Shedevil |Vamps|James McVey|

Chapter 6

She had talked about him, he thought. There was one good thing that came out of his fruitless journey, at least. He was sat on the couch in the studio as each boy was recording their individual parts. He hadn't told the boys much about the day before, about this almost  encounter with Charlotte. The memories were killing him though; he knew that he'd have to tell his friends eventually. Everyone was taking a break, playing on their phones or ordering takeout for lunch, and possibly dinner. A performer's work is never done.

Everyone was in good spirits, aside from James. He didn't really contribute to the conversations being had around him and only replied with short answers when the boys tried to include him in the banter. Collectively, everyone shared knowing glances before abruptly stopping their words and turning to the quiet boy. He didn't pay them any mind. Honestly, he had hardly realized that everyone had stopped talking and were looking at him.

"James," Connor finally said, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck, "What's wrong, mate?"

"She's in the hospital," he replied without mentioning names, knowing the boys would figure it out, "I didn't get to see her. The lad she was with from before said it wasn't time yet. He said she's contact me when she felt like it was time. Mates, I don't know what to do. I can't get her off my mind."

"Honestly, James, all you can do is wait," Brad sighed, throwing a hand on his shoulder in a comforting gesture, "I know you want to see her and set things straight but it's up to her. The two of you seperated for a reason. Maybe this was it."

"I guess you're right, Brad," James agreed, running a hand through his hair, messing it up.

And like that, it hit him. He was so stupid. So completely blind to the truth. She would have never done that without a reason. He knew she wasn't that heartless. In fact, she was one of the nicest people he'd ever met. And all he'd been doing since they parted was plot for revenge, of all things. He was such a dick.

What he wouldn't give for the years he lost, angry at the world, at her. He was going to do whatever he could to talk to her, to work things out. Because no matter how much he'd hate to admit it, he still had feelings for her. Now, he was just hoping she felt the same. He was such an idiot.

Not being able to take it anymore, he excused himself from the group and made his way into the hallway. Building up his courage, he took out the phone from his trousers. Finding her contact, he took a deep breath. What if she didn't pick up? What if she didn't want to speak to him again? It'd be safer to text her, he thought. Fingers moving rapidly against the screen, he typed and erased his message at least six times before finally going for it.

Hey, Char. I know Tyler, whatever he is to you, told me to wait for you. But I can't. I'm worried about you. Please, just talk to me. -James

After a few minutes of agony, his phone chimed, indicating a new message. He never thought the little mechanical ping could make him feel so relieved.

Yeah, he told me he saw you. I've been trying to make myself text you or something. I guess you did it for me. Thanks James. I'd like to see you though; I think we need to have a proper talk. -Char

Of course, how's tomorrow? Around noon, yeah? -James

That sounds great, not like I'm going anywhere so just come around any time. I assume you know where the room is. See you soon James xx -Char

He was overcome with too many emotions, he didn't know what he felt. He just knew that he'd be able to see her soon. And that was all that mattered to him. It was all he cared about. It was her. With a lighter spring in his step, James walked back into the studio and nailed every single one of his notes. He felt like he was on air. All of the boys were in awe at the passion he was pouring into his singing, more than they had ever seen.