Too Close For Comfort....

Chapter 4: Smile

Chapter 4: Smile

Lies & fake smiles had become a part of Dougie's everyday life the last 4 months.

As the flight only had a few hours left the band had woken up. Each couple was talking away between themselves, planning what they would do together on the bands days off. What they wanted to try while in Australia. Harry was trying to get Dougie to plan some stuff with them as well but he seemed very distant. 'Dougs are you on this planet' Harry said slowly as he nudged the bassist. 'Huh, yeah sorry I am' Dougie replied come out from his daze. 'What you looking forward to do doing on your days off' Harry enquired. 'Not sure yet, maybe just chilling out or surfing' Dougie told him trying to think if something to say so Harry wouldn't think he was in a mood or anything 'Surfing is going to be ace!, Tom thinks he's going to be better than us' Harry chuckled. 'He will just try to show off until he falls no doubt' Dougie replied with a half smile.

Harry was so happy Dougie' was actually having a conversation with him. 'This is what I've missed' Harry said with that cheesy grin that gave Dougie butterflies every time he did it. 'Missed what' Dougie asked him as he tried to ignore the butterflies in his stomach. 'This...you & me talking' Harry said sounding so happy. 'Sorry, I know I've been an ass lately' Dougie muttered trying to down play things. 'You are our ass Dougie, we love you no matter what' Harry informed him as he hugged him from over the chair 'I love you Dougie, you ass' Harry added as he chucked. 'I love you too' Dougie said. Their hug was broken up but a massive thud as the plane finally touched down. 'YAAAAY' could be heard coming form Danny's chair as he was super glad to be able to get off the plane & into fresh air.

The group made their way off the plane, towards the main airport area where they waited for Fletch to meet them. Once the whole group was there they made their way towards getting their bags & towards customs which took FOREVER according to Tom. Once the hour wait was over the group finally got their first glimpse of their home for the next 8 weeks. They had arrived in Alexandria which was going to be an amazing experience for them all. Much needed break from the cold British weather. Fletch & Tommy had managed to arrange 2 mini buses for the group & all their luggage to take them to their new home for the next 8 weeks. 30 minutes later in the most over heated buses they pulled up outside this huge beach house which was about 10 minutes from the beach. 'Fletch.....wow' Tom said as he jumped out the bus. 'Is this ours' Harry asked looking shocked. 'This is unreal, its about 10,000 times bigger than my house' Jason joked. 'Alright calm down, yes its home for us' Fletch said. The guys grabbed their stuff out the buses & they all made their way towards the front door where there was a guy waiting. Fletch & Tommy had a chat with him & the guy handed over the keys to them. 'Come on then' Tommy said waving his hands towards the door. They all rushed inside to the main living room/kitchen area which was huge. All the bags got dumped on the floor as the looked around.

'Guys, guys' Danny shouted as he headed towards their outside balcony area which had an epic view of the beach. 'Fletch you have done amazingly' Danny said giving him a hug. 'Its more the record label but Tommy & I will take the credit' he laughed. The guys were left to explore the 3 levels of the house including the 8 bedrooms with ensuite & 3 other bathrooms, games room, pool & another garden area. Fighting between them the rooms was like watching kids fight over sweets. Tommy & Fletch took the two smaller rooms near the kitchen area. Tom, Ellie, Danny & Marina took the 3rd floor while Harry, Dougie, Nat & Jason got the other 4 rooms on the middle level. There was even a storage room that they could use for their luggage & equipment while staying there.

Fletch told them to all go get some sleep in their rooms as they had about 4 hours before they had to head to the venue for their first of their Australian shows. The group all headed to their rooms to crash out. Dougie couldn't sleep, between being excited & nervous so he just sat outside in the sun. It was super hot but he wasn't going to complain, it was better than cold London. His thoughts soon drifted from the sun to how he was going to get these next 8 weeks over with & try to make sure that he didn't have a breakdown in the process. The only thing he could do was keeping smiling, keep faking how he felt & hope that being in the studio would keep his mind busy. A few hours went by while Dougie was day dreaming before heard Danny's laugher making its way towards him. 'Have you been out here the whole time' Danny proceeded to ask as he sat next to him. 'Yeah, I couldn't sleep so thought id enjoy the sun' Dougie replied. 'Fair enough, hoping the sun will make us all a bit happy & allow us to chill for a bit' Danny replied back. 'I just want you to know that no matter whats going on dude I'm always here, we are all here' Danny said getting all mushy with Dougie. 'I know' is all Dougie could say.