Marching Band: The Journey [EDITING]

Bonus Chapter - 1

*Angela's POV*

Traveling with Phillip around the world has been amazing. We've experienced new cultures and foods. The architecture all over is fantastic and breath-taking. I try to take and post as many pictures as possible, and Tony likes every single one of them. Anything I don't post on Instagram, I send to Em. She always responds with variations of I'm jealous or i hate you.

Even though Tony and I are separated, I feel guilty for texting him. He should be focusing on his studies and practices. But there are nights where I've gone to sleep texting him. No matter how much I crave him, I refuse to video chat or call. If I heard his voice or saw his face, my resolve would break and I'd take the next flight to Texas.

Phillip, on the other hand, has been non-stop texting Nicole. They're so adorable and I deem them couple goals for long distance relationships. Whenever we're not out together exploring, he's video chatting her while eating in the hotel room. Or just sending her sweet texts when he sees something that reminds him of her. At every destination, he's bought some little souvenir for her.

I've tried staying in touch with everyone since we've left.

Reese and Ethan don't really have time to text with their busy schedules. Reese got into modeling like he wanted. Every time he lands a billboard or a magazine, he sends a picture of it. Whenever he's on a runway, he sends little videos of his time. It's quite thrilling to live through his life. Thankfully, I never wanted nor want to be a model. Ethan didn't make it as a model, but is thriving as an actor. Who would've thought! He's not in anything big besides being an extra. Whenever I see him in the background of a big movie, I pause and send him a picture. He managed to land a few supporting roles in some smaller movies. Currently, he's shooting an indie movie as the lead.

Carson is working two jobs to support Magnolia and Jack. Whenever I can't get in contact with any of them, I send a text to Tony's mom. She's been helping him with watching them after school, or letting them spend the night when his shift runs late. When I do manage to talk to him, he can only talk for a little before he has to rush off. Ever since his relationship with Em ended, he's been exhausted twenty-four-seven.

Em is thriving in college. She still hasn't completely settled into her new house and the new routine. As social as ever, she managed to make a few friends at college. Her grades are exceeding her expectations and she's enjoying most of her classes. I'm always examining Google Maps around her campus for places to check out when I visit.

Phillip and I are currently in Greece, or more specifically, Athens. We studied it in AP World History during our sophomore year and wanted to check it out. One place he really wanted to visit was the National Archaeological Museum. He took a picture of it to send to Nicole who sent a picture back of him taking the picture. We whirled around, confused. She came out of nowhere to jump onto Phillip. When they pulled apart, she explained she was going to university in Greece.

We went back to her apartment to catch up. I decided to leave and give them some alone time, so I returned to the hotel after long day. When I woke up and met them at a cafe, Phillip announced he was going to stay in Greece with Nicole. I cheered for them, while also questioning him about going into the military. He said he would return and enroll when Nicole finished her studies. It's already been two years. Another two won't hurt. Then he started worrying about leaving me to travel alone.

"Don't worry, Phillip. I actually think it's time I return home. Maybe we can finish this trip another time."

We both return to the hotel to gather our stuff and check-out. He comes with me to the airport to send me off. It's sad leaving yet another friend, but I know he'll be happy. When I landed, I order an Uber to take me upstate. With a mischievous smile, I knock on the pale gray apartment door in front of me. The door opens to reveal a disheveled Em who looks ready to kill someone for waking her up at three in the morning. But when her eyes focus on me, she freezes.

Her jaw drops open and her eyes widen. She blinks a few times, looking up and down my body. After a few moments, she slowly reaches out her hand to poke my shoulder. When her hand doesn't go through me, her eyes widen even more. Then I'm covering my ears as she squeals. I'm tackled into a hug and almost fall against the wall behind me.

She pulls me into her apartment, helping me with my luggage when I can't breathe anymore.

"Before you rapid fire questions, let me explain. Nicole is studying abroad in Greece, and we ran into her while we were there. Phillip decided to stay, and I thought it was about time I come home. I texted my mom to let her know I was coming back, but coming to see you first. And no, Tony doesn't know I'm back in the country." I ramble. She awes when I mention the Phillip and Nicole thing, raises my eyebrow at my about time I come home statement until I mention I texted my mom, smirks when I say coming to see you first, and frowns when I tell her about the Tony situation.

"Then why are you here? Go get your man!" Em practically shouts at me, forgetting the fact it's three in the morning.

"What if he doesn't want to see me?" I consider, crossing my arms in defense.

"You two have been texting non-stop since you left. Trust me, he wants to see you. To be honest, he probably wants to do more than see you." Em reasons, going to push me back out the door. "Now go get on another flight and go get back your man."

-

Having never been in Texas, this is quite the experience. Everyone is so nice and helpful. When I asked for directions since my phone was dead, the man just offered to hail me a cab. And here's some advice: never try to insist no one has to do anything for you. They'll just say nonsense and keep trying to help you. It was welcoming at first, but now it's weird.

Now, I'm standing in front of Tony's apartment door. It's a dark gray with the brass numbers and a peep-hole. I hesitate when I bring my knuckles up, but eventually give in. Before my hand can even touch the door, it flies open. Tony comes rushing out and almost rams into me when he's not paying attention. He focuses on me and pauses.

Then I'm gathered into his arms and lifted off the ground. When he puts me down, he gives me no time to talk when he smashes his lips against mine.

It's like no time has passed since the last time we saw each other, since the last time we kissed. His lips are as soft as they always were. His grip on my hips are just as firm as they always were. And his body heat is just as hot, maybe even more. I eagerly kiss him back, my hands roaming wildly in his hair. When he pulls away, he looks star-struck.

"You weren't answering you phone and Phillip sent me to voicemail." He whispers, his hand coming up to push away some hair that got in my face. I lean into his touch, reveling in it.

"Surprise?" I offer with a nervous smile.

He just chuckles as he lowers his lips to mine. This time, it's slow and soft; loving. I feel him smirk into the kiss before he starts guiding us inside, slamming his door closed behind us.

Uh-oh.

~~~

Ooh-la-la!

Enjoy this numero uno bonus chapter for there may be another one

~Lotus