Changes (Luke Hemmings)

~ Chapter 7 ~

Over the next few weeks we barely saw the 'band'.
We saw them in school but even then, all they talked about was the band.

Even Aleisha wasn't that bothered by the boys' distance, even if meant less time with Michael.
I think we were all enjoying having some simple girl time for once.
No matter if we did want to see them, we were all invested in the band and wanted it to succeed - which meant they'd be spending a lot of time together and we were happy to accept that.

One thing had become very apparent over time and that was, that Isaac being late was not a one off. In fact, he was late to practically every practise or a no show at all.

Which was causing a huge strain.

Michael in particular really hated Isaac, they just didn't get along.

At the time, they all tried to keep the arguments under wraps because they just wanted to do well as a band but the cracks were beginning to show.

They hadn't even been able to do a single cover, since Isaac joined because he was never there to learn the songs or practise.

Me and Molly had our suspicions that the band wasn't getting along.
I guess we were worried about them but didn't want to get involved in the mess, I especially, didn't want to get involved.
I was the one that caused this mess in the first place.

~

After an unsuccessful Saturday band practise, the boys decided to tag along with us to the shopping centre - including Isaac.
Considering none of us knew him very well, the day wasn't too bad. He may not be reliable for practise but he was a decent guy, as far as I could tell.

As the day went on, I kept my eye on Isaac and his behaviour.
My instincts told me there was something weird about him.

Ashton was supposed be in the band and I felt we were one step closer to that happening, after I sussed what was weird about Isaac.

Everyone seemed to be oblivious to it, most importantly - Michael.
Isaac had been following Aleisha around all day, practically in her pocket.
He would always find a way to get her alone and single her out in the conversation. His flirting was full on and it was only a time, before Michael noticed.

Michael didn't like Isaac at the best of time - if he picked up on the flirting, he'd blow up.

Molly was leading us around, in the search to find a nice top to wear to a family party, when we passed KFC. None of us seemed to noticed but michael obviously had and he began pleading for us to go in..No one else seemed interested in it...

"But we've had KFC the past 6 times we've been here. We could try soemthing new?" Molly suggested.
Mikey firmly shook his head in response.

"I promise - pinky promise, we can eat somewhere different next time" his voice got higher, as he spoke. We all laughed because he sounded like a little kid.
I rolled my eyes knowing we'd end up eating at KFC next time, too but agreed.

I'd barely stepped through the door, when I realised Ashton was on shift. I waved at him and he seemed glad to see me - I hadn't seen him since the cinema.

Whereas, I was happy to see Ash, Luke couldn't look grumpier. He knew there was nothing between me and Ashton but he could also tell that Ash liked me - which meant Luke would got jealous. Jealousy was not a good colour on him...

"Ashton works here? Michael, I'm holding you to that promise - we aren't coming here next time." Luke said, rolling his eyes.
I ignored his comment and went up to the counter, to order my food and see Ash.
The only positive about always going to KFC, was I that always knew what I wanted. I ordered my food but Ash already knew my order, that gave us some time to catch up.
We started chatting but I realised I was holding up the queue, so he told me he'd come over to my table, when he had a break.

Once we all started eating, I noticed Isaac sat next to Aleisha - opposite Mikey.

Molly and Cal carried the conversation, as everyone else ate. They were playing 'most likely to' and coming up with the stupidest questions possible but even with stupid questions, the answer was normally: Calum.

I was watching Isaac's behaviour like a hawk. Across the table, Isaac had been ignoring the game and was busy complimenting Aleisha - Aleisha was trying her best to ignore him.

Michael abandoned his chicken about halfway through, (which he never would) and I knew he'd noticed Isaacs flirting.

I sunk into my chair in anticipation of what was to come.

"What the hell are you doing, Isaac? That's my girlfriend." He said in a surprisingly commanding voice.
I knew Michael got annoyed with people but to me, he was a big softie.
I was genuinely surprised to see Michael being intimidating.
Isaac clearly got a rise out of this and wasn't going to back down.

"Mate, I know what I'm doing. You're not an obstacle - look at you." Isaac spat.
He thought it was funny and was trying to mock Michael.

I turned to Michael, to see him fuming. His anger only growing - he was balling his fists and Isaac was smirking at him, trying to provoke him.
Michael got out of his chair and for a moment I thought he would punch Isaac, even though Luke was trying to hold onto Mikey, his anger was strong.

That's when I saw Ashton running up from behind the counter.

"Woah, whats going on here?" Ashton interrupted.

"This dickhead is really pushing his luck." Michael responded, without taking his eyes off Isaac and he immediately swung his first towards him. Ashton caught Michaels fist with ease.

"Not in here. He's not worth it, anyway" Ashton spoke clearly and his authority was actually respected by Michael.
Isaac looked as if he was still up for a fight.

"Look kid, just get out of here." Ashton commanded. Ash stood up straight, to size himself up to Isaac and was considerably taller than him.

Isaac gave in, and retreated from the group still smirking, as he left the restaurant.

They really dodged a bullet there.

Ashton was still the 'angry guy' in their eyes but they saw that he had good intentions. He defended everyone because they were my friends, even though they didn't get along. His loyalty impressed them, I guess.

That earned him their respect.

He must have earned a little more than their respect because he very quickly became their top candidate for drummer (even if their options were limited to begin with).

"So, I guess we're down a drummer..." Michael mentioned.

"Do you want to be in our band?" Calum asked Ashton, bluntly.

"Okay," Ashton giggled, like a little girl, we were all confused by the contrast, from fight stopper, to twinkly giggles but everyone found it found.

It was such a relief.

Everyone was enjoying themselves, with Ashton, as the drummer, as he should be.

The natural order had restored itself

As everyone around me laughed, and I joined in, I felt as though I physically laughed a weight off my shoulders - that I hadn't even realised was there...

Thank God Michael loves KFC.