After the gig had finished and the boys had wandered around the club for a while signing t-shirts and random bits of paper, they decided to call it a night and head back to Michael's. With the help of a few members of staff, all of their instruments were piled back up in the boot of my car, along with three black boxes full to the top with leaflets the boys promised to hand out, encouraging people to go to the club. In exchange, the club owner promised to make sure the boys had plenty of gigs over the next 2 months.
Travelling back to Michael's was harder than I thought. The sun had set hours ago which meant that it was dark outside. Earlier, we had managed to make it to the club without a worry, but now we were lost. I blamed this mainly on the fact the boys were unable to give me directions due to being fast asleep in the backseat. Also, I couldn't see clearly due to the lack of visible light, with the only beams being that of cars passing in the opposite direction.
Within only 5 minutes of our journey, the boys had all fallen asleep. They looked extremely peaceful so I refused to wake any of them. After a total of 3 U turns and a massive amount of petrol loss, I decided to park up and ask someone nearby for directions.
I was worried that the only person I would be able to find would be some pervert or alcoholic, since we were out so late, but fortunately I found a nice-looking elder lady walking past with her dog.
I got her attention by waving frantically, then wandered over to her. By the look on her face, I could tell she was somewhat apprehensive as I was just some random teenage girl walking up to her at 3am.
"Sorry to interrupt you," I began. "I'm driving my friends back to where they're staying but I'm not sure where to go from here. I was hoping you could help me with directions?"
The woman chuckled, a sincere smile prominent on her face as she did. "I've lived in this neighbourhood for 60 years now, I'm sure I can help you out somehow."
"It's fine my dear." She told me, her lips curved into a loving smile. She had a loving aura around her that made you just want to hug her. She reminded me a lot of my own grandmother, who I unfortunately cannot see often, due to her living 4 hours away.
"So what's the adress?" She asked.
I tried to think of the address Luke had told me the first time we went to Michael's, but it had completely erased itself from y mind. Luckily I had an it written on my phone which was in my car.
I walked over to my car and quietly unlocked it. The lady followed me with her dog and stood by my side as I attempted to open the door without waking the boys. Her eyes widened when she saw the instruments.
"Is your car a music shop or something?" She joked, although I could tell there was a serious undertone to her voice.
I shook my head and chuckled. "My friends are in a band; the instruments belong to them."
"Oh I see, I'm guessing those are your friends in there." She bent down and peered into the back windows, her eyes widening instantly.
"Is everything okay?" I asked, suddenly confused. Her shocked face was quickly replaced by another one of her loving smiles.
"That's my grandson." She told me, pointing at Calum. Her face lit up even more when she saw his face. "What did he do to his hair.." She murmured, making me laugh loudly. Calum's hair was sticking up in all directions, moulded that way from how he had been sleeping against Michael.
It was strange how I found myself asking for directions off some random lady who just happened to be Calum's grandma. I could see a resemblance now she had mentioned it though. They both had the same adorable smile and amazing personality.
"Am I right in saying it was their first gig as a band tonight?" She asked. I nodded, confirming her suspicions. " How did it go?"
"They were amazing!" I told her. "You have to come to the next one."
"Grandma?" A voice piped up.
Both Calum's grandmother and I turned our heads to see Calum looking at us through sleepy eyes. The way he looked at us showed his confusion as to how I would even be standing near each other.
"Hello love. Your friend here stopped me because she wanted directions." Calum's grandmother explained, but to no avail. For Calum had fallen back to sleep and hadn't heard a word of what she just said.
"I guess they're all pretty tired." As the words left her mouth, I yawned rather loudly. I didn't want to admit it but I was also very tired and even though it was a great pleasure talking to Calum's grandmother, I really wanted to continue the journey back to Michael's so I could get some sleep.
Calum's grandmother laughed. "My house is just around the corner, how about you all stay over?"
I shook my head politely. "Oh no, we wouldn't want to bother you." Despite what I said, a big part of me really wanted to accept her offer as I was exhausted and felt like I could collapse any minute.
"Don't be stupid. Come on now, I have enough room for all of you!"
I let out a sigh, giving in to her. I was very grateful, and knew the boys would be too, for somewhere to sleep other than my car.
"Thank you so much," I smiled. "I'll wake the boys and follow you round." Calum's grandmother nodded and began her journey down the street. She turned right after walking past a few houses then disappeared into one I assumed to be her own.
I took this as my cue to begin waking the boys, starting with Calum since he was the closest to where I was standing. I opened the door and poked him in the arm. "Calum, wake up."
Calum opened one eye and groaned, seeing he was still in my car. "I thought we were going to Michael's." He complained.
I shook my head, explaining his grandmother's kind offer before proceeding to wake up Michael and Luke. Luke opened his eyes first, followed by Michael soon after. The two of them looked just as confused as Calum, but got out of the car anyway. They all began to wonder down the street, Calum leading the way.
Last, but not least was Ashton. He was in the passenger seat and I had a harder time waking him than I did with the other three. I said his name multiple times and even poked him, but he didn't budge.
"Evie, go away." He eventually mumbled.
A sudden pang of frustration hit me. I hated that he was saying my sister's name in his sleep, despite everything she'd put him through.
"It's Lizzy.." I whispered quietly to myself.
Ashton's eyes shot open immediately, proving he heard me. A look of guilt spread across his face. "Sorry, Elizabeth."
The way he said my name, along with the slight pout on his lips, made me hold back a smile. He was cute when he was tired. "It's okay."
