I'm Sick, I'm Tired Of Staying In Control - RW

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

June 2017

Croyde is a small, built-up village in Devon which population is usually sitting just below seven hundred but for this weekend thousands have flocked to this year's Oceanfest. Many artists are performing over the event including Sound of the Sirens and Scouting For Girls but headlining are the band from Leeds.

Because of the distance they decided it would be easier to be driven in a tour bus rather than driving themselves down which is always a...delightful experience. Especially since the frontman has become a bit of a moody git. They can thank his ex for that.

At 9am when they all traipsed to the studio in Leeds where the bus was parked waiting, Whitey groaned at the sight of Rick with his hood up and headphones in because it quickly became clear that he was in one of his moods. There has been a lot of these moods since she walked out but unlike his other break-ups he hasn't got on with things or put himself out there. He has hidden. Spends his days walking his dog and watching re-runs of his favourite old crime dramas.

He spent the bus journey sat on his own reading a book he found at his parents' place the day before. It was just lying on the coffee table and his mum had said that she had finished it so he saw another distraction. Nothing is really going in though.

When they arrived he took his pass and went off on his own hoping that he wouldn't get bombarded by fans or just anyone recognising who he is. Fortunately, his tired persona seemed to keep people away. His bandmates all watched him walking away, their expressions neutral but all thinking the same thing. There is only so much more of this they can take. Soon there will have to be a conversation.

Now Ricky is lying on the floor in the band's dressing room for the night trying to chill before their set. He's using his yellow leather jacket as a pillow and is playing Crossy Road on his iPhone whilst his bandmate natters on about his girlfriend. 'So she ate the food you cooked and liked it. Whoop whoop Peanut.' He states sarcastically being incredibly bitter.

'Don't spoil my mood you sod.' An empty plastic bottle is chucked at him making him lose in the game he is playing. 'Just because I am not the single one anymore.'

No-one says a word. Rick knows what he said was dick-ish and he should probably apologise but he can't get himself too. He hates being alone. He hates not having anyone to go home to...and the dog doesn't really count especially because he reminds him of his ex. 'How many songs are we playing tonight?' He asks instead.

'Seventeen.' Simon replies.

'I'd best go and warm up then.' The frontman decides and pulls himself up off the floor, leaving the jacket there making Whitey tut before going to pick it up. He hates mess. If anyone is going to tidy it up in the band it is going to be Whitey.

The band all look at each other after Rick leaves to go to the other trailer they've been provided him for to warm up. They're sick and tired of their frontman moping. It has been a long year so far with him being not in the best place. His ex-girlfriend dumped him the day before their first gig of the year. That was a small one in Birmingham, where he got hammered and left the venue straight away not even saying goodbye to his bandmates. And then they had their UK tour, some TV stuff and their festival season started pretty early this year in mid-April.

They will be relieved when he gets his spark back...but they can no longer wait. 'He's a miserable shit.' Whitey comments. 'Did you try setting him up with your mate Si?'

'Yeah.' Simon mumbles, 'But nothing. Was not interested.'

'Maybe setting him up is not the answer.' Vijay comments, 'There is more to happiness than having a girlfriend.'