Unexpected Holiday: A George Shelley/Union J Fanfiction

Chapter Three

“I know what we should do!” Harriet exclaimed excitedly.

“What?” George, Will and I responded.

We had finished watching Geordie Shore, and the only good thing on after that (at least in Harriet’s and I’s opinion) was Say Yes to the Dress. Will had put his foot down there and declared that there was no way in hell he was watching it. So now we were sitting in the living room, thinking about something to do.

“We could play Angry Birds!”

“There are four people Harriet. No.” Will responded.

“We could play twenty questions so Emma can get to know us better!” Harriet suggested.

Will looked thoughtful for a second, “That’s actually an okay idea.”

“I agree.” George said, nodding his head.

“Where’d Mum and Dad go?” Harriet asked.

“Somewhere. Probably unpacking.” Will waved his hand dismissively.

“I’ll go first!” George said.

We all sat down in comfortable positions in the living room, a bowl of pretzels that Harriet had brought sitting on the coffee table.

“So, Emma, what’s your favourite food?” George asked me.

“Great pick-up line Georgey.” Will said, and George shot a murderous look at his brother while I chuckled.

“Well, it’s actually a foreign dish. I went to New York once for a swim meet with my club at the time, and there was a group of Canadians there, and they introduced me to a dish called poutine from Canada.” I said. 

“Poutine?” the Shelley’s chorused.

“Yes. It’s basically hand-cut fries drizzled with gravy and cheese curds. It doesn’t sound that good but it’s delicious.”

“We should make it!” Harriet said.

“They taught me how to do it, so I could make some later!” I responded.

“How many places have you been to?” Will asked curiously.

“It’s my turn to ask a question!” I replied light heartedly, “Harriet, when’s your birthday?”

“October 19th!” She said excitedly, “I love the cold.”

“She’s abnormal like that.” George said, “Most people love the sun but she hates it!”

“I don’t hate the sun! I simply…dislike it.” She said.

“I guess it’s good you live in England! It’s pretty dreary here! I personally love summer.” I said.

“I like that short period of time between summer and spring when the weather’s the perfect mix of everything.” George said.

I stared at him, understanding exactly what he meant while Harriet and Will laughed.

“How am I the abnormal one?” Harriet asked, laughing.

“Shut up.” George said moodily.

“My turn!” the youngest Shelley said, “Emma, have you ever met Tom Daley?”

I laughed; it was an obvious question considering the hype around the young diver since he was a favourite to win at the Olympics this summer.

“Not yet! Maybe I will this summer!” I laughed, thinking about the Olympic dreams that I’d had since I was small.

“You know, I used to do gymnastics. It was fun.” Harriet said.

“Well, you know, the gymnastics competition at the Olympics this year is supposed to be more competitive than ever. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.” I said.

“The American team has already been picked and they’re really, really good!” Harriet said excitedly.

“I heard,” I nodded, and then turned to Will and George, “did any of you play sports at all during school?”

“I played some football and rugby on occasion.” Will said, looking thoughtful.

“I didn’t really…do much.” George responded, looking uncomfortable.

I sensed that school wasn’t something George enjoyed talking about by the way he was looking around the room, trying to avoid his sisters almost sympathetic look. I was pretty good at reading people, and I could tell there was a much deeper story behind that uncomfortable look George had on his face.

I opened my mouth to say something, but then I heard footsteps coming from down the stairs. I looked up and to the front of the house, and saw Mrs. Shelley coming towards us. She had changed out of her airport clothes into a much more comfortable looking pair of jeans and a tee.

“Hello Emma! Have you settled in alright? She asked.

“Hello Mrs. Shelley. Yes, I have!”

“It’s Toni, love! None of this Mrs. Shelley!”  she exclaimed.

I nodded, feeling shy. Toni looked like a important thought had popped up and turned back to me.

“Are you allergic to anything love?” she asked.

“Nope. I’m all good.” I replied.

“Okay, that’s good! I’m off to make dinner! Is there anything special you want?” she asked.

“No; anything’s good.” I smiled.

“Alright then!” Toni said and disappeared into the kitchen.

“That was weird.” Harriet said.

“She never asks me what I want.” Will whined.

“You sound like you’re six William. Shut up.” Harriet rolled her eyes.

“I’m forever a kid.”

“You’re twenty four, you can’t be a kid when you’re old.” Harriet replied.

“I’m not old!”

“Yes you are!”

“No!”

“Yes!”

“No!”

“Yes!”

“N—“ Will was cut off.

“Shut up! You two are bloody annoying.” George sighed.

“We know!” The two exclaimed and I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“How did we even get to this? I thought we were playing twenty questions or something?” Harriet asked.

I looked thoughtful for a moment, “I don’t even know, to be honest.”

“Let’s get back to it!” Harriet exclaimed, and we did just that.

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I’m so sorry I disappeared like that! My inspiration level for the story was at 0% and I had writers block. Sigh. But I’m back and writing! I know this isn’t too good, but I really wanted to get something out for you guys! Xx

~Shakira