The next few hours were long, and we sat glued to the television until it was time to go to the airport. Ed was coming with us and I was thankful for that. I felt numb and worried about everyone back in England. Would we be able to fly home the next day? I sure hoped so. My phone rang as we sat waiting to board the plane and I answered it straight away. 'Hello?'

'Luce? Are you and Ed still in America?' Nina's voice filled me with relief. Everyone at the label had been fine too, although they'd all gone home for the day just in case. Even Eric had sent me a worried text.

'Yes we are.' I replied. 'We're just leaving Nashville to get back to Michigan.'

'Thank god.' She said, sighing with relief.

I looked up and the live feed on the television in the boarding lounge and I gasped as I read the scrolling message; one hostage has been killed after trying to escape. 'Oh god, this is awful.'

'It really is. Sorry, I need to get hold of my parents. Please stay safe.'

'You too.' And then she was gone. 'Nina's okay.' I told Ed and he let out a sigh of relief. 'What about everyone else?'

'Everyone I know is okay.' He replied.

'Good.'

'Flight DE12 to Detroit is now boarding.' The tannoy announced. We stood up and made our way onto the plane.

My parents, aunt and uncle met us at the airport, pulling us all into hugs and my mum was almost crying. I was so lucky that everyone I knew was safe. Why were savants doing this? Why did they need to? People had known about us for a few months now but we'd stayed out of their ways, keeping ourselves secret. And now we were terrorists? Suddenly a thought hit me; I'd felt like something bad was going to happen the night before. Had I predicted this? Had I known it would happen? I felt sick. I could have stopped it. I could have found out what was going to happen and stopped it but I didn't. I only just made it to the bathroom when I was sick and I was glad we were already at Willow's house so I hadn't thrown up in the car. There was a knock at the door and I jumped.

'Lucy, are you okay?' Ed was saying on the other side of the door. I'd been so caught up in the passion, so determined to have sex with my boyfriend, that I'd let something happen, something I could have at least tried to prevent. The vomit came again and I sat and cried for the life that had been lost.

Something weird happened that evening. The armed police officers managed to get into the bank, but they'd been unharmed. The suspects had disappeared and the hostages could not recall what had happened. They only said one thing when questionned by police; the savants are here to make our world a better place. As a savant family, we all exchanged nervous looks with each other. The hostages had been effectively brainwashed. We knew two things about the suspects; one of them was able to brainwash people and one of them was able to make them vanish without a trace, maybe teleport. My ability to sense bad things happening, Ed's ability to see sound and Willow's ability to copy were nothing compared to how powerful the bad guys were. The world had suddenly become more dangerous.

I hardly slept that night and having Ed sleeping downstairs on the sofa, far away from me, didn't help. Thankfully, though, I managed to get some sleep on the plane when the exhaustion from crying just got too much. I wanted to tell someone but I couldn't. Our flight had been diverted to Gatwick, as Heathrow was too close to the capital. People were being advised not to go to London unless they had to. The terrorist alert was the highest it had ever been and more officers had been sent into London. Unable to get back into London, Ed was staying at mine for the time being, which was fine by me. I slept a lot better that night back in Brighton, with Ed cuddled up to me under the covers.

I woke up early the next day and the sun coming up. At eight degrees, it was fairly mild for the beginning of January and it was warmer than it had been in America. I decided I'd go for a run to clear my head and to make the most of a beautiful morning. I changed into my running gear, tied my hair in a ponytail and snuck out without waking up my sleeping boyfriend.

As it was still early, it was quiet as I jogged down my empty road and across the road onto the promenade. A few other runners ran along, their faces focussed as the sun continued to rise. I concentrated on my breathing as I ran in the opposite direction. I could see the pier getting closer as I kept running and I noticed a few people cycling to work. I passed hotels. I passed homes. I could see the rides at the end of the pier, frozen, ready for another day of work. I felt a little light-headed so I stopped. Was I going to pass out? Black spots appeared in front of my eyes and I sat down on a bench, steadying myself. Why did I feel so dizzy when I'd been fine just a minute beforehand? Then I saw Leanne. I wasn't on the promenade anymore, I was in a nightclub with her.

'I can't believe people recognise you, Luce! This is huge! You're famous!' Leanne laughed, pulling me onto the dancefloor. 'My best friend the rockstar.'

