I was beyond exhausted by the time Ed and I arrived at Graham Norton the following evening. I'd been on the Radio 1 Breakfast Show from 7am, after getting in from the premiere at midnight. Thankfully, Amanda joined me in my make-shift dressing room and she'd brought a load of concealer with her. And coffee.
'You must be exhausted.' She said, dabbing concealer gently under my eyes.
'Absolutely.' I told her, stifling a yawn. 'I'm supposed to be going out with my friends tomorrow night. I'm worried I'll be a zombie by then.'
'You'll be fine.' She smiled. 'Just go to bed when you're done here! At least filming will be over by eight. Then you can go and get some rest.'
'Some much needed rest.' I sighed as she started to dust eyeshadow over my eyes.
'I'm going to use light colours today to try and brighten up your tired eyes.' She told me. 'That way no one will ever know.'
'You must be sick of seeing me too.'
'Sick of seeing you? I've seen you twice this week. That's not that much.'
'Two days of work. That would be lovely.' I said, dreamily.
She started to apply eyeliner carefully along my upper-lashline. 'Not really two days. I've been looking into future outfits for you and I've been speaking to designers. There's a lot of designers that want Lucy May to wear their latest outfits. Some of them want to send you freebies.'
'Free clothes!' I gasped.
'Sit still.' She told me off. 'Or this eyeliner is going to be halfway across your face. But yes, free clothes. Any that don't fit, please send my way.'
'Absolutely!'
'I've given them your home address so you might have a huge pile of outfits when you next go home. I do apologise.'
'I might finally have to clear out my wardrobe.'
'Or you might have to find somewhere bigger. Open your eyes.' I did as I was told and she checked they were both even. 'Look up.' She said, moving to my lower lashline. 'Have you thought about getting a bigger place?'
'I don't know. I quite like my cosy Brighton apartment.'
'You could at least look at one of those apartments over-looking the sea. That would be nice.'
It would. But I wasn't sure it would feel like home to me.
'On the show tonight... the star of the Hunger Games, a brilliant comedian, your favourite ginger and a heart breaker.' Graham Norton announced and the crowd applauded as the title sequence started. I watched on the screen as Graham Norton appeared on the set. 'Welcome everybody! We've got a great show for you this evening. Hollywood beauty Jennifer Lawrence is here!' Cue screams. 'The hilarious Michael Mcintyre is on the show.' Cue screams. 'Award-winning singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is here!' Cue even more hysterical screams. 'And the gorgeous and talented Lucy May is on the show too!' Cue, surprisingly, cheers and screams. 'Let's get the guests on... Jennifer Lawrence!... Ed Sheeran!...Michael McIntyre!... and Lucy May!' The three other guests walked on and I smiled as I watched Ed on the screen from the green room. I wasn't joining them until later, due to my performance. Amanda sat beside me, spiritzing hairspray onto my loose curls. 'All done.' She said with a smile. I was wearing a dogtooth print mini skirt with black tights, black shoe boots and a silk blouse. It was quickly becoming my new favourite outfit. I looked across the greenroom where my band sat, looking nervous. It wasn't just my first debut.
'Welcome back to a star-studded show tonight.' Graham said as the cameras went back to rolling after the second break. 'If you've just joined us I'm lucky enough to have Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Mcintyre, Ed Sheeran and Lucy May with me tonight. Now, Ed, you've not long ago released your third album which zoomed in straight to the album charts at number one.'
'That's right.' My boyfriend said with a smile. 'I'm so glad everyone's loving it. I've had such positive feedback.'
'It really is another incredible album and I'm sure it will be winning you yet more awards.'
'Thank you, I hope so.'
'Am I right in thinking that you have a special treat for us tonight?'
'I do.' He said with a playful smile. 'I've just released my new single Little Things this week and whilst I was in America, I was busy shooting the music video. I'd like to show everyone it for the first time if that's okay?'
