Tangled in the Great Escape
Poppin' Champagne
Our conversation is cut off by a knock at the door and someone poking their head in letting us know the guys are about to go on. I’m shaking with excitement when we reach side stage. The crowd is so loud chanting ‘Pierce the Veil’ prompting the band to come out onto the stage. The boys begin to rush out and on his way Jaime gives me a quick kiss. If the crowd could get any louder, they did and it’s so amazing seeing the effect the crowd has on the guys. This is one of the best things I’ve ever seen by far. Their set list is perfect with them pouring all of their energy into the music. In the middle of the set when they begin playing Wonderless All Time Low and Sleeping with Sirens rush out and position themselves in front of the guys pretending like the band is serenading them. Seeing this happen I realize that I really haven’t met the other bands, if we had gotten here sooner I probably would have along with the other girls but oh well, I’ll meet them at the after party. The song ends and off walks the 2 bands giving us high-fives and slight hugs on their way backstage.
Pierce the Veil closes with Yeah Boy and Doll Face and Chemical Kids and Mechanical Brides, 2 of my favorite songs. The band moves to the front of the stage with their backs facing the crowd for a photo with all of the fans. They leave the stage and Jaime hands his guitar off to their tech then runs to me. He picks me up and spins me around carrying me to the dressing room, excitement still coursing through his veins. Jaime presses his lips to mine and I smile into the kiss from seeing how happy this makes him. The way he talks about it, the way his eyes light up. The passion Jaime has for this is written all over his face and I understand why. The vibe off of the crowd, it definitely feels like a home, like a family. Along with the crew and how the other band had came out and did a ‘prank’ on them, it’s all like a huge family.
Someone, whom I’m guessing is part of Sleeping with Sirens’ crew, bursts into the room asking if me and the other girls would help with something. Leaving the guys behind, he leads us to backstage where girlfriends of guys in the other bands are waiting, resulting in there being 11 of us. Sleeping with Sirens is already out on stage having started their set 10 minutes earlier. After an explanation of what to do we wait in the wings. During the transition into If I’m James Dean, You’re Audrey Hepburn the girls and I walk out and find places to stand or sit and start blowing bubbles along with bubble machines set up on side stage. I’m standing in front of, yet to the side of the drums and from where I am it looks beautiful. At the end of the song the guys give us half hugs on our way out while they take a minute with Kellin speaking and we make our way off of the stage.
I find Pierce the Veil and All Time Low in the balcony, what was closed off to the crowd due to being a general admission concert. Jaime once again glues himself to my side still while joking with Alex Gaskarth, whom gives me a smile and a ‘hello’ before he has to leave to get ready for their set. As soon as All Time Low leaves Casey and Sleeping with Sirens bring up a box containing nearly enough remote control toy helicopters, along with beers for everyone, for both Pierce the Veil and Sleeping with Sirens. They spend about 15 minutes making sure the helicopters work then watch All Time Low’s set waiting for a song.
Six Feet Under the Stars begins and the guys send the helicopters down hovering around the men on stage. I really don’t know how the guys can tell which one is their own, must be focusing on it. The song ends but no one has brought their copters back yet. Taking a break between songs Alex and Jack start making their usual dick jokes, they’re always expected but every damn time they are hilarious. Rian sticks his drumstick in the air hitting a copter with it, at the same one lands on Zacks outstretched hand. Still making jokes Jacks attempting to catch the toys, he actually manages to when a bra thrown from the crowd gets caught on one. A helicopter nearly collides with Alex’s head, “You fuckers,” he laughs into his mic.
The boys bring back the toys and we all hang out watching the rest of the show. At the end we head down from the balcony and all 3 bands gather on stage going into a somewhat-speech telling the fans how wonderful they are and how much fun all the fans made the tour and tell them thank you for all they’ve done. They take a group picture with the crowd behind them, much like how Pierce the Veil had. All of the boys stand on the stage hugging and telling each other how great it was touring with each other. They fille off of the stage while the venue workers make all the fans exit the theater.
Jaime walks up to me and shouts, “Ready to party?” Before I can even respond he’s pulling me to a big room in the back of the venue where most of the band members and crew members already are. We walk up to Rian and Jack of All Time Low where Jaime introduces me, “Hey guys this is Haley. Hales this is Jack,” he gestures to the guy on the left then towards the other guy, “And this is Rian.”
“Fuck man, you’ve got a hot girlfriend, and it’s ‘bout time we meet,” Jack tells Jaime then turns his attention to me, “Hey.”
