World Tour (HIATUS)

Chapter Eight

Alexander and the boys got out of the car. He noticed Ellie before Maddie and he grinned. He thought she was cute. But he couldn't tell the boys. They would tease him and try to set him and Ellie up without his knowledge. Besides, he didn't know her. She could be a psycho. Who knew?

Leroy hopped out of the bus, saying, "Glad to see you guys finally make it."

The girls snickered. 

"Are we late?" James asked.

"Obviously," Ellie said. She checked her watch. "About ten minutes late."

"How in the world are we that late?" Aaron asked. "We left right on time."

"We hit traffic, dude," Chad said. "You slept through it all."

"And I see you decided to dye your hair, Chad," Leroy said. 

Chad smiled. "Yup. I wanted to be just like my puppy."

"You were drunk, weren't you?"

"Yes."

"Sorry for being late," Bert said. "We had to say goodbye to some people."

"Technically only you and James had to say goodbye to your girls," Alexander said, rolling his eyes. 

"Technically Oakley and I aren't dating," Bert fired back. "So she isn't my girl."

"Close enough."

Alexander dodged Bert's flying fists as James got in between the two. "Calm down, man," he said. "You didn't have to say that, Alex."

"Are you guys always like this?" Maddie asked. 

"Not all the time," Chad said. "We usually love each other. Right boys?"

"Yeah," James said. Aaron nodded. 

Aaron nudged Bert and he said, "Sure."

"Anyways," Leroy said, "the bus is ready. There are six bunks, three on one wall and three on the other, and there is a futon that one other person can sleep on. The bus has snacks on it and some instruments like an acoustic guitar. My car will follow the bus since I'll be carrying the other instruments that won't fit in the bus. The bus has one toilet and one shower so you guys and girls will have to share. Now, don't complain, Aaron. This is the chance of a lifetime."

"How did you know I was going to complain?" Aaron asked. 

"Because I know you." Leroy crossed his arms. "Any questions?"

"Why does the girls not have their tour bus?" James asked. 

"We can't afford it," Leroy said. "That's why they are riding with you boys."

"What do you mean you can't afford it?" Chad asked.

"We uh don't have much money coming in," Leroy said. "That's why we are sending you on a world tour. That's why Battle came on in the first place. No one wanted to sign with our record label. We just need you boys to work on more songs while you are touring. You will be releasing a single soon. You guys will be able to direct it with however you want it to go so you better have a song lined up that's ready."

"Is there a studio on the bus?" Bert asked.

"Unfortunately no," Leroy said. "You will have to just use studios in the areas you travel to."

"Great," Alexander said. 

Leroy nodded. "Is that all?"

There was a chorus of no's and Leroy ushered the seven people on the bus. He shut the door, and the boys ran to the bunks, calling which ones they wanted.

Ellie said, "And how did we get stuck with immature boys?"

Maddie laughed. "Exactly what I was thinking."

"I don't know what you two are talking about," Alexander said. "I'm mature."

"Then why are you fighting over a bunk?"

"Because I don't want to be near the floor! Duh."

He pushed Bert out of the way and hopped up on the top bunk. Bert snuggled onto the pink blanket. The bed was comfortable. Alexander had hopped higher than expected and hit his head on the ceiling. "Ow," he said, touching his head. 

Ellie touched his head as well, saying, "Are you alright?"

Alexander nodded. "Of course," he said. "I've hit my head harder. During basketball, Bert chucked the ball at my head, at Chad's head, and at Aaron's head. He hit us all in the face."

"Good times, dude," Bert said. 

The boys chuckled. The girls rolled their eyes. "I take it one of us is getting the futon," Ellie said to Maddie.

"Most likely."

"Well . . . you can get it!" Ellie ran to the last remaining bunk. "Haha sucker!"

"Look who is acting immature now," Alexander pointed out.

They all shared a laugh. It got quiet as the bus started up. Realization set in that Alexander was a famous guy. The bus started as Alexander stared at the back of Ellie's head as he thought. How could he be famous? He was just a young man. He didn't feel famous. Were there girls who fangirled over him like he used to fanboy over his favorite singers? He sure went up in instagram and twitter followers.  

"Dude, you're staring," Chad whispered to him. 

"I'm sorry," Alexander said. "I was lost in my thoughts."

"About her?" Chad wiggled his eyebrows.

Alexander hit Chad's arm. "No."

"Then what were you thinking about?"

"Just what has been happening lately," he said. "I was thinking that I don't feel famous even if we are."

"Yeah," Chad said, nodding. "It's been very fast."

"And now we have to work on another song," Alexander said. "Boys, group meeting!"

The boys gathered around Alexander. "What is it?" James asked.

"We need to come up with a song for our single," Alexander said. "And we need to figure out what it needs to be about."

"What if we feature Maddie and Ellie?" Aaron asked. 

"That would be cool," Bert said, nodding. "Girls, get your butts over here!"

Maddie and Ellie squeezed into their circle. "Yes?"

"Would you guys like to be featured on our next song?" James asked.

They looked at other. "Of course!" Maddie said. 

"We would obviously have to ask Leroy if it would be alright, but I think this is good," Alexander said. "We can have a new single out there while also giving you two some recognition."

"Thank you guys so much!" Ellie said, wrapping her arms around the two closest boys. "This is going to be awesome!"