Page 5

Music was one of the best cures for life there was.

It was my favorite escape.

There was nothing like getting swept away by the notes, forgetting your troubles, and just losing yourself in a piece. The only thing better than listening was being a part of it. Becoming the music was what I lived for. It w as one of the only times I felt truly at peace. And I knew I wasn't the only one.

Music lets people know they're not alone.

In happiness and grief.

In anger and loneliness.

In ecstasy and exile.

It was always there.

A constant friend.

And I loved being a part of that.

Despite the rocky lead up, the first HERS show was a resounding success.

The band was on fire. Hayden, Elliot, Santino, and Ryker rocked the stage like they were made for this; as promised, Santino did incredible things with that triangle, his larger-than-life personality keeping the fans engaged the whole time; Felix owned the bass and won everyone in the crowd . If I didn't know he was a solo artist, I would've assumed he was part of the band. They played so well together. And once I got past the initial fear, I didn't fumble. I made my violin sing. I played my heart out, and man, it felt good.

Better than good.

It felt amazing.

It felt like what I was meant to do.

While I was standing backstage, waiting for the band to finish their final song, I tried to memorize the moment . The encore was halfway done . The fans were just as hype as they were at the start of the show. I allowed the lights, sounds, and music to flow over me, through me, and as the crowd cheered, I breathed a deep sigh of relief and gratitude. When my eyes opened, they immediately went to Felix as he and the guys took their final bows .

"He is pretty isn't he?" Taylor said.

I swallowed. "They're all pretty. Unfortunately."

"Very unfortunate—unless you're the boss in charge of making them superstars."

Her eyes were smiling when I looked at her.

"Makes it much easier to sell tickets," she explained.

"I'm sure," I said.

Taylor took a step back. " Brace yourself, Aurora."

I tilted my head. "For what ?"

"Fame and everything that comes with it."

"But I'm nobody," I said with a laugh.

"If you say so."

Before I could respond , the guys were there, having their instruments and in-ear monitors stripped from them by members of the crew. Felix raised a brow.

"You look happy," he said.

"I am," I said. "I got through it."

" You did more than that. They loved you."

I pushed my hands into my pockets . "Nah, they loved you and the guys . I was just back-up. "

He shook his head.

"You're a pretty good bass player."

"Thanks. You don't suck at violin."

I laughed. "Such high praise."

Felix gave me a real smile then. He opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, Santino came over, wrapped me up in a hug, and spun me around.

"You did awesome," the bassist/current triangle player said.

"You too," I said.

Felix was frowning at his friend . "She's not a sack of flour. You shouldn't throw her around like that."

Santino rolled his eyes but stepped back.

Ryker and the others joined us followed by a few burly guys . They were all dressed in black suits. The men ushered our group toward the back of the building.

"Ready to get mobbed?" Santino said, and I looked up in alarm.

"Not really," Ryker said. "He just means the fans who hang by the bus."

"Who will grab whatever they can," Elliot put in.

"Yeah," Hayden said with a grin, "so hold on to something or someone."

"No worries," Felix said into my ear. "That's what security's for."

The big guys surrounding us suddenly made sense.

As they threw open the doors, we walked out into a wall of sound and flashing lights . Women and men—mostly girls of every age—went crazy when they saw HERS. Several of them were also chanting Felix's name, and some even had posters that said things like "I LOVE YOU, FELIX ! WILL U MARRY ME? " and "CALL ME MRS. CORDOVA!" I looked at Felix with wide eyes as one of the fans ripped a chunk of his shirt from his body. Flashes went off, phones taking pics and video. Felix caught my hand and pulled me along behind him, probably so I wouldn't get left behind. It couldn't have taken more than a couple minutes. The security team hustled us onto the bus, and from the driver's seat, Essie cackled.

"The fans are rowdy tonight," she said.

" First show. You know how it is ," Hayden said, and I noticed his shirt collar was stretched, looking like someone—or several someone's—had gotten their hands on it. "Everybody okay?"

"Yeah, they didn't get my glasses this time," Elliot said, though his hair looked a little crazy.

Ryker nodded. His shirt was torn, but he didn't seem shaken at all.

And Santino…

"Lost your jacket?" Hayden said to a completely bare-chested Santino. "Mercury's going to be pissed."

" No, she's not," he said. "She loves dressing me."

"Maybe you should find a shirt."

"Will do. Wouldn't want you feeling inferior."

Hayden chuckled, and Santino pulled him in for a hug. As they walked further onto the bus, Felix and I followed right behind. Essie whistled under her breath.

"Looks like someone tried to claw you up good," she said to him.

"Yeah," he said.

"Were they attractive at least?"

"How would I know?"

"She was," I said , and he looked at me in surprise. "Blond, curvy, pretty nails."

Essie nodded. "Sharp too if those marks on his stomach are anything to go by."

Felix rolled his eyes, but I was watching him as he sat at one of the seats in the kitchen. After Taylor and the security guards got on, Essie closed the door.

"Everybody hunker down and try to get some shut eye," the bus driver said. "Next stop is over six hours away , and the next show isn't that far off either . Get som e beauty sleep."

I went to my bunk to get my little first aid kit then came back and sat across from Felix.

"You really should put something on that," I said.

He shook his head. "It'll be fine."

"Ever had a cut get infected? " No response. "My cousin Viola works at an animal shelter, and one time, she got scratched by a cat—she loves dogs more, of course. Dogs over people, she always says. But she'll care for anything with four paws. Anyway, Vi got scratched, forgot to clean it, and the wound got red, puss-filled, and disgusting. Then she had to get a shot with this really big needle, and—"

"Fine," Felix said with a sigh.

