Chapter 10: The Warning

POV: Zac

April 15, 2008: Indianapolis, IN

I was sitting in the back looking through Gabby’s drawing pad, she was still asleep but should be up soon. It wasn’t the one that had a dozen of me naked but I was kind of disturbed by the amount of naked Sierra ones there were. Even if she wasn’t nude in a lot of them, her face dominated many of the pages. That is the ones that weren’t nearly solid black. The wires confused me but the ones farther on were getting worse. I knew I shouldn’t snoop or be nosey but I could feel something was wrong. I snapped a picture of her last one, done last night and sent it to Abigail.

Is this what her artwork looked liked after Shawn left?

Abigail was the only one she knew that had seen her drawing before and after Shawn, it shouldn’t be Shawn though. He wasn’t gone and he was still talking to her, e-mailing, and texting. He’d actually found some baby pictures of her, I suspected ones their parents had but he’d never shown before.

Is that recent?

Yeah, she drew it last night. There are several that are this way.

Is she sad? Down? Stressed?

Not that I am aware of, I know we’ve had some fan issues the last few weeks.

Well…the feet symbols and darkness would imply she’s stressing over that. Is there anything else going on?

She hasn’t mentioned anything to me. You?

No. She asked me how Max was, but I don’t really talk with him much anymore.

Could this be Max related? Feeling bad or upset over him?

Maybe. Could feel like he’s walking out of her life or something. She didn’t draw many after Shawn left, when she stopped she just got very withdrawn. She starts to do that you call me and I’ll fly wherever the hell you are.

Why?

The last time she withdrew herself was when Max left. She was fine for a short period of time and then she went fucking insane. She went to alcohol, drugs, sex, parties, it wasn’t pleasant.

Well, I won’t let that happen. Was just curious if this was a sign. Guess my gut reaction of something being wrong isn’t off. Thanks.

No problem. But, Zac you shouldn’t just assume. She’s handled stress before and I am sure in different ways. Who knows, she may revert to sex. Have a good AM. I’ve got class – bye!

She hadn’t reverted to sex, just being very clingy. Not that I terribly minded that she was pretty much always around. I sat back and reflected on those of Sierra, it didn’t much care that some were nude, but some of them were like her eyes, those were done in color which were perfect reflections of her eye color, meaning Gabriella knew them well. Unfortunately, they hadn’t much talked since the walk where she slapped that girl. What was tense before, was almost unbearable now.

“Morning Z.” Carrick said.

“Morning.”

“Gabs?”

“Asleep.”

“I know she’s asleep silly, I meant the tablet in your lap.”

“Yeah, was seeing what she drew last night.”

“Something dark I know, I think she used half a black pencil.”

I turned it around and he looked confused.

“That the same person that drew the vibrate red dragon?”

“Yeah, several are like this. Among Sierra’s drawings which I can’t show you for reasons I’d rather not say.”

“Because she’s naked? Sierra mentioned there being one.”

“There’s more than one.”

He sat down and I closed the tablet. Carrick had hung out with her a lot before we got together and really no one else on the bus really knew much about us. But, he did.

“I feel like she’s keeping something from me.”

“She’s keeping something from all of us. Did you notice she’s not like enjoying the candy like before?”

“Yeah, she didn’t even ask for chocolate last month or this month.”

He looked momentarily confused before he made the connection. “Is that not normal?”

“She’s asked for or gotten Dove or Hershey’s every month that I’ve known about them. Which I’m rather sad to say I know when to expect that.”

He laughed. “Most husbands do.”

“Hey, I’m still new at this husband stuff.”

“You’re doing good though. How many hotel keys have you thrown away?”

“Only one, Gabby returned one herself. The others I was able to block or they didn’t try. But, what does that have to do with feeling like she’s hiding things from me?”

“The fact that you’ve detected there is a problem is a good sign Zac. It could just be stress. Has Simon backed off?”

