Little by Little | Noel Gallagher

Chapter 16

October 2022

It had been hard to say goodbye, but Noel and Amy soon re-established their routine of seeing each other whenever they could, supplement by regular phone calls and FaceTimes. It wasn't so easy for Amy to come to London now, so Noel was often coming over to join her on tour. The press and internet had gone absolutely crazy – he was constantly pictured arriving to the band's gigs in Ireland or Scotland, they tried to get into sound check and Amy was getting asked about it in every interview. They ignored it all, but didn't try to hide anything either. Those days were gone.

The most important thing was Noel was getting along well the rest of the band. James had softened considerably now he knew Noel was 'serious' and mostly they were happy Amy was happy – although he strongly suspected she may have given them a talking to about being friendly to him. He'd also met her parents and brother via Zoom. They'd been slightly annoyed to find out via a gossip magazine first that she was in a relationship – and perhaps there were a little taken a back at his age as well – but they were friendly and welcoming. He'd even had the opportunity to take her to beaches he'd gone to in Ireland as a child, and they were going to spend Christmas with his Mam. All was well.

"Do you think you can come to England next time you get a break," he asked Amy one day. "I want you to meet Anais."

There were lying top and tail in Amy's bed. She bolted upright, her heart thumping through her ribs. She was thrilled. She'd wanted to meet Anais for a long time, but hadn't wanted to push. She trusted Noel to pick the right time.

"Really?! I mean are you sure? What does Meg say?"

"She's fine with it. She wants to meet you as well though," Noel said tentatively. He had no idea how Amy would take that. How many women wanted to be introduced to their boyfriend's ex? No matter how mature and civilised they all were, it was bound to be awkward.

"I get it. She wants to see who is coming into her daughter's life. I'd be concerned if she didn't want to meet me," Amy said. She'd assumed she'd have to meet Meg eventually as well. She was prepared for this, but she was still nervous. What if Meg didn't like her, or didn't want her around Anais? Worse – what if Anais didn't even like her? Would Noel then have second thoughts about them?

Noel smiled at her gratefully. Yet again, he was amazed at the way Amy opened herself up to anyone. He couldn't understand how there was always enough kindness and warmth in her heart for it all. She could share it so much more easily than him. He squeezed her hand.

"Thanks. Meg's sound. It'll be great."

Amy nodded, swallowing awkwardly. She hoped so.

*****************

October 2022

Noel and Amy walked down the quiet streets of Buckinghamshire. Amy had flown into London that morning to meet Noel before driving up. They were meeting Meg and Anais at a playground. They'd decided to meet at a neutral place rather than anyone's home, as well as away from the loudness and prying eyes that knew they'd get in London.

Amy rubbed her nose and sniffed. The afternoons were getting chillier now the sun was going down earlier. The cold air stung her nose a little, making the tip red. She probably looked like she'd done a few lines. Who knows what Meg would think about that. She could see both of them in the distance, two blonde outlines, one taller, one smaller, that slowly began to take more form and shape as they got closer. She exhaled shakily.

"Don't be nervous," Noel said, squeezing her hand, although he was plenty nervous himself. "It'll all be fine." Amy smiled at him gratefully, thankful for his reassurance but also the chance to meet his daughter.