“Well thanks,” I say with a laugh.
“Baby I’m gonna go talk to some of the other guys. Are you fine here?” Jaime inquires.
“As long as they don’t care then yea I’m alright,” Jaime gives me a kiss on the cheek and before he can pull away I whisper low enough for just him to hear, “Does anyone know about?” I trail off.
Jaime replies in the same hushed tone, “Nope. Just us.” I nod and watch as he walks away.
“So it’s nice to meet you. You guys are amazing. I had heard some of your music before I found out about the tour but once Jaime told me about it I started looking up the songs and got hooked. Same with Sleeping with Sirens,” I state. “Before then I listened to mostly Jimmy Eat World or Blink-182 or Fall Out Boy. I guess I never strayed much from them.”
Jacks smile grew bigger at the mention of Blink. “Dude that’s fucking awesome. It’s official, we are now best friends.” Jack say causing the 3 of us to laugh.
Rian asks, “So how’s it going with meeting everyone? Jaime said that you didn’t know anyone before the tour.”
“Besides just saying hi to Alex, you guys are the first I have met.”
As if on cue, Alex appears beside me, “Speaking of saying hi earlier I didn’t get your name. You’re with Jaime right?”
“Yea, I’m Haley.”
“Nice to meet you then.”
“I’m gonna go get a drink. Do you guys want any?” Rian questions.
Both Alex and Jack say yes leaving me to say no. Alex then speaks, “You do know everyone’s drinking tonight, right?”
“Everyone but me. Not in the mood for it.” He gives me a confused look before we decide to part ways. I wander around the room looking for Jaime or the other guys or even their girlfriends. Tripping over something I collide with someone whom grabs my arm keeping me from falling. I find out the guy who grabbed my arm is Gabe Barham from Sleeping with Sirens and end up talking to him along with Justin Hills and Jack Fowler, both also in the same band, plus Zack of All Time Low. Conversations start finding out who each other are and forming friendships then going other ways in which results meeting other people. I typically stay with one person I meet until I meet another and we move off to meet others. Everybody is extremely nice and they all seem to be such good friends, making so many jokes. I quickly found out if Jack and Alex are together then they are off the fucking walls making so many, mainly sexual, jokes but I can’t say they’re not funny, I’ve been crying from laughter.
Jaime finds me and pulls me to the bar so he can get another drink before they do a toast to the tour. He manages getting the bartender to find a water bottle for me and the toast begins, “To the best fucking tour and everyone on it.”
“To our amazing techs, we couldn’t do this without you guys.”
“To our fans and families and friends who’ve given so much fucking support.”
Many other things were said and I couldn’t keep track of who was speaking until Jaime exclaims, “And to my pregnant girlfriend,” then a lot of people take shots or pop champagne bottles or wine. I was definitely not expecting him to announce it but I definitely can’t say I’m mad about it. The way he said it and the huge smile on his face shows his excitement and happiness and this makes me feel so damn special and loved. Jaime and I receive a lot of “congratulations” and hugs and questions on how far along I am then they all return to getting drunk and acting like idiots from the alcohol. I don’t want Jaime to miss out on partying drinking with his friends so I push him out towards them. I hop up onto a barstool and cross my legs where Kate finds me.
“Sneak in?”
“Yep, they wouldn’t let me in. ‘You can’t go in, you’re not 21,’” Kate groans. “Just watch me get in. I have my ways.” She winks at me since we both know she could probably get in anywhere she want. This girl definitely has a way with words and it’s hard to say no to her. “So Jaime told everyone. Are you okay with it or what?”
“I’m okay with it. Did you see how big of a smile he had? I don’t know, it just felt right. You know the feeling of when someone takes pride in having you as their friend or family or whatever and they announce it to everyone and they love you. That’s how it feels. That was my second favorite part of tonight. Seeing them play was the most amazing thing ever.”
We sit in silence for a few minutes before Kate speaks up, “Hales, weird question, but do you think Mike loves me?”
“Honestly, I’m like 90% sure he does. The way he looks at you and talks about you and to you. And how he holds you and holds your hand and doesn’t want you to leave his side and that smile he gets at the mention of your name. Yea I really think he does. Why?”
“He asked me to be his girlfriend when he got home yesterday,” Kate beams.
“Oh my god that fucking awesome Kate,” I exclaim You should’ve told me sooner.”