'More popstar, according to NME magazine.' I replied with a laugh.

'What do they know?' She tutted as Lost Frequencies' Are you With Me blasted through the speakers.

'Oh my god, there's the guy I'm seeing! Come on, I have to introduce you!'

And then I was back on the promenade, a dog walker passing me quickly. I looked around, confused. What had just happened? Had I fallen asleep? Feeling confused, I decided to head back before anything else weird happened.

'Hey, have you been running?' Ed said as I walked through the front door. He looked at my face and his eyes turned to concern. 'What's up?'

'Nothing?' I said, making it sound more like a question than a statement. I walked into the kitchen and poured myself a glass of water, drinking it quickly.

'Talk to me.' He said, wrapping his arms around my waist from behind.

I put down the glass and turned to face him. 'Something weird happened.'

'What was it?' He asked, his face etched with worry.

'I suddenly felt really dizzy and... well this is going to sound totally stupid.'

'No it won't.' He whispered, kissing my forehead. 'Go on.'

'I guess I must have fallen asleep or something because I was suddenly in a nightclub with Leanne and we were dancing. Stupid, huh?'

'It's not stupid. Are you feeling okay?'

'Yeah I feel fine now.' I replied, confused. 'It's like nothing happened.' My phone bleeped, telling me I had a work e-mail. I sighed. 'Guess the holiday period is over, huh? Back to work time.'

'I'm still worried about you. Come on, I'll make us some toast and tea. You sit down and I'll bring it over.' He gently pushed me in the direction of the living room and I knew I wasn't going to win. I sighed and sat down, putting my feet up on the large vintage trunk I used as a coffee table. I opened up the e-mail from Eric, wondering what he had planned for me.

Lucy,

I trust you had a good time celebrating Christmas with your family. Despite the high-risk alert in London, work will be continuing this week.

Tuesday 5th January 1pm- Meeting at Warner Records HQ, London

Wednesday 6th January 9am- Recording 'Skyscraper' in Warner Recording Studios

Thursday 7th January 9am- Recording 'The Middle' in Warner Recording Studios

Friday 8th January 7am- BBC Radio 1 interview,

Friday 8th January 5pm- Graham Norton show recording

Saturday 9th January 9am- Rehearsal with the band

Monday 11th, Tuesday 12th, Wednesday 13th- Warner Recording Studios, time tbc

See you tomorrow,

Eric

'How do you cope with such a busy schedule?' I said to Ed with a frown as he passed me my cup of tea.

'You get used to it. Wait until you go on tour.' Ed said, looking over my shoulder at my schedule. 'Sheesh, you're going to be exhausted.'

'I already am thanks to jetlag!'

He sat down beside me and kissed my forehead. 'Guess you're moving in with me for the next few days then?'

'Sorry, you're going to get fed up of me!' I sighed. 'Maybe when I get a bit more cash I'll buy a car and a nice little studio apartment in the city.'

'It's fine.' He said with a smile. 'I like having you around. Maybe you should keep some stuff at mine, just incase? Like clothes and stuff.'

'Really?' I raised my eyebrows in surprise.

'Sure, if you want though.' He kissed me softly on my lips and then grabbed his iPad, checking his schedule for the next week. 'If it makes you feel any better, look.' His schedule was filled with magazine interviews, photoshoots and television interviews. I spotted an overlap in our schedule and laughed. 'Well would you look at that. We're both on Graham Norton on Friday.'

'I'll bet that's set up.' He said with a playful link, scanning through his e-mails. 'Oh look.'

Ed,

Thanks for working so hard over the festive period! Here's the first cut of 'Little Things.' We'll have it ready for release on Thursday, as expected.

Leon

Ed downloaded the sent file and opened it straight away, squeezing my hand. The video started with the perfect ballroom scene. Watching it made my heart melt. I walked through the dancing crowds and then Ed's face when he spotted me, full of love, gave me goosebumps. He took my hand as the lyrics sang 'your hand fits in mine like it's made just for me.' And then it shot to him singing to the crowd. I blushed as the comment about the dimples at the bottom of my spine was made and it showed his hand on my bare back from my cutaway dress. The video showed us walking hand and hand alongside the indoor river, although it didn't look like it was inside. It showed Ed and I on the bridge, about to kiss, and him performing his song to an excited crowd. It was an incredible video and the whole thing made me feel emotional.