'Absolutely!' Graham grinned and the crowd cheered. 'Who wants to see Ed Sheeran's new music video?' Cue screams. 'Great, so let's have a look.'
I sat in the greenroom watching the video fill the screen and I was pleased it was no different from the cut Ed had been sent a few days beforehand. I blushed at the close-ups of me as I watched our lovestory be shown for everyone to see. When it finished, the crowd cheered and screamed.
'Eugh, you guys make me so jealous.' Amanda tutted from beside me and I giggled.
'Wow.' Graham Norton was saying as he and the other celebrity guests applauded. 'Incredible.'
'Thank you.' Ed said with a cute smile.
'Hear that? It's the sound of a thousand girls suddenly dumping their boyfriends.' Michael Mcintyre joked and everyone laughed.
'I think it's safe to say that everyone is jealous of your relationship with our fourth guest tonight, Lucy May. Am I right?' Graham said and the crowd screamed and cheered.
'I'm a really lucky guy.' Ed said and my heart melted. Public display of affection alert. The crowd said 'awh' in unison.
'You've gone all soft!' Graham joked with a smile. 'Have you named a guitar after her yet?'
'No I haven't... just Nigel and Felix to keep me company.' He laughed.
'Still tiny guitars? I remember the last time you came on here and told me you had small hands but big feet. That's alright isn't it ladies?' Cue screams.
'Well that's what counts right.' He said, jokily and I couldn't help but blush as Amanda raised an eyebrow at me. I really hoped my mum wasn't watching.
'It's good to know.' Graham chuckled. 'Well Little Things is available to buy now and so is Paw, the only album released so far that's not related to Ed being bad at maths.' Cue laughter. 'Coming up after the break, we have a performance from the girl who has stolen Ed's heart and also the hearts of quite a few other men I'm sure... Lucy May. See you in a minute.'
The stage manager appeared in the greenroom with a friendly smile. 'I'll take you on set now.'
Amanda gave me a wave and I followed the stage manager, out onto the set and greeted by cheers from the crowd. I gave a small wave in response and then I looked over to where the guests were having their make-up topped up. Ed gave me a wink and someone in the crowd wolf-whistled.
'It's enough to make you sick, isn't it?' Graham joked and the crowd laughed.
My mic was quickly tested and I watched as Jesse, Jake and Daisy checked their instruments. They gave the sound guy a thumbs up. I spotted Eric stood next to the bleachers containing the crowd. His stern look made me even more nervous.
Relax and enjoy it. You are going to be great. Ed said in my head. He always knew when I was nervous. Maybe he could read my mind, as well as communicate through it.
'We're back in thirty seconds.' The stage manager announced and the thirty second countdown appeared on the screens.
I turned to face my band and I gave them a thumbs up. 'We can do this.' I said to them and also to myself. Daisy gave me a small smile and the boys nodded. I turned back to the front. Ten seconds. The stage manager starter to clap and the crowd joined in, and then I knew we were going back live. I breathed in through my nose and out through my mouth.
'Welcome back to the final part of the show.' Graham Norton said with a smile. 'Before we have tonight's stories in the red chair, it's music time. Let's meet the 23-year-old singer who is quickly taking the world by a storm. With her new single 'Skyscraper', this is Lucy May.' Cue cheers.
The lights on set dimmed and lit up by me, making me feel hot. I can do this, I told myself as the music started up from my band behind me. I suddenly wished I'd persuaded Eric to let me play my guitar. It gave me comfort when I was feeling nervous.
'Skies are crying, I am watching
Catching tear drops in my hands
Only silence as it's ending
Like we never had a chance
Do you have to make me feel like
There's nothing left of me?
You can take everything I have
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper
Go on and try to tear me down
I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraper.'
The crowd cheered and I released my tight grip on the microphone, moving my hands to my side. I could do this.
'As the smoke clears, I awaken
And untangle you from me
Would it make you feel better
To watch me while I bleed?
All my windows still are broken
But I'm standing on my feet.
