Page 107 of Five Summers

The atmosphere in the elevator is tense and quiet, and I can sense that Ace is itching to criticize all of my flaws. It’s such a stark contrast to how he used to be in our school days when we would hang out together. He embraced me, faults and all, understanding that this was the real me. But now, it’s clear that the mere thought of my actions annoys him endlessly.

As the elevator doors open, my head is pounding like crazy, and I’m immediately met with deafening shrieks that threaten to make my head explode. Five girls sprint towards Ace and me.

"Hey, Xander, can you sign these?" One girl passes me a marker and lifts her top for me to sign her skin.

Back in the day when Ace and I used to talk about our groupies and fame, I always imagined these moments to be fulfilling. I believed it would make me happy to have the world at my feet and the power to have any girl I wanted. I had this vision of attaining a god-like status, adored by millions. But to be honest, it hasn’t lived up to my expectations. These girlsonly desire the version of Xander they see on stage, the persona portrayed to the public. None of them truly understands the real me, the one burdened with deep scars. The one who sometimes struggles to breathe. The one who yearns for something more meaningful than the life I find myself in. This empty feeling that's been haunting me for years.

After snapping a few more pics and signing some more tits, Ace and I head towards the side door where Reg and the rest of the band are waiting. The rest of the group is already in the car. Reg stands alone, his gaze fixed on his phone.

As soon as we approach, Reg turns around. Even with those sunglasses and his wannabe security guard vibe, I can tell he's pissed. I've seen that look on his face so many times in the past three years, ever since I found out the record label was screwing us over and now I refuse to comply.

“Where the fuck have you been?” he asks, his voice filled with irritation.

“Avoiding you, asshole.” I move past him and get in the car beside Theo.

Once Ace and Reg get in, the car takes off to the airport. I stare out the window, purposely avoiding eye contact with Reg. I know that if I turn my head, he’ll be glaring at me. One of these days, I swear I’m gonna lose my shit at him.

“Well, have you told him?” Reg asks, no doubt just wanting to hear himself speak. He always enjoys doing that.

“No,” Ace responds. “I don't think now's the right time.”

I glance at Ace, who is looking at Reg with a silent plea for him to be quiet.

“What do you have to tell me?” I ask. My voice carries a sharp edge as I lock eyes with my childhood friend. There are moments when I feel like I don’t even recognize this guy anymore. He has changed, and not for the better. I sometimes wonder if he enjoys being controlled by the label that owns us,since he always does everything they tell him to do. The Ace I used to know never gave a damn about authority or the rules. This version of Ace is incredibly embarrassing compared to the hot-headed, rule-breaking kid who used to be my friend. It’s like he’s completely sold his soul to the label.

“What’s going on?” Nate asks.

“Nothing that affects you?” Reg says.

“Hey, listen up, fucker,” says Nate. “If something affects Xander, it affects all of us. You can’t just throw out a comment like that and keep us in the dark.”

Lately, Theo, Nate, and I have been having conversations about where the record label is taking us, and we’re not happy with it. Unfortunately, we feel powerless to do anything about it. On top of that, everyone here thinks Reg is a complete asshole, all except for Ace.

“We have a few matters to discuss concerning the upcoming tour,” Reg states. “On Thursday, the label wants to address a few things—”

“The rules, you mean. Just say it straight. It’s all about the rules,” interrupts Nate.

“Come on,” says Ace. “We can sort everything out at the meeting.”

I eye Ace for a brief moment before redirecting my attention back towards the window. There’s no point in arguing or trying to make my point heard because, regardless of what I, Nate, or Theo say, no one listens. We’re merely humble puppets to be manipulated by the damn label. Sometimes, I wish I could boldly tell them to go screw themselves and that they can stick their contract where the sun doesn’t shine. However, I could never do that to the rest of the band, including Ace.

Soon enough, we reach the airport and board the company plane. At least this way, I can create some distance betweenmyself, Reg, and Ace for the next couple of hours, until we finally touch down.

Chapter forty-three

Poppy

Over the next week, I handle all the arrangements. I pay the rent in advance and stock up the food shelves, since Mrs. B will be staying for the entire duration while I’m away. Every day, I try to spend as much time as possible with Alex because the mere thought of being separated from him is unbearable.

Yesterday, I had a conversation with my boss, Nicole, about taking some unpaid time off. However, it didn’t go as I had expected. I think she is still upset with me because I failed to introduce her to Ace or Xander. Unfortunately, this situation has led to my decision to finish my current job by the end of this week. It’s disheartening to know that when I return, I will have the added stress of finding a job.

Earlier today, I got a text from Ace, asking for my address so he could arrange a car to pick me up and take me to the airport. In response, I asked if Xander knew I was coming on the tour. Ace told me that Xander still does not know. I hope they tell him soon because I don't know how he'll react when he sees me getting on the plane. I know for a fact that he'll be pissed.

With just four days remaining until I depart, there’s still a lot of tasks left to complete. I haven’t even begun packing because I still need to buy a new suitcase. The stitching on the zipper of my old one came undone.

While I patiently wait for Alex to put on his socks and shoes, I suddenly hear a knock at the door. I quickly move over, eager to find out who it could be. But as soon as I see Mrs. B, with tears in her eyes and a troubled look, I know something's wrong.

“What’s happened?” I ask, taking a step back to let her come inside.

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