In The Dark

63 - November 4th

Melanie sat cross legged in the middle of her bed with six magazines and newspapers spread out in front of her. When she'd snuck out to the CVS the night before to get more pain killers, she's seen the various covers highlighting the families of the murder victims and she quickly scooped them up. She'd been awake for hours, reading all of the stories and memorizing the photos. When it got closer to the time she knew Simon would be coming to collect her for the morning, she's quickly showered and packed her bags, then sat back on the bed to review the articles over and over again.

She also had the news playing softly on the TV, waiting to hear the latest coverage from the trial and interviews from the families. She stared guiltily at the photo of Rita Bates next to a photo of her mourning family. While she felt horrible for all of the families and the other victims, she felt a stronger connection to Rita. She'd watched her die and did nothing to help.

The noise in the hallway outside picked up, letting Melanie know that everyone was starting to get ready to go. Not wanting anyone to see the collection of magazines and newspapers she'd procured, she quickly tucked them under her clothes in her suitcase where she had her pain killers stashed. She turned the TV off, zipped her suitcase closed, and stepped out into the hallway, leaving her bag next to the door for one of the entourage to collect.

They planned to take a bus for the next few stops along their tour. It was the first time since the accident and Melanie noticed there was a thick tension in the air amongst all of the musicians. Not having any memory of that night, Melanie was indifferent. She didn't feel the building apprehension or post traumatic stress that her friends were feeling. For the past few days, she was far too consumed by what was happening around the trial to think of anything else really.

She made her way into the group suite to wait for everyone, and she found Nick, Brian, and Howie sitting on the couches, watching TV and picking at their breakfasts while Howie quietly played guitar. They all looked at her and smiled, greeting her cheerfully before returning their attention to the program on TV.

Craving any form of comfort, Melanie quietly sat on the couch next to Brian and cuddled into his side, not saying a word.

"Hey," he said softly, looking down at her curiously. "Everything okay?" He draped his arm over her and adjusted himself to make Melanie comfortable, and he watched as she nodded. She avoided looking at him, not wanting him to ask her anything more. Instead, she watched Howie playing guitar, getting lost in the gentle melody.

Brian set his mug of coffee on the side table next to him and he gently stroked Melanie's hair, watching her closely to see if he should dig for answers or if she was just being quiet. Without realizing it, he began humming along with Howie's guitar, then quietly singing the lyrics.

Melanie pressed her head against his chest, feeling the low vibrations as he sang. It was calming, and her eyes soon began to droop. She'd only slept a few hours that night and she was finally getting a moment to relax and get out of her head. She let her eyes slide closed and sighed, releasing the tension in her body.

Howie looked over at Melanie and Brian and smiled as the song to an end. Brian looked at him and mouthed for him to keep going, not wanting to wake Melanie. She looked exhausted and he wanted to give her a chance to sleep before the chaos of the day ensued.

Howie nodded and began strumming a slow version of All I Have to Give. Nick joined into the sing along, quietly singing the first verse and harmonizing when Brian sang the second verse. They all looked up, but kept singing as the door of the suite opened and Simon, Sam, Geri, and Victoria walked into the room. Brian quickly raised his finger to his lip, signalling for the group to be quiet and nodding to Melanie.