Soulmates

CHAPTER FOUR

Scott slept in Mitch's bed for the rest of the week. They both got used to it, as if it never was different before. Tour rehearsals were going better than Scott thought they would go. He was afraid for all the reactions and questions, but luckily his bandmates and the crew didn't draw to much attention to it, thanks to Mitch, who informed them discreetly. He also was afraid that he wouldn't be able to concentrate, but the excitement of the others was very contagious. Later that day, Mitch and Scott laughed so hard filming the new Superfruit video 'Snapchat Fun'. It was Mitch's idea, and it was perfect, because they did not have much time, and they could just film this with their phone in the bathroom, during a break. And it was perfect for Scott because it didn't involve too much talking, just laughing, so fans wouldn't notice anything yet.

But that didn't take very long. Later that week, Alex moved out and Snapchatted about it. It was awkward to see him again, for the first time since the breakup. Scott realized even more that it was really over. Done. When Alex stood in the doorway, carrying the last box with his stuff, he looked at him and softly said: "We're not completely disappearing from each other's lives, are we?" He sounded concerned and insecure about the future.

Scott looked down at his feet. Eventually he found to courage to look up at Alex and say, with honesty: "No, we'll stay in touch." But still, he wasn't sure if that really would happen. He closed the door after him, turned around to lean his back against it and slowly slid down to sit on the floor. Tears rolled off his cheeks. 

Mitch had watched the heartbreaking scene from a little distance. Alex had not said a word to him, not even a simple goodbye. He didn't quite understand what he did wrong, but Alex hadn't said a lot to Scott either, so he probably shouldn't take it personal. He clearly just wasn't in the mood for superficial chatting in general. Mitch walked towards Scott and offered his hand to help him stand up. "I've got some coffee," he said.

They sat at the kitchen table, sipping coffee and not talking much, but that was okay. Soft music was playing in the background, but Scott payed no attention to that. Right at the moment Scott thought he couldn't feel worse, he got a call from his mother. She was crying. Scott tried to pull himself together: "Mom, what's wrong? Are you okay?" 

"Oh, my dear Scott... grandpa... passed away." Scott cried harder now. He couldn't believe it, he couldn't say a word. Grandpa wasn't there anymore. 

"Scott?"

"Yea." Scott managed to say through his tears.

"Can you come home? The funeral will be soon" his mother added. 

"Yeah, of course, I'll come home, mom." Scott did not hesitate a second about that. He needed to see his family right now. "I'll get there as fast as I can." Scott hung up. 

Mitch was already holding his hand and looked at him with questioning eyes. He had not understood the conversation but already figured out it was no good news. 

The only word Scott said through his tears, after swallowing, was: "grandpa." 

That was enough for Mitch to understand the message. Scott's granddad had been sick for a while. Mitch stood up to hug his friend. He felt so bad for him and teared up too when Scott fully gave in to the embrace. So many bad things, emotional rollercoasters going on at the same time. He must feel devastated. Mitch held him tightly and said: "I'll go with you." Mitch didn't want Scott to go home all by himself. He needed someone to take care of him. He wanted to be there for him.

"Yes, thank you," Scott replied. It was exactly what he needed. He didn't want to travel alone, he felt too emotionally unstable. Mitch knew his family, nobody would mind his presence.