Alyssa's PoV

As soon as the sun had risen, my eyes were open. It was annoying sometimes that I was such an early bird - like now when literally everyone else was still sleeping. I crept out of the front room and headed into the kitchen, closing the door behind me as I tiptoed around to fill up the kettle and boil the water.
I sighed to myself as I remembered yesterday's conversation and how the anniversary of Olivia's untimely passing was today. No one was going to be happy and cheery like they had been over the last few days and weeks with me. Today was going to be different.
I'd made the decision then and there that I'd treat them all to a lovely breakfast, just to try and make them feel happy in this very sad time. There were no words I was going to be able to say that would comfort them or make them feel any better but some good food and someone caring about their well-being would probably be the best I could do.
I pulled out every stop; the table set with plates and bowls, the cafetière loaded with coffee and a teapot ready with tea. I'd set out a fruit salad, some yogurt, some pastries I luckily had bought a few days ago after thinking I fancied croissants. I hadn't yet opened them but now seemed like the perfect time. I put the jams and spreads on the table too and finally got to work on the things that needed cooking. I had decided pancakes were the easiest option, and along with doing some toast, would mean there were several options for breakfast. I was searching for the ingredients in the cupboard when someone came up behind me and whispered.

"Good morning." I jolted, pulling myself back from the cupboard and spinning round to see Calum standing beside me with a half smile and a very tired face.

"Calum!" I hissed quietly, jokingly smacking him on the arm. "You nearly gave me a heart attack!"

"Sorry. Just came to get some water." He shrugged with a smirk. I rolled my eyes as I pulled a glass out for him and pointed him to the fridge. As he poured his water, he looked back over the table. "You've been busy." He nodded over to the mountain of food. It was my turn to shrug.

"Thought it might help in a few different ways. I know this is a tough day for everyone." I said as I began measuring out my flour. He sidled over to me as he sipped his drink.

"And you're cooking without me." He pouted to which I laughed.

"Only pancakes. It's just so everyone has a choice for breakfast." Calum put his drink down and held his hands out, gesturing for him to do it.

"I've gotta learn. You promised me lessons." He smiled as I handed the eggs over to him. After adding the milk and oil, he got to whisking the mixture whilst I heated up the pan, and soon Chef Calum was cooking his first pancakes. He piled them one on top of the other until the stack was towering from the plate, one final pancake cooking away on the pan as the mixture bubbled.

"You're a good cook, you know." I smiled as I watched him flip the final pancake.

"Only because I've learnt from the best." He laughed, though his face fell to become serious straight afterwards. "Look, I just want to say thanks on behalf of us all now. This day is never a good one and none of us handle it well, so as a warning, don't expect witty banter, chat or a thank you. If you expect the worst, anything is better than that." I nodded sympathetically.

"I know, I get it. Luke probably won't remember but I told him about my brothers passing. When it doesn't feel fair to have lost someone, you act out to the world. I've only recently learnt to appreciate what I had with him rather than hate the fact I don't have him anymore." The mood of the room had changed, a vulnerability hanging over us both as Calum let out a sigh.

"I'm sorry." He said quickly. "Olivia was one of my best friends, up there with the guys. She came to everything, I even went out with just her for shopping trips or meals. We were really close. Luke never wants to admit that anyone else could hurt as badly as him, which I understand, but it really hurts me. I really appreciate you going to this effort for us." He pulled me in for an unexpected hug which I retaliated just as the kitchen door opened and a very tired, sick looking Luke shuffled in with a face like thunder.

"Am I interrupting?" He snapped, his eyes narrowed at the two of us. Calum sighed into my shoulder before we parted, Calum heading over to Luke and putting an arm around him.

"Just thanking Alyssa for this amazing spread. She wanted to try to make today just a little more bearable." He settled Luke down at the table as I brought the pancakes and toast over and filled the final two gaps. The table top was completely covered with food now and even I felt a little sense of happiness for what I'd achieved.

"It looks great, thanks Alyssa. Sorry, today is a shit day." He sighed. As he placed a pancake on his plate he muttered something about pain so I placed some medication in front of him alongside a glass of water. He smiled and nodded at me before shooting a glare over to Calum. The room was suddenly silent and tense, the atmosphere could have been cut with a knife until the door flew open again and Cody and Kira walked in, happily discussing their dreams. Cody's eyes widened as he took in the extravagant spread on the table - which was monstrous in comparison to our usual cereal.

"Morning guys! Did you sleep well? Help yourselves to food. The pancakes are still hot." I grinned, happy to see some smiling faces. Kira and Cody sat beside each other as they spooned out fruit and pancakes, adding a drizzle of sauce onto them whilst spreading jam on some toast.

"This is delicious Lys. Thank you so much!" Kira smiled, a little bit of jam smudged in her chin. I grabbed a napkin and dabbed the smear away with a smile.

"It smells amazing in here." The door opened again and Michael walked in with a smile, quickly followed by Ashton. They instantly sat down at the last two spaces at the table and began to help themselves to the food. I saw Luke look around the table and, realising there's no space, turned to me.

"Did you want to sit here? Sorry, the others don't think sometimes." He shot them glares as they stuffed their faces. I shook my head.

"It's fine, honestly. I did it for you all. I'll be happy with a cup of coffee." Luke was quick to pour coffee from the cafetière and add some cream, stirring it round before handing it to me.

"Well we really appreciate it. Thank you so much." He said and I smiled back, noticing the other three exchanging glances with raised eyebrows indicating to me that this wasn't what they were expecting him to be like. Was this about to be the first time he didn't act out on her anniversary?