There's more to life (Adopted by Brendon Urie) | #2

#40

Song of the Chapter: Walls by All Time Low

Anna's POV

Nope. That's it.

After waking up for the third time tonight from nightmares, I decide to just stay awake and watch tv and not worry about sleeping. I've decided to sleep as little as I possibly can because I don't want to risk having a nightmare in front of one of the boys. It was 6 am and I released I hadn't texted dad or James.

To dad: hi sorry I haven't texted, I'm all good and in Sydney

To James: hey. Hope you're well. I'm in Sydney and everything is all good :)

My phone rings so I pick it up.
"Hey dad."
"Hello how's Australia?"
"I only got here 6 hours ago and it was dark."
"What time is it?"
"6 am."
"Have you slept?"
"Yeah."
"Have you?"
"Yeah I'm just excited to play tonight."
"Alright darling. Try and get some sleep and I'll talk to you later."
"Ok dad love you."
"Love you too."

I hang up the phone and flop on the bed. I was tired but I couldn't sleep. I make myself a coffee and continue to watch the tv.

———

My alarm goes off at 8:30 to remind me that I have to be downstairs in 30 minutes. I had spent the last 2 and a half hours watching some crappy reality tv show. I jump in the shower and go downstairs with my phone and purse in hand.
"Morning."
"Morning Anna."
"Ready?" Geoff asks and I nod. I follow the boys to the van and get driven to the venue.
"What songs are you going to play?"
"I really don't know Awsten."
"Can I give you my opinion?"
"Sure."
"I really want to hear your song, Drown live."
"Really? That was just a song I messed around with."
"Yeah it's so calming."
"Oh ok. Maybe. Thanks."
I didn't know about that one, it was really personal, more than my other ones, and I knew if I played it live, I would cry.

We get to the venue and we still had an hour until sound check. My phone starts ringing mid conversation.
"Sorry, won't be a moment."
They nod and I answer it.
"Hello Anna."
"Oh hello Frank. How are ya?"
"I'm good but why didn't you tell me you were going on tour again?"
"Sorry Frank." I laugh and look over at the boys who had there mouths open.
"Iero?" Geoff mouths and I nod and both him and Otto widen their eyes. I laugh.
"Whatcha laughing about?" Frank asks.
"Waterparks are in shock that I'm talking to you."
"That's the band you're on tour with right?"
"Yeah and Mikey played bass with them at one point."
"Oh yeah that's right. Tell them I said hi."

"Frank says hi."
"Hi Frank." They chorus.
"Anyway Gee wants to speak with you but he can't find his phone."
"Of course he can't." I laugh.

"Hey. Anna?"
"Yeah? Hi what's up?"
"I'm just checking to make sure you're ok. Especially after last time you were in Australia."
"I'm all good, and like I told dad, I can't avoid a country forever."
"I know but just stay safe."
"I will, I promise."
"Ok and I'm always here."
"I know. Can I ask you something?"
"Anything."
I step out of the room so the boys wouldn't be able to hear.

"Awsten wants me to play drown."
"Your song?"
"Yeah."
"What's wrong with that?"
"I don't know if I can play it Gee, it's just too personal and I don't know. I'm kinda feeling ok and I don't want to fall backwards."
"Don't play it if you don't want to, it's your choice. If you don't think it's a good idea, don't. You know what your mental health is like, don't push your limits."
"Ok thank you Gee."
"Of course, good luck tonight, have fun."
"You too. Where are you?"
"Tokyo."
"Nice anyway I'm being called to go to soundcheck."
"Alright kid bye."
"Bye."

A stage hand passes me my guitar so that I can do my soundcheck. Both Geoff and Awsten were watching me.
"Play a song for us." Awsten asks because so far I had on played random chords and counted into the mic.
"I don't know what though."
"Whatever you want."