December 3rd 1996

Our hearts were still heavy with what happened in Salt Lake. Ever since the morning after papers everywhere had covered the story. Incorrectly I might add. They said all about how the band continued to play even after someone died. Nothing about not wanting to, but did it because of the thousands of other fans, none of that. The press would have it either way.

We left Utah to go to Montana. Montana is a prettier state than Utah no offense, but nothing compared to my Oregon. We didn't actually get there until the next day, but we were exhausted and had the day off. Malcolm never said a word about the incident and the rest of us kept to that.

All was pretty quiet at the hotel. We didn't go outside 'cause of the snow that was building up in the mountains. If it kept up, our flight to Oregon would be delayed. Which could mean a delayed concert. But that was the least of our problems.

December 5th 1996

We went to the stadium where the band would play that night. Practiced all the same, but not as energetic as the days before. In fact, everyone seemed pissier than normal, but mostly depressed. The boys drank a lot except Angus. I think he's learned his lesson. Malcolm took it the worst. He knew it wasn't his fault in the slightest but he couldn't help but feel guilty. He'd seclude himself a lot or go outside in the freezing cold for a smoke or four. Cliff ended up talking to him a bit and he said he was better but I wasn't convinced.

"Mal? Can we talk?" I asked when I got a chance.

"Why?" he asked grabbing a banana from the snack table. "Somethin' wrong?"

"Yes. But not with me, exactly."

"Then who is it? Exactly?"

"You."

"Me." I nodded. He faked a laugh. "What in God's name do you suppose is wrong with me?"

"Nothing. Something's off with your state of mind."

"Care to explain?"

"Care to follow me?" We walked out the exit door and only then did I notice I was jacketless.

"Shouldn't have come out here then," Malcolm mumbled noticing my discomfort.

"Had to talk in private," I shivered.

"Talk away then."

"You know the Salt Lake incident wasn't your fault right?"

"What kind of question is that? Course I do." He took a bite of his banana.

"You sure don't act like it."

"No one has been." I rolled my eyes.

"You especially."

"Like I'm supposed to be? Supposed to act like everything's fine when it's not? No, I don't do that shit."

"I didn't say you did."

"Look. Hannah, I appreciate you tryin' to help, I appreciate you wantin' to talk. Not many have the balls to come talk to me. 'Cept Angus. Sometimes," he laughed. "But it's just I don't need that help right now. You're a real doll sweetheart, but every dog has his day." He took another bite. "And these are mine." I laughed a little when he talked with his mouth full. He smiled as well and held the banana to my mouth. I took a bite and shivered again. "'T's get you inside kid."

Later that evening, some guests with backstage passes came-well, backstage. I was there loafing around and a girl came up to me. "Hey stranger, been a while." I recognized that Jersey accent. It was Justice. But she looked different than the last time I saw her. She got dolled up with a dress, hair, and heels to boot. Heh.

"Woah, you don't wimp out do you?" I asked.

"Oh you mean this?" She flipped her short, curled hair. "Wasn't going to but I got a date."

"With Malcolm?" I joked.

"Oh, I wish! No," she smiled. "With a man named Michael. I met him last week."

"Oh, what's he like?"

"Dreamy, sweet, cute, sexy, smart, funny...so basically everything I want in a guy."

"Hey, there you go."

"How're you and Angus getting along?" she smiled. I blushed.

"Hey now, we're just good friends."

"Good friends my ass. Sorry, but I see more between you two."

"How the hell could you know? You weren't around to see our relationship." I covered my mouth.

"Busted," she smirked. How'd she get that out of me? "So you've had a relationship in the past?"

"M-maybe, but it was never official and just look where we are now. It hardly counts."

"I see. So how was it?"

"What?"

"You know..." I blushed again.

"Damn it, is that all anyone thinks about?"

"It's a common theme sister, you gotta know."

"Well none of that happened thank you very much."

"Okay I believe you. So where you guys headed after this?"

"Oregon. That's where I'm from."

"Oh, so will you go home after this?"

"No, I'm sticking around."

"Then what?"

"They're going back to Australia and I'm going too."

"Do they all just-live together or something?"

"Not anymore. I'm gonna stay with Angus."

"You're serious." She smiled widely at me. "Go and get it girl!"

"My heavens, you sound like my friend back home."

"My heavens? You sound like my grandmother." We laughed and sat there on the couch a few minutes. "We should keep in touch, do you have a pencil and or paper?"

"Uh..."

"Never mind, here's some." She got the supplies and wrote down her number. I wrote down our current hotel number and we exchanged.

"Since you're back here and the show hasn't started do you want to meet the band?"

"Oh, I'd love to, but I really should get going on my date. Michael wouldn't want me to be late."

"Does he like AC/DC?"

"Not particularly. Says they sleep around a lot for the ages they are. But he doesn't know them like you, so what can he say?" she laughed.

"Where you guys going?"

"A movie then back to his place. Some motel around the corner I think." I nodded uneasily. "Well I'm off. Hope to see you again soon, and meet the band! Meet Malcolm!" She waved as she left and I waved back. I couldn't help the feeling of worry wash over me. Something wasn't quite right about her date.