Party 'til you pass out / When the party's over

4.27 pm, May 14, 2012

Soho, London

Alison's POV

I jumped a little when my phone went off; I had been so focused on editing a photo I had taken that morning, music playing through my headphones, blocking the noises of the tea room I was taking a break at out. The caller ID was unknown, so I frowned a little when I answered.

'Hello?'

'Hi, is this Alison Evans?'

'Yes, this is she.'

'Hey Alison, my name is Patrick Bennett. I am the tour manager of a band called Bring Me The Horizon, and I am calling you because I have a request for you.'

'Okay...?' My heart started beating faster, my breathing got shallow. What could he possibly want from me?!

'About a month ago, you did a photoshoot for Dropdead, if I am correct. Tom and Oliver were more than happy with the results, and now the band is going on tour, and we need a professional photographer. We were wondering if you would take this opportunity with us.' I was mind blown for a moment.

'Eh... What?'

'I know it's a bit out of the blue, and you can think about it for a short while. But we're leaving in three weeks, so we would like to know your answer as soon as possible.' Patrick sounded nice and reasonable, and my mind told me this was a great opportunity, but my heart was screaming-

'So... I guess Oliver will be there too?,' I asked, unable to hide some annoyance in my voice. Patrick laughed.

'Eh, yes, he is. He is the lead vocalist in the band, so...' I grunted internally.

'Where do they tour? What dates?'

'Warped Tour, United Stated. We're talking about starting the second week of June up 'till the end of August.' I whistled softly at the long time frame.

'You said I could think about it, right?'

'Sure you can. I understand it's a bit late. What about you think about it for a day or two, then hit me up with your answer?'

'That's fine. I'll most certainly consider it! Thanks Patrick!'

'You're welcome! I hope we can welcome you to our team. Talk to you soon, Alison.' He hung up and I stared at my phone for a while, excitement and anxiousness running through my veins. I had just been asked to go on an actual tour with a band. I didn't know the band, but I now knew Oliver was in it.

In an instant, my memory brought me back to the first time I met him, the night he was screaming his heart out on that crate in the hallway of our dorm. I hadn't quite liked his music at that point, but if I was considering to go on tour with them, I might have to give it another shot.

I grunted and rested my head on my arms at the table, overthinking the possibilities; I could go on tour for almost three months, leaving Brian and England behind to go somewhere I had never been before, expanding my horizon and working on my career. But that meant I had to be in Oliver's company for the entire time, which wasn't exactly what I wanted or think I could. Or I could kindly decline the offer and stay home, working freelance and networking for small jobs, which would never take my career a level up.

*

That night I was a little hesitant to tell Brian about it. I knew he would be supportive of me, although I had to leave him behind for a while. He hadn't recognized Oliver at the picture that night, so I hoped he wouldn't when I told him about the offer.