Little by Little | Noel Gallagher

Chapter 18

May 2023

Noel stared at himself in the bathroom mirror. Forty years old. Another decade gone. And what a decade it had been. Oasis breaking up, relationship breakdowns, becoming a father, launching a solo career, finding love again. He hoped the decade ahead would bring a bit more stability. But first – he had to get through tonight.

Amy had insisted he have a 40th birthday, despite his protestations. "But you have to!" she'd kept saying. "I will organise everything, but please have something. It'll be so good."

Throughout his life, birthdays had rarely been a happy occasion for him. Ruined by arguments with his dad, with Liam, even Meg at times. He'd told Amy he was happy to have dinner with her and Anais. But he'd relented – how could he not? Amy had seemed so desperate, her brow furrowed and her eyes pleading, that it would have broken his heart to say no. So they'd compromised and agreed to host something at the house they now shared.

It was one night, he could get through it to keep Amy happy. That was more important.

He walked outside where Amy was putting final touches on decorations. Noel said they should have just hired someone to do it for them, but she'd insisted. Anais had helped her. Two against one.

"Oh good you're here!" she had, passing him a party hat. "I have this for you. Put it on."

Noel grimaced. "Are you fucking joking? I'll look like a dickhead." Amy raised her eyebrows.

"Don't speak like that in front on Anais," she admonished him. "I am

"Everyone knows it's my birthday, I don't need to wear this." She held his gaze, and eventually he floundered under it.

"Look I will wear it for a bit, but I am taking it off later," he said putting it on. Amy beamed and his heart stopped, just like it always did. His temporary discomfort was worth it to see her smile. She'd probably have a far better time at this party than he would.

Amy turned back to finished hanging the final bit of garland. She was excited and nervous for tonight's party. Noel had made her promise not to go overboard and she hadn't. She'd kept decorations and food simple, just making sure there was plenty of alcohol to keep guests happy. But what if he hated it still? What if he spent the night a grumpy, sarcastic mood, or worse, sat in the corner, saying nothing?

Her heart ached a little as she walked back inside to get ready. She knew over the years Noel had had more miserable birthdays than he hadn't. Family fights and arguments. Birthdays alone. So much different from the love and fun she had always been surrounded with.

She was determined to host a birthday for him, so he knew how much he was loved – not just by her and Anais, but all his friends as well. She hoped she hadn't made a mistake and that she wasn't pushing him too far.

It was getting closer to midnight. The sun had only set a few hours ago – you could tell summer was just around the corner. There were still plenty of people milling about, enjoying the evening. The air was filled with the low hum of music, talking and clinking of glasses.

Amy shrugged into a hoodie, the Australian in her still feeling the cold. She looked over at Noel, standing in the middle of the yard. He was surrounded by people – like he always was – no doubt regaling them all with a story. He was animated and looked happy, but she wasn't sure if he'd enjoyed the night. He hadn't taken his party hat off all night – she hoped that was a good.

They made eye contact, his blue eyes looking right into her soul like they always did. He cocked his head, telling her come over.

Noel excused himself from the group and walked over to Amy as she approached him. She looked so lovely. So happy and vibrant, her sparkling eyes looking at him expectantly. He snaked an arm around her waist and kissed her forehead.

"You're in a happy mood," she said. "Does this mean you had a good night?"

"Amy..." Noel began, a lump of emotion unexpectedly forming in his throat. Amy had done all this for him. Persisting even though he'd grumbled about it. She was way, way too good for him – way to caring and selfless, too warm and loving. "This is best birthday I've ever had. Thank you."

Amy's heart swelled in her chest. "Really? You're not just saying that?"

"I am not just saying that. Promise. I had lots of fun."

She hugged Noel tight, overjoyed. She'd wanted him to have birthday where he could be the centre of attention. He deserved it. Maybe when he turned fifty, she'd be able to throw him a bigger party, with speeches and cutting of a cake – but baby steps.

"Good. You need to know how much we all love you."

"I know it, Amy," he said softly. "Still wonder everyday why, but I know it. I hope you know how much I love you back."

She smiled at him, cupping his cheek with her hand. She softly stroked his face. Almost a year ago to the date, she'd fallen for him. She'd known then there was no going back for her. There still was no going back, only "I do," she said.

Noel sighed. "I wish you could come on tour with me," he said, leaning his forehead against hers. He was leaving for an American tour in a couple of days. Amy had already travelled a lot earlier in year. Sometimes it felt like they spent more time apart than they spent together. Now they lived together, it was hard to be without each other. They had so quickly gotten used being the first and last person each other saw.

"I know, but we'll make it work, just like we did when I was away. I'll try come join you when I can, but I'll be here when you get back."

Noel knew she would. Just like the sun always shined, they'd be there for each other.