Chapter 12
Becca's eyes focussed straight ahead, although what she saw was blurred by the fear which pulsed through her body. She daren't turn her head because she was afraid it would confirm what she dreaded most.
The crunching footsteps upon the shingle beach grew ever closer, but seemed hesitant, as if judging their approach. Suddenly the footsteps ceased, and Becca was aware of a presence right behind her on the rock. She flinched as a hand rested on her shoulder. A petrified whimper escaped her lips.
Slowly she felt the hand move from her shoulder and wrap around her waist. A head nuzzled into her neck as she was pulled gently into a warm hug.
"I missed you," said a familiar voice.
Becca's rigid expression melted to be replaced by a thankful smile. She leaned her head against Dougie's and let out a wistful sigh. "I missed you too."
Dougie moved beside Becca and moved her blonde hair from her eyes looking deeply into them, trying to read her expression. "Then...then why did you go? I don't get it Becks," he asked, searching her face for answers.
Becca reached up and touched Dougie's cold cheek inside his hoody. "Because it's going too fast Dougie! And...I'm not ready for such a big step. It's just all too overwhelming."
"Well...I guess...we can...I don't know...slow down a bit? I mean we don't have to share a room...I just thought it would be nice..." Dougie paused as he saw Becca's puzzled expression, "What?"
"I don't understand what you mean, Dougie. Why would I want to move rooms?"
"...you...you said we were moving too fast...and you were overwhelmed!"
Becca laughed, "Oh Dougie! I didn't mean that you were overwhelming me! Or that we were moving too fast! I love the pace that we're going; I couldn't be happier with us I really couldn't." She cast her eyes back out to the sea, which seemed to have regained some life and was gently washing against the shore, "It's the concert, not us. I don't care if we're going fast in comparison to normal. It's all about taking chances, and I love you, so being with you is a chance I'm willing to take."
Dougie moved forward, pushing his lips gently against Becca's, and then pulled away to speak, "I love you too Becca, but I don't understand why you're willing to take a chance with a dick like me, but you won't do what you do best in the world and sing!"
Dougie was greeted with silence, and so continued; "Everyone who's heard you knows it, but you have to see it too. This could be your life. You could make something from this. I mean...fuck...if me and the guys can manage to be a hit, then you sure as hell can, cos you've got a better voice than all of us put together!"
Becca scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous Dougie! You guys are the most talented people I've ever met."
"And you're the most talented person I've ever met, but you have to be willing to take a chance and believe in yourself like I believe in you...like Fletch believes in you...like Jess believes in you!" He clasped her hand between his.
"Dougie I can't do that!" she said pulling her hand slowly from his clutch, "This is just too big a step for me. I can't be that person."
A few minutes of silence passed, with both Becca and Dougie looking towards the horizon which had been given a peachy glow by the imminent arrival of the morning.
Dougie broke the silence. "What was the first song I heard you sing?" he asked pointedly.
"...errrrrm...I don't remember really. That day's a bit of a blur I must say. I mean...I just met McFly, and then sung in front of you and Tom all in one day!"
"It was Wild Horses. I see the girl I want to be..." Dougie began reciting the lyrics, "riding bareback...carefree along the shore...If only that someone was me, jumping headfirst without a thought..."
"...to act and damn the consequence..." Becca continued, "how I wish it could be that easy...but fear surrounds me like a fence...I want to break free."
"I know it's majorly cheesy Becca, and if I heard someone say this in a film I'd probably hurl...but you have your chance to break free...you can be that girl riding naked on a horse crushing little kid's sandcastles!"
Becca laughed, "I'm not sure you've quite got the exact meaning of the lyrics there Doug, but I know what you mean. How is it you always manage to make me see things so much more clearly? It's like you're the de-mister for my brain!" she said as she flicked his nose playfully
"OW!" Dougie giggled rubbing his nose, "It's cos I'm an awesome boyfriend, and I'm so amazingly persuasive and talented that I should run the country."
Tears streamed from Becca's eyes as she held her sides, "I reeeeeeally wouldn't go that far Dougie! We'd end up with a blink-182 national anthem or something...oh fuck it I'd vote for you...you'd persuade me with your skills somehow."
Dougie puffed out his chest "I am your leader, and I command you to change the national anthem to New Found Glory."
For anyone who may have been watching, Becca and Dougie would have been an odd sight, sitting on a rock on the beach at half past six in the morning laughing uproariously.
"Seriously though," Dougie said as the laughter subsided, "This is your chance to break free of whatever fear you have. If I can do it, then you certainly can."
"That's all I need to hear." They moved simultaneously towards each other as their lips brushed gently against one another. As soon as they made contact the first few drops of refreshing rain began to fall from above, and the sun began to shine its rays across the sky signalling the beginning of a beautiful day.
Author's Note; Just one more chapter to go now!
