Chapter 31

Rick and Abigail had barely spoken a word to each other on the way to the venue. The other members as well as their girlfriends noticed the tension between the two but none wanted to involve themselves, knowing that it was better for them to work, whatever it was, out themselves.

Since Abigail was sitting by herself, Sara sat next to her and put an arm around her shoulder and gave her a friendly hug.

“All men are dogs.” She stated, “Well, except for a select few.”

Abigail sighed.

“I thought Rick was different.” Abigail replied honestly. She remembered how he was with his fans and the look on his face when he talked about his family and his home back in Florida. How then, could that same person be so cruel as to flaunt another girl in her face?

“Yeah, that’s what they want us to think when we first meet.” Sara explained, “As time goes by and you really get to know them, then you realize that they’re all the same. Dogs.”

Abigail looked up at her.

“But you and AJ seem to be so much in love.”

Sara smiled.

“Well, AJ’s an exception, to every rule I might add.” She told Abigail, “Don’t be fooled by his wild behaviour and numerous tattoos, he’s a real softie.”

“Yeah.”

Sara watched her forlorn expression and nudged her.

“Rick’s in love with you, you know.” She told her, “He may not know it yet, but he is.”

“You’re just saying that to make me feel better.” Abigail said, happy at least to be able to talk openly and honestly to Sara about this.

Sara shook her head.

“I’m serious. I see the way he looks at you. Everyone does. It’s just a matter of time before you do too.” She said, “I can honestly say, and I know that the other guys would agree with me on this one, but Rick changes girlfriends as often as he changes his underwear, to use a common expression, and you’re the one girl that has kept his eyes from straying. Rick hasn’t even looked at another girl since you came on tour.”

Abigail wasn’t so sure she was pleased with that answer. She knew the look Sara was talking about had to be nothing more than lust and the only reason that Rick didn’t easily replace her, was because she had to be there. But for Sara’s sake, she gave her a grateful smile.

The show had been going on for about half an hour now and Abigail wasn’t feeling to be in the midst of the crowd so she stayed backstage and checked on things before retiring to the left side of the stage where she saw the Boys performing “Yes I Will”, all decked out in white, canes in hand. She had to admit that they put on one hell of a show and part of her actually wished that Rick was singing that song for her.

Abigail shook her head vehemently. What the hell was wrong with her? She was supposed to be doing a job, not entertaining such thoughts, which at the present moment, could only be thought of as foolish seeing how things were between them. Her gaze, however, didn’t waver from Rick as he made promises to his audience with the lyrics of the song. She saw a quick flash of red then and blinked. What the hell was that? She thought it was a.. no it couldn’t be. It had to be the stage lights. She looked up and noticed that the stage lights that were on during this song were all white. She looked out at the audience then, and that was when she saw it. The long beam of red light which signalled someone being targeted. Her gaze shot to the stage just in time to see the tiny red dot focus on Rick, clearly visible on his white shirt, just over his heart.

NO!!! She didn’t remember screaming; only reacting as she ran onto the stage and threw herself at Rick, just as a loud shot was fired. Screams filled the arena as fans scampered.

Rick caught Abigail in his arms and felt her go limp as they both fell to the floor, with her cushioned on top of him.

Security dashed on stage, getting the other members off. When Tony made a move to lift Abigail off, Rick stopped him.

“Don’t touch her!”

Everyone paused to look at them.

Rick tried to sit up gently, with Abigail in his arms as he turned her over so he could see her face. It was then he saw the blood. His white shirt was now stained in it.

“Call an ambulance!” he heard someone shout, “Rick’s hurt!”

“It’s not me.” He whispered as he took in her unconscious form, “Abby? Baby?” He wasn’t sure where she was shot since they were both covered in blood but he noticed that her fingers on her left hand were turning blue.

“Oh God, Abby. I’m so sorry.” He whispered as he choked back tears and buried his face in her hair. That was how the ambulance found them.

Rick allowed the paramedics to take her out of his arms onto the stretcher. Tony helped him to his feet.

“Maybe we should check you out, just in case.” A medic said taking in Rick’s blood-stained shirt.

“I’m fine. I just want to go with her.” Rick said firmly.

“In a second, I think we should-“

“Now. I wanna go now.” His voice was hard.

The medic nodded just as Rick brushed past him, security on either side of him. Ryan met him backstage.

“Rick, I’m really sorry man.”

“I need to get to the hospital.” He said looking around for the ambulance.

“Where’s the ambulance?” he panicked.

“It left already.” Ryan said taking hold of his arms, “Calm down. She’s going to be alright.”

Rick shoved away from him.

“You don’t know that!” Rick shouted at him. “You didn’t see how much blood there was!” his voice broke.

Ryan put an arm on his shoulder.

“Why don’t you get out of that shirt and we’ll get you to the hospital.” He suggested.

Rick nodded as tears made their way down his cheeks.