As we neared the crowd it got louder and louder. It felt like home, and it was for the next few months.
Austin and I were making our way towards the main stage when we ran into Alex and Rian from All Time Low.
"Lorelei!" They both screamed to me at the same time and I release Austins hands and ran to them, tackling them both into a hug.
"Hey! Y'know for living a half hour from each other we don't see each other enough." I told them punching Alexs arm as I saw Austin talking to someone then made his
way over after the guy left, chuckling to his self.
"What are you laughing at mister?" I asked him while poking his cheek.
"Nothing," he told me.
We continued our way backstage with Alex and Rian, we had to stop here and there so the guys could get pictures with fans. Some fans will ask who I am and ask for
pcitures but Austin and I have both agreed that we shouldn't let my name or face really get out there because there are some crazy fans so I'm known as "Eyes Set to
Kills manager" and we leave it at that, which is another reason I've never told Vic that I was Austin Carliles girlfriend.
"So who are we going to see?" I asked Austin.
"Well, I wanted you to meet my friends Pierce The Veil and see them perform, they're amazing. But, their set is at the same time as ours on another stage."
"Oh, I'd rather see you perform, so who else is there?" I asked him.
"Hm, we could watch your best friends set then just go walk around a bit. ATL goes on soon."
"Sounds great," I told him as I pecked his cheek. I started walking over to where the boys were standing but Austin told me to wait a second. I sat there and watched
Austin Jog over to them and they all huddled together and started talking, not being able to hear what they were saying and couldn't help but wander over to try and
hear. I snuck up behind Jack and could just barely make out my name being said, but then Flyzik yelled, "Hey guys, I hope you know she's right there!"
I glared at him and he just held his hands up in surrender laughing and turned to walk away.
I turned back towards the guys and they were all there giving me the same glare I was just giving Flyzik.
"What?" I asked as innocently as possible. "Was I not supposed to be hearing what you guys were saying?"
"No, that would be why I asked you to stay back a second." Austin said with a glare in my direction.
"Come on," I whined draging out 'n'. "I heard you say my name, just tell me!"
Austin shook his head, so I looked over to Alex and he just gave me a "nope" as did Zack, Rian and Jack.
"Ugh, whatever. You guys suck!" I walked away from them to sit by myself and ponder what the hell they were talking about.
I was standing with my back to the stage scrolling through Tumblr on my phone when I felt a pair of arms wrap themselves around my waist. At first I was startled but
relaxed into the embrace once I saw the familiar tattoos.
"Just be patient, I promise it'll be worth it," he whispered into my ear and placed gentle kisses on my neck, which was glistening from the California heat.
"Fine," I sighed, and turned around to wrap my arms around him. "I love you," I murmured into his chest.
He kissed the top of my head and replied with a hushed, "I love you too," and added, "More than you will ever know."
I looked up to him and smiled, getting on my tip toes and planted my lips on his. Our lips danced together for a moment before we heard Alex call out, "Get a room!"
I released Austin and yelled to him, "You're just jealous, Gaskarth!" He grabbed his chest and feigned hurt then his fist flipped and he ended up flipping me off. As
soon as I sprinted off towards him a tech guy yelled, "ATL on stage now!" giving Alex a getaway because there was no way in hell I was going to get on that stage. He
turned towards me as he approached the mic and gave me a smirk and winked.
I walked back to Austin and shook my head, "That boy."
He just laughed and interlocked our fingers as we walked closer to the side stage and watch their set.
When the guys were done they ran off stage and put their instruments away and it was now 12:30 which means I have 20 minutes to get to ESTKs stage to help with their
set then go to Austins.
I told Austin I'd meet him back here before their set started, kissed him and was on my way. I had to run back to the bus to grab my sunglasses and as I was walking
back out of the parking lot I saw someone who was short with a snapback on and looked oddly familiar, but I only saw him from the back so I couldn't tell. I wanted to
get a closer look but when I looked at the time on my phone I only had 10 minutes to get to the stage and it's on the other side of the venue. I started to job to get
there faster, and luckily I made it 5 minutes before they go on.
"Hey guys!" I called when I saw them, they all turned and rushed towards me. "Sorry I'm late I had to run back to the bus then run through the crowds to get here," I
told them while out of breath.
"It's fine, we're just glad you're okay and could be here to watch our set," Tony told me with a cheesy grin, making me blush. It was time for them to get on stage and
I gave them all a hug. I watched them all dance around and interact with the fans and saw the passion on their faces. It's great being able to say I work with these
dorks.
