As the final few bits of Don't Look Back In Anger played out, I felt myself lift with happiness as I fell onto the barrier. Noel hadn't just acknowledged me, he'd pointed, smiled, laughed and probably fucking WINKED at me too. It was too much on top of the normal concert euphoria - especially with being barrier as well.
As the band left the stage, I saw someone studying me in the wings. I could've almost sworn it was Noel. After all, I did really go for it, and maybe I'd made an impression? I turned away and followed the mass of people leaving, when a security guard came up behind me...
"Miss! Yes, you in the white T-shirt!"
I turned around to be faced with a large, but muscular man, who looked as though he could beat you up in a second should you step out of line.
"Yes?"
"Noel would like to see you backstage."
"Me?" My heart race increasing with every passing second.
"Yes, you. Follow me."
And so I did. Maybe it was a mistake, I don't know, but it changed my life forever.
"What's your name?"
"Lyra." I replied, as he led me through a door with a huge "NO ENTRY" sign on it. Inside, it was lit with harsh, bright lighting, and I saw Noel in the corner getting ready to leave.
"Chief. This is Lyra." The guy introduced me and left. I felt my body stiffen at the thought of being left alone with him.
"Thanks Tom. 'Iya Lyra, Did y'have a good night?" He said, doing up his zip.
"Yeah. I gotta say, that was even better than Crystal Palace." I could hear my heart rate now, like zebras running on the African plains.
"Thought y'did," he smiled, "Never seen someone go that mental. Did y'rehearse those hand gestures beforehand or something?"
"Nah. Just did what came naturally."
"Yeah yeah yeah, they all say that," he paused. "D'ya wanna go for a drink?"
I smirked and rolled my eyes "I bet you say that to all the girls."
"I don't actually. Haven't done this in a long time."
Well I suppose I'd better say yes then," I said with a playful grin.
"Too right y'had. Ever been to Groucho?" he asked, sparking my curiosity.
I smiled, "Never been but I've wanted to." The excitement bubbled within me as I imagined the possibilities.
"Ok then. Just let me say bye to a couple people and we'll go." He disappeared, leaving me to absorb the surreal moment.
I stood watching him leave and almost fell over in surprise, shock, joy, and fear. How was it I got to be this lucky? The seconds felt like an eternity as I processed the whirlwind of emotions.
About 5 minutes later, he sauntered back in and nodded in my direction. "Right then, let's go." My heart raced, and I followed him out the back, past a mob of fans and into a cab.
"How old are ya'?" Noel asked as we set off, I was sat next to him, and we were about half a meter apart.
"Oooh the fatal question... I'm going to get you to guess," I replied, slightly afraid of his response.
"Hmm, 27." He furrowed his eyebrows in thought.
I could feel my stomach drop; he had no idea... no idea I was 5 years younger than his daughter or only 2 years older than his elder son. "No," I tried to laugh it off. "I'll make it easy for you, I'm 18."
