Twenty-Seven

Bryson's POV

There was a thin line between reality and make-believe right now. I was positive that was Summer back at the airport that day. Why would my visions change so rapidly like that? Maybe it was the medication wearing off.

I was forced into talking to Beckman later that week by Reese, and he upped my prescriptions. It pissed me off that no one took my word seriously. I know she was real, why would I make that up now?

Everything was almost ready for the concert. My emotions felt numb from the medication and I hated it. I hoped it wouldn't interfere with my playing. I've sat away in the back corner waiting to be cued on. Everyone was accounted for but Asher. Kevin was frantically running around looking for him, but we felt it was no use. He'd show up when he wanted to.

"There you are! we're on in three minutes!" Ryland exclaims as Ash walks into the room. He catches my gaze but looks away with guilt. as I'm about to ask what up, I'm being pushed with the rest of the guys out to the stage. Guess I'll have to find out later.

We all head to our positions and look out at the crowd. There were thousands of people before us, anxious to hear us play. It was loud, but soon calmed down when we started our set.

The rush of the music combined with people enjoying it was mesmerizing. I felt lighter than I have in in long while and I didn't want it to cease. It made me forget my worries for a second, and it felt amazing.

the lights go dim after our last song and the crowd screams. We're all smiling like fools as we go back to our room backstage and watch the other band walk on.

"I could get used to that feeling!" Ryland exclaims taking a water from the mini-fridge.

"I know right." Reese beams back at him, while I train my eyes onto Ash.

He was in the farthest corner away from me still avoiding my glances. I steadily walk in his direction and his visible tenses with each step. Something was up and I was going to find out. Especially if it involves me.

"What's going on with you?" I ask in a hushed tone. I didn't want to make a big scene unless I needed to.

"What do you mean?" He shrugs his shoulders, not looking at me directly. What was he playing at?

"You can't even look at me, dude." I sigh before continuing. "Obviously it has something to do with me so spit it out. Now."

"I, I think I..." He starts but stops when he finally meets my gaze. Why was he stopping, surely it wasn't that big of news.

"What?" I urge him to carry on, burying my frustration with him.

"I saw Summer before the show!" He screeches loudly gaining the attention of the other two while I take a step back. "I don't how but I'm sure it was her. I don't know what to think!"

I'm not crazy. He saw her too, here tonight. The other two start firing questions at Asher while I stumble backward into the wall. I wasn't sure what to take from this. After so much fighting about what I saw the other day, I finally have someone else to back me up. I wasn't making it up, the realization of her here and alive sinks into my heart heavily.

Why would she show up now three years after? Where had she been and why didn't she try to get in touch? It didn't make sense. I was so severely fucked up and finally about to move on, and now she decides to step back in.

The air was getting thicker and I felt like I was choking. My heartbeat was loud in my ears and I wanted to scream. Pushing past them, I make a hasty exit to the outside. I needed air and I needed it now. My brain was going a hundred miles per hour and I could keep up. She had vanished only to come back once I'm at my worst.

Why did this have to happen to me! It isn't fair. My emotions were getting the best of me as I fall to my knees in a dark alley next to the building. My eyes were filling with tears but I didn't have the energy to care right now.

Two feet appear in front of me and I hesitate to look up. I Kew who it was and I was scared to confirm. Summer was here but it wasn't the real one.

"Why are you here?!" I yell into nothing. She just stares down at me as I sob harder. "You're not real, why are you here. She's back so you shouldn't be here!"

I felt hopeless as she ducked to my level. I had no grip on reality and I could feel life crumple before me, tantalizing my every move. I could hear my name repeatedly called in the distance getting closer. I wipe my eyes and push her thought away from me.

I was completely losing my mind and I was terrified that I wouldn't be able to become my sane self again. What was happening to me?

"There you are!" Reese huffs as he pushed the door open. "Guys! I found him!" He calls back before closing the door behind him.

I had no idea what to say. The shock on his face was evident that he didn't either.

"I need help." Was all I could say before everyone surrounded me. I was not in a place to continue with the fake Summer haunting me whenever I get upset or lost in thought. What happens when the two collide?

"let's go back inside." Reese says pulling me back inside as they follow close behind.

♡