Once they were done they all ran off stage, just like All Time Low had but instead of immediately putting their instruments down they came over to me and engluffed me
into a sweaty hug. We were all laughing and once i got passed the stench I enjoyed their embrace. My thoughts were interrupted though when I heard someoen yell for
someone named Vic and when I turned towards the yell I saw the same guy from earlier run off.
That's just a coincidence right? It's probably nothing.
I checked the time on my phone once the guys let me go, and it was only 1:45 which gave me more than enough time to go back to the bus and take a nap before Of Mices
set. So I told the guys what I was doing and reminded them that their signing started at 2:30 and they better not be late and that I would be making sure they're there
and if they aren't they're going to face my wrath. By now they know not to dis obey me because last time Jeremy didn't make it to a venue by soundcheck I stuffed him
in a rolling amp box and rolled him down the huge hill at the venue. Needless to say it was fucking hilarious but also scary enough that now none of them ever cross
me. Which is good because I give them a lot more freedom than most managers do.
Once I got back to the bus I decided just to sleep in the clothes I had on because, well, I'm just to damn lazy to change. I layed down in my bunk and plugged my phone
in, blaring Bring Me and dozed off to sleep.
~ ~ ~
My alarm for 2:00 went off and I called the guys to make sure they were at their tent and once I was assured that they were definitely there I tried to go back to
sleep before I had to meet up with Austin. I layed there for about 10 minutes before giving up and heading out to the lounge.
I grabbed a bowl and poured some Honey Nut Cheerios and milk and began eating. Once I finished eating I decided to take a shower, I plugged my phone into the Ihome and
began blaring my playlist that consisted of: Of Mice and Men, All Time Low, Bring Me the Horizon, Sleeping With Sirens, Real Friends, Eyes Set to Kill, Green Day, etc.
I washed my still bright blue hair, and shaved everything then hoped out and looked at myself in the mirror after drying myself. I'm getting quite tired of my blue
hair, yeah I love it but maybe it's time for some change.
I got dressed and decided to call Alyssa for some help on my hair. We've always helped each other with our hair and that isn't going to changed just because we're on
Warped Tour.
She picked up after the third ring.
Ayssa: Hey Lor!
Lorelei: Hey!
Alyssa: How are things going over there?
Lorelei: Really good, we watched ATLs set then I took a nap. What are you up to?
Alyssa: Nothign really, just hanging in the bus with Andy and these two guys from another band.
Lorelei: Oh that's cool, who is it?
Alyssa: Tony and Jaime from a band named Pierce The Veil.
Lorelei: Oh!Austin wanted me to meet them. He said they're awesome.
Alyssa: Yeah, they are.
Lorelei: Well that's good but guess why I was calling.
Alyssa: Why?
Lorelei: I feel like it's time to change from this blue, do some drastic change hah
Alyssa: Hell yeah, wanna go to the store real quick?
Lorelei: Uh, duh. That's why I called you!
Alyssa: Fine geez alright I'll be there soon.
Lorelei: Yay okay!
And with that we hung up and in no more than 5 minutes Alyssa was banging on the bus door. As soon as I saw her I ran out of the bus and we were on our way.
We decided to walk to the store instead of borrowing one of the cars, it's just easier to walk plus the mall isn't far from the venue.
Once we located the Hot Topic inside the insanely huge mall we grabbed two bleaching kits for my long hair and grabbed three bottles of bright purple, just to make
sure we had enough.
Back at the bus we entered the small bathroom and began to get the bleach ready and once she started applying it to my hair we realized it wasn't a good idea to stay
in that small area so we opened all of the windows and blared my playlist through the bus once again. After letting the bleach sit for 45 minutes we started rinsing it
out in the sink, which was a real bad idea. Water started going everywhere, the bleach seaping towards my eyes, both of us yelling to each other over the music. That
is the scene the four estk boys walked into with two others in tow. I couldn't tell who it was because Alyssa had to nicely gotten the soap in my eyes.
"Oh, hey guys what is up, yo," I said with my eyes closed still laughing. Alyssa and I couldn't contain our laughter after their confused looks on their face.
"Well, this is supposed to be a surprise so we're just gonna head back here and finish," I told them grabbing the hair dye off the floor and pulling Alyssa into the
small bathroom to fnish it in there.
We got all of the dye in my hair, needing all three bottles to successfully cover my whole head. Alyssa and I sat in the bathroom together just talking while waiting
the alloted 25 minutes.
With 5 minutes left Alyssa exclaimed, "Oh shit! Lor, we have to be at Of mices set in 15 minutes!"
"Calm down, we can run there after I rinse and blow dry.Now get out so I can shower real quick!"
