Cheer Up Baby | Elijah Hewson

Chapter 8. I Want You

𝕽𝖊𝖇𝖇𝖊𝖈𝖆

The last thing I remember was being lifted up off the floor bridal style and being gently placed on the sofa in the dressing room in my state of exhaustion.

I remember Bobby placing his coat over me like a blanket so I didn't get cold, Ryan rang Ciara to come over early to keep me company and keep my mind occupied while they were getting ready to go on stage, Josh made me a cup of tea and got me some custard cream biscuits (my favourite), and I had my head placed in Eli's lap like it was a pillow. His left hand was placed on my hip and his right hand running through my hair while I was curled up on my side. Before I knew it the noise of the lads getting ready and Eli running his hand through my hair I drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

 I didn't plan on drifting off to sleep but I did. I was so exhausted from all the screaming and crying, the names my dad called me, and old toxic memories of my childhood running through my mind. It was so exhausting. The only way I found peace in that moment was being asleep, so I was grateful for that 45 minute power nap.

I was woken up by someone lightly tapping me on my shoulder. I felt so disorientated, trying to adjust my eyes to the light. It was Ciara who was waking me up.

I was so happy to see her. We have become really close over the last while, she is now one of my closest friends.

"Hey Becks, how are you feeling." She asked sweetly. A gentle, comforting smile on her face.

"I'm okay, a bit disorientated though."

She nodded as a reply. Waiting for me to fully come around before saying anything else.

As I sat up on straight on the sofa and finally became fully aware of my surroundings I realised it was just me and Ciara in the room. The lads had gone.

I started to panic a bit. I didn't know what time it was and I didn't know how long I was asleep for. What if I missed the show? Gary is going to be livid!!

"Ciara, where are the boys? Did I sleep through the whole show? Please tell me I didn't miss the show?"

Before I could get into full panic mode Ciara placed her hands on my shoulders, stopping me in my tracks.

"Rebbeca, it's okay. You didn't miss the show. The starts in 30 minutes. Eli told me to wake you up so you could get ready and get all your stuff set up and ready to go."

Oh my god the relief I felt to hear her say that. I would've felt so ashamed if I slept through my first gig with the boys and didn't even do my fucking job.

It was like Ciara read my mind, because right before I asked her again where the boys are she answered my question.

"Oh, and, the lads are down stairs in the green room. All their families are downstairs, so come down to us when you're ready, okay?"

"Okay. Just give me a few minutes to clean up my make up and give my hair a good brush and I'll be straight down."

"Great!!" Ciara smiled at me, opening up her arms to give me a hug, which I of course accepted.

"Ciara?" I whispered

"Ye?" She whispered back

"Is he still here?....my dad....did he leave?"

"Yes, he's gone. Security escorted him out after Bono called them in. Me and Ryan saw him leave in a taxi and everything, so I can promise you that he's 100% out of the building and out of your way."

"Thank you Ciara."

"No problem Becks, we're all here for you. He's not getting close when we're around, I promise."