DMs - Bradley Will Simpson

54.

***

MARCH 2ND 2016

It's dark, and I can hear shuffling across the room.

"London? You awake still?" Jack whispered. I lay silent for a few moments.

"Yeah -- why?" I yawned, peering through my curtains to look at the black sky informing me it was around midnight.

"Because I was thinking - what's it like being away from Brad all the time?"

"Why were you thinking about that?" I asked quietly.

"Because I've never done long distance. It must be hard," he shrugged.

"It is. I love him a lot, and the fact he's always away is painful. Don't get me wrong like, I'm so happy for him. He's earned this, they all have. Sometimes I tell myself I should break up with him again, to let him enjoy his fame while he's young... but I couldn't do it. Last time was too hard."

"Go on," he encouraged me gently.

"It's just... he doesn't really have time for me much anymore. I've known him for what, five months? And we've already had so much gone on. I don't know what the next few years are gonna be like," I mumbled, my voice wavering.

"Hey, come over here," he said and I could just make out the shape of his arms, offering me a hug.

I was only wearing shorts and Tristan's leopard t-shirt, which was more of a dress on me, but it was one of my favourites.

I missed Tristan's hugs. I missed Brad's lips. I missed mine and Connor's inside jokes. I missed listening to James' advice.

"Sorry I just overthink," I tell him and accept his offer. His arms tighten around my shoulders as he tells me everything is fine.

"You're a good friend." I whisper to him, before returning back to my bed.

"Yeah. Friend." Jack smiles, and rolls over.