Once the door was shut I hopped in and hurridely rinsed it out and washed my hair. When I got out I blowed dried it fast, happy with the final outcome. It's going take
Austin totally by surprise. I can't wait to see if he likes it.
I exited the bathroom to see just the four guys and Alyssa staring.
"Where did those other guys go?" I asked them all. Alyssa had a stunned look on her face and suddenly snapped out of her trance and looked at me.
"Holy shit Lor I love it!" She yelled, I smiled and thanked her for helping.
"Wow Lorelei it looks amazing, you're going to knock Austins socks off." Tony told me.
"Why thank you and speaking of, we need to hurry," I said directing the last part to Alyssa. But when we got up to leave all of the guys followed too.
"You guys are coming too?" I asked them, and they all looked at me with big smiles and just nodded. What is up with everyone today?
"Just ignore them," Alyssa told me, earning a confused nod from myself.
We finally reached the stage and I saw Austin pacing back and forth looking nervous and he hadn't seen me yet so I ran full speed at him and jumped on his back
covering his cheek with kisses then hoping off in front of him.
"What the fu-Lorelei!?" He said with a wide grin stretching across his face.
"In the flesh," I replied turning around in a circle, model style.
"Your hair!" He exclaimed. "I know, I felt like changing it up. You like it!?"
"I love it, baby. Then again I'd love you even if you had no hair at all. But it is really pretty. Just like you."
"You're so cheesy, I love it." I told him and slammed my lips onto his.
"Well, if you love cheesy you're really going to love me soon."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Oh, nothing."
"Austin, you know I hate when you do that."
"I know, I know. But don't worry, like I said earlier it'll be worth it," he told me with a chuckle and a kiss on the nose.
I finally looked around and noticed a bunch of the bands were back stage, which is unusual becaue this many don't ever really watch each others sets at once.
"Well, I'll leave you guys alone to get ready. Good lucky, I know you'll be great baby," I said to him, giving him a big kiss then leaving to find Alyssa.
When I finally found her the guys were already running on stage. She was hanging out with All Time Low because Andy wasn't here. When I appoached them they all just
stared at me and smmiled.
"You're all really startign to creep me the hell out, what is going on?!" I asked them.
Jack is the one who said something but it wasn't directed towards me. "Can I just tell her?!" He asked Alex.
"No, you fucker!" He yelled at him.
"Whatever, you guys are weird. I'm just going to watch their set. Call me over when you're done being creepy." And with that I walked closer to the stage and sat on
top of an amp. I loved watchign everyone here at Warped perform, but I especially loved watching Austin. His emotion shining through every lyric, you can see it in his
eyes, in his facial expressions, in the way he moves his body. He has a deep passion and he truly gives it his all for those kids in the audience watching. I can't but
have a stupid smile plastered on my face while I watch.
When the song ended I turned around to see with Alyssa and the guys were doing and was surprised to see that another guy had joined them, and it's the same guy from
earlier! What is happening?! I met eyes with Alyssa and I gave her a confused look that says, 'who the hell is that?' And she mouthed a name but I couldn't quite make
it out so I shook my head to her and she mouthed it again. Vic? Did she say Vic?! I was going to walk over and figure this all out but before I even had the chance to
move I heard my name being said over the P.A system. My eyes when larger than I ever thought possible, and my mouth agape. I couldn't bring myself to turn around
because I knew what was awaiting me. As soon as I found the courage in me to turn around, so did the mystery guy in Alyssas group...and it really was Vic. Mid-turn I
met his deep chocolate brown eyes for the first time in a year and I felt evey single emotion I ever felt towards him collapse on me like a ton of bricks, just like I
knew would happen. But I had to continue turning to face the light brown eyes of Austin. I looked back at Vic and saw him staring and quickly turned back to Austin,
who had the biggest grin I had ever seen him adorn. IT felt like an eternity since I had taken a breath, and I finaly exhaled as I slowly but urely made my way to
Austin in the middle of the stage, facing thousands of fans. I stared out into the crowd, examining as many faces as I could. Most of them looked confused but yet
happy. Where as I was just scared as hell. I had no time to process what was happening. Suddenly every face in the room that I was staring at either gasped or their
faces spread into a smile. I turned to see what had made them react in such a way and what I came face to face with scared me even more than facing the one that I fell
in love with a year ago. It was my boyfriend, Austin Carlile, down on one knee in front of thousands of people with a ring in his hand.
