Chapter 21 - Birthday

Reign

We were gone for about an hour and when we got back, we immediately cleaned up and left for the stadium. We had to rehearse and clear up a few things before we head off our extended vacation. This is our last show, and it is going to be a huge 4th of July celebration and it’s also my 18th birthday. When we got to the stadium there were a ton of fans waiting for us. We stopped to take pictures with them, signed some autographs and I was given dozens of birthday gifts. All our fans knew when our birthdays were and always made sure to give or send us gifts and cards. Damien kept a very close eye on me. I always had Fluff and Furry with me at all times and they were on high alert also. They took their job just as seriously as Damien did. They learned pretty quick what was expected of them and followed every command given to them. Where I went, they went, even to the bathroom. They stood right outside the stall door, ha, ha, talk about guarding the poop.

Kali had been waiting for us as we pulled up to the backstage door. “Oh hey.” She said looking up from her phone. “I’ve been looking for you.” She said handing Damien a folder. “It has all of today’s updated activities and guests that will be attending tonight’s concert.” She explained. “Oh, and Reign, they are ready for all of you for one more sound check. So, let’s get moving.” She smiled and led the way to the stage area. “Really?! Another sound check.” Jyden whined as we met up in the hall leading to the stage area. “They usually do that without us.” “Quit gripping and let’s go and get this done.” I grunted. Dammitt, I wanted to relax before the show. Why do we even need another sound check? “C’mon, we need to get there before Duncan sends a search party.” I dragged my feet as the others followed behind me grumbling their displeasure. “I know but this is the last show and then we get a long-awaited rest.” I reminded them.

We all dragged ourselves to the stage and low and behold, everyone yells, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!” The stage and all the equipment were decorated. It was a great surprise; I wasn’t expecting this at all. It embarrassed me a little, I could feel the blood rushing to my cheeks, I turned and tried to hide my face. “Reign! Happy Birthday.” Duncan yells grabbing me from Damien, who let out a low annoyed growl. I threw him a glare and then gave him a soft smile. “Thanks D, did you set all this up?” I asked giving him a tight hug. “Of course, I did, we can’t let your 18th birthday go uncelebrated. It’s an important milestone.” He told me. “You’re the best D.” I said giving him a huge hug again. The rest of the crew joined in on the party. “Okay, okay, thanks everyone, I wasn’t expecting any of this, I gotta say that I’m gonna miss ya’ll during our time off but I know that every single one of you needs a break just as much as we do. You always work really hard for us and ya’ll always make us look and sound good. So, thank you for all you have done for us, and I hope that when we are ready to hit the road again, that all of you will be with us.” When I was done, I looked around and saw tears. “Alright, alright, stop with the mushiness, let’s eat!” Duncan bellowed wiping a tear from his cheek, he’s such a softy. I found a spot to sit, Duncan set up some tables and chairs on the stage and backstage area for everyone to eat at. The crew was still coming over to give their birthday wishes. I was talking with everyone, and I didn’t even realize that Damien had put a plate of food and a drink in front of me. He leaned into my neck and left a light kiss, “Shit!! Damien, you scared me!” I yelped punching his chest. “Damn baby girl, I felt that!” He winced rubbing the spot I punched. “Stop whining, it’s not becoming of my head of security.” I teased him. He pouted. I was only going to tell you to eat a little bit. I looked down at the plate he brought over. “As much as I appreciate it, I can’t eat all of this before a show. It will weigh too heavy for me.” I told him. I felt bad because he was trying to be nice and take care of me. “I usually eat fruit with protein shakes before a show and then after the show, I eat a meal like you brought me. I’m sorry, I should have said something.” I frowned at him. “It’s okay babygirl, I’m just trying to help. I should have asked what you wanted to eat. It looks like we have a lot to learn about each other.” He said with a soft smile and brushed a kiss on my cheek. “We'll just wrap it for after the show.” He suggested. “Sounds good but I will take a piece of cake.” I smiled and he leaned in and deeply kissed me pulling me closer to him.

“You know how gross this is, right? I mean, I am eating here.” Jyden said scrunching his nose. “What’s gross?” I asked and Jyden waved his hands to me and his brother. “Really Jyd?!” I narrowed my eyes at him. “Do you have any idea how gross it was watching you and Ryott and then Jaz and Koltyn?” I was annoyed. “Hey, hey, hey, calm down sis.” He snickered. “I was just kidding.” He told me with a sincere smile. Yeah, him sincere, in my dreams. “You can be such an asshat.” I giggled at him. He put his hand over his heart and fell back like he was wounded. “Let’s get to work, we have five hours before showtime.” I said walking over him, well more like walking on him. He stood up and looked at me. “You better run little rabbit.” He smirked. I narrowed my eyes at him and bolted leaving Damien standing there holding his stomach in laughter. “D! HELP!!” I screeched hiding behind Duncan. “Alright you two behave, Jyden, leave her alone.” Duncan lightly chuckled. “Go and get yourselves relaxed before the show.” He places a kiss on the top of my head. “What? She’s the one who started it!” Jyd grumbled. “I did not!” I laughed from behind Duncan. “Yeah you did, you let my BROTHER kiss you.” He said making a disgusted face. I rolled my eyes at him, “like you and Ryott don’t do the same thing.” I shot back. He thought about and shrugged his shoulders. “Touché.”