Be My Escape

I'll Keep You a Daydream Away

Present Day

Alex's Perspective

Zack was driving us to our next stop. Everyone was asleep, so I decided to climb over the rows to sit in the front seat next to him. Normally, Kae would be sitting there, but since he'd dumped her earlier today, she was back in her back row blanket cocoon. I had scratched her back the way she liked until she fell asleep tonight and no one said shit about it. No matter what had happened, no matter my feelings towards her, we were still best friends and I was still the one to help pick up the pieces when things fell apart for her. I didn't mind, because god knows she'd been there for me more than enough times, but it sucked seeing her that way, especially knowing that one of my other best friends was the cause of it.

"So you broke up with Kae," I said to Zack without preamble.

"I don't wanna talk about it with you," he said, not taking his eyes off the road.

"I think we have to," I said. "Especially since you said it was because of me."

"I know you like her and she used to like you," he said.

"Yeah, she used to. But now she likes you and she's devastated because you dumped her at the first sign of trouble," I said.

"But you saw her first," he said.

I picked at a loose thread on the sleeve of my hoodie. "Purely by chance. I think I missed my shot with her, but that doesn't mean you have to give up yours."

"Wow, Alex," he said.

"Yeah, who knew I could be a decent guy," I said.

"I haven't been there for her the way you have," he said.

I shrugged. "I know. But now's your opportunity."

"I'm so scared to hurt her," he whispered.

"I know, but you already hurt her by dumping her," I said.

"What are you saying?" He asked.

"I'm saying try again, but for God's sake, if you ever make her cry like that again, I'll fucking kill you," I said.

He smiled. "I'm sorry."

"Tell her that tomorrow. And humbly beg for another chance," I said.

"Should I get more Reese's cups and Diet Cokes?" He asked.

I chuckled softly. "That oughta do it."

"Thanks, man," he said.

"Hey, don't worry about it," I said and we fist-bumped.

--

Kaelyn's Perspective

I awoke the next morning, finding everyone gone from the van, except Zack, who had moved to the row just in front of me. I stretched my arms over my head.

"What time is it?" I asked.

"7 AM," he said, handing me a Diet Coke and a pack of Reese's.

"I guess Alex gave you his copy of Apologizing to Kaelyn for Dummies, huh," I said.

He chuckled. "Yeah. Can we talk?"

"Aren't we talking now?" I asked, opening the bottle of Diet Coke.

He sighed. "You're not gonna make it easy, are you?"

"Nope," I said, taking a sip of my drink.

"I guess I deserve as much. I talked to Alex," he said.

"And?" I asked.

"And he basically ripped me a new one for giving up on you before we even got going," he said.

I couldn't help but smile at that. "I'm surprised he got off his high horse long enough to have a conversation."

"He cares a lot about you--"

"Don't start," I warned him.

"No, let me finish. I care too. And I really wanna try again, if that's okay with you," he said.

I sighed, pretending to think about it. "I guess we could do that."

Zack's face lit up with a beautiful smile. "Thank you."

I leaned in and kissed him gently. "Now I think you should go get ready for your set."

"Good idea," he said.

We went and met up with the other guys. Zack had grabbed my hand as soon as we both stepped out of the van and had yet to let it go.

"I see you guys worked it all out," Alex said.

I smiled at him. "Yes, we did, thanks to you."

He smiled back. "Glad to hear it."

I gave him a big hug. "I love you, you gigantic pain in my ass."

He hugged me back. "I love you too, you dumb idiot bitch."