The Trials and Tribulations of a so-called Trouble Teen

Chapter 48 - Dark Lady

The day has finally come. Today is the day that we open the show for Cher. Our day is going to be jam-packed to the brim and we won't really have a minute to sit down. Right now, the four of us are having breakfast together before getting our stuff and heading into London. We've booked a hotel near the venue to save us driving home late only to have to go back into the city early the next morning. A night in a hotel with Maya... what could go wrong? We could probably do something romantic since we'll have the entire room to ourselves. Or maybe not, I'm not really into that kind of hotel visit. It's not even that fancy of a hotel. Sure, it's in Canary Wharf which is renowned for high class and stuff like that, but the hotel itself isn't that.

I'm really excited to see Aunty Cher again. It's been so long since I last saw her, at least 4 years. She was one of the few who encouraged me into starting my career and has definitely stood by me on many occasions.

//

On our drive to the hotel, we've had to divert a few times due to roadworks. This has brought us through many areas we usually wouldn't go through, some we've never been to before. It's interesting seeing all the different people getting on with life. All sorts of backgrounds. Locals who have grown up in the area, new people from other parts of the UK, even other parts of the world. You can tell the general demographics of an unfamiliar place based on how he people act, dress and spend their time outside... usually. The lines can get blurred very quickly though.

Throughout this journey, I have been closely observing very minor details that I'm picking up. I'm talking about people's little behaviours, how they style their clothes, how they're getting around and how they respond to other people. Teenagers out having fun and spending time together, mother groups catching up over coffee dates, is that someone making a video? Huh, life goes on. It being a Sunday means churches are bustling with people, as are the adjacent church halls. This is what I love about living here - there is diversity in what those living can and will do. Shame the cracks of society are hidden from our direct sight.

//

E: [quietly watching outside]

M: [filming vlog] I'm pretty excited for the next two nights. This is a pretty big thing for us, isn't it?

C: Huge!

D: [driving] I'm sure it's not gonna be long until that's our headline show in there.

M: What says you Evin? [turns camera to face Evin]

E: [zoned out listening to music on headphones, eagerly watching passers by]

M: [turns camera around] Evin is currently in their... what should we call it, zone?

D: Yeah, I'd call it that.

M: Candid Evin in their zone. This isn't a problem initially, but sometimes getting them back into the room is a problem. "Why interrupt someone when they're happy minding their own business?" is what some of you might be asking, fair enough, it's just... we just can't let Evin go a bit too far into the zone otherwise it's hard to get them to concentrate again. [mouths] I love you.

D: We should be arriving very soon, we are just stuck in traffic for another 4 years.

C: Where should we go for lunch?

M: I'm sure there's a lovely cafe somewhere near the hotel.

E: [singing Valiente from Soy Luna]

M: [pans camera]

D: [manoeuvring into parking spot] Almost there.

M: [gently rubbing Evin] Hey.