Flaws (Mark Owen Fanfic)

Chapter 4

My life continued as normal for the next few weeks as I went back working everyday with Eric, and met up as much as possible with Lisa.

I had begun to think that maybe Gary and Howard had refused Mark's idea of making me their support act, because of his lack of contact.

I had just begun to totally give up on the idea when out of the blue,Mark called me.

'Hello Cora', he I heard when I picked up the phone, 'How are you?'

'Uh',I mumbled, stuck for words at the sound of his voice, 'I'm good, and you?'

'I'm great', Mark replied, 'Listen, I'm sorry that I haven't been in touch but things have been crazy here with rehearsals and such, but I've finally arranged for you to come over to meet the boys and start working on your set.'

'Oh,that's great', I said, 'I think I have the money for a return flight to London.'

'Don't be silly', Mark laughed, 'We'll pay for everything, don't you worry about it.'

'Thank you Mark', I replied, 'But are you sure?'

'Of course', he said, 'I'll e-mail the ticket to you.'

With that Mark went on to explain everything that was going to happen over the next few weeks while I was in London.

I would be staying in his house with Emma and the kids, he would bring me to the tour rehearsals so that I could meet Gary and Howard and also see what the show contained of, I would then have a meeting with their band who would also be playing for me and discuss the songs that I would sing. I would also have to sign a contract to confirm that I would be their support act. Then my own rehearsals would begin.

'Are you sure that you want me to stay at your house?', I asked, when he was finished explaining, 'I don't want to intrude. I can always stay at a hotel, I'll pay for it myself.'

'No of course not, you'll stay with us', Mark reassured me, 'Emma and I have discussed it and she's getting the guest bedroom ready for you as we speak. As long as you don't mind a house with three young kids in it.'

'Of course not, I love children', I replied, which was true, 'Please thank Emma for letting me stay.'

'I will', Mark said, 'Well I'd better go, I'll see you soon. Okay?'

'Okay,bye Mark', I replied, with a grin on my face.

With that I hung up the phone, and went to explain everything to my parents.

Leaving them satisfied with the plan, I called Lisa to tell her about everything, and then I called to Eric to tell him too.

They were both delighted for me, and we agreed to meet up before I went to London.

I guess it was a week later when I had to tell my boss about my plans,and that I would have to quit. I couldn't tell him why, and just said that I was making a career change. ( It was kinda of true: Shop assistant to support act for Take That!) Thinking he would be angry that I hadn't given him more notice, I was surprised when he gave me extra in my wage and wished me luck for my future plans.
 

I was sad leaving the shop for the last time, not because I had loved working there so much but because I would be leaving Eric. He had become one of my best friends and I had so many fun memories with him in that shop. 

It was that weekend that he and Lisa and I went out for a couple of drinks before I departed to London. We had great fun, and I couldn't have asked for a better send off.

That Monday, I packed my bags and the next day it was time to say goodbye to my home for a few weeks. 

'Are you sure you have everything?', my mother asked, as she and my father waited with me until my plane began boarding at the airport.

'Yes I'm sure', I reassured her, 'I double checked my suitcase, twice. I have everything that I need.'

'Okay,okay', she replied, before engulfing me in a hug, 'I'm going to miss you so much!'

'I'll only be gone for a few weeks', I giggled, but could feel moisture coming to my eyes, 'Don't worry, I'll be fine.' 

'I know', my mother said, sniffing before kissing me and letting me go.

'The plane is boarding Cor', my father said, interrupting us, 'It's time to go.'

'Okay',I nodded, hugging and kissing him on the cheek, 'I'll call you when I'm at Mark's house.'

'Take care pet', my mother called, as I began to make my way to the departure gate.

I turned around smiling, and waved once before turning back around and continuing on my way.

Just over and hour and a half later, the plane touched down at Heathrow airport.

Thankfully,a quiet girl around my own age had been seated beside me, so I peacefully listened to my iPod for the whole journey, and try to relax (I always hated flying).

After gathering my suitcase, I made my way to the arrivals gate, as I fixed my shoulder bag around me. 

The moment I walked out into the airport I saw him. Mark was there waiting for me and when he saw me he beamed his famous smile that I had loved with years.

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Hey guys, 

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter!

Thank you all for reading and voting! You're the best!

Love, 

Lauren

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