you're just as far in as you'll ever be out

are you aware the shape I'm in?

Sorry for the delay! Things got kind of busy but I have the next chapter already written so hopefully it won't be long before another update. Thanks again for all the reviews! :)

Alana wasn't quite sure what time it was when she felt her shoulder being prodded repeatedly. As soon as she got into the room, she dove straight under the covers of the bed closest to the window. She had this ridiculous fear about sleeping close to hotel room doors because she was convinced if someone broke in, she'd be the first to be either kidnapped or murdered. Danielle found it amusing and always took the first bed in the room to humor her.

"Waaaaaake up!"

Alana pretended not to hear Danielle's voice. Instead, she pulled the covers over her head and snuggled further into the comfortable bed. At least they got nicer hotel rooms with their newfound fame.

"Seriously," Danielle groaned. She pried the covers off her sister and sat on the edge of the bed.

"What?" Alana asked groggily, reluctantly opening her eyes. She eased herself up in bed and sat against the soft headboard.

"You've been asleep for like twelve hours," Danielle laughed. Alana noticed she had changed clothes and looked a lot chirpier than before.

"No I haven't," Alana yawned. The small alarm clock next to her said it was almost eight o'clock at night. "Shit."

"Yeah," Danielle laughed. "Este and I didn't want to wake you."

Alana was grateful. She rubbed her face and sighed. "Thanks."

"Come on," Danielle said softly, poking Alana's knee. "Get your lazy ass out of bed. We can get some dinner downstairs. Este got us a table so hurry up before she has a conniption."

"I'll pass," Alana whispered. There was no way she wanted to be seen in public after sleeping half the day away. She probably looked like a grease ball. "Can't you just bring me up something to eat?"

Danielle shook her head. "I think it will do you some good to see the outside world. You slept for sooo long. You have to be feeling better by now."

Alana could lie and say she felt sick but then Danielle would probably just counter with her being hungry. Or, she could suck it up and join her sisters for dinner. While staying in bed for the rest of the night was the most appealing option, she had to go. If she skipped hanging out with her sisters then they'd start to suspect things. Though, they didn't really notice she had been distancing herself from then the past few weeks. As their fame began to increase, it seemed like their bond was decreasing. Este moved out right after they got back from their last tour and it was just Alana left in the house with her parents. She didn't mind. Her parents were always working and since she didn't have much going on, she could lay low and relax.

She grabbed Danielle's hand and allowed the older girl to pull her out of bed. Danielle gave her approximately fifteen minutes to get ready. Alana couldn't bear to look at herself in the bathroom mirror. The bright, halogen lights were harsh against her pale skin. The heavy bags under her eyes were a clear indication of exhaustion. The tour hadn't even started yet! What was she going to look like in a couple of weeks? She grew anxious thinking about it.

"Ready?" Danielle asked with a smile when Alana finally reappeared thirteen minutes later. She rolled her eyes when the younger girl gave her a half-hearted thumbs up and followed behind her out the door.

Alana was silent in the elevator ride, as was Danielle. Danielle was glued to something on her phone, grimacing as she quickly typed a reply.

"What?" Alana finally dared to ask. The elevator ride seemed to be moving at a glacial pace.