Mask

New people, new performances, and new music

"Okay," said the doctor. "Your ankle is only mildly (grade one) sprained, so you should be good to walk on it in two weeks. You cannot have much pressure on it until then, and we'll get it wrapped and get you crutched right now."

"Okay," I said. This was a huge issue, considering Trinh and I didn't have a plan for performing yet.

They wrapped my ankle, I got my crutches, and we were out of there. The car ride back was pretty quiet, whith me still brooding and being anxious about performing and stuff, and Harry just seeming like he was deep in thought.

"Look," he said eventually. "I didn't mean to be a jerk and sprain you ankle or anything. I was just joking around and I'm sorry."

"Dude it's not your fault don't beat yourself up about it. I'm very prone to injuries." That was a lie. The last time I got hurt was breaking my wrist in eighth grade. But I knew that I would feel bad if he was beating himself up about it.

"Okay, good," he said, obviously relieved.

I felt bad lying to him but also like I didn't want him to feel bad on my account.

The conversation faded into a slightly awkward silence.

"So... how's life?" I asked in a half-hearted attempt to keep the conversation going. Whenever it gets silent, I start to overthink things, and I eventually make myself believe everyone hates me.

"Not bad. You?" He replied.

"It's pretty decent, thanks."

I started to overthink.

"So what did you do before you got into the whole assistant business?" Harry asked, breaking the silence once again.

"I actually was, and am, an artist. I design Jenna's album covers and am heavily involved in photo shoots," I said with a smile.

"Oh that's cool! I really like those album covers. So like how to you make them? Is it like you draw something and then take a picture of it, or?" He kept the conversation going! I wanted to hug him.

"So those I design digitally with like an iPad and Apple pencil. But normally I'm more of, like, a traditional artist. I like painting and drawing and stuff," I really liked talking about my art. It's a subject that I'm vastly knowledgeable in.

"Oh cool! What do you draw?"

"Well I'll draw pretty much anything. Recently I've been trying to get better at drawing people. Like I'd put on my snapchat story to slide up with a picture and I'd draw it for free." I said.

"Oh cool! Can I see some of the things you've drawn?" He asked.

"Sure, but once we get back to the bus. I don't want to get into an accident," I laughed. He gave me a mock annoyed look, but then continued on.

"C'mon wanna live life on the edge a little," he laughed.

"So what about you?" I asked.

That was how the drive back went. We chatted about this and that and it was actually nice. 

So I know that I've said how I'm awkward, and that you're probably wondering how someone like me could be a celebrity. That's the thing. When I'm Jenna J, it feels like even if people judge me, it's fine, because I'm not really her. But as me I'm afraid that people I want in my life won't like me, so I overthink everything I do or say. It's not good, but I've been getting better. I'm hoping that this tour helps.

***
When we got back to the bus, Trinh immediately came out and hugged me.

"Thank god you're back, they scare me," she said once she had let go of me.

"What do you mean?" I asked, concerned.

When I walked into the bus, I immediately understood what she meant.

Louis was screaming at Niall saying something about how he had stolen his phone and to give it back. Zayn was just on the couch watching them with an amused expression. When he noticed us walk in he winked and held up the phone.

Louis stopped screaming at Niall and turned to the door where we were standing.

"So what's the verdict?" he asked.

"Well she has a sprained ankle and will have to stay off of it for two weeks," Harry answered quickly.

"Damn, it's only been one day and you're already hurt," said Louis with a laugh. "But hey, two weeks out of nine months isn't that much. We'll have loads more time to hurt you."

"I don't know if I should feel appreciative or concerned about that," I said with a laugh. I was starting to get more comfortable with the boys.

Louis then turned back to Niall and continued to yell at him. I decided to say hi to Zayn, as I hadn't really gotten the chance to talk to him yet.

"Hey," I said as I plopped down next to him on the sofa.

"'sup," he replied with a smile.

"Not much. How's life?" I asked. That was my go to question which generally got a laugh from people. This time was no exception.

"Not bad," he laughed. "No complaints, I suppose."

"So what's it like?" I asked.

"What's what like?"

"Being on tour. Performing for people practically every day. All that."

"Well it's really fun. It's crazy because after the X-Factor, we just shot to fame. It's been pretty non-stop since then. Performing really gives me the thrill of a lifetime, though." he replied with a smile.

"Nice! I can't imagine the adrenaline rush you must get." I said, playing dumb because of course I know about that rush of happiness, I just needed to sell my story.

"Yeah it's pretty cool," said a voice behind us.

I looked up and I saw Harry jumping down to sit beside me, putting me in between him and Zayn. I suppose that I was living a bunch of people's dreams right then. I couldn't have cared less, though, because to me they were just my new friends.

"Hey, thanks for taking me to the doctor, and dealing with me being really stubborn. I appreciate it," I turned to Harry and said.

"Yeah of course. I feel bad because it's kind of my fault that you sprained your ankle. You were being so difficult though. Zayn, let me tell you, she literally jumped out of my arms..."

He proceeded to share the rest of today's events with Zayn. I listened, every now and then chiming in with funny little comments. While all that was happening, I couldn't help but think to myself that maybe these next nine months we're going to be the most fun of my life.

a/n
ahahahaha it's kinda been over a year but whatever. i'm back and ily all