“You’re the first person I’ve told. With the guys and everyone just getting home, I don’t know I didn’t want to come by your place and interrupt your time with Jaime plus I wanted a much time as possible with Mike. Speaking of Mike.”
He walks up to us and gives Kate a kiss then puts his arm around her. “Hey, do you guys know where Jaime and Vic are?”
“No idea about Vic but a while ago I made Jaime actually party with you guys instead of being glued to my side,” I inform him with a grin. “‘Bout damn time you idiot.”
“What?” I laugh shaking my head, he’ll figure it out sooner or later. “What time is it?”
I pull my phone from my purse to check, “It’s 4:30 fucking am.”
“Already? Damn, no wonder why people are leaving.”
“Yep and neither of you are driving, you both have been drinking. I’m taking you guys and Vic and Emily home then I’m coming back for Hime, Tony and Steph. Go find your brother Mike.”
Mike leaves to search for Vic without a word and Kate stays with me, “I only had one,” she mumbled, “How are our cars getting home?”
“I’ve got it worked out. Em didn’t drink either so I’m taking you guys in my car, she’s going to drive your car to the house and leave it there. Then she’s coming back with me and I’ll get Jaime, Tone and Stephanie in my car and drive to Stephs place with Emily taking their car and leaving it there. I’ll drive her to your guys’ place and me and Jaime will go home.”
“How are you getting everyones keys?”
“Stole them from them earlier,” I beamed and opened my purse showing her the 3 sets of keys. “You guys made it so easy carpooling with Vic and Em.”
~~
Kate and I managed to round up the boys along with Steph and Emily. After we said goodbyes to all of our new friends and exchanged some numbers, Emily and I got everyone home. It was much easier than I thought it’d be, no one protested about me taking them home, most likely because I had their keys. Tonight was amazingly fun, so many pictures and videos were taken which I’m kinda expecting to be up in the morning. Jaime and I hadn’t gotten home until about 5:30 since we were saying bye to so many people then driving home the rest of Pierce the Veil.
Sitting in bed besides a sleeping Jaime my mind wanders back to what the girls had said about Hime and me. I really have no idea how anything’s going to happen. Between the touring they’ll be doing, which I had earlier found out they’ve already been talking about doing another soon, and with me being pregnant. Before he had left I was scared that he’d find someone better than me and now I don’t know. Sometimes I feel like he’s only with me because of the circumstances. Does he still love me? Does he even still want me? And the worst question going through my head is, if I lose the baby will he stay? It’s terrifying but I don’t think I can even tell Jaime any of this. I already know he’d say he loves me and it’ll never happen. But what if it does happen? These thoughts won’t stop running around in my mind and it’s making me dizzy. What’s it all going to come down to?
Pierce the Veil closes with Yeah Boy and Doll Face and Chemical Kids and Mechanical Brides, 2 of my favorite songs. The band moves to the front of the stage with their backs facing the crowd for a photo with all of the fans. They leave the stage and Jaime hands his guitar off to their tech then runs to me. He picks me up and spins me around carrying me to the dressing room, excitement still coursing through his veins. Jaime presses his lips to mine and I smile into the kiss from seeing how happy this makes him. The way he talks about it, the way his eyes light up. The passion Jaime has for this is written all over his face and I understand why. The vibe off of the crowd, it definitely feels like a home, like a family. Along with the crew and how the other band had came out and did a ‘prank’ on them, it’s all like a huge family.
Someone, whom I’m guessing is part of Sleeping with Sirens’ crew, bursts into the room asking if me and the other girls would help with something. Leaving the guys behind, he leads us to backstage where girlfriends of guys in the other bands are waiting, resulting in there being 11 of us. Sleeping with Sirens is already out on stage having started their set 10 minutes earlier. After an explanation of what to do we wait in the wings. During the transition into If I’m James Dean, You’re Audrey Hepburn the girls and I walk out and find places to stand or sit and start blowing bubbles along with bubble machines set up on side stage. I’m standing in front of, yet to the side of the drums and from where I am it looks beautiful. At the end of the song the guys give us half hugs on our way out while they take a minute with Kellin speaking and we make our way off of the stage.
I find Pierce the Veil and All Time Low in the balcony, what was closed off to the crowd due to being a general admission concert. Jaime once again glues himself to my side still while joking with Alex Gaskarth, whom gives me a smile and a ‘hello’ before he has to leave to get ready for their set. As soon as All Time Low leaves Casey and Sleeping with Sirens bring up a box containing nearly enough remote control toy helicopters, along with beers for everyone, for both Pierce the Veil and Sleeping with Sirens. They spend about 15 minutes making sure the helicopters work then watch All Time Low’s set waiting for a song.
