The library

October 23rd 2003

"Choo-Choo! Choo-Choo! Choo-Choo! Choo-Choo!" Alex and Jamie both ripped into their guitars as they ended the third song of the night.

The set was kicked off with a very energetic performance of Dancefloor which was followed up by a slightly sped up version of Curtains Closed.

The boys were playing at their best but the crowd weren't having it. They weren't having it at all.

All their songs were met with little to no applause and as I sat at the back of The Boardwalk bar and took in the scenes in front of me, I slowly became more and more worried and angry. Angry that the boys weren't receiving the reception and worried for their self esteem - mainly Alex's because I knew how self conscious the brown eyed boy could get.

But I couldn't do anything. Mainly because I was too shy to. There was no way in hell I would stand up and tell people to cheer them on. There was also no chance I would be the only one to clap or cheer because I hate when the spotlight's on me. So I sat there, silently as Arctic Monkeys played their heart out and received no applause or recognition for it.

Arctic Monkeys once more came to the end of their set closing cover of The Strokes' "Is this it"

"Thank you very much everyone... we've been Arctic Monkeys," Alex mumbled into the microphone and he was clearly uncomfortable which made my heart break, "enjoy your night."

As soon as Alex said that about a dozen people stood up and made their way for the exit and I watched on as the frontman watched them dejected before turning around and starting to fiddle with some wires.

I quickly got to my feet and made my way to the stage with a sympathetic smile. "That was a great show guys." I spoke softly.

Matt gave me a similar smile back and Andy seemingly just ignored me. Jamie was the one that, for once, spoke up. "Shame that they didn't fookin think that." He spat and waved a hand towards the remaining spectators.

"I thought you guys were phenomenal." I comforted and received a grunt and a sigh in response.

I walked up to Alex who was staring at the ground as he played a random riff on his unplugged guitar. I hugged him from behind and wrapped my arms around his middle, just above his guitar and laid my head on his back. "You were brilliant." I mumbled and closed my eyes.

"Then why was the crowd not enjoying it?" He spoke sadly.

"Clearly for some reason other than yourself because you honestly couldn't have done a better job. Maybe because it's a Thursday night? People are excited for tomorrow. It couldn't have been you. You were on point today... Ally." I giggled quietly.

Alex chuckled and shook his head. "Ally? Is that my new nickname?"

"You bet. You like it?"

"Delighted." Alex deadpanned making me giggle quietly before kissing his back.

*****
Me and Alex had gone back to his house in his car. He had cheered up a little on the drive home which I was really thankful for. I hard seeing him sad.

"You know Lottie... I really wouldn't mind just... leaving this all behind and just going off somewhere... just us two. We just fuck this all off and go like... live in the most remote part of Scotland. Because you mean that much to me." Alex spoke quietly into my hair as we spooned on his bed, his arm around my waist. We were under his covers, myself in a pair of black short shorts and a plain black top and Alex in his boxers and a white and blue striped Sheffield Wednesday top.

"Jesus what's gotten into you Turner? You've gone soft." I giggled but quickly stopped when I realised Alex wasn't laughing.

"I...I'm serious Charlotte... I think I'm absolutely fookin head over heels for you... I'm actually... so in love with you..." Alex whispered.

"You're joking right?" I pulled my eyebrows together.

"Wait... do you... not feel the same?"

"No no no! I definitely feel the same but... only to some extent Alex. We're only seventeen... we've still got so much of our lives ahead of us. Let's just chill and have fun." I smiled and place my hands on Alex's.

The boy behind me stayed quiet for a few seconds and it almost felt like I could hear him thinking. I was about to follow up my statement with an apology but he spoke. "Are you doing anything on the fifth of December?"