Not From Around Here- A Hunter Hayes fanfic

Chapter 36- On the Road Again

***I PROMISE I'M NOT LIKE DEAD OR SOMETHING GUYS. I honestly feel awful for not updating frequently, believe me I really do. It's just school this year has been unusally tough academic wise, and I know ya'll get tired of the 'school gets in the way' excuse for my lack of updates but school is honestly the biggest contributor to lack of updates. All I ask is that you guys be understanding and patient with me, which you already are, so thank you for bearing with me! :) Now, let's get on with some 'Helody' action, yeah?***

Hunter's POV- 3 days later

       The band and I started back on the road again yesterday. Melody insisted on going with me to the airport, and I didn't hesitate to stop her. I wanted as much time with her as possible before I left, even though that just made saying goodbye even harder. The drive to the airport had been silent, but it was a comfortable silence. I held her hand in mine as I drove with my free hand, occasionally bringing her hand up to my lips to gently kiss her knuckles. Once we'd gotten to the airport, she went with me through security, then we waited for the rest of the band before our flight was called. When our flight was announced, I felt a wash of guilt come over me. Here I was, only having dated Melody for a short period of time, and I was leaving for at least two months. I remember exactly what she'd said before we parted ways:

"I'm going to miss you like crazy, Hunt,"

"I'll miss you a heck of a lot more, I can promise you that much,"

"I know. But it's your job, and you're amazing at it. Your fans adore you, you should be doing shows for them. Think about how happy you're making them,"

"Yeah, they're so incredible. But none of them compare to you. Oh, that's our flight. I gotta go, I love you, Mel,"

"I love you, too, Hunter. Have a safe flight,"

      After that, I'd kissed her, then engulfed her in a hug, before catching up with the band. Right before I boarded the plane, I turned around and searched the sea of people for her. She wasn't that hard to find, seeing as the airport wasn't as busy that morning. I blew her a kiss, and she returned the gesture. The flight attendant gave me a sympathetic smile as she scanned my ticket, showing me to my seat.

      Our first stop was in Jacksonville, Florida. We arrived earlier this morning around five o'clock, and slept on the bus until seven. Once we'd all gotten up and ready for the day, we decided to walk around the city for a while, seeing as it's a Saturday morning and most people would've still been sleeping. We walked around for a bit, then Betsy, my manager, called me and told us to get to the arena to meet Danielle, Dan, and Shay and go over the show with them. Now, the band and I are talking with Dan and Shay as we wait for Danielle to show up. I haven't seen her since I sang with her on The Voice almost a year ago. She may be younger than the rest of us, but she's got insane talent.

      Soon enough, I spotted a head of long, blonde hair. "Hey, Danielle!" Shay exclaims happily, as she walks over to our little group. "Hey, guys," she says shyly, giving us a small grin and a wave. "Danielle, we're so glad to have you on tour with us!" I exclaim, giving her a quick hug. She smiles up at me.

      "I'm so happy to be here, thank you so much for giving me this oppurtunity! And Dan, Shay, I'm a huge fan. I can't wait to work with you guys," she explains as she tucks a long strand of hair behind her ear. Dan and Shay thanked her, before giving her a hug.

       "You're most welcome! If you have any questions, any of you, please feel free to ask myself or any of my band or the rest of the tour crew. I think they want us to start rehearsals now, so Dan and Shay, you guys are up first since you're the first opener of the show. Danielle, you'll be after them, then I'll go. Sound good?" I ask them, clasping my hands together. They nod, agreeing. Dan and Shay take their places on the stage, getting their microphones and earpieces set and ready to go, while Danielle and I take a seat in the second row of seats on the floor.