You can take everything I have
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper
Go on and try to tear me down
I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraper.'
I felt emotional and I had to stop my eyes welling up. This song meant a lot to me, it was a message to Rich. But it was going to also be a message to the people out there who were now scared of savants, who were trying to work out what had happened a week ago.
'Go run, run, run
I'm gonna stay right here,
Watch you disappear
Yeah, oh
Go run, run, run
Yeah, it's a long way down
But I am closer to the clouds up here.'
I looked into the camera with fierce, strong eyes as I sang the next few lines.
'You can take everything I have
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper
Oh Oh.'
I moved my hands up into the air and into my hair as it felt natural to do so, as the song became more dramatic.
'Go on and try to tear me down
I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraper.'
The crowd erupted into applause and Eric nodded. Did that mean he was happy? I high-fived my band members. We'd done it. Phew.
'Lucy May, everybody!' Graham Norton called my name and the applause continued. I smiled the crowds and mouthed 'thank you'. Graham beckonned me over and I walked over to the other side of the set to join the other guests. 'Thank you very much for that.' He said, kissing me on the cheek. 'You know Ed, but here's Michael and Jennifer Lawrence.' He said, introducing me to the other guests who kissed me on the cheek, including my boyfriend, before I sat down beside my favourite ginger. 'Very good. Of course, that's the new single Skyscraper which is going to be on your first album, am I right?'
'Yes.' I replied with a smile. 'I'm hoping to release the album by the end of the month so watch this space.'
'After that cracker and your number one single Heart Attack, I look forward to it.' Graham said with a friendly smile.
'Thank you.'
'So Lucy, you've become quite a star over the last few months. What's that like for you?'
'It's crazy. This is something I've always wanted to do and I've always worked so hard for it. I'm glad I'm finally able to do something I love. I still live in my tiny one bedroom apartment in Brighton, though, and I'm trying to keep things normal when possible. I think that's so important.'
'Absolutely. I couldn't agree more.' Graham replied with a smile and Jennifer Lawrence nodded, as if to agree to me. 'Do people recognise you when you're out and trying to be normal?'
'Sometimes they do, yes. Luckily, no one has caught me when I'm out running yet!'
'I bet you'd look glamorous even in running gear.' He laughed. 'You seem to be gracing all of the magazine pages with photos of what you've been wearing. You're very stylish.'
'Thank you. I try to be. Although, sometimes a onesie is needed and then maybe that's less stylish.' I replied and the audience laughed.
'I'll look out for that on Instagram! Right, before we go we've just got some time for some red chair stories, so who's up first?' He turned to face the screen behind him and a lady around my mum's age appeared. 'Hello.'
'Hello.'
'You seem a little nervous.'
'I am!' She laughed.
'What's your name?'
'Sue.'
The red chair made everyone laugh and before long, the show was over and the credits were rolling whilst the audience clapped. The cameraman yelled 'cut' and the applause stopped.
'Who enjoyed the show today?' Graham Norton called out and the crowd cheered. 'Let's give it up for my guests one more time.' They applauded, as did he, and then we were guided back off set by the stage manager.
Daisy and the rest of my band pulled me into a group hug. 'We did so great!' She squealed.
'You guys were amazing!' I said to my band with a grateful smile. 'Thank you so much.'
'That's what we're here for.' Jesse said with a crooked smile.
'Well done you!' Amanda beamed. 'I have to go but I'm sure I'll see you next week.'
'I'll see you then.' I replied, giving her a hug.
She disappeared and then some familiar arms snaked around my face and my cheek was kissed. 'Well done beautiful.'
'Big feet, really?' I said with a raised eyebrow, turning to face him. 'You realise my mum is going to watch this, right?'
He laughed. 'Ooops.'
I slept well that night and I was feeling a lot fresher the next day when we were putting together the final album choices. I'd had to play a few songs and share the music with my band, whilst Eric sat in deep thought.
'Something's missing.' He said, looking at the fifth draft of the album list.
