More Than a Fan || cth

Chapter 18

Everyone stares at the empty space previously occupied by Calum. It's dead silent in the whole venue.

Ashton gets up from his drumset, quickly making his way off stage to find Calum. Luke sighs heavily, running his hand over his face. He seems really frustrated. Michael turns to the people of Modest Management, trying to sort things out, but it looks like they're standing their ground.

"What just happened?" I ask, looking at Delilah frantically. I'm met with silence. Roy chews on his bottom lip nervously, and Delilah keeps quiet. Her hazel eyes search the stage. "Guys?"

There's still no answer, so I just stand up, jogging up to the stage and climbing the stairs.

Luke catches my eye.

"Don't worry," he mouths, but I can still see his concern. I continue to head backstage, somehow making my way back to the room we were in before.

What were they talking about that make Calum freak like that? The others seemed on edge, too. It's so odd.

I burst into the room, startling Ashton on the couch. Calum is next to Ashton, his elbows resting on his knees and his head in his hands, covering his face. Ashton has his hand on Calum's back in an act of comfort. His eyes focus in on me, and I can see the small smile of relief when he realizes it's me here.

"I don't know what to do, Ash." Calum chokes out. My heart lurches when I hear the desperation in his voice. Ashton turns to him, murmuring a "hush," as if Calum's going to continue and say something he'll regret. Calum looks up to see why Ashton cut him off, and his eyes land on me. I suddenly feel self-conscious. He tries to hide the thankful smile he sends Ash, but I don't miss it. I start to assume what he was going to say was about me.

"Hey, Lacie," Calum greets me in a quiet, soft voice. It makes me uncomfortable, because I know he's faking his tranquil manner. I narrow my eyes at him, and he gives up his act.

"Listen, I-" his voice is shaky. "I need some time." It confuses me. Time? For what? Did I do something wrong? "Gotta go." He stands up, brushing past me and out the door. I stand there awkwardly until Ashton clears his throat.

"Lace, he's fine. It's just.." he trails off with a sigh, thinking for a moment. "He just has a lot on his mind right now. A lot was just thrown at him all at once."

I raise my eyebrows and cross my arms over my chest. Ashton stands up, coming close to me and taking both of my hands in his. His calculating eyes meet mine.

"I promise you, he'll be okay. I know you think we're crazy for not trying to help him, for letting him leave upset like that, but we know how he works. He needs some space for now, to figure things out. We check on him, but for now he needs to get through this himself." Ashton tells me. I take a deep breath while he gives me a genuine smile. He brings his hand up to ruffle my hair before exiting the room. I close my eyes.

"None of this makes any sense."

------------

Alright, it's been three days.

Three days since Calum walked off stage, leaving 6 of his closest friends there, confused.

It's been a long three days.

I've stayed at Delilah's the whole time, worrying about Calum.

Worrying about what went through his mind that day.

Worrying about if he's okay.

Worrying about if this is my fault in any way.

"Why don't you just go back to his flat and talk to him?" Delilah would ask me for the millionth time as she walked in on me pacing around the living room.