One Million Branches

Part Two

I wake up the next morning and grab my phone.

A new text notification sits on my home screen. I unlock my phone and read the new text from Vic.

Vic: The boys and I are at rehearsal. You can come and watch. But if you don’t we’ll be back later.

I click the button and my phone locks. I pull back my curtain and crawl out of my bunk. I grab a pair of black jeans and a red muscle cut Key Street shirt. Even though I should wear a bandeau under it I decide to just wear my lacy black bra. I get dressed and plug in my curling wand. I curl my hair and listen to Pierce the Veil as I get ready. I put on eyeliner and mascara and look at my reflection. My hair was finally below my boob and I smiled at it. I unplug the wand and put it away. I put away my dirty clothes and makeup. I put on my black vans and head up to the front of the bus. I grab a poptart head to the back of the bus. I lay across the couch and eat my poptart in silence. It actually kinda sucks not to have all of the boys on the bus. It’s way to quiet. I get up and throw away my trash but head right back to the lounge. I lay across the couch and sing along to the songs playing on my phone. Hold on Till May comes on and I have a rush of happiness over me. Even though this song usually makes me cry it’s almost always in a good way.

I start singing along to the song and I twirl my finger in my hair.

“See you’re just wasted and thinking about the past again. Darling you’ll be okay… If you were me you’d do the same. Cause I can’t take anymore. I’ll draw the shades and close the door. Everything’s not alright and I’d rather…”

I listen to the rest of the song and I hear I’m Low on Gas and You Need a Jacket. I didn’t hear all of the lyrics but I heard the beat of the song. I make my way up to the front of the bus and look at the building that the boys were in. I opened the window and the cold San Francisco air blew in. I hear the song a little better and I smile. Usually they don’t play this song at shows so it’s taking me a bit by surprise. I get off the bus and run to the building so I can hear the rest of the song. When I make my way to the door I end up tripping over my own foot. I smack onto the ground and scrape my elbow.

“Fucking hell!” I yell standing back up.

“Are you okay?” One of the security guards ask.

“I’m fine.” I say giving him a little smile.

“You’re Lizzy right?” He asks.

I nod and he smiles.

“You can go on in. Just kinda follow the music because it’s like a maze through those halls.” He says.

“Thank you.” I say grabbing onto my arm and walking inside.

He was right when he said it was like a maze. There’s literally no signs saying where to go and the halls are really creepy with how long and empty they are.

I get to the end of the hall and see that I have the choice of going left or right. I stand there for a second and hear music coming from the left so I go that way. I walk for about five minutes and two other songs come on that weren’t by Pierce the Veil. They probably just ended practice and they’re relaxing now.

I continue to follow the music and I end up on the stage. I smile and look around at the empty stage. I turn around and back up a bit to look at the backdrop for tonight’s show. I take another step back and the next thing I know I’m falling backwards off the stage. I smack onto the floor and hit my head again.

“God damnit!” I curse under my breath.

“Are you okay?” Someone asks coming up to me.

I couldn’t recognize the voice, but the guy was extremely tall.

He picks me off the floor and sets me down on the stage.

“Did you scrape your arm too when you fell?” He asks.

I stare at his tattooed arm while my head throbs.

“No. I fell when I was running here.” I say avoiding looking at his face.

He steps into the light more and I start recognizing the tattoos.

“Oh. I’m sorry. We should get a bandage put on that and get you some ice.” He says.

His voice becomes more recognizable and my heart starts pounding.

“Um, do you know where Vic, Mike and Jaime are?” I ask staring at his legs.

He has the skinniest chicken legs and I know automatically who I’m talking to.

“Yeah they’re in the dressing room right now. Do you want me to bring you to them?” He asks.

I look up to his face and I feel myself go pale.

“Are you okay?” He asks.

I nod slowly looking at every feature on his face.

“Are you sure?” He asks.

“Yeah. I’m just kinda in shock.” I say slowly.

“Why?” He asks.

“You…You’re Austin Carlile.” I say.

“Yes and you’re Lizzy Dawson.” He says.

My heart starts pounding more and I feel tears in my eyes.

“Why are you crying?” He asks.

“I’m sorry. You’re just like a hero to me and I thought I would never meet you in a thousand years.” I say.

“Aw. Thank you. But here you are meeting me. I’ll be seeing you a lot on this tour.” He says smiling.

I smile and he gives me a hug.

“Anyways do you know where the dressing room is?” I ask.

“It’s off the side of the stage. There’ll be a sign saying dressing room and just follow that and you’ll find it.” He says smiling.

“Thank you. It was nice meeting you.” I say smiling and standing up.