Curious

Chapter 3

It was the next day, my best friend was on her way down to London with my mum and Aaron’s mum. I needed them the most right now and no disrespect to the boys, I needed girl time. Whilst I eagerly awaited their arrival, I decided to get dressed and actually make an effort today. Walking into my walk in wardrobe, I took a look out the window and saw the rare british sun beating down. Deciding on ripped denim shorts and a striped tight tank top and a pair of high top vans, I walked back out the closest and went into the kitchen.

“Morning Liv.” That familiar cheery voiced, half shouted across the room. Aaron was standing by the fridge looking like he was trying to make something short of a mess. “What are you doing?” I curiously asked, trying to see around his tall lean body. “Making you pancakes.” he said, proudness flashing through his turquoise eyes that matched mine. His floppy messy mouse brown hair shook a little as he laughed at the burnt mess in the pan. “Well trying to,” He shrugged, despite being close to setting off the fire alarm. “Where is everyone else?” I asked looking around, listening to the emptiness of the place. “Ollie and Liam have gone out to, er, get you some flowers.” He said trailing off at the end, unsure of my reaction. I rolled my eyes playfully and wanted to press where Brad was but Aaron didn’t continue. 

“Brad?” I asked, unsure if I wanted to know the answer. You see, Brad was the ‘bad boy’ of the band. The rebel, if you like. If we wanted to ignore orders from his management and go out at 2am to a dingy bar, he would. I guess that’s why we got along so well, because I wasn’t exactly the submissive type. Aaron shrugged, not meeting my gaze. “He went out last night, some party, one of the music video people invited us too.” I immediately felt guilty. “Where you suppose to go last night?” I pressed on, knowing Aaron would be truthful with me. “Kind of, but to be honest I was knackered and the lads agreed we should stay in in case you need anything.” He said smiling. One thing that separated me and Aaron was how sweet and caring he was. I mean I’m not some heartless b***h but if I had to bail a top party to look after my damsel in distress cousin, I certainly wouldn’t be making her pancakes this morning. I shook my head, a smile tugging at my lips. He really was the best big brother/cousin in the world. 

The door buzzer filled the apartment. Either Ollie and Liam had forgotten keys or Beth was here. Desperately hoping it was the latter, my smile grew wide as I heard the sound of females gossiping about the lack of girl decor in the hallway. The lads had caught up with them in the lobby and let them in. “Livvy!” My mum called out, hugging me as tight as she could. It had been a good few weeks since I last saw her.  She was a nurse at our local hospital back home, so the long hours took its toll and that left very little time for us to visit each other. Another pair of arms wrapped around me, “How are you darling?” Aaron’s mum, Debbie, warmly asked as she pulled me close. I could tell my Aunty Debbie anything, she was more like one of my pals than my aunty. She turned to her son and instantly started catching up, my mum following in tow wanting to hear all about the boy bands adventures. 

I turned my head to be met with someone's long legs wrapped round my waist, knocking me to the floor. “Olive!” Beth screamed as she took me down. “My god woman, you’re getting fitter by the day!” she praised slowly picking ourselves up off the floor. I couldn’t hide my grin as we were reunited. The room started to fill with chitter chatter as the boys and girls joined in with conversations of catch ups. I stood back taking in the scene, just one person missing from this picture perfect shot. 

“So we are going for a girly afternoon with cocktails and real nice food, okay?” Beth ordered us females, partially forgetting that in fact 2 of these females were older than her. My mum and Aunty Debbie held back a smirk at Beth’s bossy commands as we walked towards my suite, leaving the boys to put my flowers in a vase. Once in my room, I knew they had questions that wanted answers. I took a shaky breath, replaying yesterday's moments in my head. My mum instantly picked up on this and gave me the biggest reassuring hug. “He’s dead meat, Livvy.” She said firmly, making me believe every word. The corners of my mouth turned up, catching a tear that fell. 

“Come on, we haven’t got much time left.” Aunty Debbie said, ushering us all to get changed. “How long are you staying?” I asked them all hoping it would be a few days at least, but looking at my mum and Debbie’s small overnight bags, it wasn't long. “I’ve got to get back to work sweetie, but don't worry if either of those toe rags come into my A&E they’ll regret it.” My mum said confirming my suspicions that they aren't staying at all.  However, I then noticed Beth’s big massive suitcase, surprised I even missed it all. “It’s the summer holidays isn’t it?” She asked, nodding to my stack of books and gym gear in the corner of my room. “Yeah just.” I replied, not sure where this is going. “Well you’ve got me for as long you need me baby!” She cheered, clapping her hands in delight. Beth owned her own fashion shop up north so could have as much time off as she wanted. We both jumped up and down hugging each other. My mum and Debbie, looking at us both in awe.“Our train is at 9:30pm, honey.” Debbie reminded us, quickly glancing at my wall clock. “Let’s go then!” I replied, excited for the day ahead. 

I had gotten changed into something more suitable for day drinks, a crisp white slightly see-through blouse half tucked into my high waisted black washed out jeans and my face snake print strappy heels, letting my natural wavy hair bounce back. We called a taxi to my favourite brunch spot. Once inside we ordered pancakes with prosecco because that’s what classy girls do right?!

A little while later and more acceptable time to be found in a bar, we headed into a cocktail place. Just as I got to the door, a girl around 13/14 stopped me and Aunty Debbie. “Are you Olivia and Debbie?” She said a little wide eyed. Obviously being used to this sort of thing I started to give a little laugh. “Yes, that's us.” I replied smiling sweetly at the girl. “Can I get a picture?” She asked politely. I knew as soon as the camera clicked it’d only be seconds before it was on social media. Just as that my phone buzzed, there was the tag. Giving the girl a quick wave and follow back on i********:, I took my phone back into my clutch and headed to the bar.  A raspberry Tom Collins was calling my name.