Reason To Dream

Chapter One - Lifeless

After an hour and a half under the bright hot stage lights I was glad the concert was coming to a close. Don't get me wrong, I loved performing it was everything I had dreamed of and more, but I was looking forward to the three month break after a year solid of touring.

The audience were amped, we'd left them wanting for more. I looked over at Lex. He was focused on the job, grinning out at the fans that loved him so dearly.

"They want an encore." He yelled with a knowing grin. "Should we give em one?"

The crowd's screams drowned out everything else, my reply drowned under the dense sound. I looked back at Kieran and Jed who nodded. Jed flipped his drumsticks and started a beat to our Encore song.

Just like we had almost everyday for five years, Lex and I sung together the rush hadn't worn off either. If anything it had strengthened. Our love hadn't waned and I could safely say I'd been one of the lucky ones. I played the melody on my guitar, my fingers were tired and almost numb from playing so long, but this song was special. This song had been ours since this crazy journey had become. It had given me belief that anything was possible.

"You are my reason to believe, in everything they said was just pretend." I sang the words the same way I had for five years, with complete and utter belief that the words were true.

When the song ended the crowd cheered, they wanted more but for tonight at least... the concert was over. The four of us walked off the stage into the green room where Greta sat with a sleeping Lucian. He was five now, and he'd been to every single one of our shows. He'd mastered the art of falling asleep to the sound of music. Jed walked across and placed a kiss on his wife's forehead. He picked Lucian up and looked back at us.

"We'll talk tomorrow." He murmured in the direction of Lex, Kieran and I.

"No hurry bro." Kieran grinned. "Were all on a three month break remember. I love you and all... but you know."

Jed rolled his eyes. "Bye guys."

"Bye." I called out.

After they left our stage manager Eric walked out with a folder. He pulled his headset down and smiled.

"Great concert tonight guys. The band manager called and said he'll call you after the weekend. Enjoy your break."

"Thanks." I murmured.

"Yeah Thanks man, all your help has been amazing." Kieran added.

Eric left and I looked at Lex. He looked pale, but sweat was still pouring off of him. I stepped forward and placed my hand over his. He was cold, yet clammy. I glanced at Kieran, his eyes matched my concern.

"You okay baby?" I whispered. Lex looked up at me with vacant eyes, his normally bright blue eyes were dull and lifeless. He shook his head and gulped back air as if breathing was something he'd suddenly forgotten how to do. My heart began to race, seeing Lex like this was frightening although I told myself it was just exhaustion. The tour had taken it's toll on all of us. Maybe he just needed to go home and sleep.

"We better sit him down." Kieran murmured.

"Yeah." I agreed. "That sounds good."

Before Kieran could get to Lex's flank, Lex's hand slipped from mine. His eyes rolled back into his head and he fell to the ground with a sickening thud.

"Oh my god." I croaked. What was wrong.

"Someone call an ambulance." Kieran's voice filled the green room, while I fell to the floor beside a lifeless Lex.