Deception (Michael Clifford)

Thirty Three

As soon as the concert finishes, and the guys walk off stage, I grab Michael's wrist and drag him towards the foyer. I'm buzzing with energy and excitement, to the point where I can barely contain it, the grin on my face shows it all.

"Come on!" I say over my shoulder, "I want you to meet them."
Michael doesn't protest, just follows along as I lead him out of the set of double doors, and around the side of the building. I can't wait. It feels like years since I've seen them last, yet it could only be a couple of months.
We speed down the alley way, Michael keeping up effortlessly behind me and still not letting go of his arm.
"Through here," and I push open a bright blue door, stepping into the warm corridor that leads to the back of the stage. When you've been in so many venues, you learn pretty quickly just what doors lead to where.
We proceed down the narrow hall, the paint is not so fresh through here, neither have the lamps been so well cared for. I guess presentation is not such a priority where the audience can't see it. We reach a right turn.
"Okay, stay here," I position Michael out of view, he looks at me with and unreadable expression, "ill come and get you in a minute."
I'm too excited I don't even wait for his reply before dashing around the corner. The door is propped open and I can see movement inside, not that I couldn't hear them before we even reached the corner. Gabe's laugh is unmistakable, and so is the cheering and congratulations that comes with the end of a show.
I swing open the door and see them immediately.

All 5 of them stand in a loose circle, nodding, clapping each others backs, though it looks different this time. Most of the attention is on Jesse. It's then I'm reminded of what this show means to them, and to the rest of us. This was his last show with the band. After this he will be leaving, to return to his family and take a break from the music world. My excitement is dampened then with grief, for having to say goodbye to one of my closest friends, but not for long. Kellin turns his head, his straight, dark hair falling over his face as he spots me in the door way, and slowly everyone's attention follows.
I can't help it, the feeling is overwhelming. I run towards Kellin, straight into his arms. I hug him tightly and close my eyes. The feeling is so familiar, his warmth, his presence, this feels like home.
He lifts me up so that my feet are off the ground, "safe to say that you missed me?" His voice rumbles through his chest and into mine.
I smile. "It gets so boring without you around."
I feel him chuckle.
"Well what do you expect," another voice chimes in, I let go of Kellin, "you've got no hats to nick." I turn and see Gabe's smiling face, the cap turned back over his short hair.
I grin at him knowingly and give him a hug, he ruffles my hair.
"That doesn't stop you from stealing mine though, hey Gabe?" I turn and see the familiar dark ginger hair and round face of Jesse. He smiles warmly.
"Jesse!"
I feel so young again as he gives me a hug, like nothing else in the world matters. I'm surrounded by my friends, and these people that I've grown so close to that they are practically a second family. There's nothing to be afraid of or fret about, because I'm home.
But then I'm overcome by a wave of sadness. He will be leaving this family, to go back to his own. This is the last concert of his with Sleeping with Sirens. I pull him tighter.
"Surprise." I whisper.
He ruffs up my hair. "Thanks for coming tonight chick." He says sadly in my ear. Jesse never normally gives hugs.
"I wouldn't miss it for anyone."
There's a whine from the corner. I spot Justin, dropping his bottom lip like a jealous child. I laugh and greet him also, then Jack and a few of the crew.

All greetings out the way, I remember my companion that is still waiting in the hall way. I turn and look around at the group of people I've grown so close to.
"Um, there's someone I want you to meet," I tell them, shifting my gaze over my shoulder, "he agreed to come along tonight to keep me company, but it turns out he's a bit of a fan..." Weird to think that Michael is capable of actually liking something, but ill deal with that thought later. "Go easy on him," I warn.
Gabe rubs his hands together playfully, but Kellin just raises his eyebrows, and says nothing.
I run back down the hall to grab Michael.