The next week flew by, I spent most of my time with Jimmy or Brian, trying to get in all the one on one time I could before they left for Warped Tour. It was the night before they left, and we were all at Matt and Val’s house for a family dinner. Matt was at one end of the table, Val to his right. Next to her was Johnny, then Lacey. Leana was beside Lacey, and Jimmy was at the other end of the table. I was to Jimmy’s left, Brian beside me. Then Zack and Lily beside her brother. We were all laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Guys were drinking beer, and Val broke out a bottle of wine for us girls. “It’s a special occasion” she told Lil and I, “only one glass though. I’m not going to jail” she said sternly as we both chuckled at her. I was currently engrossed in a conversation with Jimmy about video games, while Leana and Lacey were telling Brian about my latest fiasco involving a waffle iron that didn’t go so well “And I walked into the kitchen and holy shit Bri, there was waffle mix everywhere. She had it all over her clothes and face, and it was all over the counters. She turned around and said ‘Lee don’t stand there staring at me! I can’t make it stop’ I swear to you I almost peed in my pants laughing at her.” Leana said with a laugh, “and then Lace walked in and her jaw dropped to the floor when she saw the mess. Then she laughed so hard she was crying. Once Brook realized she wasn’t going to get any help she sat down in the floor and laughed with us. It took us at least a half hour to clean up that mess.” She said looking at me pointedly. “Waffles aren’t my thing. I’m a much better cook when it doesn’t involve a waffle iron.” I said, shrugging. “I know you’re a good cook babe, I’m gonna miss your cooking while I’m gone.” Brian said, kissing the side of my head. “Oh man, I didn’t even think about that! Bea you have to come with us now, I’m going to starve!” Jimmy joked, grabbing my hand. “Hey! What about me? I can’t starve.” Leana pouted. “Lee, babe, you know how to cook. You can do it” he said, winking at her. “Sorry JimJam, I can’t go bro.” I said, squeezing his hand. “I gotta keep the other three hooligans in line. You never know what they’re going to do.” I joked. “I am not a hooligan. I’m going to be the oldest one here, therefore I’ll be keeping you three stooges in line” Leana laughed. “Pfft, technicalities.” Lacey said, waving her hand as we all laughed.

“Okay okay, I wanna say something.” Matt says, effectively stopping all conversation. “Tomorrow we head out on our tour, and I’d just want to say thanks to Leana, Lacey, Brook, and Lily for hanging back and taking care of business back home. Valary, thank you for coming along with us to help with merch. Lil, Brook, you two make sure you go register for classes on time, and don’t spend too much time on the beach.” he said as everyone chuckled, “Lee, someone has to keep these three in line, you’re the perfect one for the job. Zee, Jim, Bri, Short Shit.” he paused as everyone laughed, “I’d like to thank you all for being the greatest fuckin friends I’ve ever had in my life. All you guys are my family, I love each and every one of you. To family, friends, and a successful tour. Cheers you guys.” We all raised our glasses, “Cheers, I love you guys” I smiled as I took a drink of my wine. “LOVE YOU TOO BEAN!” Zack shouted down the table. “Jesus Zee, that’s my eardrum” Brian chuckled, punching Zack in the arm. “Oh come on, don’t start the wrestling boys.” Val said sternly. “I’ll be keeping an eye on all of you, so you better be on your best behaviors!” “Oh shit, I wouldn’t want to get on her bad side” Lacey muttered, while Lil and I nodded in agreement.

After dinner and dessert we all decided to call it an early night so we could spend extra time with our loved ones. I was staying the night with Brian, so Jimmy and Leana could have the house to themselves. Honestly, I don’t want to be in that house tonight anyway, ew. I followed Brian into his house, picking up Pinkly, who was trying to get my attention from the floor. “Wanna watch tv in the living room, or in bed?” Brian asked, turning around to look at me. “Hmm. I say we make a big bowl of popcorn, grab some sodas, and go cuddle in bed.” I smiled, kissing him. “Good idea baby, I’ll make the popcorn, you grab the sodas.” he said, walking into the kitchen. I sat Pinkly down on the floor and followed him, grabbing two Cokes out of the fridge and walking over to him. I wrapped my arms around his waist and laid my head on his back. “I’m gonna miss you so damn much.” He turned around and hugged me close to him. “I’m going to miss you too baby. I hope the next month and a half flies by. I hate being away from you.” he said sadly. We grabbed our popcorn and drinks and headed upstairs, Pinkly right behind us. We flipped through the channels, until we decided to watch ET. “Oh man, I love this movie” I grinned. “I love you Brook,” Brian said, “I hope you know I’m not going to do anything stupid. I’d never forgive myself if I lost you.” “Brian, I trust you. I trust that you’ll do the right thing so you won’t even have to worry about losing me. I love you too baby, and I want you to have a great time on tour, just don’t do anything you’ll regret later.” I said, turning to look at him. He smiled softly, and cradled my face in his hands. “You’re my perfect match” he whispered, then pressed his lips to mine. The kiss was full of love, and needy at the same time. We spent the rest of the night wrapped up in each other, completely forgetting about our popcorn, the movie, and anything else outside of Brian’s room.