Six Feet Under the Stars begins and the guys send the helicopters down hovering around the men on stage. I really don’t know how the guys can tell which one is their own, must be focusing on it. The song ends but no one has brought their copters back yet. Taking a break between songs Alex and Jack start making their usual dick jokes, they’re always expected but every damn time they are hilarious. Rian sticks his drumstick in the air hitting a copter with it, at the same one lands on Zacks outstretched hand. Still making jokes Jacks attempting to catch the toys, he actually manages to when a bra thrown from the crowd gets caught on one. A helicopter nearly collides with Alex’s head, “You fuckers,” he laughs into his mic.
The boys bring back the toys and we all hang out watching the rest of the show. At the end we head down from the balcony and all 3 bands gather on stage going into a somewhat-speech telling the fans how wonderful they are and how much fun all the fans made the tour and tell them thank you for all they’ve done. They take a group picture with the crowd behind them, much like how Pierce the Veil had. All of the boys stand on the stage hugging and telling each other how great it was touring with each other. They fille off of the stage while the venue workers make all the fans exit the theater.
Jaime walks up to me and shouts, “Ready to party?” Before I can even respond he’s pulling me to a big room in the back of the venue where most of the band members and crew members already are. We walk up to Rian and Jack of All Time Low where Jaime introduces me, “Hey guys this is Haley. Hales this is Jack,” he gestures to the guy on the left then towards the other guy, “And this is Rian.”
“Fuck man, you’ve got a hot girlfriend, and it’s ‘bout time we meet,” Jack tells Jaime then turns his attention to me, “Hey.”
“Well thanks,” I say with a laugh.
“Baby I’m gonna go talk to some of the other guys. Are you fine here?” Jaime inquires.
“As long as they don’t care then yea I’m alright,” Jaime gives me a kiss on the cheek and before he can pull away I whisper low enough for just him to hear, “Does anyone know about?” I trail off.
Jaime replies in the same hushed tone, “Nope. Just us.” I nod and watch as he walks away.
“So it’s nice to meet you. You guys are amazing. I had heard some of your music before I found out about the tour but once Jaime told me about it I started looking up the songs and got hooked. Same with Sleeping with Sirens,” I state. “Before then I listened to mostly Jimmy Eat World or Blink-182 or Fall Out Boy. I guess I never strayed much from them.”
Jacks smile grew bigger at the mention of Blink. “Dude that’s fucking awesome. It’s official, we are now best friends.” Jack say causing the 3 of us to laugh.
Rian asks, “So how’s it going with meeting everyone? Jaime said that you didn’t know anyone before the tour.”
“Besides just saying hi to Alex, you guys are the first I have met.”
As if on cue, Alex appears beside me, “Speaking of saying hi earlier I didn’t get your name. You’re with Jaime right?”
“Yea, I’m Haley.”
“Nice to meet you then.”
“I’m gonna go get a drink. Do you guys want any?” Rian questions.
Both Alex and Jack say yes leaving me to say no. Alex then speaks, “You do know everyone’s drinking tonight, right?”
“Everyone but me. Not in the mood for it.” He gives me a confused look before we decide to part ways. I wander around the room looking for Jaime or the other guys or even their girlfriends. Tripping over something I collide with someone whom grabs my arm keeping me from falling. I find out the guy who grabbed my arm is Gabe Barham from Sleeping with Sirens and end up talking to him along with Justin Hills and Jack Fowler, both also in the same band, plus Zack of All Time Low. Conversations start finding out who each other are and forming friendships then going other ways in which results meeting other people. I typically stay with one person I meet until I meet another and we move off to meet others. Everybody is extremely nice and they all seem to be such good friends, making so many jokes. I quickly found out if Jack and Alex are together then they are off the fucking walls making so many, mainly sexual, jokes but I can’t say they’re not funny, I’ve been crying from laughter.
Jaime finds me and pulls me to the bar so he can get another drink before they do a toast to the tour. He manages getting the bartender to find a water bottle for me and the toast begins, “To the best fucking tour and everyone on it.”
“To our amazing techs, we couldn’t do this without you guys.”
“To our fans and families and friends who’ve given so much fucking support.”
