Trial And Error

Chapter Nineteen

Madison's POV

"Well unfortunately we're just about out of time," the host said after Madison finished sharing another story. "But this has been so great having you on the show after your massive tour. Thank you for taking the time!"

"Thank you so much for having me on!" Madison said sincerely.

"We loved having you," the host echoed. "Safe travels and get some rest!"

The producer gave the cue that they were clear. Madison peeled the headphones off, thanking the staff again before gathering her things to head out. Despite her exhaustion, Madison was relieved to have made it through her final interview amidst the hectic post-tour media schedule.

Madison exited the studio and immediately spotted her manager, Olivia, leaning against the wall engrossed in her phone. Madison paused a short distance away, waiting for Olivia to notice her.

After a moment, Olivia's green eyes flickered up from the screen. "Oh, hey! How long have you been there?"

"Long enough to know you were completely oblivious to the world," Madison teased with a tired smile.

Olivia laughed and pushed off from the wall, tucking her phone into her pocket. "Sorry about that. How'd the interview go?"

"Went well, played a couple of games, talked about the tour, music, and relationships. Just glad this is the last one for a while."

"I bet. You look exhausted - let's get you home so you can nap," Olivia said sympathetically wrapping her arm around Madison's shoulder.

The two friends exited the building and slid into the back of a waiting black SUV. Madison tucked herself against the door, staring silently out the window as the city passed by in a blur.

Her mind drifted to the strained visit with Kian over two weeks ago. Seeing Mrs. Shepard had been lovely, but Kian herself was clearly off - distant and on edge all evening. There was a lingering sadness in her blue eyes that Madison couldn't explain. And then the vomiting and shaking occurred out of nowhere. Madison's urge to care for Kian was strong, but she held back since Kian was acting so strangely.

In the weeks since, Madison had texted a few times to check on her friend, but got no reply. So she tried calling instead, only for it to go straight to voicemail each time. Madison was really starting to worry - it wasn't like Kian to ignore her calls and texts.

Madison assumed they would talk more once Kian was home, or at least spend time together. But the weeks where Madison was finishing her tour, the two had barely spoken which struck her as very strange. Now that they were both home, their communication had been at a all time low. It was almost as if Kian was intentionally pulling away and distancing herself, though Madison had no idea what she could have done to cause this.

She thought of the night in Oslo the two of them curled up in bed together giggling at some random movie they'd rented. Madison remembered how carefree and happy Kian had looked, her laughter so infectious. She missed that smile, that joy. Madison had fallen asleep expecting to find Kian's warm body beside her in the morning, but awoke to an empty bed instead.

When she went looking, Madison discovered Kian outside on the balcony alone, gazing at the rising sun. Her eyes were sunken and exhausted, like she hadn't slept at all. Madison had tried asking what was wrong, but Kian deflected the question, diverting the conversation to breakfast plans instead. The brunette wished she had pushed more in that moment, gotten Kian to open up about what was plaguing her mind. It was obvious now whatever was bothering her friend was far bigger than Madison originally realized. That possibility alone terrified her, because it meant that to find out what it was, she'd likely have to dig for answers herself. But she knew better than to force it before Kian was ready.