I was building a brick wall to protect the city from invaders. Every time I'd put up a nice section and move on, one brick would pop out and two eyes would stare back at me, saying one word. Please. But, I would just pop the brick back in and move on. It hurt for some reason, but I knew I had to keep going, or the invaders would get in and everyone would die.

I woke up in a cold sweat with Jack shaking me, trying to force me to regain consciousness.I wiped the sweat from my brow and patiently waited for my heart rate to slow down.

"What's wrong?" Jack asked, sliding into the bunk with me and wrapping his arms around me. It was a completely friendly gesture.

"I've been having awful dreams the last few nights," I sighed, finding comfort in Jack's friendly embrace, but it just didn't feel right. He wasn't muscly or tan enough.

"Well, don't worry, Carter. You'll be back home in two days and you'll finally e able to sleep in your own bed," Jack reassured me.

I busted out sobbing again. "I have to move out of Oliver's when I get back!" I wailed.

Jack rubbed my back while I cried until I fell asleep again.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
*JAIME'S POV*

The bus has been so empty since Carter left. I barely got up anymore, just laid in my bunk when I wasn't playing. I was going to be back in San Diego in two days. Warped ended tomorrow and I had to take a plane ride back with the guys. Honestly, the thought of going back to that goddamn apartment killed me.

I mean, it would be like it always had, but at least on the bus, there were still traces of Carter. My Carter. She left a few of her bobby pins on the sink, her favorite cereal remained uneaten in the cabinet, she still had the latest season of Doctor Who recorded on the TV... just little things like that.

I remember the morning she left. The way Jack and Alex kept her from having to see me. I managed to get Zack to put the ring back in her bag, though. I put the last picture of us and her ring in a small envelope with my address in case she ever changed her mind. I guess I'll never know whether Zack actually put it in her bag, but I'll just have to hope.

"Jaime, man," Mike opened the bunk curtain, the stink of weed, sex, and alcohol about making me choke. "We're going clubbing since the guys from Tonight Alive are leaving tonight. Wanna come?"

"Nah, man..." I sighed and tried to think of a viable excuse. "I'm just gonna-"

"Mope around because Carter is trying to do what she thinks is right? No. Fuck no, man. Where's my man who pulled an all-nighter and got an 'A' on his history final the next day? You're coming with us and drowning your feelings in alcohol. Get up."

I sighed and drug myself out of bed. Mike slapped a beanie on my head, handed me some fresh clothes, and pushed me into the bathroom. I put on the clothes, deodorant, and made my way (slowly) out to where the guys were waiting. Ruby, Kathy, and Logan were all out there, but Carter was missing. I felt a sharp pang in my heart. I quickly grabbed the bottle of Jack already open and in Mike's hand, taking a huge swig and letting it burn my throat.

"Let's get bent, motherfuckers!"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
*CARTER'S POV*

All the guys had left me alone on the bus since they were headed to a club. I stayed back so I could surf Tumblr and text Gavin. He was consoling me and promising to visit once Warped is over. A knock came at the door of the bus and my heart leaped into my throat. Did Jaime finally come back to tell me he loves me and he won't let me leave?

My hope sank when I opened the door only to find Austin standing there with a 2 liter of Strawberry Faygo and a pint of chocolate ice cream. This was probably my favorite heartbreak helper when we were in high school together.

"Hey," he half-smiled.

"Hey," I repeated.

"I know you're hurting, babe. But, I figured if we hung out like old times and talked and made fun of his tiny dick that might make you feel better," Austin blurted out.

"Thanks, Aus," I said, barely being able to manage a smile, but I was insanely grateful. If he weren't here, I might've been tempted to just switch out my tickets and catch the first plane home.

We sat on the couch, drinking Faygo and talking until about two in the morning when I fell asleep on Austin's shoulder. I don't really remember much of anything except crying and trying to push my feelings back down, but like vomit, they just wouldn't stop until I let them out.

I hope Jaime can understand that this is hurting me, too. But, it's for the best. I'll build up my walls, brick by boring brick, until I don't feel this pain anymore. Until the day that I can move on and live the wretched life I was always destined to.

Notes

Song Credit: Brick by Boring Brick - Paramore
Only about 1 or 2 chapters left. There will be a sequel my darlings, do not fret. But I shall leave you with this.
So, what do you think Jaime's going to do?
What about Carter?
What happens to Oli?
You'll just have to wait and see... c;