Missing Pieces || Zach Herron

-5-

Carmen's POV:

I looked at my phone sighing seeing that it was already 5 in the morning and I hadn't slept yet. I walked into the bathroom and looked in the mirror, I frowned at the reflection I saw.

My eyes were bloodshot and puffy, I gently brushed my fingers over the redness on my face. I rolled my eyes looking back at my face and my mess of hair.

I collapsed to the ground drawing my knees into my chest and wrapping my arms around my legs. I sat in that position not moving for what felt like forever until I rolled onto my back and stared at the ceiling.

After another 10 minutes or so I got the strength to lift my weak body from the floor.

I pushed myself up and walked slowly into the living room where I'd been sitting all night. Daniel and Maya were awake but I ignored them grabbed my phone and turned around before walking outside.

Daniel's POV:

Carmen walked into the room with red eyes and tears streaming down her face. I immediately stood to follow her but Maya grabbed my arm sadly pulling me back. The other boys walked down the stairs joking around but stopped when they saw me.

I was stood ready to chase after Carmen and Jack looked around most likely wondering where she was.

Zach saw where I was looking and ran out the back door towards her, I turned back to Jack who was looking angrily at me.

"What did you do to her?" He spat.

"I just woke up and she walked in the room crying." I replied calmly.

"Daniel don't lie to me." He spat at me again.

"Jack I'm serious I didn't do anything." I sighed.

Carmen's POV:

I was sitting alone on the edge of the pool staring into the water. Zach walked over and sat next to me after a minute or so.

I didn't say anything but after a while of sitting in silence Zach got up and was replaced with Jack. Jack grabbed my hand and turned me towards him.

He spoke calmly, "Carmen." I looked up at him as he continued, "I know you're going to miss us and I know this is going to be hard but we'll call you every night. I just need you to promise me that you'll be okay..."

I took a deep breath as tears filled my eyes and a smile filled my face, "I promise." I whispered back.

He helped me up and we walked back inside so the boys could head out to the airport. I helped them bring their bags down the stairs and stopped at the door to say goodbye.

I walked up to Jonah first and smiled, "I'll miss you Jojo."

"I'll miss you too Car, don't touch my coffee machine." He laughed before hugging me.

"I would never." I smiled but crossed my fingers behind my back.

I turned around smiling at Corbyn and he winked at me causing laughter to fill the room.

"I'll miss you Bean." I said jumping into his arms.

"I'll miss you moreeee." He whispered drawing out the more." I hugged him tightly before letting go.

I laughed quietly before walking up to Daniel sadly dragging my feet. I grabbed my arm with my left hand and looked down.

Daniel pulled me into his arms and whispered, "I'll see you soon."

I smiled wiping my tears and hugged him back as he rocked me back and worth slowly. I whispered back, "I'll miss you too bestie."

After Daniel grabbed his bags walking to the car I turned around and walked up to Jack. I stared at the ground for a minute before breaking down in his arms.

Jack wrapped his arms around me pulling me closer to him and rubbed my back. I rested my head on his shoulder not wanting him to leave again. I took a deep breath and got enough strength to speak.

"It's just like last time..." I whispered.

"It's okay Carmen..." He whispered before kissing my forehead, "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too." I replied before releasing my arms and looking at Zach.

We stood there awkwardly for a moment before he pulled me into a hug.

"I'll miss you Zach." I whispered.

"I bet i'll miss you more." He smiled.

I helped him with his bags and smiled as the boys climbed into the car. I walked back toward the house and turned as they drove away. I waved and walked inside sadly closing the door behind me.

Maya waved her hands in my face, "Carmen? Carmen! Hello!?"

"Huh what?"

"You've been sitting like that for 10 minutes." She laughed.

"Like what?" I replied using my sassy side.

"Oh I don't know. Smiling, blushing, admiring Zach." She smirked.

I blushed and turned a deeper shade of red as she spoke again, "Does this happen everytime?" She laughed.

I shrugged rolling my eyes at her before collapsing back into a ball on the floor. I frowned and looked up at Maya, "Now what?"

"Well we could go see a movie?" She said before turning around, "Or you could shut up for once in your life."

"Maya wha-" I started before she rolled her eyes and walked up to me.

She grabbed my shirt pulling me up to face her and snarled. I gulped as she spoke, "Stay away from them Carmen. This is your warning."

"Maya what got into you?" I spat back.

Before realizing what was happening I was on the floor grasping my cheek. I rubbed it gently trying to ease the burning sensation.

She kicked me before walking up the stairs and into Daniels room. I laid there in shock but the tears never fell.

I'd convinced myself that I deserved it...

***

I sat on my bed wrapped in a blanket when Jack Face Timed me. As it rang I brought the blanket up to my face.

"Hey!" I smiled into the camera.

"Hi Carmen." Jack smiled back.

Soon all the boys faces popped into the camera and they were all looking into Jacks phone.

"Where's your first show?" I asked.

"Seattle." Jonah replied laughing.

"Carmen why is your cheek all red?" Daniel said in a serious tone.

I zoned out staring into the distance, I didn't know what and what not to tell them. I thought about how I shouldn't be talking to Daniel.

I no longer feared the pain she could cause me. My mind was twisted, I deserved it.

"I slept on it weird." I answered after a while.

"That's a lie, we saw you this morning. What really happened?" Jack said seeing right through me.

"It's nothing i'm fine." I replied.

Jack was about to reply by Corbyn budded in changing the subject, "Anyway we gotta head to sound check we'll call you later."

I waved goodbye and laughed as I saw Zach wink as they hung up. I sighed falling back into a ball on my bed scrolling through Twitter.

My door creeped open and I shot up knowing I'd forgotten to lock it. Maya walked over to me until her shadow towered over mine.

~~~

A/N: I had to leave you on a cliffhanger I'm sorry!! It's only going to get better don't you worry loves!!❤️