Keeping Us Apart

15 Pieces of Flare (16)

*Author's note* Hello! I just wanted to say a couple things very quickly before I start. First is that I'm so grateful for the love I've gotten on this story. It means so much to me :) And second, you may have noticed that I've changed the cover on the story! It was designed by my awesome boyfriend. I hope you like it as much as I do. One last thing, I just want to add an extreme violence warning, so that this won't bother my sensitive readers or get flagged. Thanks for reading, xoxo amitysissues

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*Hudson's POV* 

Finally, after six and a half hours of Joel and Ahren yelling at their video game, Dan farting, and Ryan on the phone with his girlfriend, we arrive in Los Angeles. Suddenly everything comes rushing back. I see the places I'd go with Ari to eat, and the places where her and I have spent all day shopping. It brings back a lot of memories, and I feel my chest tightening a little. I must've looked upset because Ahren's voice interrupts my trip down memory lane.

"Are you okay? You look... I don't know how to describe it." There's concern edging his voice.

I nod and manage a smile. "Yeah. Just a lot of memories I guess. I know it hasn't been that long but I might've missed it more than I thought. After all, I was born and raised here.."

"True, I always miss Australia when we've been gone awhile," Ahren agrees. "I'm glad though that you get to come along with us this time. It'll make being away from home a little easier."

Before I can respond, he gets up and goes to sit with the driver, leaving me confused yet somehow not as sad as I was moments before. A little bit later, the driver pulls the bus into the lot, where another SUV is waiting for us.

"Let's go guys, we still have to clean up and then head over to the venue. The concert starts in three hours," urges Joel as he walks up and down the aisle, already slinging his stuff over his shoulder.

"I have to meet up with Ari to give her the tickets," I say.

"Can she meet you outside the venue? I just want to make sure everyone is there at the same time," Joel replies, sitting next to me on the couch. 

I nod, a smile forming on my lips. "Yeah, I'll text her and let her know." When Joel gets up again I fish my phone from my pocket and compose a text message to Ari.

Me: Just letting you know that I'm in town! Any way we can meet outside of the venue before the concert starts?

Ari: Yay! Sure, I'll be at the front gates. see you soon!

I stuff my phone back into my shorts and stand up as well, preparing to get off the bus with the rest of the group. Once my backpack is securely over my shoulders, I fall into line behind Ahren, who follows Joel out the door of the bus and across the parking lot towards the SUV waiting to take us to the venue. Joel climbs into the back with the rest of us, and I can see on his face that he's excited, although he's clearly trying to hide it.

"I swear, no matter how often we tour, I always get the pre-show jitters," Ahren says from his seat, which is conveniently right next to mine. I can't help but think about how he has sat next to me the whole trip, in front of Joel. But honestly I don't think Joel really noticed. He was way too busy making last minute preparations, and he's gone off into his own headspace the entire journey.

"Me too," agrees Joel. "This time is worse than usual, though. My little sister is here to see me fuck up."

I laugh. "Oh yes, I'm so going to be taking note of all your mistakes. Watch out Joel."