Hitting the high notes - one direction

Prologue

The roar of the crowd was deafening, a tidal wave of sound that made Ellie's heart race as she stood just offstage. She could feel the energy buzzing under her skin—the kind that came before every performance, but tonight was different. It always was when she was about to perform in front of tens of thousands of fans, knowing that some loved her, while others... weren't as welcoming.

She tightened her grip on the microphone, glancing out at the boys already in place, their silhouettes framed by the blinding stage lights. Niall was on his usual side, guitar slung over his shoulder, a grin spreading across his face. Louis, standing center stage, was teasing Harry, flashing that cheeky smile that always made Ellie's heart skip a beat. She quickly looked away before anyone caught her staring too long—especially Niall.

"You ready for this?" Niall's voice broke through her thoughts as he appeared beside her, bumping her shoulder with his. His easy confidence was contagious, but Ellie still felt the knot in her stomach tighten.

"Yeah, just... pre-show jitters." She forced a smile, though Niall knew better.

"Ells, you've got this. No one can touch you out there." His words were meant to reassure her, but deep down, Ellie knew that wasn't entirely true. Lately, it felt like the universe—or maybe just certain people—were out to make sure she failed.

Simon's cold looks, the constant "technical issues" during her solos, the whispered rumors of fans not wanting her in the band... It was all starting to wear on her.

But there was no time to dwell on it now. The first notes echoed through the speakers, and the crowd erupted in a wave of loud applause, and Ellie stepped forward, joining the boys as the first verse rang out. For a moment, the tension melted away, and all that mattered was the music. This was where she belonged—on stage, with them.

A few songs later her solo approached.Her heart was racing. She took a breath and brought the microphone to her lips, but nothing came out. Silence. Her voice was lost in the noise, and she felt the panic rise.