~ ~ ~
*VICS pov*
I was pretty bummed that Lorelei wasn't going to be in Maryland. Of course the girl I haven't seen in a year, the girl I love, won't be in the same state as me ever
because I'm stupid and couldn't man up and tell her I was in a band. I just didn't know how she would react. IT isn't like I can tell her now, i'm in to deep. How do
you tell someone you've known over a year, 'oh yeah, i'm in a successful band who tours the world and i never told you.' You can't.
I needed to take a walk and get some air. It's only the first day of Warped and i'm already tired of this cramped bus.
As I was walking towards the stages I saw Austin walking hand in hand with a girl with bright blue hair that reminded me of Loreleis. I didn't know his girlfriend was
coming? I thought they were keeping it quiet, that's why I never really met her? Oh well, I guess now is better than never. I wanted to meet the girl who was able to
make that hopeless romantic happy but as I got closer I saw her run towards Alex and Rian from All Time Low, I guess they've met her and I haven't? I reached Austin
finally and greeted him with that handshke hug thing that guys do.
"Hey man, that your girlfriend?" I asked him, although it was obvious.
"Yeah man, she's my life." He said with a sappy smile on his face.
"Well that's good you found someone who makes you happy."
"Yeah, and guess what." He told me.
"What?"
"Tonight during our set i'm going to propose to her, everyone knows but her. It's going to be amazing, well as long as she says yes." He said with a chuckle.
"Aw dude, congrats that's great! I'm sure she'll say yes, from what I've heard you guys are like made for each other."
"Thanks man," he started but was interupted when my phone started ringing and when i looked down I saw Mikes face show up on the screen. I showed him that it was Mike
and told him I should probably get it.
"I'll talk to you later man, and i'll come by during your set tonight." I said as I started walking away.
"Mommy?! Is that you?!" I said as i answered the phone.
"Shut up, you ass. Where are you?" Mike asked through the phone.
"Geez, so hostile. I was just talking to Austin, why?"
"Change of plans, meet us back at the bus, our set changed to 1:30 right after Eyes Set To Kill, so we can go see Austins proposal."
"Alright, cool. I'll be there soon."
And with that I was retreating back to the busses.
It was around 12:50 when we started heading toward the stage where we were going to perform. As we were walking I felt like someone was watching me from behind, but
then again we are at Warped with thousands of people so that could be it.
Once we reached the stage Eyes Set To Kill were already on and we were starting to set up our instruments. As I was walking around warming up my vocal chords I saw a
tuff of blue hair and it looked like the girl Austin was with earlier, so I figured I'd go introduce myself so I could finally meet the one who Austin wanted to settle
down with. But as I made my way over to her the guys ran of stage and engulfed her in a hug, I laughed at the way she got squished between them all. Something seemed
oddly familiar about her... and that laugh. Maybe I'm just going crazy..and maybe i'm just thinking about Lorelei so much that everything reminds me of her. It's been
this way for a while now, me always thinking about her, it's pretty bad.
I was taken out of my trance by Tony calling my name, when I looked over he waved me to where we needed to get on stage from.
We started our little chant and ended it with all our hands in the middle shouting, "P. T. V. Wooooo!" Then running out on stage into the crazy vibes the crowd was
putting off.
We started with King for a Day with kellin, then went through a few more newer songs off of Collide with the Sky. After Caraphernelia we slowed it down a bit and
played Kissing in Cars, which did not help the thinking about Lorelei problem.
Once our set was over I just wanted to go back to our bus and rest until Mices set. Tony and jaime decided to go hangout with Andy and his girlfriend I have yet to
meet also. Mike, well I'm not quite sure where Mike went but our signing wasn't until 5 which gave me plenty of time to take a nap. Which is exactly what I did.
~ ~ ~
*After nap, still Vics pov*
When I woke up it was only 3 and I wasn't able to fall back asleep, so I went out into the lounge area to find Jaime watching some stupid kids show.
"Where's everybody at?" I asked him.
"Oh, they're over Mices helping Austin. He's freaking out."
"I bet, I mean they've been dating how long? Less than a year?"
"Yeah, but apparently they're like perfect for each other," he told me.
"Yeah, I've heard that too. Actually, speaking of her I haven't even met her yet. Do you know which bus she's staying on? I wanted to just go say hi."
"Oh, you didn't know? She's Eyes Set To Kills manager, so she's staying with them."
"Oh, well that's good to know. Wanna go with me?"
"Sure," and with that he jumped up off the couch and we headed towards their bus.
