brave//5SOS

26

Emily

Harry stayed by my side the whole journey. I slept a little but we were getting in at night and I needed to stay awake.

We watched Netflix together on his laptop for most the journey but as we were landing, he turned it off.

"Now, I know you've managed to become comfortable with me in the past few days, but don't feel pressured to be as close to any of us like you are with the boys. We have a few days together before everything starts again so just take it at your pace,"

"I'm scared," I admitted, reaching for his hand. He took it, rubbing small circles onto it.

"Which part? If it's the boys then there's honestly nothing to worry about because they work with teens, and are ready to do anything,"

" I don't know," I mumbled, shrugging and grabbing his arm as we hit turbulence.

"You're pretty on edge right now, aren't you hun? You do know what's worrying you- let's start on why you asked every single one of those boys not to forget you,"

We were close enough that I could make out tall buildings on the ground. I'm was excited but nervous.

"My dad walked out on me, my brother has been nothing but horrible, my mum has gone... they're all I have left and everything would change without them,"

"None of them would leave you, they wouldn't even dream of it. It's ok to miss them but as soon as it starts stressing you out, you come to me or any of the boys because the thing we don't want this year is stress,"

We landed and got off the helicopter. I wasn't very fast at walking so Harry decided to use a wheelchair. After being cooped up for so long, the fresh air was nice.

I didn't know when I last came outside.

I'd never travelled to a different country before and it was weird being here with someone I'd met a week ago.

This wasn't how I dreamt a first holiday would go.

As Ashton asked, I got my phone out to text him. The screen was bright and it hurt my head.

Emily:
I just landed! Feeling ok, just gonna go to the car... nervous but actually feeling quite safe. Love you, have a good night or day whatever xx

Ashton:
I knew you'd be fine! Once you get to know the boys, you'll love them. I'm glad you feel ok and I hope you sleep well tonight. Love you too xx

I yawned as we reached the car, Niall stepping out immediately.

"How was the flight?" he asked Harry, hugging him and helping lift the bag into the boot.

"Not too bad, we had a bit of sleep, watched some Netflix and that was about it," he laughed. Niall helped me stand up so the wheelchair could be put in the back, making sure I stayed upright.

"You're shorter than I imagined,"

"Have they all come?" Harry asked, opening the backdoor, "well that answers my question,"

Louis and Liam sat in the back, leaving a space next to them.

"Harry," I mumbled as Niall went back to the drivers seat. He turned round and looked at me, raising his eyebrows.

"I don't feel too great and sitting in the back makes me sick, please can I sit in the front... sorry for being awkward,"

"Hun, it's fine. Of course you can sit in the front, can I move your chair forward so my legs fit?" he asked, placing his hand on my back. I nodded and he pushed it forward, closing the door behind me and climbing in the car himself. I leant against the door, tiredness and a headache catching up with me.

Everyone understood that I didn't feel great, and kept the noise to a minimum as we drove to their house. Like Ashton's, it was quite big.

Winds were picking up and they all rushed inside to get everything ready. The sky was dark, making the swirling leaves look like tornados full of smoke.

However, Louis stayed back with me, letting me walk at my own pace.

"Your room is downstairs, we thought it would be easier for you. Have you texted Ashton yet?"

I nodded and gripped his arm as I climbed inside. He closed the door behind him and we both took our shoes off, enjoying the warmth. Liam was already settled on the sofa with the fire on, but I wanted to go to sleep.

I felt sick, but it was from nerves. My head pounded and I was hungry, but I didn't feel up to it. My head hit Louis' chest and I closed my eyes.

"I don't feel well,"

He wrapped his arm round me and slowly took me to the kitchen, sitting me down and getting me some water. Niall came downstairs, immediately sitting next to me.

"Harry was going to come down but he is already asleep, sorry hun. You feeling off it?"

I nodded and felt my eyes watering. He took my hoodie off and rested his hand on my back. Louis brought me a slice of toast but looking at it made me feel worse.

"I know it's hard, but eat as much as you can. Your body is exhausted from travelling and you'll feel so much better in the morning," he said.

"I want Ashton," I cried, setting the glass of water down and covering my face. Niall held me in his arms, rocking side to side as he shushed me.

Ring. Ring. Ring.

"Hey, can you guys talk to this little one? She's not feeling too great and everything is very overwhelming," Louis said, passing me the phone. I wiped my tears and saw the four of them sat together.

"Hey Emily, can you look at me for a sec?" Luke said.

I took a deep breathe and nodded.

"The first night at a new place is always worst. You're going to feel rubbish from your journey, you're surrounded by new people and you're scared- that's ok. Try not to think about the fact that you left us, and think about how you now have nine people who support you, and that there's a whole new place to explore,"

I nodded and felt some of my nerves go away.

"Have a bite to eat, go to sleep and wake up with a fresh start," Ashton said, blowing me a kiss. They all did the same, then I did and it ended.

"I'm just nervous. I don't even know you guys," I mumbled, taking a bite of toast.

"That'll change quickly," Liam said, sitting opposite me.

"Thankyou for looking after me,"

"Our pleasure,"