'Oh?' I said, hoping it wasn't going to take too much longer. I wanted to be out of London by 5pm to head back for my girl's night. I looked at my suitcase of washing that sat in the corner of the room and sighed.
'It's a shame you don't have a duet. That would be nice.'
'She does.' Daisy said with a smile. 'I've seen it in her songbook.'
I shot her a frown and Eric's eyebrows raised. 'When did you write a duet?'
'When I was in Nashville.' I replied, my voice small. I wasn't planning on releasing it. It was just a cute song with Ed.
'Let's hear the chorus.'
I flicked to the right page in my book and strummed on my guitar, singing softly.
'I was made for loving you
Even though we may be hopeless hearts just passing through
Every bone screaming I don't know what we should do
All I know is, darling, I was made for loving you.'
He took the songbook from me and scanned the page. 'Ed Sheeran wrote this with you, huh? That means it's instantly a hit.'
'I don't know if he wanted us to release it.' I replied, feeling nervous. We'd not spoken about the song going anywhere.
'Nonsense. I'll get on the phone to Leon.' He pulled out his phone. 'Don't go wasting time now. You've got some songs to learn.'
Eric hung around until about four, when he finally left to go and 'make the most of the weekend.' We'd covered most of the songs and I was starting to feel tired again. It had been one hectic week.
'I think we should call it a day.' Jesse said, standing up from the drums.
'We're supposed to be here until five.' I replied with a yawn.
'We're all knackered and it's Saturday. Come on, what he won't know won't hurt him.'
'You're right.' Daisy said in agreement, before turning to face me. 'You're supposed to be getting back to Brighton.'
'If he finds out-' I started, but Daisy interrupted me.
'He isn't going to find out because none of us will say anything. Go on, clear off and have fun with your girls.'
I didn't need to be told twice. 'Thanks.'
The train was pretty quiet when I boarded it at Victoria Station, heading homeward bound.
What time is your train in? Lea xxx
5.30! Running early! xxx
I rested my head against the window and I must have fallen asleep, because I woke with a start to the sound of my phone ringing. 'Hello?' I said, sleepily, scanning the platform for a sign. Three Bridges. I still had a while.
'Hey beautiful.' Ed's voice filled the other line and I smiled.
'Miss me already?'
'Of course. How was your day?'
'Pretty hectic and exhausting. I might need some red bull to get through tonight.' I joked and an old lady across from me raised her eyebrows.
'I'll bet. Leon just called me... apparently Eric called him about some duet.'
'I'm sorry. I didn't want him to see the song but Daisy had seen it and-'
'It's fine.' He reassured me. 'I didn't expect it, but it's a good song and of course I'd love to sing with you. Leon said that it would sell well because of our joint fanbase and it's good publicity too, right?'
'It was nice just having a song between us.' I said, my voice small. I thought of Little Things, the song about me. It was lovely having a song about me, but it was obvious I was the inspiration because the video was everywhere and everyone was talking about it. I loved the public outings and that people knew we were an item, but I was worried they'd all think it was just one big publicity stunt. But it was more than that.
'We don't have to sing it if you don't want to.' Ed said, breaking me from my thoughts.
'No, we'll sing it.' I replied, not wanting to disappoint my boyfriend. 'Hey, I'm nearly in Brighton.' I lied, knowing I had half an hour to go.
'Okay. Have a great night with the girls and stay safe.' He said, as if he didn't believe me. 'I love you.'
'I love you too.'
'Oh my god, it's Lucy May!' A familiar voice called out when I walked through the ticket barriers at Brighton station. I ran over to my best friend and pulled her into a tight hug, before hugging Adriana. 'Did you miss me?' Leanne asked with a playful smile.
'Always.' I replied with an eye roll. 'So what, I get a personal escort service from the train station now?' I said as we walked towards the exit.
'You need bodyguards.' Adriana said with a wink.
