The Tour Life Bites

Chapter 10: Embracing the memory

   I woke up the next morning in James’ bunk, with his arms and legs still tossed over me. I slipped out of the tangle and fell onto the floor. He stirred in his sleep but thankfully never woke up. The transgressions of the night before suddenly came rushing back and I had to suppress my tears because I wasn’t out of the woods yet, I wasn’t safe.

   It was early morning still but to my relief we had already reached the next venue. I hauled myself back onto my feet and into the back to find a set of new cloths. When I was done I crept passed the bunks, headed for the door but stopped in my tracks when I saw her. He no doubt moved her body to the front, right by the door as a method to try and keep me here, to make me feel guilty and it was working. I sank to the floor next to her, holding her cold hand. 

   I was the worst friend imaginable. Cela was being killed before my eyes and I could do nothing to help her. Hell, I’m so weak I couldn’t do anything to help myself! Silent tears rolled down my face as I said my good byes.

   “I’m so, so sorry,” I whispered “I loved you like a sister, you were my family now and I didn’t do anything... Stay with Rem, watch over him because he’ll need you. I don’t know if he knows yet but... it wont be easy for him. Wont be easy for you either if there really is an afterlife. I hope you don’t have to endure loneliness, and that you’ll find a new friend, someone better then me.” I spoke honestly “I love you Cela.” I said, looking away with a sob. I heard a stir in the bunk area and I knew if I was going I had to leave now. I pushed myself up on shaky legs and walked to the door, I gave her one last goodbye glance before pushing it open and running. I didn’t know where I was running to exactly, I only knew I needed to find a safe place. I ran a lap around the venue before I saw the Pierce Avenue bus and I suddenly knew thats where I was headed. I knocked on the door, my eyes now pouring with tears that could be held back no longer. 

   “D? Whats wrong?” Victor asked looking out an open window in shock seeing me at the door, he rushed over and opened it and I flung myself into his arms. “Shh.” He soothed “Its alright.” He picked me up and moved me inside, laying down on a couch still holding me. The others looked on in confused sadness. 

   “No it isn’t.” I choked out between sobs, “he killed her.” I felt victor stiffen.

   “Killed who?” He asked suddenly “James killed someone?” He asked seeming frantic and shocked. 

   “Celestina.” I whispered, everyone was shocked into silence at this point, even me and I knew what had happened. Victor was quiet and thoughtful for a moment, then he held me closer. 

   “Your not going back, I don’t care what it takes we’re not letting you go back.” He said sternly, looking around at the others, they all nodded.  

   I don’t know how long I cried for, hours probably before I fell asleep. Victor and the others stayed with me the whole time, quiet and thoughtful. Even as I finally did fall asleep Victor still stayed with me and I fell asleep with my head on his chest. 

   “Wake up chica.” I heard victor say and I smelt food. I opened my eyes to see Victor waving a plate of yummy looking food under my nose. “Good morning.” He smiled, but it was a sad smile.

   “Morning?” I asked 

   “Si, you slept the whole day and through the night, kept yelling too.”

   “Wow, sorry.” I said

   “Don’t be, from the little that I gathered yesterday you had a very traumatizing night.” He said handing me the plate and sitting next to me. “May I?” He asked leaning forward and placing a hand on my forehead. I looked across the bus to see Pixie, Pierce Avenue’s drummer.