One Million Branches

Part Twenty

*1 month later*

“Okay this might sound weird but it’s weird not hearing Tony and you fucking.” Mike says.

I laugh and then my smile drops slowly.

“What’s wrong?” Mike asks.

I shrug and he scoots closer to me on the couch.

“Liz?” He asks.

I feel a tear fall down my cheek and I pull my knees to my chest.

“Lizzy. Please tell me what’s going on.” He begs.

“I don’t know, Mike. I don’t think he wants to be with me anymore.” I mumble.

“What makes you think that?” He asks.

“He doesn’t treat me like a girlfriend anymore. He treats me like a friend. He doesn’t kiss me or try to even have sex with me He literally just stares at me until he falls asleep or he’ll hold my hand and just ignore me. He doesn’t talk to me unless he feels like I’m having a bad day with my depression and I just don’t know anymore. I’m on such a verge of killing myself and all of my mental problems are just building up. I’m sick of stressing him out. On top of that I feel like I’m holding him back and like I’m making him worry about me then he is about himself. I want him to be free and explore the world without having me on the side. I want him to be able to explore other girlfriends and be able to fuck anything he wants.” I say with tears pouring from my eyes.

Mike just stares at me with his jaw dropped.

“Do you even want to be with him?” He asks.

“No.” I lie.

He stares at me again with his lips pushed together.

We sit in silence until he sighs.

“What do you want to do, Liz?” He asks.

“I want to leave.” I mumble.

“What?” He asks.

“I want to leave this tour. I want to leave my house. I want to go somewhere new. I want to start over and give Tony the life he deserves without me holding him back…” I say.

“But Liz.” Mike mumbles.

“Mike you have to understand. Please understand.” I say with tears pouring from my eyes.

“I understand Liz. What are you going to tell Vic?” He asks.

“I’ll tell Vic kinda what I just told you. I’m best friends with him too and he’ll understand.” I say.

Silence fills the room again when he clears his throat.

“What are you going to tell Tony?” He asks quietly.

“I’m not going to tell him anything. I’ll leave him a note.” I say quietly.

He nods his head and takes a deep breath.

“Can you call Vic and tell him to come back?” I ask.

He nods and heads outside the bus. I walk to the back of the bus and pack up all of my things that I have scattered around. I zip up my suitcase when I hear the bus door shut.

My heart pounds as I walk back into the front to find out who it is. Vic and Mike.

I sit down next to Vic and explain everything.

After a lot of tears and arguing he just hugs me.

“When are you leaving?” He asks.

“Tonight. Can you both bring me to the airport?” I ask.

They both nod and I stand back up.

“I’ll be right back. I’m going to do something and then I’ll be ready to go.” I say.

They both nod again and I head to the back of the bus.

I write out a letter to Tony and then grab my suitcase and backpack.

“Ready?” Vic asks.

I nod and we all head out.

The ride to the airport was quiet but the air was thick.

As soon as we arrive I head to the counter and buy the first ticket back to San Diego.

The boys head back to my gate with me and we just stand in a circle hugging each other.

“Will you still be in contact with us?” Mike asks.

“I’m gonna change my number tomorrow. I’ll keep your numbers but I don’t know when I’ll talk to you guys again.” I say.

Tears leave Mikes eyes and I frown.

I wipe them away and hug him.

“What are you gonna do about your band?” Vic asks.

“I’m going to break the band up tonight.” I say.

“What are you going to do for a job?” He asks.

“I’ll find something.” I say with a smile.

“Flight 421 now boarding.” An attendant announces.

“I guess this is it.” I say with a weak smile.

“I’m gonna miss you so much!” Mike cries out hugging me tight.

“I’m gonna miss you too Mikey. But I need to get myself together and let you guys live your lives.” I say crying hard.

We hug tight and I cry onto his shirt.

He pulls away and I immediately fall into Vic’s embrace.

“Please be careful and remember I’m always here if you need me.” He says.

I nod and kiss both of their cheeks.

“Thank you guys for being my best friends. I love you guys so much.” I say waving goodbye.

“Bye Lizzy-poo.” Mike mumbles.

“Bye Liz.” Vic says with swollen red eyes.

I turn around and don’t bother to look back. I head onto the plane a collapse in my seat.

The entire flight home I silently cry.