𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐇𝐄𝐑 | 𝘑𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘒𝘭𝘦𝘪𝘯

✰ 25 ✰

The holidays passed as quickly as they had begun. Reality washed over the globe again, the couple returning to Amsterdam and continuing their lives where they had left off.

Maeve would've described the past Christmas and New Year's as nothing significant to her life, nothing particularly extraordinary. Yet there was one thing that had been occupying her mind throughout the past weeks. An unspoken confession.

She was preparing lunch for Joost and herself, waiting for her boyfriend to head back from the studio. With her editing for another concert she had photographed, the day was spent editing nonstop.

The spatula scratched the bottom of the pan as Evie whisked the meal. It almost entirely canceled out the rustling of keys and shutting of the door.

"Hey baby", the Irish girl piqued,"How was the session?"

"Pretty good, adding the finishing touches to Europapa!", Joost replied excitedly.

He tumbled over to place a kiss on her cheek before turning her head to do the same to her lips. Evie smiled at him whilst keeping up the cooking to finally serve it.

The pair seated themselves at the table and began eating as Joost filled her in on planned projects, Eurovision and upcoming shows. Although, Maeve failed to focus on what he was saying. Instead she pushed around the food on her plate, deep in thought.

"Eves, are you listening?"

Joost snapped her out of her rushing thoughts. Her eyebrows raised in a surprised manner, an apologetic expression on her face.

She sighed, upset at her own inability to listen to her partner's elated plans: "I'm sorry, love. It's just... I don't know."

"You've been acting off lately. What's wrong?"

Maeve set her fork down and leaned back in her chair, unsure of what to say. She knew what was bothering her, keeping her up at night and slowing her daily activities.

"Baby, talk to me please", Joost pleaded, his eyes soft and empathetic.

There was no point in hiding it, Maeve was very aware. She trusted him, more than anyone ever. To be honest, she was more afraid of Joost's reaction to her news. With a single glance into his sparkling blue eyes, Evie caved and took a deep breath to build up the courage.

"I received this email, an offer to photograph a tour. But it lasts from April until June, so I would be..."

"Missing Eurovision?", Joost finished her sentence, a hint of disappointment laying in his tone.

Maeve hummed, staring at her hands in her lap to avoid his presumably sad gaze. She heard the lump in his throat as he swallowed. Joost dreaded the feeling of his main support being absent during such an important accomplishment in his life.

He coughed: "Who is it?"

"Wallows."

Evie met his bewildered stare. The expression the girl had feared; full of confusion and irritation.

"Nadia's brother's band? With that Dylan dude?", the Dutch man scoffed,"Eves, you know how I feel about him. We've talked about this."

"I know, and I wouldn't do it. I planned on rejecting, but then Natalie, their former photographer, texted me. She said she is ill and needs someone to fill in for her. Joost, Nat trusts me and thinks so highly of my work. I don't want to let her down, and the band for that matter. This is such a great opportunity."

Joost stayed silent for a moment whilst pondering about his girlfriend's arguments. The issue of her surely letting him down, gnawed at the heart in her chest. Maeve bit her lip anxiously.