On the way we actually ran into ESTK and we told them we were actually headed that way, so they decided to walk us over and introduce us. But as we neared their bus we
heard loud music, screaming and laughter. We all shared confused looks and hesitantly walked in. When we entered we witnessed a girl with bleach white hair with her
head in the sink screaming while another girl with dark brown hair was trying to wash her hair. Water was flinging everywhere as the girls continued. There was a
chemical smell in the air and hair dye on the floor, which would probably explain the fact that there was a girl washing her head in a sink. When they finally noticed
us the girl with her head in the sink, who i'm presuming to be Austins girlfriend, lifted her head up and I swear I almost dropped dead. This girl looks exactly like
Lorelei... and this time I'm not just imagining it. The two girls exscused themselves to the bathroom while still laughing. I'm sure they said something to us but I
was to schocked to even acknowledge them. She had her eyes closed the whole time so she didn't see me..which I guess is a good thing because how was I going to explain
the fact that I was also on Warped Tour?
All the guys were staring at me I'm sure, but I just had to sit down before I passed out. So I just plopped down right in the middle of the floor. When I reached up
to put my face in my hands, I touched tears I didn't even know had fallen. It must have been some time since the girls left because before I knew it the girl who was
washing Loreleis hair earlier exited the bathroom and I heard the shower start.
I looked over at Jaime and he had a concerened look on his face.
"You alright man? You almost passed out out of no where." He said solemly, as the girl handed me a cup of water. I thanked her but just looked Jaime in the eyes, "It's
her Jaime... it's Lorelei..I know I've said this before but it really is her this time."
All he could reply with was, "Holy shit dude."
"Wait, you're that guy from Warped last year! The one she's been texting!?" She asked, obviously shocked. I couldn't even form words, so I just slowly nodded my head.
And like Jaime, she said, "Holy shit."
"I know, but guys, she doesn't know i'm in a band or anything!" I shouted getting scared.
"You're in a band?!" Alyssa yelled.
"Yeah..That's why i'm here." I told her.
"Well, shit. Dude, she loved you...but she had to move on and she fell in love with Austin. I'm sorry."
"No, i know. I get that. She couldn't wait for me forever," I told her and just then the shower turned off.
"I really gotta go, she can't see me. At least not yet, not until I can figure out what to say to her." And as soon as I said It I left the bus, with Jaime following
closly behind me.
"What are you going to do man? I mean we're going to watch her get proposed to in less than 10 minutes," Jaime said, having to point out the obvious.
"I know! But I promised Austin I'd go. But what if she sees me? She'll want answers. Answers i'm not sure I know how to give!"
"Calm down Vic, you're going to have to face it sooner or later. Better to do it now and get it over with. But maybe wait to talk to her until after we see how the
proposal goes?"
"Alright, you're right. Thanks Hime. We gotta tell the others soon too." He nodded in response.
We headed to the stage Of Mice were performing on and I realized we got there a couple songs in. I noticed Lorelei, with newly purple hair that suited her perfectly,
sitting on an amp by herself, smiling while watching Austin perform. Adoration and love clearly plastered across her face.
I scanned the area spotting the All TIme Low guys along with Loreleis friend. I figured I'd better learn her name since we're going to be touring together all summer.
"Hey," I mumbled as I reached them.
"Hey, Vic whats up man?!" Jack shouted as I entered their group.
"A lot of shit, but tonight's not about me," I said somewhat bitterly with a chuckle. I turned to Loreleis friend and saw her mouthing words to someone so I spoke up,
"So what's your name? I never really caught it," I asked and she looked over surprised I was talking to her.
"Alyssa," she answered with a small smile.
"Well, Alyssa, do you have any fucking clue what I should do?" I asked her but she never got to answer because as she opened her mouth I heard Loreleis name being
spoken over the loud speaker. It took me a few seconds to work up the nerve to turn around because I knew what I was going to be witnessing in a matter of minutes, and
it broke my heart to say the least.
And once I finally found the courage to turn around I regretted it almost immediately for my eyes finally met with hers for the first time in a year that felt like an
eternity. I found my self swimming in her bright ocean blue eyes, but they were quickly ripped away as she turned towards the one she was really in love with. She
turned back once, as if debating what she should do, but then made her decision and slowly walked out onto the stage. My heart shattering a bit more with each step she
took, knowing she can never be mine after this night.
Those scene I have been dreading to see for the past hour unraveled right before my eyes.
"Lorelei Elizabeth Masen, we've been together for less than a year but the amount of time together will never feel long enough. I love you with all of my heart and
sould. Will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
I saw tears glisten down her perfectly porcelain cheek as she gave him her answer. My life changing forever from that moment on.
~ ~ ~
*Loreleis pov*
As I stood there staring at the man on his knee, who just poured his heart out in front of thousands for me, I didn't know what to think or feel.
Tears rolled down my cheek as I made my decision...
"Austin...
Yes, of course I will marry you."