Sing With Me

Chapter Six

            Liam sat at the piano in the typical practice room. He checked his watch every few seconds, peering at the hands in confusion. Niall should be here by now…I know he’s usually late but this is a bit ridiculous! He was supposed to meet me half an hour ago! And he hasn’t answered a single one of my text messages or phone calls! Perhaps something bad happened to him! Liam worried to himself.

            He ran his fingers across the keys glumly as he contemplated just practicing on his own, but his anxiety about Niall’s absence and possible trouble was too distracting. Liam quickly stood up and briskly raced out of the room and up the stairs. He extended his fist out towards the door but then quickly retracted it, running a hand through his hair nervously.

            I’m being ridiculous; I’m sure Niall is perfectly fine. But…it never hurts to just make sure… Liam sighed in exasperation and as he tried to make a decision. Finally, he tapped lightly on the door. He was positive that it wouldn’t be heard, but just as he was about to turn and go back to the practice room, the door cracked open and Harry peered out from behind it.

            “Well hello there, Liam,” Harry smirked as he opened the door wider. “What brings you around here?”

            “I was umm…just looking for Niall…” Liam replied, stretching in an attempt to get a glimpse into their dorm room.

            “He’s not here,” Harry shrugged with a careless yawn.

            “Is he alright?” Liam asked, fearing the worst.

            “He’s perfectly fine as far as I know,” Harry drawled, eyeing Liam curiously. “I believe he might’ve mentioned something about going for a walk.”

            “A walk? At seven in the morning?” Liam replied in surprise. “Niall hardly wants to get out of bed at seven let alone go for a walk.”

            “I never said I understood it; I just told you what he muttered to me before slamming the door behind him without eating any breakfast,” Harry said, holding both hands up in front of him.

            “Niall skipped breakfast?!” Liam demanded, mouth falling open in astonishment.

            “Yup,” Harry replied, feigning a calm demeanor as he nodded his head.

            “Are you sure he’s alright? I mean it’s so unlike him to skip a meal!” Liam insisted.

            “I’m sure he’s fine,” Harry lied, waving Liam off.

            Niall never skips meals, but he’s started eating less and less ever since his break down in the practice room when he punched the wall… Harry thought worriedly. He’s gotten quieter as well. Usually he never shuts up, but I’ve hardly gotten a word out of him other than grumbles and muttering. Plus, he doesn’t seem to sleep anymore; every time I go to bed or wake up, he’s just sitting on the couch staring blankly at the T.V.

            “Do you have any idea where he might’ve gone?” Liam asked, drawing Harry out of his thoughts.

            “I haven’t the faintest idea, Liam. I wish I did, I’m sorry,” Harry sighed, finally letting a trace of his anxiety show.

            “Alright, text me if you see him or hear from him?” Liam replied. “I just need to know that he’s okay.”

            “Of course,” Harry nodded as Liam strolled off down the hallway. “Although I won’t be hearing from him anytime soon, because he broke his phone.”