Warped Love

11.

We arrive at the next Warped stop and park. "So what are you going to do while I'm doing press?" I ask Michael. "Probably just wander around aimlessly." He says. We get to the office to sign in. I give the lady my badge and say that Michael is my guest. "Oh, Ma'am? It says here you have a surprise guest today. He's going to have to buy a ticket." Michael buys a ticket while I'm standing here completely confused. Who is my 'special' guest?

The crew is still setting up the stages while I'm heading to the tour bus. "Hey guys." I say, climbing up the stairs. I'm attacked with hugs and fall to the ground. "Jesus guys, did you miss me that much?" I laugh and they help me up. "I feel like I haven't seen you in forever. Ah, Who's this?" Liam asks, cocking his eyebrow at Michael. Liam has always been like an older brother to me. He's 22, and I'm only 19, so he treats me like I'm his younger sister. "This is Michael Clifford. You probably know his band, 5 Seconds of Summer." Michael smiles and shakes hands with Liam. "SHELBY!" "PARKER!" I push through everyone and run up to Parker. She pulls me to the back room. "Okay, tell me everything." I tell her all about him taking me to Magic Mountain, the paparazzi, how much of a good listener he is, and even Daniel. She hugs me, "Aww, I'm so glad he treats you right. If you're happy, I'm happy." I thank her. "Shelby! Parker! You've got press in 2 minutes!" We hurry out of the back room. "Hey Mike, will you be okay here for awhile?" "Yes, of course. I'll see you later." He kisses me on the cheek, everyone aw's, I blush, then we run off the bus.

"So, Shelby, I've heard rumors that you've been hanging out with a rockstar of your own." And here come the same questions about the same thing. At least we're not talking about Quinn anymore. "Yeah, we've been hanging out." Is all I say. I'd rather talk about our new album, or how tour has been so far, or who our influences are. Something other than this. Music isn't about our personal lives. We carry on through press before we're free. And we play in the middle of the day.

I decide to go back to the bus and see how Michael was. I hope Michael was okay with the other guys, hopefully they didn't bombard him with too many questions. I walk up the steps and through the door.

"Hey guys, what're you doing?" All the guys, including Michael, were huddled around the tv playing Xbox. Of course. They mumbled a few "Xbox" "Video games" "Fifa" but I just laughed. "Well, Michael, if you want to come I'm going to walk ar-" Knock knock. I was cut off by someone knocking at the door. I turn around and open it, It's none other than Aaron Pauley. Holy shit. I backed up so he could walk in and stood there, amazed. "Hey, you're Shelby right?" I slowly nod. By this time all the boys had paused the game and were staring at us. He shakes my hand. "I heard how much you love our band, and well, Austin lost his voice. Do you think you could fill in for him today? I've seen your guys' set a couple of times and you're really good." He just asked me to sing with them. I'm going to pass out. I slowly sit down on the couch. "So wait, let me get this straight, Austin lost his voice, and you came to ME to fill in for him? Out of everyone else on this tour? Why? I mean, I'm honored, but why me?" He smiles and sits down next to me. "Austin really likes your voice and thinks you're really good, and he knew how much you listened to our band." "But, I don't know, I don't think I'm good enough..." I trail off. "Oh my god Shelby, you are not seriously going to pass up the opportunity to sing with one of your favorite bands, are you?" Liam says. I nod, "You're right, I'll do it." I stand up and Aaron hugs me. "Alright, we play at 2:30, so be there around 2:20?" I nod, "Alright, see you then!" He smiles and walks out of the tour bus.

"OHMYFUCKINGGOD" I scream so loud. Everyone crowds around me and hugs me. I smile so big and almost cry. I need to tell Parker. I've been constantly talking about how much I've wanted to sing with them for years, and now it's finally happening. "I'll be right back, I'm going to find Park." I jump out of the tour bus and go running towards the crowds of people. Yes, I was literally running. That's how excited I was. I found her at our merch tent and pulled her aside. "PARK. GUESS WHO JUST CAME TO OUR TOUR BUS." I screamed, still jumping up and down. "Santa?" She asks. Smart ass. "NO. AARON PAULEY." Her eyes widen. "What for?" "Austin lost his voice and I'M FILLING IN FOR HIM. I GET TO SING WITH OF MICE AND MEN." We both jump up and down and scream and hug. "Oh my god! That's going to be awesome. I'm so happy for you!" She smiles. I told her what time to come to the stage to watch. It was already 1:30, and I was so ready for this. I ran back to the tour bus and asked Michael if he wanted to walk around with me. He smiled and joined me.