Broken

Chapter Eight

Mike's Point of View:

Something's up with Chester. I can't exactly place it, but I know something's wrong and that it's been wrong for as long as I've known him. Not to mention I just learned about his recent alcohol addiction and that he's completely broke now. My concern for him is troubling but I'm trying hard to stay normal for his sake.

We arrive at the hotel in thirty minutes time. Right when I stepped outside, I could smell the weed being smoked by almost everyone. I was worried about Chester, I didn't know much about his past but if it's bad enough to make him an alcoholic, who's to say he isn't a drug addict as well?

Guilt fills me at that thought. I shouldn't be so doubtful towards him. He deserves someone more encouraging. If that's what he needs, that's what I'll give him.

We walked into the hotel as Chester kept looking extremely uneasy. His eyes darted everywhere and at everyone. This place felt odd, I bet that's why Chester's so nerved. Joe went to get us all checked in as we all waited in the lobby.

As Chester was glancing around, he gasped and quickly looked away. I followed where his eyes once were and saw a woman who began heading out way.

"Chester?!" She beamed. He sighed and glanced up, giving her a small smile. She engulfed him into her arms as I stood watching, confused.

"Who is this?" I asked him, stepping out of my comfort zone. I'm not too fond of talking to or about strangers, especially ones Chester knows.

"Mike, this is my ex wife, Samantha." He informed me, slipping out of her grip on him.

"Why are you here, my Chazzy?" She asked, her smile widening. 'My Chazzy?'

"Actually, that's my Chazzy." I muttered under my breath. Chester's eyes snapped at me but Samantha didn't seem to notice my comment, she just kept her eyes glued on Chester. I have a feeling he divorced her.

"My band-"

"Oh, right! I nearly forgot about your band! Elisa and I are going to your concert," She grinned brightly, pride filling her eyes. I huffed sharply, earning me a warning glance from Chester.

"Who's Elisa?" I cut in again, extremely confused by this point.

"She's just a friend," Chester says quickly before Samantha gets the chance to answer. She opens her mouth as if to say more but Chester shot her a glare that made her stop before she could start. Why is he so sketchy about this Elisa girl?

"Elisa didn't tell me you were coming, did you give her a call? I assume you did, you're not very surprised to see me." Samantha noted with a smirk.

"Is that who you really called, Chaz? Why would you lie to me?" I jumped, throwing myself into accusations.

"I-Um-It's just... Yeah, I rang her up." He sighed, giving in.

"Why'd you lie, Ches?" I ask, slightly hurt.

"I just wanted to talk to an old friend but if you knew who she was, you wouldn't like her," He shook his head, gaze to the ground.

"I'm not disappointed in you, Chaz. I get it." I comfort him, seeing into his mind.

"I didn't know they'd be here until she told me on the phone," He informed me. I could tell at least that much was true. I couldn't say the same about me not liking this person.

"Are you coming up to our room in 5b later, Chazzy?" Samantha gave him a half smile, as though silently apologizing for letting his 'lie' slip.

"I was planning on it," He nodded his head, making her shriek with delight. What a weird person.

"You were?" I questioned him. He nodded his head again.

"I didn't necessarily think everything out to be honest," He laughed nervously. What was he hiding?

"Okay, umm... You go and hang out with them and meet me at our room later tonight. I trust you," I smiled shyly. He frowned and nodded his head slowly as Samantha took his arm and lead him to a group of elevators.

"Hey, Mike. Where's Chaz?" Phoenix asked, walking up to me. Brad and Rob weren't far behind.

"He has a few friends staying here and is hanging out with them for a bit." I answered with no hint of being pleased towards his actions in my voice.

"Oh, that's odd." Brad noted. I nodded my head in agreement.

"There's something wrong with him and I can't put my finger on it," I sighed with frustration. The guys nodded in agreement. At least I'm not the only one thinking this. We all walked up to our rooms. Brad and Rob went into theirs and Joe went into his and Phoenix's. Phoenix grabbed my arm lightly before I could even try to open my door.

"Hey, Mike, there's something I've been meaning to give you." He started, letting go of my arm.

"What is it?" I ask, growing curious instantly.

"You remember that only time we've met Chester's mom? She had this book that Chester used to write in when he was younger. She's never looked through it and neither have I. She wanted me to give it back to Ches or give it to someone he can trust - you." He nodded his head at me. He grabbed his bag and zipper it open. "I forgot about it until we left for the tour so I made sure to bring it now."

"Oh, wow..." I said in awe as he passed the book to me. "T-Thank you so much, Phoenix. Really, thank you."

"It's Chester's, don't thank me. If he and you are serious about being together, that means no secrets. If you are at all unsure about you two, don't open the book. It's private," He informed me, setting himself clear.

"Is that even in the question? I love him, I hold no doubts." I confirm and smile warmly.

"I've always been curious about what he wrote but I never looked, for his sake." He sighed sadly and walked back to his room. I hugged the book tightly in my arms, unsure about what was held inside. I picked my bag up off the ground which was dropped earlier and headed into my room.