Night shift - Completed

Chapter 56

Calum's POV

This day had been a disaster, just like everything had recently. Our lives before were so boring in their own way but now, we had drama after drama making us tense and putting a strain on our friendship. We didn't mean to act like that when Poppy came in but the truth was none of us were in the mood to talk, or try and act like we were okay. It wasn't long before the door swung open and Dave stormed in, looking frustrated.

"Management aren't happy. They're desperate to track the fan down and give her a restraining order, they've called solicitors to sort out ABC and their lack of safety with their equipment, they've given Gabriel an earful already..." He let out a defeated sign. "The only good thing they said was about Poppy..." he looked around the room noting Poppy and Ashton both weren't in the room. "Where is she anyway?" Bex let out a flat laugh attracting Dave's attention quickly.

"Everyone was being a dick so she went to the cafe." She said as she glanced round the room, making sure she made eye contact with every one of us to make us feel guilty.

"Bex!" Sierra spat at her, irritated that she always spoke her mind which sometimes got her in trouble. Sierra never managed to stop her from saying it but would always scold her for her upfront nature when it could cause her some issue. Bex simply glanced over to Sierra smugly as she smiled, knowing she had a point to prove.

"What? It's true isn't it? Despite helping Mike he didn't want to talk to her and Crystal had to answer on his behalf, then not one person here asked about Jack or how Poppy was doing. Doesn't anyone think this might be hard on her too? Just because she's a nurse doesn't mean she wants to be doing her job on her days off especially to people she cares about..." Bex's eyes fell straight on me. "And you didn't even give her the light of day!" It was her turn to scold me this time, shaking her head like a disappointed parent. My gut tightened as I realised Bex was right and once again I'd not thought about my actions and how it could affect her. Sure, this was tough on me and the band but it would have also been tough on her too yet when she walked in, trying to be friendly, we all just ignored her. My eyes scanned the room once more. Of course Ashton had been the clever one who has gone to check on Poppy. He always had done, always thought about her whilst I sat on my ass. The paparazzi stories about him liking her nagged at the back of my mind, making me second guess my inner most thoughts and feelings. Was he always there to help her because he liked her and wanted to prove he was better than me? I could have sworn he mentioned liking someone but I'd always assumed he was talking about Bex. Was I wrong? Was that what he wanted me to think?

The door opened again and Ashton and Poppy walked in laughing between them, both holding blueberry muffins. I tensed in the chair as i saw them together, looking so happy and friendly.

"There you are Poppy!" Dave said happily, putting an arm around her. "Management were singing your praises on the phone. They said you acted so professionally and have saved them a lot of work! They were very happy with you!" Poppy smiled sweetly at Dave before looking over at Ashton who was grinning back at her. My hand gripped the arm of the chair tightly as I continued to watch them, my mind sure that Ashton was doing this because he liked her. How could he do this to me? We were meant to be best friends.

"Cal?" Crystal's voice pulled me from my thoughts as I noticed everyone's eyes suddenly on me and my angry posture. My eyes darted over to Crystal who had spoken to me as she repeated herself. "I said are you okay?" Poppy was looking at me with a confused glare like she was piecing it together but didn't want to speculate or say anything in front of the other band mates. I knew when we were alone she was going to start asking questions.

"Y-Yeah... sorry. My muscles cramped really badly just then." I lied badly but luckily the team seemed to buy it. They all nodded or expressed their hatred of cramp to show they empathised with me. I relaxed in my chair as Ashton finally left Poppy's side, heading over to Bex and sitting beside her. He offered her some of his muffin which she greatly accepted and they began to talk about something quietly between them. Before I knew it, Poppy was stood in front of me, holding her muffin out towards me.

"You can't have Ashton's but you can have mine." She said with her classic cute smile beaming at me. I smiled back as I took it, taking a large bite out of the sweet cake. "Between us, his cake is for two already." She whispered to me as she sat down, letting out a small giggle. I glanced over again, seeing Ashton and Bex getting closer as they spoke, body language saying they wanted each other. It felt like my mind was playing tricks on me. One minute I was sure Ashton wanted Poppy, the next he's obviously mad about someone else. Make up your damned mind!! I can't keep going on like this, it'll drive me insane. This is what those awful paps do to you - they get in your head with their made up stories and the lies grow into some pretend story that you concoct. Before you know it, you believe every word. We've had our fair share of things like that before and it nearly split us up. I need to be careful with what I say and do, I can't afford to mess this up anymore.