Comeback (Sequel to 'Before the Storm')

Chapter 35: Crowds

Ally's POV

The stadium was alive with a frenzy of energy as Joe, Kevin, and Nick stood on stage, getting the attention of thousands.

The bass vibrated through my chest as I stood off to the side, watching them from behind the curtain.

Joe was electric—his presence a magnetic force as he belted out the opening lyrics, and I couldn't help but feel proud of him.

But despite the excitement, I felt a rising unease gnawing at me.

I was nearly at the end of my first trimester, but it felt like everything had been moving too quickly lately. I had been feeling off for a while, but it was something about the blinding lights, the heat, and the deafening noise that had me on edge tonight.

"You doing ok?" Dani asked, her voice soft but filled with concern as she sidled up to me.

I nodded, though I wasn't sure if I was convincing anyone.

"I'm fine. Just... a lot right now. The lights, the noise, the crowd. It's a little much." I paused.

"I'm just worried about the baby," I whispered, making sure no one heard me since we haven't made the news public yet.

Dani's face softened.

"I get it. But you know you don't have to be out here. If you want, we can go back to the dressing room, get you settled."

I hesitated, feeling the pressure of wanting to be "the perfect girlfriend" to Joe, who was out there on stage, living his dream.

But I also didn't want to make a scene.

Still, something about the chaos surrounding me felt wrong.

"I think... yeah. Maybe I'll just go back to the dressing room for a bit," I said, the decision a relief.

Pri appeared beside us, her eyes scanning me with a knowing look.

"Let's get you out of here," she said, "You need some rest. Joe will be fine. And you've got us."

Together, they started escorted me through the backstage area, keeping me close as the muffled roar of the crowd continued to reverberate behind us.

I leaned on them, my steps slow, each movement feeling a bit heavier than usual. The tightness in my chest wasn't easing, and my pulse thudded harder with each step.

But just as we were walking towards the exit, disaster struck.

The crowd, wild with excitement, surged forward, pressing up against the barriers between us and the stage.

My breath caught in my throat as the wave of bodies collided with me. The pressure was overwhelming, and my feet lost traction on the floor.

For a split second, I was caught between the shifting crowd and the steel barriers separating them from the stage.

"Ally!" Dani screamed, her voice drowned out by the noise.

But it was too late. The force of the crowd was too much. My body was shoved sideways, hitting the hard edge of the metal railing, the impact sending a shockwave of pain through me.

Pri was the first to react, reaching for me.

"Ally, hold on!" She grabbed my arm, but the crowd kept surging forward.

I felt the weight of it pressing me against the railing, my chest tightening. I gasped, my vision blurring as I fought to stay conscious.

Dani's voice was frantic as she shouted for help. "Get her out of there! Now!"