One Million Branches

Part One

I throw the last PTV shirt in my suitcase and zip it up. I strip of my pajamas and put on my Key Street shirt that I stole from Tony and put on my black high-waisted shorts.

I slide on my white vans since my other one’s are packed and took one last look in the mirror. I pull my dark brown hair back into a tight ponytail and fix my makeup.

I smile at my reflection and my phones text tone goes off. I grab my phone and unlock it.

Vic: Lizzy are you ready?

Lizzy: Yes. When are you going to be here?

Vic: The bus just left Jaime’s so maybe 5 minutes at most.

Lizzy: Okay I’ll see you soon.

I drag my suitcase down stairs and sit on my counter. I bounce my leg anxiously and bite on my lip. Vic invited me to tour with them and I finally accepted after years of him asking. I’m best friends with all of them but I kept refusing his offer because I like Tony. I feel like it’ll be awkward if he finds out.

I hear pounding on my door and I jump off the counter.

“Hi.” Mike says pulling me into a hug.

“Hi Mike.” I say hugging him back.

“Ready?” He asks.

I nod and grab my backpack as Mike grabs my suitcase.

I lock my front door and head onto the bus with Mike. He puts my suitcase in the empty bunk and I choose the middle bunk in the back left corner. I walk back to the front of the bus when I get picked up from behind.

I screech and kick my legs trying to get out of the grip of whoever picked me up.

“I missed you Lizzy!” I hear him say.

“Hi-me! God damnit put me down!” I yell.

He sets me down and I turn around and hug him.

“I’m so glad you’re finally touring with us.” He says.

“I’m glad I finally accepted the offer.” I say smiling.

“Lizzy!” I hear Vic yell behind Jaime.

“Vic!” I say as Jaime moves to the side.

He hugs me tight and spins me around.

“I’m so glad to finally be doing tour with my best friend!” He says.

“Hey!” Jaime says frowning.

“I’m sorry, Jaime. I still love you.” He says.

I laugh and Vic hugs Jaime.

The bus stops hard and I fall over.

I smack my head on the ground but start laughing.

“Oh my god are you okay?” Vic asks.

I lay on the ground laughing and holding my head.

“Lizzy?” Vic asks.

“I’m fine.” I say laughing.

“Holy shit what happened?” I hear another voice ask.

I sit up and turn around to see Tony standing in the bus door.

I feel my face go red and hot.

“I fell when the bus stopped.” I say pushing myself off the floor.

“Are you okay?” He asks walking up to me.

“I’m fine.” I say slightly blushing.

He gives me a hug and nods.