I'll Be The Anchor - Michael Clifford

You Can Be My Compass

I wasn't really sure what to expect for this tour. I hoped it'd be something like the last one, well in terms of logistics. I knew it'd be a lot larger though. Arenas seating triple the amount of screaming girls compared to last tour. Many more dates, a bigger production, and a lot more a stake.

Basically more work for Lennon, yay!

At least it'd be something to keep my mind of Harry.

The taxi I'd taken to arena number one just outside of New York rolled into a large back parking lot of the arena and stopped. I opened my door, retrieved my two suitcases, payed the driver and began to roll my luggage towards the seven large tour busses.

The one good thing about this tour is that I'd be managing the opening act and local openers, rather than One Direction. Seeing as their popularity flew through the roof since the first tour and I was just a rookie.

I knocked on the door of the bus labeled "crew" and silently prayed that I knew whoever opened the door.

"Lennie!" A deep middle aged man's voice rang.

Henry's face came into view and was extremely welcoming.

"Hiya, where should I set up camp?" I asked, looking towards my two bags.

"We've got a bunk for ya in here, it'll be one of the top ones though. I couldn't keep the techs from calling dibs on the lower ones." He smiled, grabbing one of my bags and carting it onto the bus.

I followed Henry to the area past the twelve bunks where everyone had set their luggage.

"Thanks Henry. Any clue as to where I can find Lisa? I need to figure out what's going on today." I asked him.

"Actually, Lisa left you a note in the kitchen." He said, retracing our steps to the front of the bus where he located an envelope with Lennon scrawled on the top.

"Thanks again, I guess I'll get to reading this."

Henry was my favorite bus driver ever and I must say I was so happy to see him back on tour as well.

I ripped open the envelope and began reading.

Lennon,

This show I'd like you to shadow me and really get to know the boys you'll be working for. They're called 5 Seconds of Summer. Don't bother looking them up online first. By the time you arrive I'll be in the venue getting catering sorted, they'll be in the showers. I'll meet you there. Best of luck to you regarding your bunk!

Lisa.

I tossed the letter aside and grabbed my cellphone from my purse, leaving it behind.

"See ya Henry!" I said, moving quickly down the steps and shutting the bus door. Making my way towards the entrance to the venue I spotted a large bus plastered with everything One Direction.

I looked the other way, and finally made it inside.

The venue was a maze, several different corridors heading in too many directions. I came across Lisa after about twenty minutes.

"Lennon! It's so lovely to see you! Are you all settled?" She asked, moving in for a hug. Lisa was a great manager, but she didn't do tours anymore. She always helped me get acclimated with the acts and ways of managing tours though. I loved her like a second mom and was grateful for her keeping me from One Direction.

"Yes I am, all is well. Now, what can I do to help?" I asked.

"Catering just got set up, as you can see. We're really just waiting for the acts to come eat and techs. Have you eaten?" She asked.

I hadn't, but I really didn't have an appetite due to nerves. I lied and told her I was fine. A response I knew I'd regret in a matter of hours.

I sat with Lisa and caught up with her regarding my schooling and such. She informed me she was a few months pregnant and very excited. We gushed about that news for a while until we heard boys shouting and emerging from one side of the room.

Of course it wasn't my boys, it was Liam, Zayn, and Louis.

I gave Lisa a look of concern and she met my eyes with warmth.

"Lennon, you're going to be fine, you know? I actually think this is good for you. It'll give you closure." She responded to my change in mood.

"You're right." I smiled simply and caught eyes with Liam, offering a small wave. He and the other two boys darted towards me.

"Len!" Louis said warmly.

"Hi boys, how are you?" I asked.

"Great. Never better." Liam replied politely.

"What about you?" Zayn asked.

"I'm doing well, schools out..." I said.

"Ah, very well. We're in a bit of a hurry so were taking catering out. Catch you soon?" Louis asked.

"Of course." I smiled warmly and dismissed them.

Lisa looked at me happily. "You'll be fine."

"I know."

Nearly twenty minutes later four more boys rattled into the room, giggling loudly and stomping about.

"There they are. Couldn't be quiet for five seconds if you paid them." Lisa remarked, laughing a bit at her own joke.

I nervously ran my hands through my honey colored hair, tousling the top layer a bit and moving my fringe from my eyes.

"Hey boys, come this way with your plates please!" Lisa called to them.

A few nodded in agreement and one voice shouted an okay.

"They're really nice guys Lennon, I know you'll be fast friends."

"I hope so." I said, thinking to myself optimistically.

The boys made their way to the table we were sitting at and plopped ini chairs.

"Hi, I'm Calum." The boy with black hair extended his hand. I shook it and noted the thick Aussie accent.

"Lennon." I smiled.

"I'm Luke." A beautiful blonde boy said. Also taking my hand.

"Ashton, but you can call me Ash." Another blonde said.

"Like Pokemon?" I asked, laughing a bit.

"Sure." He smiled, chuckling.

"And I'm Michael." A boy with soft features and distinct voice said. He was very attractive.

"Well boys, this is Lennon, as she mentioned earlier. She'll be your logistical head. Helping you manage meet and greets, press, your schedule, and anything else. She's very sweet, and you should listen to her." Lisa told the boys.

"We will try." Luke said, smirking.

"Luke, don't scare her..." Michael warned, laughing.

"I don't scare easy, I'm here... Aren't I?" I asked.

"I suppose..." Calum said tapping his temple.

The boys ate and banter continued. We talked about my studies, their band, their schooling, Australia, and anything. Music was a high point as well seeing as I had a mutual love for many of their favorite bands. Mayday Parade being the main one... Along with All Time Low, Marianas Trench, Sleeping With Sirens, and A Day To Remember.

They were rather surprised with my span of musical tastes.

It came time for them to move along to get ready for the show and Lisa shooed them along. I could tell that this could be a really fun tour.

I smiled to myself and decided to enjoy the show tonight. I prayed the boys were as amazing at music as their taste was.