The Tour Life Bites

Chapter 19: Sickness

   As senses began to turn on the for the day and a sweet smell filled my nose. I opened my eyes and saw a rose lying on the pillow next to me. I picked it up, twirling it between my fingers and smiled but the absence of warmth next to me made me frown. Today was the first day in almost two weeks I’ve woken up alone and it made me feel slightly empty inside. I sighed, sitting up and dangling my legs out of the bunk. for the past week I had been in Daniel’s bunk, which was right above mine, the only thing I hate was the climb. I began to lower myself down when my arms were rushed with sudden weakness. It frightened me and I cried out as I hit the floor but more from shock then pain.

   “Are you alright?” Lizz asked worried jumping up from her seat and helping me up.

   “Yeah, I’m fine.” I said nonchalantly, managing a smile.

  “The boys already left for the day, someone else filled in for merch because they didn’t want to wake you.” She explained as I looked around to find the bus empty and the time 11am, way past when I should have been up setting up merch. It was no question that I haven’t been myself lately and everyone knew it, it just made me sad everyone knew it to the point where they thought I couldn’t work anymore. I could feel myself getting sick but I didn’t think I was bad enough to have to take time off. 

   Daniel made me go to a doctor a couple cities back but they gave me no answers. Just the standard sleep more, eat better, drink more water. Considering tour life and the lack of sleep and a heathy diet Daniel thought the advice was sound and was the answer but I knew better. I’ve had my share of heath problems in the past and that is always the go to answer of doctors who just want to push you out quick and move onto the next patient. To say getting sick is infuriating and annoying is an understatement, I didn’t have the time to sit around on my ass all day when I was on tour, I had work.

   “I made breakfast but its a little cold so I’ll warm it up first.” Lizz said smiling and popping a plate of pancakes into the microwave. I stumbled my way over to the kitchen table and flung myself down panting. Just walking from the bunks to the table was now becoming a problem. I launched into a coughing fit that lasted for a few moments earning myself an uneasy gaze from Lizz. She set the plate down and I mumbled thanks with a small smile. “I gotta go, you take the day and rest.” She instructed before giving me a quick hug with her head turned away from me and leaving. I knew she was scared of catching what ever I had but I felt in my gut it wasn’t something you could catch from another. I looked at the plate, poking the soft cakes with my fork a little while my stomach decided wether it would like to eat or not. In the end my stomach said not and I turned my nose away in disgust because it was starting to make me feel nauseous. I got up again putting the plate on the counter then made my way to the back couches, landing heavily on my side on one of them. I moved around and positioned myself on my back turned on a TV and falling asleep again.

   When I awoke again I felt better, stronger and I was able to walk around and move around fine. All the weakness and random pains had subsided leaving me feeling like a normal person who was just coming down with a cold. I hadn’t been able to explore all the venues lately like I like to do because someone, mainly Daniel, was always here keeping me inside until I absolutely had to leave for work and escorted me straight back when I was done. So I chose to go out and get some fresh air while I could. But as I walked out I passed my breakfast, suddenly feeling hungry I reheated them and gobbled them up. Anytime when my mood would allow it I had to eat or I’d starve at this rate. 

   The tour was in full swing when I finally stepped out of the bus. If anything the morning excitement had already died down and now every one was just wry and waiting for bands. I took in the mood and the heat tingling my skin, its sad how much you miss the little things in life like this when your falling ill, constantly inside because of it, and working like a maniac. Laughter, music, and the smell of fried food saturated the air and overwhelmed my nose. The food made my mouth water but I didn’t stop for it. I heard a familiar voice as I neared one of the stages and found Pierce Avenue playing.