Apprentice (Bradley Simpson Fanfic)

twenty two

It’s Sunday, the day I’ve been dreading. He’s leaving today; they’re all leaving me today. Only for a week but still. We’re still in Birmingham at the moment, but we’re up ridiculously early ensuring Brad has everything he’s going to need for six weeks away. I’m wearing leggings and Brad’s oversized red jumper. He’s letting me keep it until we get to be together again, but I think I’ll keep it indefinitely, it’s my favourite. He’s sat on the floor next to the bed throwing things into his suitcase. He has on his striped t-shirt and skinny jeans, instead of his bowler he’s decided to wear a snapback, back to front keeping his hair under control for the day. I’m laying on the bed just watching him, he does everything so perfectly, it sounds stupid but I can’t help but stare at him amazed by every move he makes. I guess that’s what it’s like being in love.

He searches around his room for his backpack, places in his headphones, Nintendo ds and games (he’s actually a child) and some other bits and pieces he might need on the long flight. He looks up at me and sees me smiling at him. He walks over to the bed and climbs in next to me, he’s not finished packing but a break wont hurt anyone. We’re facing eachother, but not speaking, just looking. I’m trying to take in every aspect of his face before it disappears for a week, a week of no kisses, no hugs, no physical contact. I won’t be able to see him smile in front of me, not hear his laugh, the laugh that forces me to smile no matter what. I won’t see the dimple that appears when he’s really smiling, the blush that goes into his cheeks when he’s enjoying himself. It will all be gone. A knock at the door interrupts us; Anne pokes her head around the doorframe and smiles at us both.

‘You’re cars on it’s way, you probably have about 15 minutes left.’ Brad lifts himself off of the bed and continues what he was doing. When the car arrives we bid our goodbyes to Anne and climb into the backseats, Brad keeping hold of my hand the whole time. Even though it’s only a week it’s going to be shit, I’ve spent near enough everyday with him, or everyday speaking to him, the time difference and work are going to make communication for the next 7 days difficult. I’m trying to prevent myself crying because I know it will upset him, but I can feel it sitting, waiting to come out and I probably will end up crying when they begin to board the plane. The car ride is silent, occasional glances being exchanged, but no more than that. I can tell he’s stressed about this trip; it’s their first US tour and his first time away from me since we’ve been together. This is the real test of our relationship.

We arrive at the airport and he pulls his things out of the car. When we walk into the terminal there are several fans waiting to take photos with the boys, all of which are already here. I make my way over to the girls who are waiting patiently for their boyfriends to finish with the photos. Angie is here aswell to say goodbye to Tris, so at least we can cry together when the plane takes off. Shay are Charlie are excited, they’re telling me about all the things they have to do, and what we’re going to do when I get out there. The other apprentice, Olivia is nowhere in sight. Not that I’m bothered, I know nothing about her.

The fans begin to die down as the boys finish taking photos and doing video messages. Brad walks over to me and takes my hand before we head off in the direction of the plane. Since they’re famous the airport have no issue with Angie and myself standing with them until their plane leaves despite the fact we don’t have tickets. Everyone is quiet, standing in their pairs, saying final goodbyes. There’s still about 20 minutes before they can board the plane and I plan on making every second count. Brad is barely making eye contact with me though, which makes it difficult to say goodbye.

‘Can you look at me please.’ I say pulling his chin in my direction so we’re eye to eye. His eyes are glassy where he’s on the verge of tears.

‘It’s only one week Brad, it’ll be okay. I promise.’ The tears can’t be held back anymore and they begin to spill over and down my cheeks. His face is matching mine, the tears are cascading down his face and he isn’t trying to stop them. He isn’t embarrassed of crying in front of anyone, it’s nice knowing he isn’t trying to mask his emotions to seem ‘manly’.

‘It’s not fair Bella; everyone else is together for the next week, except us. You should be coming for the whole time, I’m so annoyed.’ I wipe away some of his tears and wrap my arms around his neck and breathe out.

‘You and Tris are going to have to support eachother, Angie isn’t coming aswell. At least I’ll be there in a week. It’s better than nothing, which is what it could have been. It’ll be okay I promise okay.’

A small smile creeps across his face, he’s not okay, but he’s trying.

‘I’ll just miss you a lot, I feel happier around you than when I’m anywhere else in the world. I don’t want to get onto the plane and leave you stood here, upset and hurting. Seeing you smile is all I want and I know that I can’t for a week. I just want to stay here with you or get you onto the plane. I’m so in love with you Bella.’

The comment causes pain to surge through me; it’s hurting more than I thought it would to leave him. I’m trying to be strong for him, but I’m about to crack. Sobs escape my mouth and I’m pulled into an intense hug. I really really don’t want him to leave. I lean my head against his chest as he strokes my hair trying to calm my cries. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through and it’s only for a week. What is it going to be like when I have to leave them after four weeks straight with them? He pulls away from the hug and leans in to kiss me, it’s sweet, not passionate. We can’t afford to leave it like that, his mouth fits perfectly against mine, his lips are soft and warm. I’m going to miss this. Time is standing still as were stood embracing eachother for the last time, it’s not long, and I know that. We’re making it out like its months a part, but we spend every day together and knowing that it’s not going to be like that for a while is breaking my heart.

The flight number is called over the speakers and we look at eachother, he kisses my forehead, leaving his lips lingering for a few seconds and lets go of my hand. He comes down close to my ear and whispers to me.

‘I love you so much Bella, I’ll see you soon.’ Before walking away.

The girls come and hug Angie and I saying their final goodbyes, the boy’s wave at us each. Tris runs over and steals one final kiss from Angie, moving her hair out of her face and smiling at her. Angie’s eyes are red, I assume her and Tris have been crying too. Only now, I notice Olivia sitting in one of the chairs. She hops up much happier than the rest of us and glances at me before linking arms at Brad.

‘Don’t worry Brad, it’ll be okay, I’m here for you.’ They walk arm in arm down the tunnel to the plane and I’m left dumbfounded by what’s happening. Maybe she’s just being kind because he’s upset, but I do not need this right now. Angie leans her head against my shoulder and I wrap my arm around her. We begin walking out of the airport and jump into a taxi. We stay silent, both upset about leaving the people who mean the most to us.

I check twitter and read a few tweets asking if I’m going to miss Brad, how I am etc. I check the boys twitter they haven’t said anything. I go onto the girls profiles, when I get onto Olivia’s I’m left breathless by her most recent tweet.

‘@OliviaPeeling_: Cya lates UK, cute flight with @TheVampsBrad’ attached is an image of her and Brad sat next to eachother, he is asleep with his headphones on, her arm is still linked with his and her head is resting on his shoulder. What the fuck is happening. He’s been gone less than an hour and some one else has moved on to him. I’m going to throw up.

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He's gone.

Enjoy

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