RARE (THEROCKAFELLABOYSSERIES#1)

Life is Fragile

Zoey Kagel

It's been way over eight weeks since I last saw Luke. We have FaceTimed near enough every day, planning on when we can meet up again.

The band is playing Glasgow tonight at the O2 stadium and little does he know, I bought front row tickets. I spent all morning at the hairdressers, getting my hair curled into a bouncy blow dry, spending extra time on my makeup to make it dewy and flushed.

My outfit of choice?

A tee with Luke's face on it, loose leather trousers and bright orange strappy high heels, matching bag as well, of course.

I'm right in the centre, directly facing the drums, but he hasn't seen me yet, too engrossed in the music. It sends a boatload of body shakes through me every time his fringe falls into his face, thick, tattooed arms straining when he teases those drum skins.

The man is beautiful.

Everyone is screaming around me, some singing and others rocking their heads. I'm in a trance, zeroing in on Luke's sweaty form as Leo takes most of the vocals.

I have no idea how he's pulling through it as Maeva is refusing to speak to anyone but me and Olly after the news of the paternity tests.

Those results came back positive.

Life has been a black cloud for them since.

Leo sobbed on the phone to me for two hours straight, convinced he's ruined all chances of ever having something with Maeva now and part of me agrees.

It's shaken her so hard, she wants him out of her life forever.

Mid song is always Luke's place to shine, the lights dropping to focus on him, the steady beat of the drums building into a tense rhythm until Tony's guitar solo pushes the drums into magical madness.

I jump as I scream my lungs out, not once taking my eyes from him who suddenly notices me in the crowd. The beat stumbles for a few seconds, but he picks back up as a wide grin spreads across his face as I wave like a mad woman.

Being this close I can make out the words on his lips. 'I fucking love you!' Those words set off my own grin, blowing him a load of kisses until the music dies down and at Luke's request, I'm suddenly being lifted over the barriers.

The rest of the band all greet me with smiles, Elijah rushing over to give me a tight hug before Luke climbs down from the podium. It's clear he's set on me as everyone else melts away, the sheer height of him causing my neck to crane back.

I dive straight for his chest, ears ringing at the booming noise of the crowd behind us. My legs wrap around his waist when he lifts me in one easy swoop, spinning so his back is facing his fans.

I get to see the hysteria first hand, face burying deep into the top of Luke's head when it becomes a bit overwhelming. I can feel him laughing against my chest, soft lips pressing against my collarbones.

I kiss his ear. "Put me down. They're going to pass out."

This makes him laugh harder, slightly crooked white teeth on show as I slide down his body to kiss the life out of him.

"Get a room, you guys!" Tony's voice shouts, a bright light flashing over us as he snaps a picture.

Luke links his fingers through mine, spinning me before wrapping his arm around my waist. "Love my girl," he says to the crowd, unknowingly sending my heart into overdrive.

Then he does something completely crazy by leading me up to the drums and dragging a seat next to him. I perch on it, not believing this is actually happening.

The gentle squeeze he gives my knee before picking up his drum sticks sends me shuffling closer to him, moving back once I realise he needs the leg room.

Leo is talking to the crowd, letting them know Resurrection is going to be the last song. At the cheers, Elijah starts up on the base, Luke tapping gently as Leo sings. It's a heavy combination, one that feels insane to be a part of this close.

I can't believe it. The view from here so epic I have to giggle like a little girl. Luke keeps throwing me side smiles, eyes slipping my way every so often.

I hate to be the person who has to pull their phone out, but I do, needing to film this incredible moment. Once my phone comes to life, I'm alarmed by the amount of notifications.

I click the first on the list, a cold wash of fear slapping me in the face. "Oh, my god."

My fright leads me to my feet, pure panic overcoming me as I search for an exit. I find one at the side of the stage, hearing the concern as Luke's beat changes.

Fat tears crowd my eyes as I search out a quiet space, disbelief and denial heavy until I can look properly at the article Roman sent.

"Zoey?" Luke's deep voice shouts for me meaning he just went and walked off set.

I spin to face the sound. "Oh, my god, Luke." I cry, feet feeling like jelly when I sprint towards his voice . "Luke." I cry helplessly, blinking when he bashes into the wall when he rounds the corner.

"What?!" he shouts back.

"There's been an accident." My shaking hand covers my face. "Died... Maeva... she... she died."

The confused cry which follows is something I wish to never hear again. Leo stumbling in here before his knees crash to the floor. Luke shakes his head in absolute disbelief as his best friend chokes and gags.

"What?" Luke finally asks, taking my phone when I can't bare to look at it, the tears streaming down my face. "No."

"This can't be true. What... what do you mean she's dead?" Leo cries in a mixture of shock and stark pain.

"We need to get to the airport now," Luke demands, bending to drag an inconsolable Leo from the ground. "NOW LEO! Olly is in a critical condition."

The news article mentioned something about a head on car collision. Two passengers dead at the scene and a child has serious injuries. It all feels so unreal as I stumble after them.

Leo is sprinting hard, ripping the microphone from his body, the loud sounds of hysteria coming from inside the stadium means they heard everything in there.

Elijah's voice shouts for us. Tony sprinting up behind me. This feels like a horrible dream. One I'm begging to wake up from but it's not working.

Maeva. My sweet friend. This hurts too much. Luke grabs my hand when we get outside, Leo already climbing in the mini van. We climb in a few moments after him, the other boys following as Leo yells for them to drive to the airport.

I grab onto Luke when he wraps his arms around me, hiding my face in his chest in an attempt to escape the growing ache in my heart. The silence in here says everything, everyone too shocked to speak.

"We can't know for sure until we get there," Elijah whispers, crossing his arms over his chest. "The press get it wrong sometimes."

Leo's bloodshot eyes skate over in his direction, but he doesn't say a word.

...

Author's Notes:

What will face the group when they get over there? 💔