Night shift - Completed

Chapter 66

Calum's POV

Time had come for us to go back out and perform, we'd just released a new single and we were beginning to promote it to the world. A few chat shows had contacted us and wanted us to make appearances which we were thrilled about, me especially as this was going to be the first time Poppy would come along with us because of her job. She practically skipped out of the bedroom, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, ready for her first day at work with us. We were all happy and confident, she'd already shown her skills when Jack had hurt his arm and that fan had pulled Michael off the stage. She would be ready for anything.

"There she is!" I called out to her. "Our newest crew member!" She let out a laugh and spun around before posing. I let out a goofy laugh as she rushed over to me and threw her arms around me. I pulled her into a hug and took in her sweet scent.

"I can't wait to spend all this time with you guys!" She said into my chest as we hugged. For a moment we just stayed there, enjoying each other's company. It felt like we were the only people in the room until we heard the militant voice of Diego. He wasn't a bad guy but honestly he needed to lighten up, he was way too serious all the time.

"We don't have time for relations. Just get in the van. We are leaving in 2 minutes and counting. Get all your stuff ready now!" We practically jumped apart as we rushed to get our stuff ready and headed for the van. We threw our bags in the back and then settled down next to each other for the first time in ages, hand in hand.

"Our newest member!" Ashton cheered as he bundled into the van before Michael and Luke. Poppy laughed as she greeted the others and soon enough, Diego was driving us off to the first of the three chat shows that wanted to see us. We were doing a prerecorded piece for the first two shows and were finishing off with a live performance at the last venue. It was going to be a busy day but we were all thrilled - the world was going to hear a new song of ours and we'd get to see them react, whether they loved it or hated it. That was the bit that always made us nervous. You could spend years on a song, perfecting it to our tastes but you would never know what the audience thought until it was released. This time, too, Poppy was accompanying us throughout the day which really made me feel a lot more confident. It made us all feel better. Michael had voiced his nerves this morning when we were getting ready, saying he'd hoped the security were going to be on form today. He still thought back to our last performance when the fan pulled him off stage and he was nervous that the situation was going to happen again.

"You okay Mike?" Luke pressed as he sat silently, looking out of the window. He remained silent. Poppy threw me a worried glance but I said I'd explain it all later. I knew Mike wasn't going to listen to anything right now, it was best to leave him to his thoughts and try again later. Anything we tried now would be fruitless.

"We will be arriving in one minute. Make sure you are ready. We want as few fans to see you as possible. This is meant to be a prerecorded secret performance so don't stand out there attracting attention." Diego ordered as he signalled and pulled into the road, arriving at the destination literally sixty seconds later. We all braced ourselves as if we were jumping out of a plane or something. The moment the door was opened by Diego, we all flew out of the car and ran into the building leaving the screams of the fans behind instantly. I could hear the rest of the boys sigh, as I did, the moment the door closed. Why did we always have to run around so secretively? Why weren't we allowed to spend time with the fans like we wanted to?

"Keep walking guys, we have to get you to the dressing rooms quickly before you go on stage." Diego shouted back as us as he marched at least ten steps ahead of us.

"So much for security. Is he actually checking we're okay? That no one is following us?" Ashton huffed as he rushed to catch up with Diego, making sure not to get too far ahead of the group.

"Must be joking. I can't wait for Jack to come back... this guy is doing my head in!" Luke shook his head, looking at me for agreement. I just let out a laugh as we finally got to the dressing rooms. Luke, Michael and Ashton headed into the dressing room at speed, me following slowly behind. Just as I stepped in, I heard Diego stop someone else coming in. I looked behind me and saw he'd refused Poppy entry into the dressing room.

"Hey! What's the problem?" I snapped at Diego. He didn't even turn his head to me as he answered.

"She's a nurse, not a band member she doesn't need to go in the dressing room. She needs to check supplies and check the area." The boys all exchanged glances behind me.

"And I don't get a say if I want her here?" I shot back quickly, my face screwed up in anger.

"No." He answered shortly, shutting the door between us so we could no longer see him or Poppy.

"Fucking idiot." I vented. "Who does he think he is?" I slammed my hand down on the table as I walked past, throwing myself onto the sofa besides Michael. The room went deadly silent for a second as I calmed down.

"Let's just get this over with, we can speak to Dave about him later. For now all I want is a decent interview and a decent performance." Michael said quietly, still remaining quiet as he stared down at his shoes.

"You know it's really unlikely it'll happen again, Mike." Ashton tried to comfort him but he didn't respond. "I mean it was a freak accident to begin with... but with Poppy there and security we shouldn't have any issues. Nothing to worry about..." Michael let out a flat laugh before responding. His gaze finally raised and he looked at each of us as he spoke.

"I had a feeling the day of the last show that something would go wrong and it did. Not only to me but to Jack. I've got that same feeling today..."