Novocaine Hearts

Jake's POV

As much as I wanted to hang out with Lexa after Novocaine Hearts' set, I had to make sure Ashley was okay.
I also couldn't believe what I had found out.
If Riley was really back on medication, she would tell us... wouldn't she?
I trailed Ashley to the lot and sure enough he was going to Riley bus. I managed to catch up to him before he went inside.
"Ash! Wait! What do you plan to say to her?" I called out.
"I don't know! I just need to talk to her" he said, overly frustrated.
"Look, bombarding her with questions isn't going to go down well, so I suggest you actually think about what you're gonna say."
"Well what do you suppose I should say? Hmm? Got any bright ideas?" He said sarcastically.
"Just... well, you know Riley. If she is taking meds then her moods could be all fucked up and she might blow up on you."
"I expect her to blow up on up on me no matter what" he sighed.
"Do you want me to come in with you?"
"Be my guest" he said shaking his head and opening the bus door.
I entered the bus behind him to see Riley sitting alone in the small booth., surrounded with papers. She looked up to our entry.
"Oh, hey guys" she greeted, only to look back down.
"Riles, can we talk?" Ashley said, going to sit across from her in the booth.
"Sure" she mumbled dismissively, still writing things down.
"Riles" Ashley prompted as he touched her hand and made her let go of the pen.
"What guys? Just spit it out!" She shot.
Ashley looked over at me and I sighed.
"Look, Riley. Lexa saw you with medication the other night. She was worried about you so she told us..." I said carefully.
Riley looked confused. "Medication? I'm not taking anything."
"You can tell me if you are. I know the stress of the album has been putting a lot pressure on you and performing everyday, it can get to be overwhelming" Ashley said trying to sooth the mood.
"I honestly have no idea what you're talking about" she shrugged and went back to writing.
Me and Ashley just stared at each other not sure what to say. If Riley was in denial there was nothing we could do.
"Okay... Well, we're gonna go get ready for our set. You coming?" Ashley asked.
"Sure. Meet you there" she spoke mindlessly.
We both exited the bus, more confused than ever.
"I can't tell if she's lying..." Ashley wondered.
"Well, we could always see if she says anything to Lexa. She's more likely to go off at her."
"Very true. I'm sure we'll know by this time tomorrow" Ashley shrugged.
"Ohh, this is going to play out so badly..." I mused as we walked to our bus.
"I know, but I'm going to let someone else get the wrath of Riley."
"Why aren't you worried? Riley is likely to be taking meds again and you're not concerned?"
"Oh, I am. Trust me, I'll say something, but I'm waiting. Once she knows I know, I'm going to moderate her. I'm going to make sure she takes them properly."
"Wow... You're actually being kinda mature about this..." I said surprised.
"Mehh, I've learnt things the hard way. I'm just hoping she'll comply."
"I hope so too..."

I tried to watch them from the stage, but they could have been talking about anything.
Riley looked pissed as she spoke to Lexa.
I could tell Lexa was trying to reason with her, but failing.
We finally finished our set and I rushed over to them.
I quickly kissed Lexa before saying anything to Riley.
"What's wrong Riley?" I asked cluelessly.
"Nothing. Oh, umm Lexa, I think I see Nate. Did you tell him about you're date the other night?! Jake has been talking about it non-stop" Riley said with a sickly sweet smile.
I felt Lexa stiffen beside me.
"Ummm, no and you know exactly why" she hissed through her teeth.
Riley shrugged as she walked towards Ashley.
I could feel Lexa's shock. "She just threatened to blackmail me!" She shrieked.
"This is why I don't get involved. Maybe next time, try and talk to her about it first before coming to us. Saves a lot of time" I said kissing her temple. "Anyways, I think I really do see Nate, so you better go. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Okay. I love you" she called.
My mind froze. I wasn't ready to say that...
Lexa stared at me for a moment longer, then Nate broke my trance.
"Ready to go Lex?"
"Yeah... Bye Jake" she waved.
Nate waved as well.
My mind was still trying to reset.

The night on the Black Veil Brides bus was dramatic.
Riley had left Ashley in the dark. Giving nothing away about her conversation with Lexa.
So it left myself and Ashley sitting at the small booth, contemplating our problems.
"So tell me again, what did Riley say exactly?" Ashley said slowly.
"She said nothing. She basically threatened to out Lexa about going out with me" I said for the hundredth time.
"And Lexa's not talking..."
"Well I think she figured out that Riley bites."
"Hmmm. So we got nothing."
"Pretty much, but hey, good luck with Riley. I'm not getting involved" I said getting up from the booth and making my way to the bunks.
I hear Ashley follow.
"Hey ummm... do you think there could be something wrong with Riley?" He asked. Worry all over his face.
"As you said, she's stressed over all the pressure of everything. So at most, it's anti-anxiety meds. You just have to hope she's being responsible."

Notes

Comments!
-Tina xx