Many other things were said and I couldn’t keep track of who was speaking until Jaime exclaims, “And to my pregnant girlfriend,” then a lot of people take shots or pop champagne bottles or wine. I was definitely not expecting him to announce it but I definitely can’t say I’m mad about it. The way he said it and the huge smile on his face shows his excitement and happiness and this makes me feel so damn special and loved. Jaime and I receive a lot of “congratulations” and hugs and questions on how far along I am then they all return to getting drunk and acting like idiots from the alcohol. I don’t want Jaime to miss out on partying drinking with his friends so I push him out towards them. I hop up onto a barstool and cross my legs where Kate finds me.
“Sneak in?”
“Yep, they wouldn’t let me in. ‘You can’t go in, you’re not 21,’” Kate groans. “Just watch me get in. I have my ways.” She winks at me since we both know she could probably get in anywhere she want. This girl definitely has a way with words and it’s hard to say no to her. “So Jaime told everyone. Are you okay with it or what?”
“I’m okay with it. Did you see how big of a smile he had? I don’t know, it just felt right. You know the feeling of when someone takes pride in having you as their friend or family or whatever and they announce it to everyone and they love you. That’s how it feels. That was my second favorite part of tonight. Seeing them play was the most amazing thing ever.”
We sit in silence for a few minutes before Kate speaks up, “Hales, weird question, but do you think Mike loves me?”
“Honestly, I’m like 90% sure he does. The way he looks at you and talks about you and to you. And how he holds you and holds your hand and doesn’t want you to leave his side and that smile he gets at the mention of your name. Yea I really think he does. Why?”
“He asked me to be his girlfriend when he got home yesterday,” Kate beams.
“Oh my god that fucking awesome Kate,” I exclaim You should’ve told me sooner.”
“You’re the first person I’ve told. With the guys and everyone just getting home, I don’t know I didn’t want to come by your place and interrupt your time with Jaime plus I wanted a much time as possible with Mike. Speaking of Mike.”
He walks up to us and gives Kate a kiss then puts his arm around her. “Hey, do you guys know where Jaime and Vic are?”
“No idea about Vic but a while ago I made Jaime actually party with you guys instead of being glued to my side,” I inform him with a grin. “‘Bout damn time you idiot.”
“What?” I laugh shaking my head, he’ll figure it out sooner or later. “What time is it?”
I pull my phone from my purse to check, “It’s 4:30 fucking am.”
“Already? Damn, no wonder why people are leaving.”
“Yep and neither of you are driving, you both have been drinking. I’m taking you guys and Vic and Emily home then I’m coming back for Hime, Tony and Steph. Go find your brother Mike.”
Mike leaves to search for Vic without a word and Kate stays with me, “I only had one,” she mumbled, “How are our cars getting home?”
“I’ve got it worked out. Em didn’t drink either so I’m taking you guys in my car, she’s going to drive your car to the house and leave it there. Then she’s coming back with me and I’ll get Jaime, Tone and Stephanie in my car and drive to Stephs place with Emily taking their car and leaving it there. I’ll drive her to your guys’ place and me and Jaime will go home.”
“How are you getting everyones keys?”
“Stole them from them earlier,” I beamed and opened my purse showing her the 3 sets of keys. “You guys made it so easy carpooling with Vic and Em.”
~~
Kate and I managed to round up the boys along with Steph and Emily. After we said goodbyes to all of our new friends and exchanged some numbers, Emily and I got everyone home. It was much easier than I thought it’d be, no one protested about me taking them home, most likely because I had their keys. Tonight was amazingly fun, so many pictures and videos were taken which I’m kinda expecting to be up in the morning. Jaime and I hadn’t gotten home until about 5:30 since we were saying bye to so many people then driving home the rest of Pierce the Veil.
Sitting in bed besides a sleeping Jaime my mind wanders back to what the girls had said about Hime and me. I really have no idea how anything’s going to happen. Between the touring they’ll be doing, which I had earlier found out they’ve already been talking about doing another soon, and with me being pregnant. Before he had left I was scared that he’d find someone better than me and now I don’t know. Sometimes I feel like he’s only with me because of the circumstances. Does he still love me? Does he even still want me? And the worst question going through my head is, if I lose the baby will he stay? It’s terrifying but I don’t think I can even tell Jaime any of this. I already know he’d say he loves me and it’ll never happen. But what if it does happen? These thoughts won’t stop running around in my mind and it’s making me dizzy. What’s it all going to come down to?
8/27/13