PUNK'd

Chapter Four: Coffee and TV

          It had been a few days since my audition with Elliott and Duncan, and I still hadn't talked to Sheila about the boys' requirement for joining their band. I was practically a nervous wreck. I didn't want to ask Sheila and upset her, but I also couldn't wait any longer or else Elliott and Duncan might decide to keep looking for a bass player. 

          I sat on my bed and mindlessly strummed at my bass, deep in thought. Maybe I should just give up on The Bastards of Young, and look for a new band. But just what was the likelihood that another punk rock band was looking for a bassist? This may be my only chance for a long time. 

          "Hey Hailey," Sheila said, opening my door and sticking her head in. She always knocked, but never waited long enough for me to give her the okay to come in. "You wanna come watch TV with me? I made us both some coffee."

          "Coffee? No tea, huh?" I poked fun. Sheila rolled her eyes.

          "I needed something a bit stronger."

           I set my bass down on the bed next to me, and followed after Sheila into the living room. A show I'd never heard of called "Call the Midwife" was playing on the television as Sheila went into the kitchen and brought out two cups of coffee. I took a seat on the couch, and Sheila set my cup down in front of me on the table. 

          "Ah, I love this show," Sheila said as she took a seat next to me. "Have you ever seen it?"

          I shook my head. "I've never even heard of it," I replied. 

          "Well it's good."

          Something was off with Sheila. Normally if I said I'd never heard of a show, she'd go on a spiel. How could you never have heard of 'so-and-so'? It's a cinematic masterpiece! I feel bad for you Americans. You guys are missing out, and things like that. But here she was just letting my ignorance go unchastised. Was it possible she knew I was considering moving out?

          "Hailey..." Sheila began, nervously running her index finger along the rim of her cup. "I need to talk to you about something."

          Oh no, she did know.

          "I'm sorry, Sheila!" I blurted out before she could continue. "It's just a stupid requirement they have for joining their band, and I'm real grateful for all that you've done for me, but this is what I came to London for. I might not get another chance. I know it's happening fast, and I don't know them, but I didn't really know you either. Oh, Sheila, I promise I don't really wanna do this, they live in a pigsty in a bad part of town, but what other choice do I have? I don't know what else to do!"

          Sheila sat staring at me with her mouth open, blinking as though she just heard something she couldn't believe. 

          "What the hell are you blabbering on about?"

          Oh no, she didn't know. 

          "Shit..." I mumbled under my breath. I folded my hands in my lap, and stared at the floor. I guess now was the time to come clean. 

          "I auditioned for that band, and I made it. It was the two boys from that night at the pub; the ones who rescued me from Leon." 

           "What are the chances of that?" Sheila said plainly. "Congratulations on making it, by the way," she added.

          "Yes, but..." I trailed off, glancing nervously up at Sheila's face. She seemed almost uncomfortable. "They want me to move in with them."

          It was silent for a long time. Sheila's eyes grew wide, and her mouth dropped open. Finally, Sheila broke the silence. 

          "Oh, thank God!" She yelled, hopping up off the couch and nearly spilling her coffee all over the place. 

          "Y-you're not upset?" I asked, feeling slightly offended that she was celebrating me moving out instead.

          "Of course I'm upset, Hailey!" She said, setting her coffee cup down and grabbing my hands. "But this is perfect!"

          I looked up at Sheila's relieved face in confusion. "Perfect?" I asked. Sheila nodded her head furiously. 

          "My brother just lost his flat, and needs a place to stay. He had a falling out with my parents, so I'm the only one he has left to go to. Which means he would be needing to move into your room." Sheila put her hands on her cheeks, and fell backwards onto the couch. "Oh, Hailey, I was so scared all of this was going to result in you having to go back to America, but everything is going to work out fine!"

          "So..." I felt a smile slowly creep across my face. "Then there's no doubt now that this is what I'm meant to do, huh?" Sheila giggled excitedly, and pulled me up onto my feet. She started jumping up and down.

          "You've found your band, and I don't have to lose my friend! I'm so excited for you, Hails!" We jumped up and down in joy, squealing and giggling like two school girls before Sheila pulled me in for a hug.

          "You weren't here for long, but you've been the best flatmate I've ever had," Sheila said as she gripped me tight.

          "I'm the only roommate you've ever had," I replied with a laugh.

          "Well... still." Sheila pulled away, but kept her hands on my shoulders. She smiled. 

          "I guess we better start getting you packed, rock star."

          "I guess so," I said, feeling the weight of the bittersweet moment.

          "Just don't forget me when you're famous, alright?"

          "I won't."

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(A/N: Would you be mad if you were in Hailey's position, or glad that you no longer had to choose between which flat to live in?

In the next chapter, Hailey begins her move into Elliott and Duncan's flat. Please continue reading to find out what happens next.

All votes are appreciated, but comments help make this story better! All criticisms, comments, questions, ideas, and advice are welcome in the comment section below! I will be replying to all comments made!

Thank you for reading!)