I knew it, I know you

What are you doing here?

Gracie POV

I could hear the shouts of the people. They screamed my name over and over again. I was about to go on stage and conquer it, but my brain was elsewhere. I hadn't heard from Albert in days, and hadn't answered his messages. I was taking my time because Chris had managed to get everything out of me. Every day I got new and new messages from him with different threats to my career.

What was I doing? I stopped my contact with Albert just to protect myself. I wasn't coping. I was doing it because I was scared. What if Sophie had already won him over? What if he was sick of me? What if I was wrong?

-Gracie, you're out in five minutes.

I took a breath and shook my thoughts. I walked out onto the stage, everyone was chanting my name.

,,This isn't what you want, it's only how you feel" I started right after I grabbed the mic.

My voice was on stage but not my mind. My thoughts about him had not gone away.

I continued to sing and move around the stage with a forced smile.

-I was brave when I kissed you in Lond... -What?

I stopped singing and looked into the crowd. Everyone was surprised by my reaction.

What was he doing here? Albert?

My fans immediately knew where I was looking and started taking pictures of Albert.

I continued to sing as I tried to tear my eyes away from him. Each time my gaze passed over him. A smile was on my face, but I wiped it away quickly. What was he doing? Did he want to tell me something? Is he back because I'm not answering him or... is he back to give up on me?

I continued to the end when I ran backstage. Albert was already there. He walked over.

-What are you doing here? Weren't you supposed to be in Berlin? - I started.

-And I'm glad to see you. - He smiles. - I've got a month off before the show in Berlin. I came back because I want to be by your side. You haven't answered me in a week.

I stared at him, trying to process what he was saying. He'd come all this way, just for me? The thought was both exhilarating and terrifying.

-But... what about your work?

-It's handled, -he assured me, his voice steady. -Right now, I'm here for you.

I wanted to believe him, but the doubts still lingered. Why was he here now? Was it because of her? Was he trying to make up for something I didn't know about? My mind was a mess, swirling with thoughts I couldn't voice.

Albert came over and took my hand.

-"I know there's something you're not telling me, but I'm here to be by your side. - Al smiles and squeezed my hand gently.

Maybe nothing happened and my brain is playing tricks on me.

-I want to meet your parents. - He added.

-What? Um... are you sure?

-Yes.

For a moment, I just let myself breathe, feeling the weight of his words settle over me. Maybe I didn't have all the answers, but having him here made the world seem a little less overwhelming. "You really mean that?"

"More than anything," he said softly, his eyes locked on mine. "I'm here, Gracie. And I'm not leaving until you're okay."

I nodded, feeling a small flicker of hope amid the confusion. Maybe I didn't have everything figured out, but for now, having Albert here was enough. "Okay. Let's... let's go home."

Albert smiled, and the warmth in his eyes made my heart swell. "Yeah. Let's go home."

As we walked off the stage together, his arm around my shoulders, I felt the tension in my chest start to ease. I wasn't sure what the next few weeks would bring, but for now, I was just glad to have him by my side.