Night shift - Completed

Chapter 65

Poppy's PoV

Calum had been a sweetheart for the entire night. He had laid in bed with me, holding me close, listening to me get all those pent up feelings out. I could never be more thankful. I think, despite that night being about caring for me, he'd enjoyed us having time together which even I'd admit was a rarity nowadays. I'd woken up this morning knowing I desperately needed to make everything up to him. I headed to the kitchen, the whole house was silent as everyone slept still, but that guy from the bar kept creeping into my dreams. It was barely 6am but I decided I'd get started on a breakfast fit for kings and queens to try and cheer everyone up. Before long, I'd made pancakes, eggs, bacon, toast, fruit salad and put out some yoghurt and fresh orange juice. The coffee was brewing and I had the kettle ready if anyone wanted tea.

"What's the special occasion?" A voice from behind me made me jump and I spun round, spatula in hand. It was Bex, looking tired yet slightly happier. I put the spatula down and rushed to her, pulling her into a hug she wasn't expecting.

"I just wanted to try and wipe the slate clean from yesterday. It was a terrible night but it doesn't mean we need to break our friendships over it..." I said without wanting to go into much detail. I didn't want to upset her any more than she already had been from that night.

"I appreciate it Poppy. Honestly, people like you are few and far between..." She looked down at the spread of placed on the table and noting the amount, looked back up to me with worry in her eyes. "Couldn't sleep?" I merely shrugged.

"I did but I've been up since 6." I said truthfully. Bex opened her mouth to say something but hesitated and closed it again. She looked away as she considered asking the question and whether it was appropriate.

"Something smells nice!!" Michael's voice called down the corridor. "Guys, breakfast!" I let out a breathy laugh as Michael woke everyone up purely because he smelt breakfast. I looked back at Bex but she shook her head, taking a seat at the table. She grabbed a piece of toast, buttered it and began nibbling on it as the rest of the guys and girls began filing in.

"Wow, this is amazing!" Crystal's eyes lit up as she made her way to the table. I brought over the final few things, syrup, chocolate spread and some jam, followed by the cutlery. Once everyone was seated, I stood up and clinked a spoon on my mug. Everyone looked towards me instantly.

"Sorry guys, I'll keep it short. I just wanted to put this together as a thank you. You've all been through a lot, as have I, but we have always pulled through as a group and supported each other. Last night was no exception. I'm sorry that it came to what it did and everyone felt uncomfortable, a few choice words were said that maybe shouldn't have been but I just want everyone to know that we will get through this like anything else." There were mumbles of agreement around the table as I sat back down, everyone beginning to fill their plates and cups. Soon there was silence as everyone tucked in, some trying one of everything whilst others stuck to their one normal breakfast.

"Hey." Calum caught my attention as I pushed my food around my plate. I looked up to him with a small smile. "This is amazing. Thank you." My smile grew. I leant over to whisper to him, my hand on his thigh to balance myself.

"It was a thank you to you for everything, especially last night. I honestly don't know what I'd do without you." Conversation had began to grow around the table as we spoke, making me feel less nervous. "I know this is only a small thing but I really wanted you to know I appreciated it." I squeezed his thigh as I sat back up and, feeling better, tucked into my breakfast.

"Honestly, that was amazing." Michael said as he leant back in his chair patting his stomach.

"Yeah, thank you so much Poppy." Luke added as he shoved a last bit of toast in his mouth.

"It's made this day brighter already." Ashton smiled across the table to me, looking over at Bex before looking back to me.

"Let me clean up." Bex offered as she began collecting plates. Crystal and Sierra looked between them and up at Bex.

"We'll help." Offered Sierra and to everyone's surprise they got up and assisted Bex. Bex smiled softly, tears filling her eyes as the girls helped her take all the plates and begin washing up, drying up and cleaning the counters. They talked between them quietly enough that none of us at the table could hear.

"Unbelievable." Ashton shook his head but a smile grew on his face. "You've got a talent Poppy. Always managing to sort things out." I just shrugged.

"I hate to see people upset for too long over something. What happened yesterday couldn't be helped, none of us could have changed it. There's no point in them losing friendships over it..." I paused and let out a sigh. "I just hope Bex is okay..." the lowness of my voice showed I was worried about her and the others nodded too. Everyone got up from the table and as I helped collect the last few things from the table, Ashton made his way beside me and looked like he was helping.

"I just wanted to thank you." He said quickly, looking around to make sure no one heard. "I went in after Bex yesterday and spoke with her... she's obviously in a bad way at the moment but she said she loved me." My jaw dropped as I stared back at Ashton, quickly trying to look like I was still helping so I didn't draw any attention to us.

"She did?" I could barely think of what to say. "That's great! I mean, as long as she is thinking straight and not just saying it because she was opening herself to you." I could see Ashton's shoulders begin to droop with every word I said. "Trust me Ash, she really does like you a lot. Just don't take that as the only thing needed before you start a relationship, you'll need to talk to her again."

"No, you're right. Thanks Poppy. I'll give it some time and try again." He let out a small smile. "I just hope it goes well again that time..."