I was greeted with the darkening sky and the lights along the hillside coming on when we walked outside. Seagulls flew overhead and buses whizzed past. I'd missed Brighton and I'd missed my tiny apartment. I opened the door to the main building carefully and was greeted by my middle-aged male neighbour.
'Hi Lucy, a lot of stuff arrived for you when you were gone. Maybe get it sent somewhere else? You were lucky I've been off work sick.' Jackson said. He handed me five dress bags and two shoeboxes, which I passed onto my friends to carry.
'Thanks Jackson. Sorry, I didn't know any of this was coming.'
'You've not got into trouble, have you? Because expensive clothes arriving is a sign that someone's robbed the bank.'
'Have you not seen her on the telly? Or heard her on the radio?' Leanne said with a frown.
'I was on the telly once. They interviewed me on the news.' Jackson smiled proudly.
Realising we weren't getting anywhere, I unlocked the door to my flat. 'I'll see you soon Jackson. Thanks again.' We disappeared inside and I closed the door behind us.
'Okay, we're opening these now, right?' Leanne said, signalling to the dress bags they'd just draped over the sofa.
'I guess so.' I sat down on the carpet next to the sofa and picked up a shoebox. 'Oh my god, Jimmy Choos.' I gasped, running my hand over the logo on the front. I opened up the box and picked up the card inside.
Lucy,
Have some Jimmy Choos on us. I hope you enjoy them and wear them with pride.
Jimmy Choo
'They are the prettiest shoes I've ever seen!' Leanne gasped as I held up the perfect, gold, platform sandals.
'They are.' I whispered in agreement. 'I can't wear Jimmy Choo. I'm not classy enough.'
'You are now, darling.' Adriana grinned, passing me the other shoe box.
Inside the next one was the perfect pair of black Gianvito Rossi shoe boots, which had a black bow on the back of each of them. The outfits inside the dressbags weren't from a designer I'd heard of. I picked up the card and read it carefully.
Miss May,
We're a new designer label just starting up in London and we love your outfits. We've sent you some of our new collection so please let us know what you think and you're welcome inside our London store at any time.
Maria Delegrassi
Glamrock Clothing
Inside the first dress bag was a gorgeous tartan skater-fit dress with a leather bow around the waist. I held it up against me, pleased that it was just my side. It was lovely. There was also a leather-look bustier strapless top, an asymmetric wrap-around black skirt, a floral peplum top decorated with lace and a black off-the-shoulder jumpsuit, like the one Sandy wore in Grease.
'If you ever want to get rid of some clothes, you know where I am.' Leanne grinned as I admired each piece of clothing.
'I think I need to get famous.' Adriana said, her face serious.
'And I need some food. Come on, I'll make us something easy and then we can decide what on earth I'm wearing later.'
By nine o'clock, we were dressed and taking silly photos in my bedroom. Leanne was wearing a strapless bodycon mini dress, her blonde hair in loose curls. Adriana's hair was pin-straight and she was wearing a tight tartan mini-skirt and a black tank top. I had decided to wear my new strapless leather-look top and the asymmetric wrap-around black skirt, deciding that they looked very good together. The skirt wasn't too short, falling just above the knee, which made a change. Most skirts were a lot shorter on me because of my very obvious behind. We'd all gone for smokey-eye make-up, although I'd also added some red lippy to finish off my look and I was wearing black wedges for comfort.
We ended up starting the night in The Library, my old workplace. Adriana said that she and Leanne quite often popped in for drinks and that it was the perfect pre-drink destination in Brighton. She was right. We weren't the only dolled-up girls in there. I spotted Hector behind the bar and gave him a friendly wave.
His mouth turned up into a grin and he walked around the bar, pulling me into a hug. 'Well look who it is! Long time no see superstar!'
'Hey Hector, how are you?'
'Can't complain.' He said with a shrug. 'How are you? You seem to be on OK magazine's website almost everyday and I saw you on Graham Norton last night. Great performance by the way.'
