Sincerely, Leah

21

When Thursday arrives, I can hardly contain my excitement. Matty asked me to do fallingforyou instead of Medicine, and I couldn't be happier with the change. Abby and I danced to it at New Years, and it felt perfect.

We're staying at the Green Isle Hotel. It has a swimming pool, so Abby, Lucy and I will probably go in it tomorrow. There's a hotel across the way from the 3Arena but Matty wanted us to experience the ride on the Luas. All these Irish phrases are confusing the shit out of Abby and I but Lucy is delighted. She feels right at home.

When we get to the arena, we meet up with Rome. He's this really cute small man with blue hair and is part Latino. He's on of the supporting acts.

Matty's wearing his white suit tonight. Last night, he wore this lovely black tracksuit. I must admit, even before we met, that white suit was my favourite look from him. It really signifies how far he's come from the stoned skinny guy in a leather jacket and messy long curly hair from 2016.

Matty is right. The Luas ride is quite thrilling. Its also helping me with learning my Irish. Its a weird but lovely language. Lucy hates it, however.  She attended a Gaelscoil (an all Irish speaking school) before she came to Atlanta and she hated it. She left right after her confirmation.

I noticed it last night but I need to say it again: The stage setup is badass. The lights are fantastic and its all just perfect. I've never been in the 3Arena but its amazing. Its one of Matty's favourite venues. I can see why. This crowd is going to be very enthusiastic.

We all hang out and talk backstage while Rome performs. I love him but I feel sorry for him. Not many people are here yet. He's not that big yet even though he's a great performer and person.

When its time for the boys to go onstage, Gabby comes over to me.

"What song are you performing with him?", she asks.

"fallingforyou. He asked me because he wants people to hear me, aka he's lovely."

She chuckles.

"Yeah he is. I wonder how he's going to react to Peanut in here.", she says, rubbing her stomach. I smile at her.

"He'll be delighted. He's wanted this for a long time. He's told me he's always dreamt of having a family and being a dad. I can't wait to see his reaction."

She smiles at me and then gives me a hug. The four of us then sit back and watch the show.

It then hits me. This is the first time Matty is experiencing The 1975 completely sober. He has so much more energy and his dancing is more than just a stoned head bop. The Jaiy Twins, who we met yesterday, really add something to the show and are so sweet. They're only our age so we're good friends already.

I patiently await my call to the stage and try to contain my excitement a bit more.

• • • • • •

"So, everyone, for this next song, a friend of mine is going to be helping me out. Leah, come on out!"

The crowd cheers as I walk onto the stage. The crowd is huge, and I feel anxious for a split second and then I'm OK.

Then, the lights go dim as a crew member gets me my microphone, and Matty goes back to his. Then, the whole theme changes, and when the first chords play, the entire crowd begins to cheer. Then, I start singing, and I'm surprised that I don't actually sound shit. The crowd is singing as well.

What time you coming down?
We started losing light
I'll never make it right if you don't want me around
I'm so excited for the night
All we needs my bike and your enormous house
You said some day we might
When I'm closer to your height
Till then, we'll knock around and see
If you're all I need