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24. Carolina

This is a long one <3 enjoy!

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Elle

"Elle! Are you ready? We gotta get going!" I hear Drew's voice echo through the apartment.

Putting on the finishing touches of my makeup, I open the door of the bathroom ready to leave and go to Harry's show. I notice the nervousness creeping up, considering that tonight would be the first time I'd hear Harry sing his album.

And even though I was looking forward to it, an unnerving feeling won't leave my stomach; an unnerving feeling that is accounted for by Ben.

After coming home last night I was confronted with not-so-settling circumstances. Having avoided the issue all week I knew it would come back up, although I hadn't calculated for it not to be resolved by now. But Finneas has made it very clear, that this wasn't the case. I barely remember the chat I had with the police considering that it was right after the worst night of my life. But unfortunately, everything I told them didn't help.

They still haven't heard from Ben and neither have I.

I didn't go back to the apartment yet. I wanted to wait until next week, hoping that things might be better, but I'm not sure when they will actually be better.

But tonight, was not the night to worry about all of this. Pushing these thoughts into the back of my mind, I step out of the bathroom and join the boys in the hallway. For once, I actually dressed up a little, wearing a short black dress in combination with some heels. I gave my newly dyed hair a wavy look, feeling good about having back my natural hair colour.

"Wow." I suddenly hear Drew say, noticing Finn and him both staring at me.

"Oh no," I panic, taking in a quick breath. "I overdid it, didn't I?"

"No, god, Elle! Not at all!" Drew replies quickly, his hands waving around in cross-motions. "You look amazing."

Heat creeps up my cheeks as I shoot him an appreciative look. "Thank you."

"Come on then, we better get going. Wouldn't want to miss Harry's first gig, now would we?" Finn says with a smile, opening up the door.

I quickly say goodbye to Blue, who already positioned himself on his favourite little spot on my bed, before I follow the boys down to the cab that's waiting for us. The closer we get to the venue, the less I could ignore the feeling of my nerves going crazy, but I was also excited to finally see Harry perform live.

We arrive at the venue no later than 7 pm, just like Harry had told me. Before we make our way through the back entrance I quickly look down my body, making sure the dress sits tight and where it is supposed to sit. After telling the security guards our names, we were quick to be let in, and each of us was handed a backstage pass with our names on it. It's my first time being backstage at a proper show, only adding to the excitement that someday maybe this could be one of my shows I'm entering.

The large room we walked into, seems to be the backstage area. I immediately notice a long table that's set up with some food and drinks next to the wall. To the left, you could see some big doors, probably the entrance to the Troubadour. A small part of the wall is open, a big curtain separating the hall, we are standing in, from the stage. Multiple people were running around, trying to sort some stuff out last minute, while others were just casually standing around, talking to each other in smaller groups. I immediately spot Sar and Mitch, the three of us walking towards them to greet them.

"Finally!" Sar yells out as she engulfs me in a hug.

"I'm sorry for not replying to any of your calls, Sar. I just needed some time," I am quick to excuse myself for my behaviour the past week.