It's Gotta Be You

-46-

After the incident in the club, Harry and Louis apologized to me for what seemed like hours. They both felt so bad about forcing me to go, when I made it clear that I didn't want to, only to get harassed by some gross guy.

To make it worse, after Liam brought me back to the hotel, Harry and Louis brought back a bag full of chocolate to try and make it up to me. I told them that I was fine, but they still felt so incredibly guily.

I was trying to get ready for soundcheck, while Louis and Garry were outside my door. I had told them that they could go on without me.

As I left the room, I immediately ran into Louis and Harry "Guys, seriously?"

"We're just waiting for you" Harry said.

"Yeah, but I said earlier that you could leave and I would just follow behind"

Louis put his arm round me "Now why would we do that?"

I shook my head, knowing that he was implying that he didn't want to ditch me.

We walked out of the hotel and stepped out onto the busy streets of Manhattan. As we got int he car, I put my head against the window, so exhausted. 

I pretty much slept until I actually had to get up and start functioning as a human being. It was just too hard falling asleep last night with everything running through my head.

From that asshole, Warren, to pouring everything out in front of Liam, and then just trying to figure out an appropriate way to speak to Niall, it was all too much.

Louis looked at me "Gracie Gray, are you alright?"

"I'm just tired, Lou"

In about twenty minutes, we reached the arena and got out, walking up to the side door. I was dreading each concert now, because each one was one concert closer to the final one. This song was going to be the death of me.

When we reached the stage, I was surprised to see Darren there.

"Gracie, hey" he smiled, walking over to me and pulling me in for a hug.

"What are you doing here?" I was actually so happy to see him here, because being around Darren made me feel more at ease.

"I wanted to pop in and see how it's going, as well as hear any new music"

"I can play you something before soundcheck begins"

He nodded and followed me to the piano that was on stage.

(Play video)

Dark cloud moving in
Just one fall of rain
Would wash away
Wash away the pain

Just one ray of sun, to warm my skin
Rid me of the cold you're drowning

I could say that I don't care
But the truth is I'd follow you anywhere
I've been waiting such a long, long time
Don't you dare change your mind

Seems so close to me but still beyond my reach calling me and playing hide and seek
Look behind that door I'm the one you been searching for and I'm not a little girl anymore

I could say that I don't care
But the truth is I'd follow you anywhere
I've been waiting such a long, long time
Don't you dare change your mind

Don't wander round looking
For someone to replace me
Don't wander round wasting
The rest of your life
Don't wander round waiting
For someone else to save you
And don't you make the same mistake twice

I could say that I don't care
But the truth is I'd follow you anywhere
I've been waiting such a long, long time
Don't you dare change your mind

I could say that I don't care
But the truth I'd follow you
I've been waiting such a long, long time
Don't you dare change your mind

Don't you dare change your mind
Don't you dare change your mind  

I played the final notes and looked up at Darren who also looked like he was thinking hard about something. 

I looked at him, waiting for a response. 

He walked over to me and put his hand against the piano "It's a good song and you're going the right direction, but you need other options"  

I was kind of surprised, because he asked for a personal song and I just showed him one, well I thought I did. "Um yeah, I understand"  

He nodded "Good, now I have to go talk to Simon, while he's down here" 

"I'm glad you stopped by" I said. 

He gave me a hug and then left. 

I looked and saw everyone was looking at me. I quickly excused myself and walked off stage. I heard footsteps behind me and turned around expecting to see Liam, but there stood Niall. 

I was surprised and took a step back. 

"I just um. I wanted to tell you I like the song" he said, nervously. 

I lightly smiled at him. 

It was the first thing he's said to me since the bus incident and it felt nice. 

"You really liked it?" I asked, taking a step closer to him. 

He looked at me, smiling "Yeah it was great and even if Darren doesn't think it's good enough to be on your next album, I think it's great. Don't give up on it"  

I nodded and smiled at him. 

He pulled me into a hug and I wrapped my arms around him, hugging back. 

"I missed talking to you" I whispered. 

He pulled me closer "So did I" 

"I have to get back on stage, but lets talk later, okay?" he asked. 

I nodded, quickly. 

He kissed me on the cheek and walked back on stage. 

Could it be that everything just might turn out okay? I smiled to myself and walked to my dressing room. 

I set my bag down on the couch and pulled out my song book and wrote down a line. 

Can't stay with you, but I miss you.

 I put it down and took a deep breath, walking back outside.