Lost For Words || One Direction *ON HOLD*

Chapter 17: Refresh

Niall's POV

Lord, help us all.

I'm almost suffocating from all the tension crammed into this black van. Although it's spacious, it feels like the walls are closing in with every silent moment that goes by.

It's almost like it's somewhat awkward, but there's no known reason for it to be. That is, in my point of view anyway.

Liam is attempting to spark a conversation of some sort, all of the topics left uncommented on and too tedious for thought. As a bit of support, I have faked a convincing laugh at one or two of his jokes, even though they are absolute shit.

I struggle to find any pleasure or wit in any of them. 

Louis seems unresponsive as he taps his foot nervously, the constant rhythm as the soundtrack to our thoughts. His eyes have purple circles underneath from lack of sleep, his hair is styled less neatly than usual, yet his clothes remain crisp and fresh, thanks to Harry and his iron. Everyone thought he would be excited or at least happy to see his family, and sure he probably is, but everyone knows that he's still thinking about her. 

And amongst all this tension hanging thick in the air, Zayn is texting on his phone with a stupid ass grin on his face. 

At least someone's happy.

I nosily lean over to see who Zayn is texting, although the chances are it's that red head from the frat house. He looks up just in time to catch me scooting closer, therefore pushing his back further against the doors of the van and leaning the other way.

"Geez, chill out," I mutters under my breath.

Zayn must have heard me, for he whispers, "I'm not the one who needs to chill out." He points to the member sat across from us.

Sure enough, Zayn is right. Harry has jagged breathing as he bites down on his bottom lip, hard. His fingers fumble around with each other, whilst his body constantly wriggles around in his seat, never satisfied with any position. His eyes flicker over to Louis, studying his actions before turning his head towards mine and Zayn's stare. I flash him a toothy smile, only for his blank expression to face the floor.

I shift closer to Zayn, narrowing the chances of Harry being able to easedrop on our conversation. "What's up with him?" 

Zayn shrugs, "He's been like that for a few days - hasn't eaten much either."

"Did we do something wrong?"

Zayn shakes his head, "Nah, I think he's more worried than angry."

"Why is he worried?" I continue to interrogate him.

"How would I know?" Zayn scoffs.

"I was just asking," I mumble back.

The driver peers into the rear-view mirror,"Is this the street, boys?"

All eyes turn to Louis as he slowly turns his gaze to the window, muttering "Lindale." His eyes still fixed on the forest across from us, he offers a weak reply, "Yeah."

Everyone presses their faces against the window, scanning the area. It's a calm neighbour hood, with very few cars positioned on the road, tucked away in a forest area. The gargantuan skyscrapers peep over the top of the rolling hills and you would never have been able to guess that just around the corner, city chaos lurks.

The driver pulls onto the curb at the very top of the street, exiting the van. I swivle around in my seat to watch him check the area for any followers or fans. 

We had swapped vans half way here, to fool any stalkers as such. The media have been given a false location of our whereabouts so our visit is left undisturbed. We plan to keep it that way.