I had some help

Twenty-seven

While Alex and Bailey were saying their goodbyes outside, Morgan sat on the bus, staring out of one of the windows. His eyes were fixed on the couple, their laughter and affectionate touches highlighting the connection they shared. A surge of jealousy and regret coursed through him, tightening his chest.

He couldn't look away. Each moment between Alex and Bailey reminded him of what he had lost. Alex had been his, and he had ruined that. He watched as Bailey held Alex close, their foreheads touching in a tender farewell. It was clear that they were deeply in love.

Morgan's thoughts spiraled. Memories of their time together flooded his mind: the laughter, the late-night talks, the shared dreams. He had once been the one to make her smile like that, to hold her in his arms. Now, he was just a spectator, watching from the sidelines as someone else took his place.

He took a deep breath, trying to push the jealousy aside. He knew he had no right to feel this way. Their breakup had been his fault, the result of his decisions and actions. He had left her for 'The Voice' without giving her the time or respect she deserved. And now, seeing her happy with someone else was a painful reminder of the consequences of his choices.

Alex and Bailey finally pulled away from each other, exchanging one last kiss before Bailey helped her with her bags. Morgan watched as they shared a few more words, their smiles genuine and full of love. He felt a pang of sadness, realizing that he had lost her to someone who could give her the stability and happiness she deserved.

As Alex boarded the bus, her eyes met Morgan's for a brief moment. He quickly looked away, not wanting her to see the turmoil in his expression. She walked past him, heading to a seat without a word. Morgan stared at the floor, his mind racing.

He knew he had to move on, to let go of the past and focus on his own path. But it was easier said than done. The sight of Alex with Bailey would stay with him, a constant reminder of what could have been. He sighed, resolving to channel his emotions into his music, hoping that one day he could find peace and maybe even happiness again.

For now, though, he would have to live with the pain of seeing the woman he once loved in the arms of another man.

After hours of relentless travel, it was finally time for the artists to seek solace in their cots for some much-needed rest.

But for Alex, sleep remained elusive as memories of moments shared with Morgan and Bailey churned incessantly in her mind. The rhythmic snores of her fellow travelers only served to emphasize her own wakefulness. With a sigh, she slipped out of her bunk, silently navigating the dimly lit bus towards the small kitchen area.

"What are you doing up?" A voice startled her as Alex stooped to search for a particular bottle.

Startled, Alex turned, finding Morgan standing there. She hadn't anticipated anyone else being awake. "Looking for this." She replied, retrieving the bottle from Morgan's grasp. "And why are you up?" She inquired, pouring herself a glass.

"Just thinking." Morgan murmured, his expression unreadable in the low light.

"Care to elaborate?" Alex asked, taking a seat across from him.

Morgan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Same old same old." He muttered, his gaze wandering around the cabin.

"Morgan, I'm sorry," Alex began earnestly, her voice tinged with regret. "I didn't mean for the song to hurt you."

He looked at her, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. "I know." He said softly. "I'm sorry too. I'm supposed to support you."

Alex nodded, feeling a pang of empathy. "It's just... complicated." She admitted, swirling the liquid in her glass absently. "I still care about you, Morgan."

He nodded slowly, his shoulders sagging slightly. "I know." He replied quietly. "I'm trying to figure it all out."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their shared history hanging between them. Despite the hurt and the complexities, there was an unspoken understanding. Alex reached across the table, squeezing Morgan's hand gently.

"We'll get through this." She said softly, offering him a small, reassuring smile.

Morgan managed a faint smile in return, grateful for her understanding. "Yeah." He murmured.

"Goodnight Morgan." Alex said giving him a kiss on the cheek before walking toward the bunks.

The afternoon sunlight streamed through the window, casting warm, golden light across Morgan's bedroom. Posters of his favorite bands lined the walls, and a few guitar picks were scattered on his desk. The room was a cozy mess, filled with the typical clutter of teenage life, but Alex loved being there. It felt like a world away from everything else, a place where she and Morgan could just be themselves.

Alex sat cross-legged on the floor, a guitar balanced awkwardly on her knee. Morgan sat across from her, his own guitar resting comfortably in his hands. He looked at her with a patient smile, his eyes sparkling with the enthusiasm of someone who truly loved what he was doing.

"Okay, so we're going to start with a basic chord." Morgan explained, leaning forward to adjust her fingers on the fretboard. "This one's a G chord. Just press down here, and here, and then strum like this."

Alex tried to follow his instructions, her fingers fumbling over the strings. She strummed the guitar, producing a sound that was more of a clatter than a chord. She laughed, a little embarrassed but determined. "I think my fingers are too small for this." She said with a grown, looking up at Morgan.

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah, you just need to get used to it. Here, let me show you again."

Morgan reached over, his fingers guiding hers into the right position. His touch was gentle and encouraging, and Alex felt a warmth spreading through her as he leaned in close, their heads nearly touching. "There you go." He said, his voice low and reassuring. "Now try it again."

With Morgan's guidance, Alex strummed the guitar again, and this time, the notes rang out more clearly. It was still a little rough, but it sounded more like music. She beamed with pride, glancing over at Morgan, who grinned back at her.

"See? You're getting it!" Morgan said, his enthusiasm infectious. "Just keep practicing, and soon you'll be playing full songs."

Alex laughed, feeling a sense of accomplishment mixed with the joy of being in Morgan's presence. "I don't know about that, but I'll try." She said, her eyes meeting his.

They spent the afternoon in Morgan's room, the hours slipping away as he patiently taught her chord after chord. They laughed at her mistakes and celebrated her progress, their shared love of music drawing them even closer.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the room, Alex set the guitar down, her fingers sore but her heart full. Morgan lay back on his bed, pulling her down beside him. She rested her head on his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

"Thank you Morgan." Alex said quietly, tracing her fingers along the edge of his shirt. "I had a lot of fun."

Morgan looked down at her, a soft smile on his lips. "Anytime, Alex. I love playing music with you."

He tilted her chin up gently, and they kissed, the moment lingering in the soft light of the evening. It was one of those perfect days, filled with laughter and love, that made Alex feel like everything was right in the world.

They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in the warmth of their love and the music they shared, the memory of that afternoon one that Alex would carry with her for years to come.