the traveller // louis tomlinson

chapter thirty-three // more than expected.

Louis' POV

After we're given the 'OK' for our sound checks, I nearly sprint off stage. The entire day I've been dealing with the world's worst jitters. Our sound check probably took ten times as long as it should of because I couldn't concentrate on anything.

Though I know it's incredibly pointless for me to, but as soon as we get backstage, my eyes scan the room for Mia's beautiful face. Any person with dark hair catches my eyes, but as soon as I realize it's not her exact shade of chocolate brown, my chest falls.

Why I'm even looking for her is past me. I know very well that she's not going to come in here and say goodbye. That's not Mia. She's going to avoid all goodbyes because she hates emotional things like that. And even though she would never admit it out loud, she's become attached to all of us.

Just as we've all become ridiculously attached to her as well.

"Mia hasn't woken up yet?" Niall asks as soon as Tyler approaches us.

The other lads all perk up with the mention of the one girl that's been on our minds all day. Tyler flashes a glance to me, one that makes my stomach twist with worry. He merely shakes his head with a shrug before walking past us in a busy manner.

Though I can tell they're trying not to, the lads all watch me with concern. They've been incredibly delicate around me the entire day and it's really starting to piss me off.

I knew Mia was leaving from the beginning. It's not as if this was sprung upon me all of a sudden. There should be no reason that I'm upset over this.

Yeah, I can tell myself that all I want, but it's not going to dull the aching in my chest.

The lads all get themselves comfortable, like they do at every other show, but I'm stuck hesitating. Should I do as they do, getting back into my normal routine? I know that's the smartest thing to do at this moment.

But another part of me is dying to go back on that tour bus, just to make sure she's not still here. I know I'm being incredibly selfish when I hope that she's sitting on that bus, waiting to say goodbye to me.

Not being able to take the mystery, I tell the lads,

"I'll be right back."

Harry's POV

We all watch as Louis shuffles away, shoving his hands in his pocket with his head hung low. It's as if he's setting himself up for disappointment.

I knew this would happen the first time I saw Louis smile at Mia. It's the exact same reason I pressured Louis to get with other woman. This is one of my worst nightmares.

Letting out a frustrated groan, I run my fingers through my hair. The other lads watch Louis until he exits through the back door, each wearing identical looks of complete concern. Their lips are pulled down into a deep frown as we all share glances full of worry.

My deepest concern goes for Louis, but I can't help but to feel awful for the rest of us as well. We've all grown quite fond of that sassy brunette as well. Things certainly won't be the same without her. I tried my hardest to resist her charming ways, but I failed miserably.

"Things are going to be so weird without Mia here," Liam says quietly, still wearing a sad frown.

We all nod, all agreeing that she became a part of this family very quickly. Just like everything would feel off if one of the lads left, it's going to be the same without Mia. It was like receiving a brand new sister, except I loved her by choice, not by force.

"You don't think Louis is going to spiral down like he had when Juliet and he broke up, do you?" Niall asks, his face twisted with a desperate hopefulness.