'Thank you.' I smiled. 'It's great to be back.' I looked around for my ex-boss, but couldn't spot him. 'No Stefan today?'
'Er, day off.' He said, looking over at my friends with an unreadable. 'Come on, first round's on me, what am I getting you all?'
The club we ended up in was new and had only opened for the first time just before Christmas. It was by the seafront and it was huge. Inside, each room had its own theme; there was the ice room with ice-cube chairs and fairylights, and a glass bar which looked like it was made of ice. There was the fire room with glowing orange lights and fake fire. There was a classy room which reminded me of Moulin Rouge, with dancers and draped velvet curtains over booths. There was a disco room with flashing dancefloor and then there was the main room, which looked like any other club, with a huge dancefloor.
'Let's play "I've never"!' Leanne grinned as we sat down in a Moulin Rouge-themed booth.
'That game is always too dangerous.' I said, with a raised eyebrow. 'Remember your sister's hen party?'
'But it's fun!' She pouted, before turning to Adriana. 'Pleaseeee.'
Adriana rolled her eyes. 'Fine. You go first then as you're so keen.'
'Never have I ever been on the television.' Leanne grinned.
I rolled my eyes and sipped my drink. 'Is this how it's going to be? Really?'
'Never have I ever gotten a tattoo.' Adriana said with a playful smile. Leanne drank, as she had a pattern across her ribcage, and so did I.
'Never have I ever worn glasses.' I said and my two friends drank.
'Really? Is that all you've got.' She shook her head. 'Never have I ever had sex on a sofa.'
Adriana shrugged and sipped at her drink. I did the same, my cheeks pink. Adriana sighed. 'Are we already going into inappropriate? If so, never have I ever kissed a girl.'
Leanne and I drank. She'd kissed me once, after a few too many. I bit my lip with thoughtfulness. Dirty ones were the hardest to think of. 'Never have I ever had sex on the beach.' Leanne took a sip and I raised my eyebrows. 'So you've not done it on the sofa, but you've done it on the beach?'
Leanne shrugged and I just shook my head. She looked at me with a wicked smile and I wondered what was coming next. 'Never have I ever had sex with Ed Sheeran.' My cheeks burned red and I sipped my drink, without looking at them. They both gasped and Leanne grinned. 'I knew it! Spill!'
'Is this why you wanted to play? To get dirt out of me?' I said with a raised eyebrow.
'It worked, didn't it?' She grinned. 'So spill.'
'It happened in Nashville last week.' I said, quietly.
'Must be an upcoming romantic holiday destination.' Adriana joked. 'Let me guess, New Years?'
'No.'
'Really? But you looked hot!' Leanne said, sounding surprised.
'We were pretty drunk after Taylor's party and I thought it was going to happen but he wanted to wait until we were sober.' I explained.
'That's very gentlemanly.' Adriana said with a smile. 'Why aren't all guys like that?'
'Some are.' Leanne frowned. 'Do continue.'
'We went out the next day to some saloon in the city and there was dancing... and we both decided against drinking and then... well you know.'
'Is he good?'
'Lea!' Adriana said, her eyes wide. 'We are not drunk enough to be having this conversation!'
She shrugged. 'I just wondered if he was talented in other areas.'
'Oh my god!' I said, going crimson. 'Yes he is, now let's please change the subject, okay?'
Adriana nodded. 'Yes, let's.'
It wasn't long before we were on the dancefloor and then the song came on that I'd heard in my dream at the beginning of the week; Are You With Me by Lost Frequencies. My eyes widened and I looked around. My surroundings were familiar too.
'AH! You're Lucy May!' A drunk girl said, pulling me into a hug. She pulled out her phone. 'Let's get a selfie!' And then she was gone.
'I can't believe people recognise you, Luce! This is huge! You're famous!' Leanne laughed, pulling me towards her. 'My best friend the rockstar.'
'More popstar, according to NME magazine.' I replied with a laugh.
