•Beautifully Stained•

Chapter 17

Stepping into the venue gave Eleanor anxiety. She wanted to run away but Liam's hand slightly touching her elbow, leading her from behind didn't let her. The sight of Trisha, trying not to breakdown and talk to people twitched her heart. Her aunt first walked to her and gave her condolences. Eleanor slowly followed behind. 

"Eleanor," Trisha's weak voice caught her attention.

"Yes Mrs. Malik?"

"It's Trisha love," she corrected. "Thank you so much for being here. I was worried you wouldn't..."

"How could I not?" Eleanor stopped her by taking her hands in hers. "You personally asked for me, I respect that."

"Come here," Trisha opened her arms and encompassed Eleanor into an embrace. She slowly whispered into her ear, "if you're here for a few more days, I hope to see more of you. Is that okay?" she asked feebly. 

"Of course," Eleanor bit back her tears and nodded, leaving the embrace. She turned to see more people approaching the woman. "You have people to tend to, I'll be round here."

"No," Trisha held her hand, "I'd be glad if you stick around with me today. Please?"

"Umm," Eleanor wasn't really comfortable, knowing very well how close the Maliks and Tomlinsons are but she couldn't let down Trisha based on her personal issues. "Sure," she assured the woman.

Trisha really meant it when she said she wanted Eleanor to stick around. Eleanor stood by her side the entire time till the burial. She moved back to her family to give the woman some space for her last goodbye to her son. With an unspoken agreement and just a nod of the head between Eleanor and Jay, Jay headed towards Trisha to help her have control on her senses and break down there. 

The Tomlinsons didn't treat Eleanor as coldly as she thought they would. They were being friendly and acted like nothing had happened. That made Eleanor think that they probably don't even know. Louis was also there, avoiding eye contact with anybody but specially her. He was attending the people as Trisha was getting to weak for it. He was basically taking care of the entire service. As a matter of fact, it was Louis who had given the eulogy because Trisha wasn't in the right mind to think of something or speak in front of so many people. 

It made Eleanor think that Louis was made of some tough metal as he kept his head high and mind calm the entire time. He hadn't dropped a single tear and managed the arrangements. Louis took charge to make things easier for Trisha. Unlike Niall, who was constantly weeping in the corner, Louis stayed strong and responsible.

The slightest emotion was seen in him while giving the eulogy. The way his voice was shaky but he still didn't let his shoulder slump. Eleanor couldn't help but admire him- his strength and his maturity that she had never seen before. 

As much as Louis tried to fool the people, Eleanor could see it. She could see how he had become a rock, or an empty shell. She could tell that he was just pretending to be okay, he was just trying his best. This is how he is, locking people out when he should let them in. Eleanor knew how scared he was to show his vulnerable side, how he things him being strong would lift the spirit of everybody who knew him. Mostly that was the case, but she was dying to know more, she was dying to know what was inside him, it was driving her crazy not talking to him, not listening to him admit that it's killing him inside, not giving him hope and telling him that he doesn't have to shut himself down and just accept his emotions.

As Eleanor could see Louis was finally alone, she thought it was time to try talk to him. She couldn't take it anymore. She knew he needed her and she knew, to a point, she needed him- he was the only one who'd understand. She made up her mind and started walking towards him. Louis finally looked up and after hours, their eyes finally met.