Ace Huxley's Daughter

12

There comes a point in a sleepless night, when tossing and turning in your bed just becomes pointless. Last night was one of those. By 7am, I think I'd scavenged a grand total of 2 hours, interrupted sleep. How one single name could have my mind tripping like this, I had absolutely no idea. Sonny. So similar to Bubbles. But this one she took from my name. She personalised it for me.

No girl, in the history of my mind finding girls attractive, has ever been stuck on my mind like this. Not Lara back in high school. Not Becky, my next-door neighbour as a kid who was playboy bunny material. No one. Olive Huxley wasn't just occupying every single thought I'd had for the past few days but she was in my dreams too. Every time I blinked, it was her face I was seeing and I fear I was starting to go a little mad.

A fucking lawyer.

It was still beyond hilarious to me that her dad had let her do something that she so clearly hated and I couldn't sleep wondering what was going on behind it all that made her defend it so hard. Why she did the degree, why she was going to go through with something she didn't want to do, why she was here if that was supposed to be her dream job. If I knew I had my dream job at my fingertips, I'd be there. Not following a band around the world. I'd be in that office and I'd never leave.

I kicked at the damp grass below my feet, tossing the stubbed cigarette into the bin beside me. The field we'd laid in last night seemed so close right now, compared to the mile she'd had me walking with her. I don't know why we walked through the woods either. It was right here. Just over a small wooden fence. She'd have known that. Crazy girl. Climbing a tree in jean shorts in the middle of the night. I turned around slowly, deciding to head back to the car. Maybe I could get a head start on everyone this morning, check into the hotel early and sleep and shower and sleep. On a bed. A proper bed.

My eyes pulled me to a halt as I watched Blake knock on the tour bus door. No one really knows much about Blake. We know he's always been close with the band. The closest person out of everyone without a doubt. We know this isn't his first tour. We know he's in charge of keeping the guitars and mics checked out. We know he's the 'go to guy' if there's an issue. We know he's friendly, always with some new girl at every stop. If it's a multiple night stay over, there's multiple girls. We know he never speaks to the girls in our group unless it's about work. Honestly, the guy was a complete mystery. The girls he picked up are the same type here with us. But not one word to them.

A few seconds later the door pulled back open and he jumped back out. Black skinny jeans much too tight as he leaned forward, extending a hand. God no. Please don't tell me I'm seeing what I am. Olive stepped out, her hand in his, pulled into a hug. He put her down, grabbed her hand, spun her around. I don't think I'd seen her smile that way before. She'd laughed with Hannah. Really laughed. But this smile. It was different. I couldn't place it. He wrapped his fingers into hers and grinned, walking her up to his pervy little van and opening her door for her before climbing in.

I moved so I could see her face, watching her closely to see if she was comfortable in there with him. He'd picked her up. From where her dad was likely sleeping a few feet away. She probably didn't even know the guy and now she's going to be alone in his gross van? She laid her head back after he said something, slowly shook her head and said something. He nodded, starting the engine, and pulling out of camp.

I was worried. I don't know why. She must know the guy. Her dad must trust him if he's here and close to the band and in charge of the things he is. The band must trust him. I don't think her dad would keep people around if he didn't. I turned on my heel slowly walking back to the car. I don't like whatever the fuck is happening to me right now. I don't like my mind being occupied by her.

"Meg-" My body shot to one side, almost toppling over as someone knocked into me. I instinctively grabbed them, stopping both of us from plummeting to the floor. "I'm so sorry Emerson." Baby blue eyes looked up at me, tucking blonde hair behind both her ears. She looked over her shoulder quickly as her cheeks flushed. "I swear. Meg push- of course she's gone. I'm so embarrassed." I tipped her head up gently, making her whole face turn red.

"You okay?" She nodded. "Didn't hurt your shoulders or anything?"

"No." Her weak voice almost made me gag. But right now, I needed a distraction.

"Driving today?"

"No. Meg is. WELL, SHE FUCKING BEST BE AFTER THAT STUNT." There was a quiet snicker and I forced my lips to tug up in a half smile.

"Go grab your stuff for the day."

"What?"

"Did I say to ask questions? Phone, passport, anything else you need before we get up there." She swallowed. "Go." I turned her around, gently pushing on her back until she walked off quietly. Nessa wasn't exactly someone I just wanted to use to occupy my mind. The girl was too sweet for her own good. But it's not like I had a dozen options right now. Everyone knew me and Ness were friends with benefits I guess? It had happened more than 4 times now. Just when we both needed a release. It meant the other girls here didn't want to come near me and I couldn't wait until we hit Helsinki. I needed the distraction from Olive and I needed it now. Because 5 days of her being cemented in here was too much and tomorrow I had work to do and I couldn't afford another sleepless night.

She came back, backpack on her shoulder, peering up at me like she was nervous and my stomach tossed.

"Ready?" She nodded. "Good. Passenger side." I nodded at the car. I wasn't going to give her the benefit of opening the door. This was never going to be anything serious. I didn't need anything other than company right now.