I nodded. "Good choice."

Reaching forward, I was about to place the wipe against his skin when I noticed the amusement in his eyes.

"Eh, here," I said awkwardly.

"You can do it if you want," he said, but I just shook my head, ignoring his quiet chuckle.

Thinking back to the fans, I shot him a look. "So…you must be really famous, huh?"

Felix shrugged. "Not that famous."

"They had homemade signs with your name on them."

"So?"

"That's dedication," I said then gestured to where he placed bandages over his skin. "So's that, I guess."

When he was done, Felix sat back and stared at me.

"I covered a few songs online. They got some views."

I bet they had.

"Did you play too?" I asked.

He nodded. "Just me and my guitar —rhythm not bass."

"One of the signs was a marriage proposal."

"Interesting."

I smiled. "Why don't you have a girlfriend?"

"Why?" he asked, staring directly into my eyes. "You want to apply for the job?"

I nearly choked but shook my head. "Just wondering. Since you have so many people offering."

Felix ran a hand through his hair. " It's simple , princess. I don't do girlfriends."

"Doesn't sound that simple," I said, "and I told you that's not my name."

"Good show tonight."

"You too."

He nodded. "Sweet dreams, Aurora."

Something fluttered in my stomach at his use of my name. "Goodnight, Felix."

#

One thing they never tell you about touring?

How little privacy there really is.

The bus itself was big, but my bunk was one of eight. I went to the bathroom and changed into my pajamas, shuffled back to my bed, and pulled the curtain closed in record time. The space was perfect for one person . Like a little cave /pod with a twin-sized bed . As an only child, my parents spoiled me with my own room. I wasn't used to sharing.

But honestly, this wasn't so bad.

To block out the sounds of other people talking and moving around, I put on my headphones. My laptop woke up when I opened it. So much had happened. One of my goals was to record every moment , so I could look back years from now and remember. With that thought in mind, I typed. Day 1: On Tour with HERS (and Felix) . I t took me a while, but I got the important things down, from the start of the day to now.

I also had a quick text session with my parents, assuring them I was okay; we were on our way to the next tour stop; it was all good.

Taking off my headphones, tucking my laptop under my bunk, I lay down.

Sleep should come easy.

I was tired enough.

But then…the snoring started.

Had to be more than one person. The sound was too loud, too awful, like hacksaws or the sound of a dying moose. My God. How could anyone sleep through that?

Popping earplugs in, I shook my head.

Always be prepared.

The movement of the bus had almost lulled me into a state of unconsciousness.

But then I felt air against my back as the curtain of my bunk opened, and before I could fully wake up, a body was behind mine.

A very male body.

"What—"

Arms hugged me, and I squeaked.

"Oh my God."

Looking over my shoulder, I gasped again.

"Santino?" H is eyes were closed. H e didn't respond. "Um Santino, what are you doing?"

His arms tightened, and in response, I elbowed him in the stomach.

Santino let me go with a groan—then suddenly went flying backwards. Felix had him by the shirt, yanked him back into the aisle, and dropped him unceremoniously onto his ass. I pulled out my earplugs, looking at the scene in surprise.

"Wake up," Felix demanded.

Santino woke slowly. "What's happening?" he mumbled.

"You're sleepcuddling again."

"Huh?"

"You nearly scared her to death, idiot."

Santino glanced from him to me, looking sheepish. "Uh, sorry, Aurora. I was asleep."

Sitting up, I shook my head. "I don't understand."

Felix frowned. "Some people sleepwalk. Alvarez sleepcuddles, pulling unsuspecting people to him like a teddy bear."

"Really?"

The person above my bunk suddenly leaned down. It was Hayden. "It's true," he said. "We've all had to kick him out of our bed s."

"Sorry," Santino said to me . "I didn't mean…sorry."

"It's okay," I said. "Just don't let it happen again."

While he rubbed the back of his neck, Felix crossed his arms . "He can't control it. Best thing we can do is have some cold water handy to throw at him, so he wakes up."

"Or"—Santino grimaced—"you could just shake me gently."

Considering I'd elbowed him and got next-to-no reaction, I didn't think that would work.

Hayden scoffed in agreement. " Yeah right. This wouldn't be happening if Izzy was here."

"Screw you," Santino grumped, and I immediately wondered who Izzy was.

"You know I'm right . She's your favorite cuddle buddy."

"Even if she can't stand him," Elliot said from somewhere.

"Will you guys shut up?" Ryker growled. "Some of us are trying to sleep ."

With a grumble, Santino left, and everything was suddenly silent—except the snoring.

Felix stared at me in concern.

"You really okay?" he asked.

I blinked. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for the assist. "

"Ryker punched him in the junk when he tried that with him."

"Sounds painful."

I sent him a frown.

"Is it always this loud?" I asked.

He nodded. "Most of the guys snore—Taylor's the loudest though."

I tried not to smile but couldn't hold back. "I don't believe you."

Just then a high-pitched snore came from the bunk farthest away, and I grimaced.

"Believe it," Felix said. " She's a monster."

Monster may have been putting it nicely.

"Day one is always crazy. Tomorrow should be less eventful."

"Looking forward to that."

"You can stay in my bunk if you want."

"Oh yeah, sure," I said. "Or you could stay here. It's not like we just met or anything."

Felix tilted his head. "Doubling up is one of the only things that helps deter Santino."

"I don't think so."

He nodded. "Alright. But sometimes he gets attached to a certain bunk and comes back . Just so you know."

With a grin, he left, and I tried to sleep.

All while keeping an eye out for the sleepcuddler.

It was a long night.