The library

January 7th 2004

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR 1K READS!!!

To celebrate this, I'm going to release a book I've been working on alongside the library. It's an AM and Friends Alternate Universe book and is set in the apocalypse. Hope you enjoy it as well as this chapter <3

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"Just before we finish the show," Matt had gotten up, out of his seat behind the drumkit and was now addressing the crowd directly through Alex's microphone, "it was a very special day yesterday... and I know you think we all forgot." Matt chuckled as he turned to Alex who was starting to smile. "Ladies and gentlemen I'd like you all to join us in wishing Mr Alex Turner a very Happy Birthday!" Matt was now grinning at Alex who had a small embarrassed smile.

The boardwalk was filled to the brim for the boys' second ever show at the venue. Sure enough, just as Matt finished his small speech, the capacity crowd all began a rendition of the famous song.

If Alex felt like he was embarrassed, it was nothing on how I felt as I wheeled in Alex's gift in the middle of a small procession. In front of me was a female bartender, holding Alex's birthday cake and behind me was a male bartender who was carrying a bag of the gifts I had personally bought for Alex. The one I was wheeling in was a gift from me, the rest of the band and Alex's parents.

"Happy birthday dear..." the crowd chanted

"Alexander. Alexander." Matt smiled into the microphone before laughing as the crowd followed the instruction.

The song came to an end as myself and the bartenders arrived at the stage.

"Here's your cake and gifts Al." Matt smiled and patted Alex on the back.

Alex took the cake from the bartender. "Thank you love." He smiled at her before waiting a couple seconds and blowing out the candles. He placed the cake on the edge of the stage and turned his attention to me and the big brown box I had wheeled in on a small trolley.

"I recommend you take the bag first Ally." I grinned at him.

Alex nodded as the male bartender approached him, holding out the bag. Alex took it and looked inside. I could see confusion come across his face before he pulled out a piece of paper.

He unfolded the A3 sheet and held it out in front of him and I smiled as I saw his jaw drop open and a gasp escape his lips.

"This is Fooking unreal Lottie!" Alex grinned and turned the paper around so the slowly depleting crowd could see it, creating a few gasps and cheers.

Alex was holding a portrait painting of himself which had taken me two months to complete. It was, in my opinion, the best thing I'd ever created.

Alex folded the paper again and placed it into the red glittery bag before jogging up to me and hugging me tightly.

"Thank you so much. It's so good." Alex whispered in my ear before kissing my cheek and pulling away. "Whats this then?" Alex addressed the band as he pointed at the big cardboard box that stuck out like a sore thumb in the room.

"Why don't you open it and have a look?" Jamie folded his arms and smiled.

I stepped away from the box and joined the band on the slightly lifted stage as we watched Alex open the big gift.

Alex tore open the cardboard flaps on the top of the box before getting on his tip toes and reaching into it. He instantly pulled away and stared at the four of us on the stage with wide eyes and a slack jaw.

"Fook off." He said simply.

Andy smirked and shrugged. "What is it Al?"

Alex struggled for words but ended up shaking his head as he reached into the box and pulled out it's contents.

An all black Fender standard Stratocaster, wrapped in a protective layer of bubble wrap.

Alex was holding it by the neck but after fully registering what was currently in his right hand, he laid it on the ground gently and placed both his hand over his mouth.

"I might Fooking cry." He said, muffled, warranting some laughs from the small remaining number of people in the crowd.

I was the only one to take any initiative as I jumped down the small step onto the ground from the stage. I approached Alex and hugged him tightly, burying my face into the crook of his neck.

"Happy late birthday Alex. We didn't forget." I whispered.