Can We Fall In Love Now? [Nicole Row]

Chapter 22

I was laying on my bed, feet propped up on the headboard of the bed. I strummed a chord on my guitar absentmindedly, then kept going. They reminded me of a song I'd heard before, and when it clicked I just hummed the words.

"It's kind of messed up, the only time I write is when I'm stressed or sad, and turn out the lights." I sat up, pausing the song for a moment to stand before I continued. Gloom Boys by Waterparks blared through my room, albeit it was my voice and guitar, but it was still that song.

I danced around my room, my blonde hair a mess as I finally finished. I felt newly energized, and my mood was ruined when I looked at the clock. It had been three days since Nicole had been over. November 17 now, hard to believe.

Maybe I should go. On a whim, I packed my bag again, and got a plane ticket.

I sat down on my bed, ran a hand through my hair, and got up again. I grabbed my wallet and ran out, grabbing my skateboard. I skated over to where I usually got my hair done, and this time, I chopped it all off and dyed it pink. I paid, and then left. I spotted a new car in the driveway when I got home, and opened the door to see Ryan.

He hugged me. "I saw the bags, Addy."

"I'm going back to them, Ry." I hugged back, and he stiffened.

"Why? They hurt you."

"They hurt me, but music is my life."

"I know." He whispered, and I squeezed him lightly before pulling away.

"Ryan... it'll be better this time."

"But how do you know? They could hurt you again and you'd be halfway across the country and I would be none the wiser. Brendon, Sarah and I need you."

"And I need you guys too. But you'll be there for me, if it happens again. Right?" I asked, looking down at the floor, then back up at him.

"Right. Of course. I'll always be there for you, Adeline. You just have to be careful."

"Aren't I always?" He ruffled my hair.

"Keep dreaming. And cool new hair. Did you plan it or...?"

"It's been an idea for a while. But only now I decided to act on it."

"I see, I see. Do you want to say good bye to Brendon and Sarah?" Ryan quirked an eyebrow and I shrugged.

"Maybe. I feel like they'd try to convince me not to go. Can you just tell them? Please? Ask them not to be mad?"

"Of course." Ryan nodded, and I hugged him again. He hugged me back, and then I ran upstairs. I grabbed my bag, and looked around my room, feeling oddly sentimental. I ran back down, and there Ryan was, holding his car keys. "C'mon. I'll give you a lift to the airport."

"Thanks." Was all I said as I walked to his car. I put my duffel in my lap, and my guitar case at the floor.

"Is that all you have?"

"Do I need more?"

"I guess not."

Then we drove an hour longer, and we arrived. I gave Ryan a hug, and he waved me on my way.

I did the routine security check, and then I finally was let in. I quickly got food and sat at my gate as I waited for my plane to board. I threw my trash away and grabbed my bag when they started calling people in the plane.

Three minutes later, I was let in. I found my seat after a little searching, and set my bag under the seat in front of my. I got the window seat, thank god.

I quietly got myself settled before I found my headphones, and plugged them into my phone. I shoved them in my ears, and then blared "All These Things That I've Done" by The Killers. A true bop.

You might wonder why I'm not playing Mr Brightside, well, sister sue me, it's because I don't think it's that great of a song.

Anyways, the flight lasted a while. About two hours, but two hours of a child kicking my seat, no sleep, and music. The plane was also pretty old, so we didn't even get movies. Turbulence was also pretty there during the flight. Every two seconds the whole flight rattled.

We finally landed - thank GOD - and I waited about ten minutes to get off the flight. I went straight to baggage claim, and waited another five minutes for my stuff.

I waited in the front of the airport for a moment to book a hotel, as the others wouldn't arrive for another day. Then I got a taxi to the hotel, and I was set.

Then they arrived on the 19, and I went to the venue. I was let in, courtesy of Milo, and I looked around. "Do they know...?"

"No."

I nodded, and he led me back to the bus. I set my bags back on my bunk, shut the curtain, and walked back inside the venue.

I went to the dressing room, pausing outside the door when I heard the laughter.

This was a bad idea. I should leave now, after all, none would be the wiser except for Milo and I.

Then I raised my hand up to knock, pausing when the door open.

I stared at Milo. Milo stared back at me.

Then someone brushed past Milo, their arms wrapping around me. I hugged Lee back, albeit uncomfortably.

All was forgiven, but not forgotten in my mind, but for Lee it seemed to be the opposite.

Elizama seemed to forget what had happened on the twelfth, and Ethan grasped onto that thought too, as he wrapped his own arms around me.

I looked to Milo. Milo stared. He shrugged. He joined the hug, and I felt that much safer.

Then they all pulled away, and Lee grabbed my hand. "Let's get your makeup done." She tugged me to the chairs, and the mirror. I stayed quiet. "So, nothing too exciting happened, right?"

I thought for a moment before shaking my head. "No, not at all."