“No. He still sends her messages and I have no idea how he got the number. It’s not even listed under her name, it’s under mine.”

“But didn’t you add her name to the account?”

“Yeah, but the number itself is listed under me. She’s on the account to make changes if needed. But, I mean the number doesn’t show up under her name. It’s not in a phone book. I even removed it from the tour listings. It’s how he got it last year.”

“She didn’t give it to him?”

“No.”

“Maybe he’s just stressing her out, do you see the messages?”

“I see them sometimes, the last few weeks have been pictures of him having sex with someone, not her. It’s odd, it’s baby I love you come back but here’s a picture of me having sex with someone else.”

He giggled. “I don’t see her being swayed.”

“She’s not. But, I just feel like something is up and I don’t know what. She’s avoids Sierra like the plague but draws her non-stop. They talk but not near enough.”

He fiddled with his shirt and I raised an eyebrow. “Carrick, what do you know?”

“When Austin and I asked her why she hit the girl she said because they were bombarding her with questions about you and your sex lives and her weight. Because she stopped they didn’t think she could make it up the hill. She said she followed behind her hidden from view until she stopped.”

“Her weight?” I asked.

“Yeah, she said the girl basically called her a fat slob and that’s when she slapped her. She thinks Gabby didn’t even hear it. From her description of how she found her it wasn’t just mild pain. She said she was sweating, her face was flushed, and she was clearly hurting.”

“She said her side was hurting pretty badly.”

“Yeah. Any idea on that?”

“No. I told her when we get home she’ll see a doctor. I need to find her a primary anyway.”

He raised his eyebrow. “Why not let her?”

“I know about every doctor in town.”

“But a doctor should be someone she chooses Zac, it’s her they see not you. She may feel better with a female doctor. I’d give her the list and your recommendation, but let her chose. I know you want to be the perfect husband who takes care of everything but she’s not use to that. Really, look at Max, he did the same thing.”

“I’m not calling her a whore to her face or hitting her.”

“True, but still. She’s not a baby or a child, she’s older than you actually. She’s not use to men just being nice and wanting to care.”

“No kidding.”

Isaac came in yawning and Taylor followed with coffee and our conversation rather died. But when Austin came in I knew something was up.

“Your lovely wife just went for a jog, she was dressed warmly and Andrew went with her to make sure she didn’t over do it.”

“I asked her not too until she saw a doctor.”

“She said her back was hurting some, she cut the mile to just half. So, she is taking it easier.”

I wished she’d listen but I really hadn’t asked, I’d more a less told. If she was cutting back and taking someone with her was responsible then I couldn’t complain. I know being cooped up on the bus is a drag and running or walking is a nice way to work out the kinks. Added, she’d been sleeping with me in the same bunk and that didn’t allow either of us a lot of movement.

“She got out of your bunk, did you two switch?”

“No. She’s been climbing down to mine. I guess she feels safer or more comfortable?”

“Please tell me you’re at least staying dressed.” Isaac said.

“Yes, Isaac we are.”

“Good.”

I wouldn’t tell him about the times we hadn’t, he would probably have a heart attack. Taylor would too for that matter. We all got better woke up and figured out where breakfast would be and what the plan was for the day. Gabby and Andrew got back sooner than I expected, meaning they had stuck to a short route. Everyone got breakfast together today and then we unloaded the trailer.

I didn’t want to stalk Gabriella or anything but I had been paying more attention, she was following the weight rules for her arm, although I noticed over the last few weeks she doesn’t check her phone as much, doesn’t really talk to anyone. As she set up the drums I made the decision and then found my brothers.

“What’s up Zac?”

“I’m not walking today. Instead I think I’d like to take Gabby to a diner or something.”

They both exchanged looks. “Okay, that might be good actually. She’s been acting kind of funny. Stella mentioned some fans commenting on her weight.”

