Echoes of us

Chapter two

I wake up to the gentle rays of sunlight peeking through the curtains, signaling the start of a new day. Stretching my limbs, I sit up in bed, feeling the familiar ache of muscles after a night's rest. Glancing over, I notice Bella's absence, her side of the bed untouched.

With a curious frown, I wonder where she could be. Bella is usually an early riser. Shrugging off my concern for the moment, I get out of bed and begin my morning routine, the sound of running water filling the room as I step into the shower.

After freshening up and getting dressed, I head downstairs to the hotel restaurant, eager to grab breakfast before the day's activities begin. As I enter the bustling dining area, I spot the rest of the band already seated at a table near the window, engaged in animated conversation.

My eyes scan the group, searching for Bella, and I feel a sense of relief wash over me when I see her sitting with the boys. She's nestled between Isaac and Michael, a small smile playing on her lips as she listens to their banter.

"Morning, Layla," Isaac greets me as I take a seat next to him. Bella smiles and nods.

"Morning, everyone," I reply and sliding into a seat next to Isaac, reaching for a cup of coffee. I love these breakfast moments, where the day starts slowly and mostly everyone is silent because they're still sleepy. There's a comfort in the quiet, I love how we communicate with just our eyes and sleepy smiles, a nod here, a raised eyebrow there. It's a language of its own, one that speaks volumes without saying a word.

There's something magical about the way we all start off quietly, everyone still groggy and lost in their own thoughts. They remind me of the bond we share, a bond that's deeper than just being colleagues on tour, we are a family. Gradually, as the coffee kicks in and the delicious aroma of breakfast fills the air, everyone begins to wake up. The room starts to buzz with energy, laughter, and the chatter of our plans for the day.

Steve, sitting across from me, looks up from his plate, his eyes scanning the table before he speaks.. "Did anyone else hear that argument last night?" he asks, lowering his voice. "Louis' room is right between mine and Layla's. It was hard to miss."

Bella and I exchange glances. Bella nods, leaning in slightly. "Yeah, we heard it too. It was pretty intense." She heard it too—heard the strain in Louis' voice, the way Emma's words sliced through the walls. We all did.

Isaac frowns, concern etched on his face. "They've been arguing a lot lately. I hope they're okay."

"We all do," I add softly, taking a sip of my coffee.

Steve looks thoughtful for a moment before speaking again. He sighs, pushing his food around his plate. "It's hard to see him like this, you know? He's always so put together on stage. I don't know how he's managing to keep up with everything. The tour, the interviews, and then this..."

Bella nods, her eyes full of sympathy. "I've noticed he's been more withdrawn. Less like himself, you know?"

Isaac leans back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. "I wish there was something we could do to help. He's got so much on his plate already."

Before we can continue. The door to the dining room swings open, and the conversation around the table halts. I don't need to turn around to know who it is; the energy in the room shifts instantly. I feel it in the sudden quiet, the way Steve stops mid-sentence, the way Isaac's fork pauses halfway to his mouth. His presence shifts the atmosphere immediately, our previous conversation lingering in the air unspoken. His expression tired but composed.

Immediately, we all shift the conversation. I look up, and there he is. His eyes bloodshot, hair mussed like he barely slept. He's in a rumpled hoodie, his hands shoved deep into his pockets, his jaw tight as he glances around the table. His eyes meet mine for a split second, but there's no warmth in them today, only exhaustion.