Imagine A World (Luke Hemmings a.u.) [in editing]

31 Fine

Madeline's POV

"Hurry up, Mad, we have to go!"

Luke beckons me from inside the van. I look back at his house one more time, then follow after Riley.

Riley's trial ended a few weeks ago. She got through it just fine. Each of the boys had grown on her over that time, and the time afterwards, and vice-versa. She and Michael had re-dyed their hair together, both choosing a bright yellow color. Of course, she only dyed her little stripe, but Luke and I had agreed with her that it was better than the blue. Also, Luke took the chance to start calling Michael "Highlighter-Head" because of this color choice.

It's November 19th, and the boys have a show tonight. It's nothing all that huge, just a random show in Sydney, because why not?

I sit next to Luke and put my hand on top of his. He's been feeling a little under-the-weather lately, and his cancer hasn't been helping with the recovery very much.

"You okay?" I ask him in a whisper. He glances over at me, and after a moment, he puts on a wavering smile.

"I'll be fine, Mad. You worry too much. And keep it down a little more, Riley is right there."

Oh, yeah. We still haven't told anyone about the cancer. Not even Riley. The other boys know, of course, they knew before I did, but other than them and Mrs. Hemmings, no one.

I squeeze my boyfriend's hand gently, and he puts his head on my shoulder. I honestly don't want him performing tonight.

His medication is making him a little more tired than usual, and his voice has gone a little hoarse in the past couple days. Not to mention it's sweltering outside, and the concert is outdoors. He really shouldn't be going on, but he refuses to let the fans down.

We arrive at the venue, and Riley and I watch as the boys get ready. Once their hair and stuff is done, we sit around in the dressing room, waiting. Riley sits next to Calum, who starts playing with her hair.

Oh, yeah, that reminds me, the two of them got together a couple weeks back. There's a two year age gap between them, but it didn't bother either of them. Luke and I fangirled over Caley, the ship name we had come up with for them.

"I want to go on staaaaaaage," Luke whines, sitting upside down on the couch, beside me.

"Another half hour, buddy," Ashton replies, looking at his phone.

Luke groans and looks over at me.

"What?"

"Do something."

"Like what?" I ask.

"Sing something."

"Luke, really?"

"Come oooon!"

"Why are you acting like such a child today, Luke?" Riley questions from Calum's arm.

"I don't feel good."

"What the hell kind of excuse is that?"

He merely shrugs, then goes back to sitting normally.

"Come on, Mad, sing something!"

I sigh, then take a deep breath and begin singing the first song that comes to mind.

"🎶Beauty queen of only eighteen

She had some trouble with herself

He was always there to help her

She always belonged to someone else

I drove for miles and miles and wound up at your door

I've had you so many times but somehow I want more