California

Mikey’s POV

Tears threatened to spill onto my cheeks as I walked away from her, the cool wind hitting my face. I still heard her voice faintly calling out my name, but I didn’t care. My feet pounded on the pavement as I sprinted, eager to get away from her and especially Vic and Tony. I soon reached a dimly lit park and slowed down, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand. I was breathing heavily as I found a bench and took a seat, burying my head in my hands.

How could she do this to me? I told her everything had happened with my ex-girlfriend and how she cheated on me. I told her how much it hurt me. Then, she turns around and does the exact same thing. It’s even worse that it’s with two guys I actually considered my friends. How many nights when I didn’t sleep over were her and Tony or her and Vic getting it on?

I felt so stupid. I should have known. She said she was just really close with all of them, but now I know what she meant by ‘close’. I wonder if she has been with Jaime and Mike as well. She’s been lying to me our whole relationship. I told her I loved her and I meant it, but apparently she can throw that word around like it’s nothing. I really thought she was special. I thought it’d be different with her. She seemed so much nicer than the girls that usually show interest in me, and I never thought she’d cheat on me. I was even willing to do long distance with her, even though six months ago I thought long distance was a waste of time. She really had me fooled.

I could feel my phone vibrating against my thigh and reached into my pocket. I had missed calls from all of the guys, and even some from Vic and Tony. I scrolled through and saw that Skylar hadn’t contacted me once. I know I said I never wanted to see her again, but that was a lie. My feelings for her are more intense than I thought they could be for anyone. Despite what she did, I still love her.

A brief thought to quit the tour flashed through my brain but I quickly dismissed it. It’s our first time in the United States and to blow it off because of some girl would be rash. She’s not just some girl, though. The rest of the tour will be really awkward now. I won’t be able to see her, Vic, or Tony without wanting to lose it. I feel bad for Erin and Danielle as well. They’re nice girls, and they don’t deserve their boyfriends to be cheating bastards any more than I deserve my girlfriend cheating on me.

I grinded my teeth together as the mental image of her with Vic and Tony entered my mind. It made me sick to my stomach and I leaned forward on the bench, taking deep breaths to calm myself. How did all of this get so messed up? Five hours ago I was playing the best show of the tour, looking down every once and a while to see her snapping pictures. Five hours ago everything was good. Part of me didn’t want to believe it. Kellin had sounded drunk when he said it, and I know he doesn’t like Sky that much. She confirmed it though, and the hard knot in my stomach formed as soon as the words left her mouth. I had actually pictured it working out; we’d get married, have some kids, and live in a nice house near the beach. Now that could never happen.

I heard soft footsteps approaching me. I figured it was probably a teenager or something and kept my head in my hands, the tears silently flowing. “Mikey?” I looked up to see Erin standing in front of me with a small smile on her lips. I wiped away some more tears.

“What do you want?” I was not trying to be impolite, but tonight just wasn’t my night and I’m fuming.

She did not seem fazed at all. She nodded towards the empty spot next to me. “Can I sit?” I nodded glumly and she took a seat. It was quiet for a few moments before she spoke again. “The stars are really visible tonight.” I shrugged and it was quiet once more.

She sighed and turned her body to face me. “I think that you should hear Sky out.”

I laughed bitterly. “You’re sticking up for her when she’s been sleeping with your boyfriend?”

She shook her head. “They’re not sleeping together.”

“Didn’t you hear her? She confirmed it in front of everyone.”

“No, she confirmed that they did sleep together. Past tense.”

I looked up to her face. “You knew?”

She nodded. “Tony told me a few months after we started dating. He told me the story, and I really think you should hear it for yourself before you accuse her of cheating on you.”

“How can you be so sure they’re not still sleeping together?”

She smiled softly at me and ran her fingers through her hair. “I know both of them. I know that neither of them would do that.”

“She lied to me.”

“I understand that. And I do agree that she should have told you about it, but that does not mean you can accuse her of cheating.”

“Why else wouldn’t she tell me?” I snapped and turned to face her.

She frowned. “I don’t know. Maybe she was scared that you’d react exactly how you are right now.”

“Well, it’s kind of important to know if she lives with any of the guys she fucked ten months out of the year. She’s already slept with half of the band, and I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that she slept with Jaime and Mike, too.”

I could tell she was starting to get frustrated with me, but she hid it well. She took a deep breath and looked me directly in the eyes. “She did not sleep with Vic, Mike, or Jaime.”

“Kellin said her and Vic dated.”

“Just because you date someone doesn’t mean you have sex with them.”

I shrugged and looked back down to the pavement. “What happened with her and Tony?”

“It’s not my place to say. All I know is that you should sit down and have a talk with her. Let her explain herself. It’s not always how it seems.” With that we were quiet. The only sound around us was the harmony of crickets chirping and the occasional rusting of leaves when the wind blew through the trees. Her presence was very calming, and I felt my anger and hurt subsiding. I thought about what she said and figured I might as well give Sky a chance to explain herself. If there was a way to work this out then I’d be more than eager. I don’t want to lose her. Plus, if Erin was still staying with Tony after he told her, then it must not be as bad as my mind thinks it is.

I do not know why Erin stayed with me. She could have left at any time, but she sat there quietly beside me for a good hour or so. Occasionally she’d comment on a bug or the moon, and I had a feeling she was just trying to comfort me, which I found extremely kind since we hardly knew each other. Soon, I felt calm enough to go back. We both stood up and walked in peaceful silence. I was grateful for it, since I knew as soon as I got onto the bus I’d be bombarded with questions. We walked at a leisurely pace, and I wasn’t in a hurry to get back at all. When the venue we played at came into view it was nearly one thirty in the morning. I sighed as I saw the lights in my bus were still on.

“Thank you, Erin,” I mumbled as we entered the parking lot. She gave me a small smile and leaned in for a hug. I was taken aback but wrapped my arms around her nonetheless.

“Thank you for making Sky so happy. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to her. I know you’re a good guy and you’ll at least hear her out,” she whispered into my ear. We pulled apart and she gave me a small wave before turning and heading towards Pierce the Veil’s bus. I stared after her, wondering if what she said was true. As she walked onto the bus I wondered what Sky was doing at that moment and if she was thinking about me at all.

After a few minutes I sighed and slowly walked over to my bus. I opened the door and welcomed the warmth that instantly engulfed me. I walked up the steps and stared into the lounge. Everyone’s eyes were on me and it was silent. James decided to speak up. “There’s some tea if you want some.”

“No, thanks. I’m just going to go to bed.” I started to walk past them when Sam’s voice stopped me.

“You alright, mate?” I looked back at them and shrugged. I knew they could see my eyes were red from crying, and I looked horrible.

“No.”

“Fancy talking about it?” Joe asked.

I shook my head. “No. I’m going to talk to Sky tomorrow and see what she has to say.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Dave asked.

“Erin found me and talked some sense into me. I’m going to at least hear her out. I love her and if there’s any chance that this could work then I’m not going to pass up that opportunity.” That seemed to be a good enough answer for them. I headed into the small bathroom and splashed some water on my face before I vigorously brushed my teeth, eager to get the aftertaste of vodka out of my mouth. I slipped on basketball shorts and a t-shirt before I climbed into my bunk and closed my eyes.

Notes