Skybreak [not to be continued]

XX

I sat in the kitchen at just before midnight that evening just evaluating life. I never planned on telling Luke, or anyone for that matter, about what had happened at home or why I had suddenly arrived in London. Now I had, I felt exposed and vulnerable. My brain ached and I was tired; it was painful to think and I headed into my room to get some needed sleep.

~

Late the next morning I headed to the train station as usual, armed with my guitar. I hadn't slept well at all, and as I headed out the flat, the door slamming shut behind me, I realised that I had forgotten my key and wouldn't be able to return until Alaska was back later from university. Sighing, I thought back to yesterday's conversation, hoping that Luke might forgive me and maybe even tell his friends - then I wouldn't have to. I hoped he might understand why I lied; I just wanted to make a new life here in London. However, there was still that constant linger of the past that seemed to haunt me wherever I went; now joined with the reminder that if I wasn't busking yesterday, I could have saved that girl.

Heading down into the train station, it seemed strangely empty with only the echoing sound of voices on the platform. Confused, I was led by my ears towards a crowd, my crowd, who were surrounding a group busking. I knew I was here later than usual, about there hours later, but I didn't realise that someone would have taken my spot. Edging around them, I got into the side, nearly behind them and was shocked to see it was 5 Seconds Of Summer! Trying to hide my annoyance (why were they here? I always played here, it was my area...) I stood with a calm facade, waiting for them to finish their song.

After they'd finished, it seemed they were planning a temporary stop as Michael and Luke placed their guitars in their cases, I slowly approached them.

"You shouldn't busk at tube stations, it might distract people from saving someone that's jumping on the tracks." I said to the band, my voice not sounding as light hearted as I wanted it to be.

Ashton stopped in his tracks as he recognised my voice, him and Luke sighing. Luke turned to face me, being the only one who was fully acknowledging me: "Don't beat yourself up over that Gr-Sky." He caught himself before calling me Gray and instead changed to my real name.

I cringed. "Please Luke, call me Gray. It's my name now."

Ashton turned around and curtly asked one single question. "Your name isn't Gray?"

"Um... no, it's a long sto-" I began to answer, confused to why this was his reaction. I thought Luke would have told them all, but as I looked at him he shrugged.

I was cut off as Ashton spoke again, using the same tone of voice. "You were lying to us."

Ashamed, I stared at the ground as Calum and Michael stared harshly at me, Ashton smirking at what he had done and Luke just seeming apologetic. Nevertheless, I tried to smile as I politely said a goodbye (ignoring the fact that it was not the ed of the conversation) and quickly tried to scurry off, my vision become more and more blurry as I tried to blink away the tears that were gathering in my eyes.

I knew that lying was bad, but I didn't want anyone to pity me because of my story. I was trying to get over Rosa's passing and didn't want to constantly be reminded of it. And for my name? Gray was what everyone called me anyway, I couldn't see any point in telling them my actual name because they'd never use it.

A small commotion was happening behind me, but I didn't stop to see what was happening; I refused to let any of the boys, especially not Ashton, see me cry. It was bad enough that Luke had experienced one of my breakdowns yesterday, but I just didn't want a reputation as a someone who constantly cries.

The pitter-patter of footsteps coming towards me made me increase my speed and I walked with more effort towards the escalators where I knew I might be able to loose them. I was about to step foot onto the first step when a hand grabbed my shoulder and pulled me back to look into the eyes of Calum. They were deep brown and filled with regret and guilt. I stared into his eyes, trying to ignore the few tears that had not cleared from mine and were now trickling down my cheeks, until he spoke. "Follow me, I think we need to talk."

Grabbing my hand, he pulled me against him on the right hand side of the escalator. I stood a few centimetres away from his chest, as he softly brushed his thumb across my face to wipe away my tears. I smiled up at him, as we walked off the escalator and into the town.

After a few minutes of walking, we arrived at a small cafe where Calum was immediately greeted by the girl behind the counter. She showed us to a table, and we sat down in silence.

"Why did you lie to us?" Calum asked straight out. It seemed there was no point trying to mask why we were here.

"A few months ago, my best friend died. I was pretty distraught about it and refused to leave my room or do anything for weeks, so my parents kicked me out and I'm now living with my kind-of-cousin." I said quickly, trying not to let too much emotion pass into my words. Cal's reaction was similar to that of Luke's but he leant forwards and grabbed my hand.

"Gray... you know you can talk to me if you need to. I'm not awful at giving advice." He whispered, inaudible for anyone except us. "And is your name actually Gray?"

I shook my head in response to his second questions. "It's Sky, but I was nicknamed Gray and, well, it kind of stuck." He nodded in acceptance.
"And thanks, but why do you want to help me? Aren't you worried about Ash and Michael, they hate me!"

This time he shook his head. "Ash is very protective over Luke, he's worried that he will get his heart broken. And don't worry about Mike. He's about as harmless as a baby kitten. Oh, and the other things. Um, yeah. You know, you're really like my sister - you remind me so much of her - and I guess I kind of feel obliged to be there for you, in a sibling way."

I smiled. "Thanks Cal. It really means a lot to me."

He just laughed and beckoned the counter girl over to order food.