TELEVISION
Nick was staring me down as I walked towards his spot on the couch, and obvious look of distaste in his eyes. All I could do is hang my head low as I took the spot next to him, all ready for their foreboding speeches.
"I though you had more self-control." Kevin finally spoke, breaking the tension.
"I didn't. But I did think you could hold out longer. You gave into him mighty quick." Nick didn't even look at me as he spoke. He just kept strumming out notes on his guitar.
"I know. I'm weak." I spoke, finally, after a five-minute wait.
"We knew it would happen." Kevin shrugged, fiercely strumming the plastic guitar connected to the television. "We just didn't think it would only be a day on the bus. Especially with how pissed Joe was at first."
"Yeah. Maybe it had to do with my drunken apology." Nick's head shot up.
"You apologized to him? After all the shit he said? Especially about us?"
"Yes, Nick, I apologized to him. I fucking left him for two years after he told me he loved me and I was his everything. I basically screwed him over for no good reason."
"You couldn't help it, Delilah! Your parents made you leave! Are you seriously that delusional? Ever since you left him, he's been a huge egotistical dick, and this thing between you two, it won't change him. He'll still be a huge dick with a big ego when the tour ends, and after that." Nick looked truly hurt. I couldn't believe his words. "You can not and will not change him, as much as anyone wants it." He finished, standing, and making his way towards the bunks. I heard a short little tiff between him and Joe, which ended with a loud 'fuck off', and decided it was best to stay out of it.
"You're stupid, Dee." Kevin spoke quietly, still focusing on the colored buttons that flowed across the screen. I stood slowly and sat down next to him on the carpeted floor, leaning against him slightly.
"Apparently." I sighed.
"He just cares about you. Maybe a little too much."
"You don't mean…?"
"Of course I mean that, Delilah. Your first night in L.A., you clung to Nick like he was your only outlet. And now, you're completely turning on him because of Joe." I looked at him in disbelief. "And to top it all off, Nick is completely right, but you won't get that through your head until Joe breaks your heart out of revenge. Have fun?"
"Wow, Kevin. You've really proved to be a huge dick." He just shrugged, but I continued to watch him play anyway, not wanting to get caught in the crossfire in the bunk.
This was going to be a long four months.
PHOTO OP
The curtain to my bunk was pulled back with force and a magazine appeared in front of my hazy eyes. A picture of Joe, his hands around my waist and his lips pressed against mine, graced the cover. The title simple stated 'Love On Tour'.
"So?"
"So? That's all you have to say for yourselves?" It was Kevin attached to the magazine. "Do you know how much hate mail your agent is receiving? Girls want to rip you to shreds." He tossed the magazine at me, rolling his eyes. "At least now everybody knows your name." I just sighed.
"Whatever, it's just a picture." I heard Nick scoff loudly.
"Show her the inside." His voice was quiet from under me, but I could still hear the anger in it. Kevin did as he was told, flipping to the middle of the magazine. A whole collage of pictures-me holding Nick's hand with his arm around my waist, me splashing into the water with both boys flanked at my sides, and tons of me kissing Joe-covered the whole page. Glossy photos of my well-toned backside being pushed into the water by the laughing boys, and kissing half of said boys, were blown up for all the gossip world to see.
"Holy shit."
"You aren't kidding. We haven't told Joe yet, but not only are you two considered dating because of this, but you're also sort of a whore." Nick's voice was less angered as he said this. I just rolled my eyes.
"I'm too tired to care right now, but when I wake up later, I'll record a video explaining the situation and post it on YouTube. It'll be cleared up." Kevin broke out into a fit of sarcastic laughter.
"Yeah, like that'll do anything. Except maybe make people angrier."
"Whatever. I'll just ignore it then." I shrugged simply, turning over. Kevin grabbed my shoulder and I was facing him again.
"Yeah. No. It's all over every magazine. I wouldn't be surprised if you have an article in Cosmo or some shit." I just clucked my tongue.
"We have a show tonight and I need to sleep. If this," I snatched the magazine out of his hands, holding it up right at the end of his nose, "is the worst of our problems, then I think we're fine." I heard Joe stir in his bunk, pulling back the sheets while rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"What's the problem?"
"Pictures of you and Smutty McWhore-Slut up there. Apparently, she's two-timing me with you, even though I was there the whole time. People are seriously stupid." Nick spoke quickly, tossing the magazine up at Joe. He just skimmed it quickly and handed it back slowly.
"I really don't want anyone knowing I'm into you." He explained, straight-faced. Well, there goes a little piece of my heart. He didn't seem affected by my obviously hurt face.
"Then fix it." I stated, quietly, lowering myself back to the mattress. I snuck a quick glance at Nick, who was shaking his head sympathetically. "Say something at the show." I resisted the urge to flip him off and closed my eyes tight, not letting the tears escape. It seemed like all I do lately is cry with these boys.