Colton

I watch Lexi go, sighing lightly. I feel like I'm missing something vital. I bite my lip and pull out my phone, selecting both Joel and Luke and shooting them a text.

I'm worried about Lexi. How'd she seem to you?

Joel responds almost immediately. Probably while he's driving. Which is probably making Moriah nag him about it

I don't know, Mate. I know what you're saying, but she's hard to read.

I exhale heavily. That was what I was afraid of.

Yeah. Just help me keep an eye on her, would you?

Of course. I care about her too much not to.

Luke, probably from bed, responds after a few minutes as well.

I think you're right. She was acting a little too cheerful – in her own sassy way – while I was there, and it wasn't the normal Lexi. I think she was using it to cover how she's really feeling.

I consider it for a long moment. I hadn't thought of that. But he's right.

I sigh, rubbing a hand through my mohawk before responding.

Good point. Man, I just don't know what to do.

They both respond to that one, Luke first.

Just keep doing what you're doing, Mate. All you have to do is trust God and take it one day at a time.

Joel's comes in a few seconds after his younger brother's.

Just breathe, Colton. I know it's tough, and I know you're worried about her. We are too. But you've gotta keep your eyes on God, not the problem. Hang in there, Mate.

I inhale slowly before letting it out, trying to listen to their advice.

Thanks, guys

Is my response to both, before I put my phone away and head to bed.

Jesus, help me, because I think I'm in over my head.

"I have another meeting to finish planning details for this next tour," I tell Lexi over breakfast. "But it's not until this afternoon. I know you have school, but I figured you could do it while I'm at the meeting, and since Annie's off today, I thought we could see the new Guardians movie while the crowds are down."

She shrugs. "Okay, whatever."

"Don't act too excited," I laugh. "Can you be ready in half an hour?"

"I'm ready now," she replies, tossing her wrapper in the trashcan.

I nod. "Well, Annie's not. So do you wanna take a walk while we wait for her?"

"Whatever," she repeats, shrugging again.

"Come on, Ms. Enthusiasm," I tease gently, waving her out the door with me.

We walk in silence for a while, even though I know what I wanna say. At least, I know what I need to say. I just don't want to push too hard. But our block is only so big.

Finally, I take a deep breath.

"Lexi?"

She raises an eyebrow, though she's not meeting my gaze.

"You doing okay?" I ask gently.

"Colton, I'm fine," she replies easily, her slightly annoyed tone just too normal. "Quit worrying about me."

"Okay, I won't push," I say, holding up my hands in surrender. "But if you change your mind, just let me know, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," she sighs, and I laugh, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.

"Excuse me for caring."

"Yeah, excuse you," she says icily, but it only makes me laugh harder.

But there's this nagging inside that says now I'm even more worried than I was before.

A/N: Short, but I did update today, right? I'm having major writer's block, but Ima keep pushing until it goes away. Anyway, if you feel like it, tell me what you thought, and I'll see you guys later. :) I'm hoping to update Wednesday.