"First live show," my hairdresser, Laura, smiled.
"I know," I sighed, not quite believing it.
We continued to chat away as she styled my hair, talking about everything and nothing, really.
"Are you glad to have the groups this time?" she asked before spraying a generous amount of hairspray, making it almost impossible for me to breathe.
I waiting until the thick cloud had disappeared before answering her. "I sure am. It's about time!"
She nodded in agreement. "I'm sure you'll do a grand job."
I looked at my phone, which sat on the table infront of me, as it started to ring. Picking it up, I smiled when I saw Nicola's name flash up on the screen. "Hey babe."
"Hey hun! You nervous for tonight?"
"Not at all." There was a silence. "Ok, maybe a little bit," I confessed, making her laugh.
"Thought you would be. Me and Sarah are sitting on the couch watching strictly... waiting on you!"
"Well, you still have another hour!" I giggled, checking the clock on the wall. I rolled my eyes at Sarah as I heard her moaning about something before Nicola responded.
"Get a cloth! ... Oh, I know! I hate waiting."
"So, what have you been doin' all day?"
"We went shoppin' eariler. We actually bumped into Nadine. She just got back from her honeymoon, you should see her tan! I'm well jealous."
"Ooh..." I let out. "How is she?"
"She was good, but she was a bit upset. She said something about Kimberley's dad being rushed into hospital."
I took her words in and inhaled sharply, shock. "Oh my God! Is he ok?"
"She didn't go into much detail," she told me. "She only told us that Kimberley had got the news the previous night and had left for Bradford."
"That's terrible," I mumbled, my mind somewhere else.
"I know. I feel sorry for her. I hope everythin' is ok."
"I hope so too," I agreed, nodding at Laura as she signaled to me that my hair was done. "Listen babe, I need to go now. I'll talk to you later, ok?"
"Ok, hun. We'll be watchin' you!"
"Ok," I chuckled. "Bye."
I hung up and immediately reached for my bag, pulling it up to rest on my lap. I rummaged through until I eventually found the small slip of paper.
"Cheryl! Make up."
"Ok. Give me two mintues, Gemma!" I shouted back before, once again, reaching for my phone.
Hey Kimberley.
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad.
I just wanted to text and ask how you are?
I hope you are well and please send my regards.
Cheryl x
Putting a kiss at the end, what a silly thing to debate with yourself about. I ended up adding one before typing in her number and hitting send.
* * * * *
"Cheryl, five minutes," one of the runners shouted.
I looked down at my phone again.
She still hadn't text back.
"Ok," I called. Taking one last swig from my drinks can, I threw it in the bin before making my way over to the door.
* * * * *
"Are you comin' for a quick fag, kid?" Simon asked, accepting the packet from one of his personal assistants.
"Nah, you go ahead," I smiled, heading for my dressing room.
Once there, I checked myself in the mirror, Gemma rushing in after me to give my make up a touch up. As I sat in the chair, I reached for my phone, noticing I had a text.
Hi Cheryl.
I'm ok thanks, just exhausted.
How are you?
I just got in from the hospital and caught a glimpse
of you on the tele.
Thanks, I will tell the family you sent them.
Kimberley xxx
I instantly felt a pang of sympathy for her. Anyone with a heart would find it hard no to. I quickly typed a message back.
You should get some sleep.
I'm good thanks, just a bit shocked to hear about
your dad.
I need to go now but I'll give you a text later.
Take care x
"Are you ok?"
I looked up at Gemma and forced a smile. "I'm fine," I assured her.
She smiled back. "That's you done," she told me, my phone vibrating at the same time.
I think I will try and get some.
Ok, thanks for texting me.
Could we maybe meet up when I get back?
My heart broke as I read her text. Even when something so tragic had happened, she still wanted to meet up. How could I reject her?
Of course we can x
