Between Your Body & Your Soul {Alan Ashby}

Chapter 17

& Austin's POV &

Sitting on the edge of my hospital bed, I became restless. Flipping through the television channels, there was nothing on. I groaned and got up. I walked outside of the room and looked around. The nurses smiled as I passed by, and I smiled back.

"I see you're up and walking, that's great!" 

I turned around to see the doctor writing on his clip board. 

"When will I be able to leave?" I asked, almost pleading for him to say soon.

"Today actually." he smiled and looked up at me. 

I smiled widly.

"I was actually coming to give you some paper work to sign, but I can't let you leave until I know you have a ride back home. I don't want you driving so soon." he said, handing me the clipboard.

"Yeah I do." I continued to smile while signing the papers.

"Great! You are going to need a lot of rest." the doctor took the clipboard back.

"Thank you!" I said walking away and getting my phone. I called up Tino and asked if he can come pick me up and bring me clothes. He cheered a bit loudly, but I hushed him, telling him to keep it a secret from the others. Tino gathered his composer. 

Waiting only a few minutes, Tino came in, throwing the bag on the side table, and hugging me.

"I'm glad you're back man! It's been crazy without you around." Tino sighed in relief.

I gave a weak smile. "Thanks for bringing my shit man." I thanked him and changed. There wasn't much talk between us as we walked back to the bus. I cleared my throat.

"How are you man?" I looked at Tino.

"I'm good bro. You just saw me like yesterday." he chuckled. I slowed my pace.

"Dude-" 

"You know what I mean Tino." I cut him off.

Tino scratched the back of his neck. "This whole thing with the tour, and Annabelle has a point with the whole cancelling tour and everything..."

"Then don't." I stopped and looked at Tino. He stopped and stared at me shocked.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"Continue the tour."

"You're need to rest Aus. You can't just come back so quickly, there's risks." he explained, but there was no need.

"Find someone else, to replace me until I get better." I said.

"But-"

"You guys can do it, man just find someone to do the rest of the tour. There's no hassle of reschedualing or anything." I said.

Tino stood there for a minute and relaxed. "I'll give the Pierce boys a call." he said. 

With that, we continued towards the bus. I knew I was taking a big risk doing this, but my sister was right. Our fans may be a bit disappointed, but they would understand.

When we got on the bus, I saw Aaron and our driver sitting at the table, playing an intense game of "go fish". Neither of them acknowledged Tino and I as we walked in.

"Good game?" I chuckled. Aaron's head shot up and his body followed, 'bro' hugging me, and greeting me.

"Yo! Glad you're back!" he smiled, patting my shoulder.

"Who's back?" Phil asked, just walking in from the bunks.

"AUSTIN!" he exclaimed and embraced me in a bear-hug.

I laughed. "What up man?"

"Don't be so rough Phil!" Tino scolded, as Phil stuck out his toung, causing me to choke with laugher. They all looked worried, but I told them I was fine.

"Anyone seen my sister or ginger princess?" I asked, walking toward the bunk area. Everyone mumbled no.

"Didn't even hear them leave this morning, but I did wake up to ripped up pieces of paper on the floor. Also, this rather nice sketch of Ashby." Aaron said, holding up the drawing. I nodded. 

"Someone call them? Don't tell them I'm here, but tell them to come back." I asked. Phil said he would and called Alan. 

&&& (45 minutes later)

The driver, Tino, and Phil left 20 minutes ago to pick up some food and some beers for the trip back home. I sat in the back with Aaron watching Scott Pilgrim vs the World. 

"Aus?" a small voice asked. Looking up, I saw Alan and my sister standing hand-in-hand at the door way. I smiled widly.

"Hey." I replied softly, while getting up and walking towards them. Annabelle instantly wrapped her arms around my torso. Alan patted my back and walked towards the kitchen area. Aaron squeezed passed us to join Alan. Pulling away from Annabelle, I took her face in my hands and kissed her forehead.

"Sit down." I said, closing the door and sitting next to her.

"You're talking." I stated with a smile. She returned the smile, weaker than I expected, but it was still something.

"Yeah." she replied softly, clearing her throat.

"Are you okay?" I asked looking her.

"Yeah, it just hurts a bit." she said rubbing her neck.

"Other then that?" I asked.

She looked down at the ground. "I don't know." she replied, shrugging her shoulders.

I looked down at the floor as well. I couldn't think of what to say. My thoughts were stopping me from speaking. Everything in my mind was jumbled together, and scattered around like some jigsaw puzzle.

"Alan took me out to eat the other day." she said. I looked at her, but she continued to look at the ground.

"That's good." I replied soothingly. Annabelle tensed up more.

"She was there. She told me to eat, and I did, but I ate it too fast. Then she told me to throw it up, and I tried... Alan stopped me." Her hands were shaking. I sighed.

"Have you been taking your medication?" I asked her. 

Nable sighed and nodded. "Alan gives me them. They just make it worse." she said.

"How?" I asked confused.

"They make me feel numb. I constantly just want to give up, but I don't want to take them anymore. I feel better once they wear off." she explained.

I was about to speak when Tino came in.

"It's for you." he said handing the cellphone to me.

"Hello?"

***

A/N

On May 22, 1991, a beautiful ginger was brought to us.

Happy 23rd to the forever sexy, cat loving, ginger princess, Alan Ashby!