Paper Moon

chapter 28

(Edited)
As Of Mice finished playing Bones Exposed Alan started to say something. "How's everyone doing tonight?!" The crowd cheered in response. "Great, this next song is called Broken Generation!" They started to play and I smiled. "I like this song" I said to no one in particular. "Same here kiddo" Chris said.

I looked for Axel and realised I hadn't seen him since we ate the cookies. I wonder if he's okay. "Hey Dad, do you know where Axels at? I haven't seen him." Alex shrugged. "Maybe he's at the bus, check there." As I started to walk to the bus Dad placed his hand on my shoulder stopping me. "Take someone with you, please?" I nodded. "I just don't want anything to happen to you, I can't go through that again." I smiled, "don't worry, I'll take Max or someone with me."

I went to ask Max to come with me but I could find him so I asked Josh instead. He agreed and we headed for the bus. On the way I started to think. I never thought about how it effected Alex and the rest, I was too busy freaking out about myself. "What are you think about Halo?" Josh asked. I shrugged, "nothing important."

We entered the bus. Josh agreed to looking on the bottom half of the bus while I searched the top. It took me a bit of time but I eventually found him, when I looked out the bus window. Don't ask me why I did that.

I ran down the steps and headed for outside. Informing Josh that I had found Axel. "Oh and can you do me a small favor? I know shes my dog and all but could you maybe feed her?" Josh agreed and I joined Axel outside.

I took a seat next to him behind the bus. "Hey Axel, what's up?" He shrugged his shoulders before they returned to there drooped position. His head was also hanging low and his back was pressed against the back of the bus. "What's wrong? Talk to me, I want to help you."

Axel sighed. "My Uncle was in a bad car accident. We're not sure if he's gonna make it. If he does he'll be fine but so far it's not looking good." I placed an arm around his shoulder and pulled him close. "Axel, I'm sure your uncle will be fine. And if you need to talk I'm here. Do you want to go with them? I'm pretty sure we can get you a flight home."

Alex looked up at me. "Are you sure you won't be upset? I promised you I was here for the rest of your and I-" "Axel I'm gonna stop you there. I'm perfectly fine with you going. And who cares what I think? You should be there for your uncle. I'm pretty sure your aunt and uncle would love to see you again. You also spent lots of time with me on tour, and that was time well spent. Now let's go enjoy the show and I'll talk to my dad about getting you a ticket home."

I stood up and stretched my hand out to Axel. He took my hand and I pulled him up. We headed to the front of the bus where Josh sat on the steps. "Ready to go kiddos?" I nodded and placed my hand into Axels. Josh stood up and we made our way back to the concert.

At the moment Panic! was playing Nails For Breakfast, Tacks For Snacks. I love this song. I pulled Axel with me to the edge of the stage where we sat and watched the crowd while Beebo sang. I kicked my legs back and forth just enjoying the moment.

I leaned my head on Axel trying to ignore all the fans and the music. "Im gonna miss you. You're an amazing friend, you know that right?" I said hoping he would hear me over the music. Axel leaned his head slightly against mine. "So are you, give yourself some credit. Ill miss you too, my little ray of sunshine." I smiled at the nickname he gave to me when we were little.

I played with his hand as Brendon started the chorus. I started to sing along, still playing with Axels hand. "Prescribed pills, to offset the shakes, to offset the pills, you know you should take it a day at a time." I chuckled a bit. "Axel, promise to call?" I could hear him chuckle a bit. "Of course Halo, I wouldn't miss your calls for the world."

When Panic! finished their set At Six started theres. Mid-way through their set I got up and pulled Axel with me. "Let's go talk to my dad, let's get it over with." I stood up and fixed pants for a second. We then headed backstage to the room All Time Low stays in.

I knocked on the door, "is everyone decent? Jack?" I asked remembering last time. There was some laughter before Zack yelled "yeah, come on in," I hesitantly opened the door before opening it fully. We walked in and I walked over to Alex with Axel trailing behind me.

"Hey dad? Do you think we can get Axel a ticket to fly back home? His uncle was in a car accident and-" "Yeah. And I'm so sorry Axel. Do you know when your planning on leaving? I wanna make this as easy as possible for you." Alex said and smiled at Axel. Axel and Alex started to talk so I went to sit with Rian who was currently in front of the mirror.

"Hey Ri-Ri what are you doing?" He turned his attention to me and smiled. "I was admiring myself, you should try it sometime it's a real self-esteem booster." I looked at myself in the mirror. "It's not working Rian!" I said turning to face him.

He laughed a bit, "your such an idiot Halo. That's okay though cuase your my idiot." Rian ruffled my hair. "Yeah whatever" I grumbled them walked over to Jack who was talking to Zack.

"Hey guys, what are you doing?" They both turned to look at me. "Oh nothing, just TICKING YOU!!" Zack started to tickle my sides. "Stop!
Z-Zack" I laughed so much my sides began to ache.

"Five minutes guys" a crew member said sticking his head in the door. Zack stopped tickling me and I laid on the floor dramatically. "This isn't over Gaskarth!! Just wait there's always after the show" Zack stepped toward me and I instinctively covered my sides.

I stood up and hid behind Jack. "Jack I will pay you with fruit snacks if you become my body gaurd." Jack turned and looked at me. "Are you serious about the fruit snacks?" "Dead." He placed his hand out and I shook it.

"Pleasure doing business with you" I said to Jack as he walked out of the room with Rian following behind him. Axel came up to me. "Halo, do you wanna come with me to the bus? I have to pack my stuff. I have a flight early tommorow morning." I nodded my head and we walked out of the room, closing the door behind us.

"Wait let me tell someone. I don't want them to worry." I left Axel for a second and went to tell Austin. "So if anyone asks, and I'm pretty sure they will, I'm at the bus with Axel. Thanks Austin." I gave him a quick hug before jogging over to Axel.

"Ready?" I nodded and we both made our way to the bus.