“Yeah. I just think it’ll be easier to get away for a bit. I’ll be back for sound check, but I’m stealing her now.”

“Not a problem. There were fans near the back, take the side door.”

“Thanks Tay.”

I found her sitting at the drums, staring at her phone and the look on her face was so sad. I wondered what it was but I also didn’t want to push her too much. Maybe I was with the doctor thing. I saw Sierra approach her and say something but Gabby shook her head, I couldn’t hear the conversation well so I eased a bit closer.

“You aren’t fat. Fuck what the bitch said. You are fucking perfect and I am sure Zac agrees with me. There fucking with you. If you’ll be the Kitten I knew seven years ago they will stop this bullshit.”

“I’m not that person Sierra, you need to stop telling me to be that.”

“The question is why aren’t you?”

“You’d never understand. Perfect California life.”

“Please. My life has been anything but perfect. Really Kitten, if it was perfect you’d have never left it.”

She then walked away and it really didn’t improve her look. I let her know I was here by intentionally kicking the chair. It was better than scaring her.

“Want to head out for lunch? You and me.”

“The walk is in like 45 minutes, we don’t have time to get anywhere and get back.”

“I told Taylor and Isaac I wasn’t going to walk today.”

“You aren’t missing today either, it’s your purpose Zac. You guys need to all be there.”

I hadn’t expected her to reject the idea! I walked over and standing on the ground she was perfect to lean my head against, even better when she spun around. I would never complain about being able to use her breasts as a pillow.

“Please?”

“You don’t have time.”

“There is a subway right up the street, we can go there and we can join as they walk by. If we leave now we can make it. We’ll be walking right by. You know you want to go.”

“I’m…”

“You didn’t eat this morning and you haven’t slowed down. Come on.”

Yep, acknowledging that I knew she wasn’t always eating right motivated her to follow me. I sent Taylor a text and we then left. There were fans at the Subway, I knew there would be. I wanted to see what she’d do. After eyeing the menu for the entire wait time she had no idea what to get so I ordered for us both.

“You trying to put me in a food coma?” She asked.

“No, we will realistically have time to eat a 6 inch sub and chips. The cookies are a plus.”

We sat down in the back and she put her back to everyone. I was rather use to people taking pictures of me eating but when the girl raised her camera I shook my head and she stared wide eyed at me.

I leaned over a bit, looking at her. “Maybe during the walk, but not right now.”

Her hand slowly lowered but Gabby sighed. “You don’t have to stop them.”

“I have every right to enjoy lunch with my wife without being bombarded with photos. Now, stop worrying and eat lunch.”

It at least improved it but she didn’t say anything about why Sierra mentioned that.

“Do you want to fly Shawn out for his birthday?”

“He can’t get off to go, I already asked him. He said we’d get together once we’re home and we can do something. Grace is working too, so they’ll both be at the hospital.”

“I am sure you don’t want to fly Max out.”

“I haven’t talked to him at all in a month and a half. So, I guess he’s pretty much done with me.”

“That’s his loss then.”

She shrugged. “Abigail talks to him but they aren’t dating right now. She is uncertain of their future because of what he did when she was there. She um, didn’t appreciate it and he explained that he liked the polygamist lifestyle. She is thinking on it. But, Abigail has always been a one man girl, I don’t see her sharing.”

“I’m not sharing either, so he’s got a problem with wanting you both.”

She ate one of the chips. “He walked away when I was 16, I wouldn’t go back even if we weren’t married.”

She seemed to be talking well, so I pushed it a bit.

“Haven’t been notified of you tweeting, did you give up?”

“No. Just don’t have time.”

“Maybe I should tweet lunch.”

“After telling that girl no, you now want too? Come on, give me a break here shutterbug. I’m going to be blinded on the walk.”

