? But Ashley was with TJ?" What does that even mean? I was "that" girl?

"I was with Ashley before you," he looks down at the floor, "when she went to Australia for a business related trip, I cheated on her with you. She got upset and used TJ as a cover up. I know it wasn't okay, I just couldn't help myself."

"I've lost all respect for you, Craig," all I can do is shake my head and avoid breaking down, "I actually loved you."

"I still love you, Juliet," he whispers to me, "Ashley made me propose to her because of what I did. I don't want to marry her, I want to marry you."

"Well I guess that fucking sucks because I don't love you, Craig," I push past him and return to the back lounge, on the verge of tears.

"Woah, there tiger," TJ stops me as I enter the back lounge. "It's my turn to have a word with you, let's go."

TJ escorts me back up to the front lounge and sits me down. Craig makes his way out of sight, which is good enough for me.

"Now what is it?" I snap at TJ, trying to keep my tears under control.

"What's going on?" He grabs a hold of my arms and searches for the pain in my eyes.

"He keeps getting inside my mind, I don't know what to do," I lose control and feel the tears roll down my cheeks.

"You can do this, just give me until tomorrow and it will all be alright," he tells me. "What did he tell you anyways?"

"I don't know," I try to pull myself together. "Something about him being forced to marry Ashley and he still loves me, but it's all bullshit."

"What does that mean?" TJ gives me an unsatisfied look.

"He's not serious is he?" I ask him, praying for a reasonable answer.

"He's just trying to guilt trip you into chasing him around. You don't need to follow his footsteps anymore, Juliet."

He's completely right, I don't need to follow Craig I can get by just fine without him. After all, I've been doing it for the past year.