Strictly Stories

Absent

Today the Steps crew was invited to perform on 'Top of the Pops' to promote their debut album, additionally performing in a few small arenas in England. Since none of them lives close to each other, Pete decided that they should stay in a hotel together; booking a suite for them all together so it was cheaper for him. 

The drive in their tour bus is rather quiet, Lisa and H decided to play cards and are occasionally swearing in Welsh. They might only know each other for a few months but already get along perfectly. Claire is reading a book, while Lee 'stole' H's gameboy and is totally focused on playing the game. Not bothered, Faye is asleep on the couch, her curls falling over her face.

"Damn it!" H shouts, slamming his fist on the table and making everyone who previously didn't paid attention shrug.

"What the heck, H!" Claire says. "My book nearly went out of the window!"

"And I lost the level because of you." Lee adds. "Plus, you woke Faye. So prepare to be told of by your tired bandmate."

Instead of telling H off though, Faye just turns to the other side and puts the blanket over her head. Claire frowns at this, not being used to her blonde bandmate being rather quiet; getting to know her as a pure party animal. "Faye?" she asks, slowly taking the blanket away and noticing that the blonde isn't looking well. "Is everything okay?"

"No. My head." Faye mumbles. "I got a migraine."

"Oh no, why didn't you told us? We would've been more quiet." Lisa says, immediately feeling sorry for previously shouting when playing cards. They all know that Faye uses to get a migraine when under stress - similar to now where they headed to rehearsals and the studio and straight to a new performance without a break.

"Don't worry." Faye says, briefly opening her eyes but closing them again when her head starts to hurt like crazy. 

"We should tell Pete though, I don't know if it's good for her to perform with a migraine." Lee says into the silence, being worried about his bandmate. Of course he only knows her for a few months but, similar to Lisa and H, they already shared a special close bond. "I will let him know later when we arrive."

"No, don't-" Faye mumbles half-asleep, "don't tell him. I'm fine."

"You're not fine. You'll sleep now and later on you'll rest in our hotel suite." Claire explains, demanding her bandmate to lay down again; carefully laying her down on the pillow. "And H, you keep quiet please."

"Of course I will, what do you think of me?" H replies, acting like he would be insulted - still wanting a cheerful atmosphere and knowing he could cheer his bandmates the best. He decides to do what he was told and keeps quiet, taking his gameboy and playing in silence while Lisa watches him; both Claire and Lee seem to be focused on Faye. 

"Guys, we arrived at the studio." Lisa announces after a while of silence. "Let's go and tell Pete." she adds, seeing Lee sighing slightly to himself while waking Faye. 

The blonde blinks in confusion, closing her eyes again while Lee carefully lifts her off from her place. "I will carry you, don't worry." he adds, knowing that his bandmate probably isn't able to walk at the moment. They walk past the door to the studio - being not too known yet meant they could still act the way they want without needing to fear about articles too much - and towards Pete who already greets them cheerfully.

"Great to see you - and even punctual! I would like to ask you though Lee, is there a reason for carrying Faye?" he questions. 

"She got a migraine. I'm afraid she can't perform." Lee replies shortly, hoping Pete would accept this statement. It's not like he expects too much of them but obviously he wants the band to work out too, meaning some successful tv appearances and shows like now.