The Understudy (hiatus)

Chapter Thirteen - Tydelynn (Part One)

We left the hotel. All five of us were walking, double file (apart from me at the back, alone!) down the busy streets outside of L.A. Even though we were on the outskirts, the night life was thriving and I had to cling onto Will's arm so I wouldn't be swallowed by the other youngers dashing about to clubs. After about the fifth time I'd grabbed onto Will's arm, as some drunk teenager almost pushed me over, Will turned his head to face me. He pulled me forward so that I was walking in the middle of him and Woody, with Kyle and Dan striding on in front.

"Maybe you should do that on Dan," Will whispered, and I giggled.

"You aren't challenging me again, are you?"

"Why not? Tyde's challenge number two is to... grab onto Dan's arm, gradually push past Kyle and hold Dan's hand,"

"And if I don't?" I asked, and Will tapped the side of his nose..

"I won't be buying you a surprise,"

"You're on," I smiled, walking forward. I waited until some people rushed past us, and then I grabbed onto Dan's bicep. He smiled gently at me, and put his arm around my neck. He guided me forward so that I was now sandwiched between him and Kyle. Kyle moved sidewards a little, giving me more room.

"Thanks," I whispered, smiling slightly. He removed his arm from my shoulders and let it rest limply beside him. I watched as my hand sneaked forward and gently clasped his. He looked down and squeezed my hand, and if to say it was okay.

I spun my head around and stuck out my tongue to Will, who puffed out his bottom lip in defeat.

Mission Accomplished, I thought.

Our feet came to a stop outside of a club. I looked up and read the name: The Coventen.

Why does that name sound so familiar? I wondered as we walked inside. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness and the flashing lights, dozens of memories suddenly flooded my mind. Memories of previous tours, Rizzle Kicks in particular. Memories of the drinks, memories of an argument, memories of a certain man with curly hair and an amazing accent. Memories of dancing on top of the bar, memories of Jordan and Harley leaving me by myself, memories of being walked back to a hotel by Mr. Curly. Memories of waking up and not knowing his name, memories of waiting for Jordan and Harley to get back to the hotel the next morning, memories of just leaving and forgetting about him.

I wondered if that man was here tonight. I desperately tried to remember the conversation I'd shared with him, although it was the best part of three years ago and I was drunk at the time, and all I remembered was that he said he was in a band and touring. Oh, and he was from the UK...and he managed to get the drunk part of me back in my hotel safely as Jordan and Harley had ditched me for some girls.

"Are you okay?" Dan asked, rubbing his thumb across our interlocked hands. It was only then that I realised that I had stood still a few feet from the rest of the lads whilst I was thinking.

"Yeah, I've been here before that's all. Old tours and stuff," I mumbled, rejoining Will, Woody and Kyle at the bar.

"So you're okay?" Dan confirmed, catching me up.

I nodded, but my mind was elsewhere. I could only pray that Mr. Curly was touring at the same place, same time as me again and that he was in here so I could thank him. Wishful thinking.

"What you having?" Woody yelled over the music.

"Cider and black," I shouted back, looking around in search for Mr Curly. No sign of him.

It was really annoying. All I wanted to do was thank him for getting me back safely. I decided to stop looking, he obviously wasn't going to be here. Not twice in a row, it would be too weird. I relaxed a bit, watched Dan dance and drained my glass. Will offered to buy me another, but I told him to ask me in another half an hour. I wanted to take it steady.

Quite shocking for me, really.

"HEY!!" Dan's voice boomed out. He was stood opposite four lads, and sprung forward to hug a small man.

With curly hair.

Wait, that couldn't be...could it? No, miracles like that don't just happen. I don't just pray I'll see a guy and they'll be there.

Dan and this man pulled apart and the man looked at me.

Yup.

Miracles do exist.

Mr Curly was here...and apparently he knew Dan.

Interesting...