When I woke up the next morning I felt someone staring at me. I lifted my head, and there was Brian, with a soft smile on his face, playing with the ends of my hair. “Baabe, what are you doing? You look like a creep.” I whined, closing my eyes. “I was just trying to memorize everything, so I don’t forget what you look like.” Brian replied sadly. I opened my eyes and smiled softly at him, before leaning up to check the time. “You know,” I said, straddling his waist, “we still have a few more hours before we have to meet everyone.” I suggested, leaning down and capturing his lips with mine, keeping us in bed for the next hour.

When Brian and I finally got out of bed we took a shower, and I dressed in a pair of destroyed denim capris and a Slayer t-shirt, straightening my hair. I decided to forgo makeup, knowing I’d smear it with my tears anyway. I walked downstairs and slipped my flip flops on while waiting for Brian to finish dressing. “Okay baby,” Brian said, carrying his bags downstairs, “I’m all packed and ready. You gonna come back here later to get Pinkly and your stuff?” “Yeah, I might stay here tonight. Depends on how Lee is” I said, looking at the ground sadly. “Hey, come here.” Brian said, pulling me close. “It’s okay Tiny, you can stay here as much as you want. My home is your home.” “Really? What does that even mean?” I joked, “It means that your cute little ass is moving in with me after the tour is over, if you want to.” He said, grinning at me. “Of course I want to Bri. Now let’s get going before Matt kills you.” I said, kissing him quickly before heading to my car.

When we pulled up to Matt’s house the bus was already parked at the curb. My palms got sweaty and tears pricked my eyes. I sighed, “This is going to suck.” “Yeah, it is.” Brian said sadly, and kissed the hand he was holding. We walked inside Matt’s house, where everyone looked a little sad. Leana and Lily were already crying, while Lacey looked like she was going to burst into tears at any second, which is what I assumed I looked like as well. “Bean, come here.” Matt said, opening his arms for a hug. I walked into his arms and he squeezed me tight. “I’ll look out for your boys, I won’t let anything happen to either one of them.” he promised, kissing my head. I broke out of the hug and smiled up at him. “Thanks Matty, I can always count on you.” He winked at me, and I went to hug Zack and Johnny, who I thought was going to cry. “I’ll miss you Brooklyn Badass,” Johnny said into my hair, “don’t go toilet paper Jamie’s house without me.” he joked, making me laugh. “I’ll miss you too JC, don’t drunk dial anyone but me.” I whispered. I made my rounds until Jimmy and Brian were left. As soon as I looked at my brother tears sprang into my eyes. He walked toward me and pulled me into a bone crushing hug. “I’ll miss you so much my little Bea. I promise I’ll call you every day, and get you a souvenir from every stop we make.” he rambled, voice cracking. “Please don’t forget to get everything ready for college, so you don’t have to do it when I get home.” “I promise JimJam, I’ll get everything done. I’ll miss you too. Don’t do anything stupid, like fall off your bed drunk again.” I said, chuckling at the memory. “I can’t make any promises, but I’ll try. I love you sis.” “I love you too Jim. So much.” I stood on my tip toes and kissed his cheek, finally making my way over to Brian, who immediately hugged me and buried his face in my hair. I inhaled his scent, a mixture of cigarettes and cologne. I wanted to stand there forever, I didn’t want him to get on that bus. “Okay guys, it’s time to head out.” Matt said, heading toward the door. Brian and I walked outside with the rest of the gang, everyone clinging to their significant other. Brian pulled me into another hug and I sobbed softly. “Baby, it’s okay. I promise. I’m going to call you every chance I get. Please don’t cry, you’re breaking my heart.” He said softly. “I’m sorry Bri, I suck at goodbyes.” I said into his chest. “It’s not goodbye, it’s I’ll see you later. It won’t be long until you’re back in my arms, living in my house.” “Don’t forget me Brian Haner.” I said. “I could never forget you, Miss Sullivan. You’re the girl of my dreams.” he said, lifting my chin and capturing my lips with his in a passionate kiss. “I love you so much, I’ll see you soon baby.” “I love you too Bri.” He squeezed me one more time, kissed me on my forehead and headed toward the bus. Leana, Lily, Lacey, and I were standing on Matt and Val’s front lawn, arms around each other, watching the people we loved drive away with tears streaming down our faces. “Okay,” Leana sighed. “Only a month and a half to go.” We watched the bus until we couldn’t see it any more, and walked back into the house, not wanting to be alone for the next month and a half.