Secrets Unveiled

Chapter 7

As the tour bus rumbled on to their destination, Sarah found herself lost in her thoughts. The incident with Natalie lingered heavily on her mind, casting a shadow over her excitement for the journey ahead. She glanced around the interior of the bus, taking in the sight of her newfound companions. Despite the warm camaraderie among the band members, there was an underlying tension that she couldn't shake.

With a sigh, Sarah set aside her knitting and reached for her phone. She scrolled through her playlist, searching for a familiar tune to soothe her restless mind. Putting on her headphones, the soft strains of her favorite song filled the air. Closing her eyes she let the music wash over her. For a fleeting moment, she felt a sense of peace amidst the chaos of the tour.

But the tranquility was short-lived as the bus suddenly lurched to a halt, jolting Sarah out of her reverie. Confusion rippled through the passengers as they exchanged puzzled glances. Isaac rose from his seat, his brow furrowed in concern as he moved to investigate the cause of the unexpected stop.

Peering out of the window, Sarah's heart sank as she saw the flashing lights of a police car behind them. Panic fluttered in her chest as she wondered what could have prompted the interruption. Had they broken any laws during their journey? Or was it simply a routine check?

As the officer approached the bus, Sarah's palms grew clammy with apprehension. She watched anxiously as Isaac engaged in a brief conversation with the law enforcement officer, his expression growing increasingly tense with each passing moment. With bated breath, she awaited the outcome of their encounter, her mind racing with a million unanswered questions.

After a tense exchange, the police officer informed Isaac that the bus had been pulled over due to a broken taillight. Relief flooded Sarah as she realized it was nothing more than a minor issue. Isaac assured the officer that they would address the problem at the next available opportunity and thanked him for bringing it to their attention. With a nod of understanding, the officer bid them safe travels and returned to his patrol car. As the bus rumbled back to life and merged back onto the highway, a sense of calm washed over Sarah. Though the encounter had been nerve-wracking, she was grateful that it had been resolved without any further complications.

" What's wrong, Sarah?" Isaac asked as he sat down next to her.

" I don't know. For some reason, I just felt a bit overwhelmed by everything that's been happening lately," Sarah admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. " Between the tension with Natalie, and the unexpected stop with the police, and just... everything. It's been a lot to take in." She glanced up at Isaac, her eyes searching for reassurance. " I guess I'm just feeling a bit out of place, you know."

" I understand, Sarah. But you will get through this, and you will end up having a great time." He said, patting her on the back.

" He's right. You get to see what happens behind the scenes and go to places you have never been before. And when there is time, we will do a little sightseeing." Nikki said. " So try not to worry about a thing."

She gave them a little smile. " I'll try. I just... I don't know how to deal with Natalie. She is going out of her way to make me feel miserable."

" What do you mean? What happened, Sarah? And please don't be afraid to tell us." Zac said, as he sat across from them.

She told them about her little conversation with Taylor, and they were glad to hear that he had apologized. When she told them what happened outside of the gas station with Natalie, all three of them were beyond mad at Natalie.

Zac had started to head in Natalie's direction, but Isaac stopped him, grabbing him by the wrist. " I get your anger and I want to tell her off too. But we need to stay out of it, Zac. It will only make it worse for her."

" He's right, Zac. She needs to figure this out for herself, and she will. It sounds like she did what she could by speaking up for herself and then walking away." Nikki said.

" Fine. But if I witness it, then can I say something?" Zac asked, pulling out of Isaac's grip.

" Only if it becomes physical can we do or say anything. Like I said, we can't do anything. It will make it worse and we don't want that for her." Isaac told him.

When Isaac's and Nikki's kids came to sit with them again, they asked Sarah if she wanted to play Uno with them. It was actually one of her favorite games, so she was more than happy to join them. Especially to get what had happened out of her mind for the time being.

Once they were at the venue a few hours later, Kate suggested that her and Sarah go grab lunch for everyone. She had wanted to spend some time with her and see how she was doing. Ezra had wanted to go with so that they would have extra hands to bring it into the venue. But Kate insisted on just her and Sarah going, promising to call when they got there.

Sarah was happy to go with her, that way she didn't have to try avoiding Natalie. As soon as she was in a rental car with Kate, she breathed a sigh of relief.

" Are you okay, Sarah?" Kate asked her as she buckled her seatbelt.

" I'm getting there. I was just a little stressed." Sarah said, buckling her own seatbelt and relaxing in the seat.

" Nikki told me what happened with Natalie just a bit ago. I'm sorry, Sarah." Kate said, as she drove off. " She really is a good person for the most part. She just... has a little problem with trusting other girls around her husband. And with you especially. I mean, you and him do have some history. Not that it gives her an excuse at all."

" I do understand why she wouldn't think she could trust me. But I would never go after any married man. Not even one I used to be involved with. It wouldn't be right."

" Thanks for saying that, Sarah. Not that I didn't already believe you wouldn't have it in you at all. But it does feel good to hear it."

They headed to Jimmy Johns for sandwiches for everyone and then headed back to the venue where Sarah was able to see for the first time with happened before a show. She had always wondered what happened behind the scenes.