'What do they know?' She tutted. 'Oh my god, there's the guy I'm seeing! Come on, I have to introduce you!'
Adriana rolled her eyes and I blinked, experiencing severe deja vu. It was exactly the same conversation we'd had in my dream. 'Stefan?' I said, confused, when Leanne appeared with my ex-boss on her arm.
'Hi, Lucy.' He replied casually.
'How did you two meet?' I said, feeling confused.
'Well Ad and I have hung out a lot since you've been away and we go to The Library a lot, remember.' Leanne said with a smile. 'And that's how I met Stef.'
Stefan, my pervy ex-boss who kept asking me out. He gave me a flirty grin and I wanted to punch him in the face. He'd better not screw over my best friend. 'Awesome.' I nodded. 'I'm just going to the bathroom.'
'Want me to come?' Adriana offered.
'Nah, I'm fine.' I replied with a smile.
I didn't go to the bathroom. Instead I leant against the wall in the nightclub corridor, between all of the rooms, trying to stop myself freaking out. Ed had been right. I'd seen the future. I looked through the window in the door and saw that Ryan had joined them, his arm draped over Adriana's shoulder. Great, now I was going to be a gooseberry, stuck with my pervy ex boss and 'love's young dream'. My heart ached. I missed Ed. I pulled out my phone and saw that it was just after midnight. Then I made a split second decision. I was going to go home.
'Would you like us to call you a cab, miss?' The friendly cloakroom man asked as I collected my mink faux fur coat.
'No it's fine, I only live around the corner.' I replied with a smile. A fifteen minute walk wasn't going to kill me. I sent my friends a quick message;
Just been sick. Getting a taxi home. I'll talk to you tomorrow xx
Was I a bad friend for lying to them? Although, it wasn't completely a lie. I did feel sick. I'd just discovered I could see the future, but I couldn't tell my friends that. Not when the world was currently afraid of savants. I walked out onto the seafront, glad I had a warm coat as the cold air hit my legs. A group of giggling girls passed me and I hurried by before they could recognise me. Soon, I was away from the clubs and bars and I was into the residential area. Then a feeling struck me; someone was following me. I glanced over my shoulder but no one was there. Maybe I was just paranoid. And then I was pushed against the wall.
'Help!' I tried to scream, but a hand covered my mouth as the man in the black hoodie took down his hood. 'Rich?' I said, my eyes wide, looking at my ex in horror.
'Shh, don't scream.' He whispered.
'Don't scream?! You've just pressed me up against a wall in the middle of the night!' I hissed, trying to push him off of me but he held me firmly in my place.
'I just want to talk.'
'How did you find me?' I suddenly thought. Was he stalking me?
'Let's not talk about that. I want to talk about us Lucy.'
'Us?!' I hissed, feeling angry. 'There is no us. There hasn't been for ages!'
'You're always going to feel something for me.' He said, his voice serious. 'Because we're meant to be together.'
'No we're not!' I sighed. 'Now let me just go home please.'
'So you can go to bed with him?' He growled.
'He'll be wondering where I am and then he'll come looking for me.' I lied. What Rich didn't know wouldn't hurt him. I didn't want him to know I was going home to an empty flat.
'I don't care. What's he going to do? I miss you Lucy. I miss your smiling and your laughter, your voice, your body.' He reached for my waist and I flinched. 'God I miss your body.'
'Rich, please leave me alone or I'm going to call the police and tell them everything.' My eyes filled with tears.
I wasn't sure how the next thing happened, but he was thrown backwards, landing on the pavement. His eyes looked at me fierce. 'How did you do that? You didn't even touch me.'
Shit. It had happened when I'd rescued Sky Bright in the alleyway the night I'd met Ed too. I took it as my cue to run, as fast as I could in heels and I wished I could just kick them off. He appeared in front of me and I screamed. How had he done that? Tears streaked down my cheeks as I realised the awful truth; Rich was a savant too and that made him more dangerous than ever.