I smiled and we finished eating about the time Taylor texted to say they’d be heading out soon. I’d even made sure she’d eaten that damn cookie. We met them outside and joined the crowd. But instead of leaving her alone I kept her right beside me. I’d about dare anyone of them to make a remark about her weight with me here. We reached the midway point and I kept her beside me, yep there would be dozens of her with me. Walking back I got her hand, I didn’t want her to wonder but I also minded she couldn’t walk fast, so it slowed me to the rear of the crowd. No one said a word to her the entire walk, but I didn’t hear her speaking either.

When the walk was over we were in the crowd when Carrick and the others took the stage to sound check. I saw Gabriella watching them, but her eyes seemed glued to one person, Sierra. I knew nothing about their relationship beyond they’d had sex. Of which, I had no information on what they’d done or not done, there were no pictures and the only one I knew of was the one of Gabby in her lap. She watched until I headed to the back, yet I was quite use to pulling her into bathrooms, it was quite odd for her to do that to me!

“This is…”

I never got to finish that sentence before her lips shut me up. Everything happened very quickly, she managed to get both of us out of our pants in what felt like seconds, I nearly fell into the shower when she pushed me to the toilet seat. I wasn’t even sure what came over her but it was well after we’d came when I found the ability to speak again.

“What the hell?”

She tossed me my pants and underwear. “What?”

“Am I dreaming?”

She smiled and then settled back down in my lap. “No, you’re awake. I’m sure of it.”

“This was…unexpected? Don’t I usually drag you into the bathrooms?”

“Nothing stops me from doing the same to you, although…Taylor did knock and I told him to go away. Think they may want you for sound check.”

She kissed me again and then she was out of the room, I was still half dressed wondering what the hell happened. Was still sitting here when Taylor knocked.

“Does she need to come tell you how to redress?”

“Funny.”

I finally got dressed and joined them. “Fuck Zac, your hair’s a mess.” Ike said.

“You can thank Gabs for that, pretty sure her “go the fuck away Taylor” was because I was interrupting. Damn why doesn’t Stella do that shit when she’s around?”

Gabby snorted. “Because you don’t let her.”

“You think I’d stop her?!”

She looked up from my phone, wait…why the hell did she have mine? Not that I had anything to hide, but it was odd she had mine.

“You did stop her Tay.”

I walked to the drums and sat down, she watched our sound check too and I briefly wondered if it wasn’t really me she’d wanted in that bathroom. But she took a couple of pictures and I figured they were tweeted, it wasn’t the first time she’d used the band’s Twitter account, it was linked to my phone after all. She and I had a later dinner but the show went well and she even took some photos during the show. Once we were loaded and headed to the next stop I checked twitter, she had loaded several of us during practice and the show.

But the top message caught my attention..

(From: Haier3456) You know who took them? The whore of a wife he has. Ugh, why can’t he see her for what she is?

(From: ITZfan007) You know @haier3456 he DOES read the comments here – don’t think he’ll appreciate you calling his WIFE a whore, besides he really has NO room to talk according to most fans.

I looked at how the first person addressed her and after scrolling for several I began to see a lot of messages that way.

I liked ITZfan007’s tweet and hit retweet and quote.

ITZFan007 – you are right. I DO read the comments and you’re right, I don’t appreciate the way some fans are referencing my wife. I don’t personally care what anyone things, she and I are married and nothing changes that. Thank you for the support : -)

I closed the app about the time Gabby came in. “I’m going to bed.”

“Coming.”

Sierra snorted but didn’t say anything as I got up and laid down with her. I would keep a better check on how people referred to her because it wasn’t right for anyone to refer to her in a negative manner. I couldn’t stop them, I couldn’t make them change their minds, but it didn’t mean they should. Yet she didn’t seem to be doing okay.

“Gabs?”

“My side is mildly cramping.”

I pulled her in tightly and just rubbed over her side, which seemed to both ease the pain and put her to sleep. I then let myself fall asleep.

A/N: The names listed above do not appear on Twitter. However, they are made up and any reflection on anyone should be ignored.