A Drop in the Ocean

Chapter 15

December 7th snuck up on me quicker than I thought it would.  Before I knew it, I was standing in front of Nora, James, Lindsey, Paul, and the boys bidding them farewell.  True, we were still at the house, but they all stood in front of me as I leaned against the front door with a large Samsonite suitcase at my side and a backpack slung onto my shoulder.  

"Are you sure you don't want us to take you to the airport?" Nora asked while James put his arm around her.  

"Nah.  I'm just gonna take the bus.  Don't want you guys to have to waste your night," I replied.  To be honest, I was not looking forward to the twenty-two hour flight that lie ahead.  The clock on the wall read 8:30 PM.  

"Alright, well, since we won't be seeing you, happy birthday!" Lindsey cheered as she stepped forward and pulled me in for a hug.  

"It's your birthday?" Ashton asked.  I looked at him over Lindsey's shoulder and nodded.

"It's the ninth," I clarified, moving Lindsey's soft brown hair from my face so I could talk.  

"How old will you be?" Luke asked.  Lindsey pulled away and walked back over with Paul.

"Eighteen," I replied.  Luke looked down at his shoes in what I'm guessing was disappointment.  I then remembered that Luke is only sixteen.  I also remembered something else, and my hand flew to my mouth as I gasped.

"What?" everyone said, although not in unison.  That would be weird.

"I forgot," I whispered.  Everyone before me was puzzled.  I then stepped over to Michael and pulled him into a hug.  "Poor Mikey.  I'm so sorry I forgot your birthday," I apologized while patting his head in a sarcastically comforting way.  His arms stayed awkwardly at his sides.  "Happy very belated seventeenth birthday, young Michael Gordon Clifford," I whispered comfortingly while swaying back and forth with him as though we were slow dancing.  I noticed by now that I was unconsciously increasing the awkward intentionally.  I released him from the hug and kissed his cheek then let him go.  "Alright kids!  I better be off then!" I cheered in a British accent.

Nora, James, Lindsey, and Paul all gave me hugs.  I gave each of the boys a hug before walking back over to the door.  

"Oh, Jordan, before you go, we have to tell you something," Calum spoke up.  I looked back over to them, waiting for the announcement.

"We're going on tour!" Ashton exclaimed.  My face dropped.

"Excuse me?" I questioned.  Is this happening?

"Yeah, we're opening for One Direction on their Take Me Home tour," Calum clarified.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me," I said sharply.  Their excitement seemed to fade as they noticed my reaction.

"No, it's true," Calum squeaked out.  I sighed. 

"How long have you known about this?  I feel like it wasn't just sprung up suddenly," I asked, sighing as I said my words and rubbing my forehead, feeling a headache coming on.

"A few months," Ashton replied.

"How long is a few?" I retorted.  I saw Luke and Michael look away uncomfortably while Calum looked at his hands, and Ashton looked at me with intimidated eyes.

"Five," he muttered, hoping I wouldn't hear.  I felt my face contort into a scowl.

"When were you planning on telling me?  Because I know the tour starts February 23.  My friend wants to buy tickets," I snapped.  I was a bit irritated, if you couldn't tell.

"Sorry, Luke was supposed to tell you," Ashton quickly blurted.  Luke's head snapped up, his eyes wide.  I narrowed mine at him in rage.

"I got distracted," he mumbled.  I shook my head and rolled my eyes.  I decided to let it go.  At least they decided to tell me before February 22.  

"Alright, well, it's great to know that I will be going on what I'll assume is a six month tour only two months before it actually happens.  Real nice.  You guys are lucky I've already graduated," I said, pointing a finger at them.  I heard the alarm on my watch go off, signaling that I have to get going.  "Okay, that's my cue.  I'll see you all in a little while!" I cheered, heading out the door and on my way to another adventure.