One Hell Of A Life

chapter eight: two surprises in one.

JJ POV:

Home from boxing training, I immediately took off my sweaty bandana (I know, nice) and work out clothes, jumping straight into my shower. I found the house eerily quiet, but I didn't question it. After all, Vik and Josh were away, Deji was working out, and Simon...

Well, Simon was probably editing with his headphones on.

Throwing on my clothes that I would attempt to proceed filming a reaction video in, I plopped myself in my desk chair, not realising that there was a letter on it.

Once I heard the crunch under my butt, I stood up, grabbed the piece of paper, and read it aloud to myself:

"Hey, mate. So, we have a something planned for tonight. Can't say what, though, because that would ruin the surprise. Spoilers - it's not a booking at Nando's or clubbing for once..."

Em POV:

"...All you need to know: no joggers or comfy shorts; you must look put together. Be at the Sidemen House for 4pm. All the best." I felt my eyebrows furrow as I finished reading.

It's not Nando's, so I obviously have to look presentable.

Damn it, that means no fluffy socks.

I sighed as I flopped on my bed. Looking up at the ceiling, I wondered how anyone could have possibly got into my apartment. I keep one key, and my spare is inside. I know Harry can pick locks - but that's quite extreme.

It was a warm June evening. The Saturday before JJ's and then my birthday, more specifically.

I could get away with a pair of shorts, I thought. It's quite warm.

Oh, but they said no comfy shorts. And I have to look put together.

After an hour of searching through my wardrobe for something, I finally settled on a comfortable look.

I had my trusty patent black Fila Disruptors on my feet, so I suppose that gave me an element of comfort. I wore a bright orange crop top - straps tied in a bow at the back which dangled down past my butt, with a pair of black float trousers and white Nike Air Force 1's - and I think Talia would've been very proud of my winged eyeliner precision and gooey makeup. I raked my braids back into a high ponytail, and I was ready to go.

So, as I was instructed, I set off from my flat to the Sidemen House at around 3:45pm; giving me just enough time to travel there, and probably arrive a little early.

Talia POV:

"Yo, so is everyone here?" I questioned, looking around.

Simon stood next to me, deep in conversation with Cal and Freezy, Tobi and Ethan had just walked in, joining Deji and Jordz's conversation. Will and Chip were laughing at a fresh internet meme, no doubt. On the other side of me stood Saz, Freya, Emily and Gee. Gigi and Nia were unfortunately unable to make it, just like Josh, Kon and Vik. They were away in France, unlike Geordie, Stephen and Lawrence who were in Spain. Kirsty and Sursh were at someone else's party, undoubtedly drinking their lives away.

"Or just ignore me." I sighed to myself, running a clammy hand through my short hair. I was nervous - I just wanted everything to be perfect for JJ and Em; I'd known the pair of them for absolutely ages. I am with Emmy how Simon is with Jide: childhood mates.

"It'll be fine." Sarah put a hand on my shoulder. "Everything will turn out how you want it to - and everybody will have an amazing time. Okay?"
"Sure." I nodded uncertainly.
"I'm being serious, Tee. You've put so much effort into this whole surprise party thing that it's going to be hard for them not to love it." She smiled warmly.
"Thank you, Saz. That's really lovely." I grinned gratefully, relaxing slightly.
"Hey, any time." Sarah replied. "And we're just waiting on Harry for now."