Stockholm Syndrome

five

- Louis -

"Louis, are you almost ready?" Paul's voice shouted from beyond my hotel room door. His fist pounded hard against it, not even shaking a nerve of mine. I couldn't feel it anyways. I couldn't feel my heart beating. Not without Andrea at least. Not knowing that she was okay.

The door cracked open, the squeaky door needed oil. I haven't moved at all today, maybe once or twice to the loo. I haven't eaten, I haven't drank water, I've done nothing but lay in my bed, cuddled under my covers, and shield the sun out of the room. "Louis, have you moved at all today?" Paul asked, as if he didn't know the answer.

I didn't speak. Instead, my chin threatened a wobble and a cold, dark tear escaped from eye. I didn't want to move. I didn't need too. There wasn't really a point anymore. Andrea's gone. Who else do I have to please?

"Paul?" I heard Lou Teasdale's voice, our stylist, poke her head in the room. "What's going on, Louis? Why are you still cooped up in bed? You do realize it's nearly five o'clock, right?"

Not right. I haven't even bothered to glance in the direction of the clock. Last time I checked it was noon. Ever since, I've been facing the other direction, slowly letting the numbing pain take me over. I haven't slept since I woke up to Niall really early this morning. All I could think about was where Andrea was, why she was taken, and who could have possibly abducted her. This all seems to eat me alive. The haunting questions; the vivid image of her squirming and screaming out my name playing over and over again.

"Louis, we've been over this. I'm making you go out on stage one way or another." Paul's voice is on the edge of lashing out. He was a level-headed one. The smallest thing could tick him off. Then again, he's had a lot on his case. Stress, dealing with us lads, and making sure we're always ready for whatever comes next. In this case, it was a show.

We were performing for the first time since I have been well. Although, I'm no longer well. Tonight's show was staged just outside of Doncaster. I'm not sure I'm going to make it though. There's just too much to think about.

"I don't want to go." I whined, pushing myself deeper under the covers, praying they'll just leave me alone.

"Tomlinson, I'm not playing games, we have a show, it's in less than two hours now, we need to go." Paul was starting to raise his voice. "You have been off for the past two months. Do you know how much effort we put into changing dates and postponing shows. I'm not doing it anymore. So get you bloody arse out of bed and get -"

"Paul!" Lou cut in. "Go help the other boys, I can deal with Louis."

Moments later, the door shut. I heard little patter of feet against the floor and suddenly, little miss sunshine was sticking her nose in my face. Lux's blonde pigtails were sticking out of her head, and she had the biggest grin on her face. "What's wrong, Louis?" Her little voice squeaked.

I sniffled a small smile, and pushed myself to a sitting position. The minute I looked up at Lou, her face fell. Lux climbed up the bed and sat herself on my lap. "Louis, you look sad." Lux stated as if she didn't ask that question just seconds ago.

"Louis is sad." I responded, nodding my head at the little bean, and pursing my lips into a thin line. I tried to keep my eyes dry but it's a bit of a struggle.

"But why?"

"I wouldn't think you could understand, kid." I just simply said. She replied with her head against my chest for a hug. I wrapped my arms around her, cradling her close, and begin to rock her back and forth. When I pull away, she scurried off the bed, opened the door, and ran out.