'Wow.' I whispered as it finished.

'It's really good.' Ed whispered beside me in agreement.

'My mum is going to cry.' I said, snuggling in closer to him. 'And Leanne is going to be a mess.' The doorbell rang and I groaned, getting out of my comfortable position to answer it. I opened the door to see Leanne on my doorstep, wrapped up like she lived in the arctic. 'Speak of the devil and she may appear.'

'I knew my ears were burning!' She said, playfully, before pulling me into a hug. 'Hello my dearest friend, did you miss me whilst you were away partying with Taylor freakin' Swift?!'

'I did.' I replied, honestly. 'Come on in, eskimo, you look ridiculous.'

'So do you! You look like you've been running.'

'I have.'

She looked at me funny. 'Who are you and what have you done with Lucy May?' She stripped off her coat and hat. 'Oh hi, Ed!'

'Hey Leanne, did you have a nice Christmas and New Year?' My boyfriend asked her with a friendly smile.

'Christmas with the family was nice, but you stole my usual drinking partner on New Years.' She said with a frown. 'Next year, I get her back.'

'Okay.' He said with a cheeky smile.

'Either that or you invite me to your fancy A-lister parties.' She said with a serious look. 'Anyway, I'm not really stopping.' She continued, turning to me. 'As I missed you on New Years, I've come to invite you out with me and Ad on Saturday. And if you say no then I'm afraid I'm just going to have to kidnap you.'

'I'll be there.' I said with a laugh. 'Come over here at eight?'

'I'll bring wine, as usual.' She said with a grin. 'Right, I'd better get off to work. I'll speak to you later.' She pulled me into a hug and then she was gone.

'I can never tell when she's serious or joking.' Ed told me, taking a sip of tea as I sat back down beside him.

'I've known her years and I'm still getting my head around it.' I replied with a laugh. 'I guess I'll head back down here on Saturday when I'm done with the band.' Ed didn't say anything. Instead, he looked thoughtful. 'What is it?'

'You said that when you fell asleep earlier, you saw yourself in a club with Leanne. You don't think it was a vision do you? Like of the future?'

'I can feel when something bad is going to happen but I can't see the future.' I replied, shaking my head. 'My ability isn't that good.'

'Mum and dad said to me that when you find your soulfinder, your powers are stronger. That sometimes other abilities can come out.' He said, his blue eyes looking into mine. 'Maybe I've made you more powerful.'

I shook my head. 'I'm sure I was just tired from jetlag. It's nothing.'

The next day, Ed and I arrived at Warner Records HQ in London at the same time, as he was off for a meeting and so was I. He disappeared onto the first floor whilst I waited in reception for Eric. As per usual, he was running exactly on time and he greeted me with a smile and a shake of the hand.

'Welcome back.'

I followed him down the corridor I'd been down twice before and into a room with a large black conference table and black swivel chairs. I was greeted by a few familiar faces: Jamie-Lee, my PR officer; Darren, the tech guy; and my band (Jesse, Jake and Daisy), who high-fived me as I sat down.

'Thanks for all coming in for this meeting. I know it's hard when the city is very tense at the moment, but we at Warner Records have upped our security as I'm sure you noticed on the way into the building.' Eric said, plugging his iPad into the large projector screen. 'Now, Lucy has already achieved number one status for Heart Attack, but sales are already down and she was knocked off the top spot after one week. Our next single, as you know, is Skyscraper and with what's happened in London, I'm thinking this will sell well. The lyrics are about being strong and not letting anybody bring you down.'

And about not letting Rich ruin my life, I added in my head.

'It's a definite winner.' Jesse said, giving me a dazzling white smile and pushing his scruffy brunette fringe away from his face.

'It should be.' Eric said, emphasizing the 'should.' 'We'll be recording that tomorrow and then we have the sexy The Middle as our b-side to record Thursday. Then we'll set to work with rehearsing and confirming the other album tracks on Saturday. Lucy, Graham Norton's producers would like you to perform on the show on Friday. I'm surprised we beat Ed with that one, but that's fine by me. Skyscraper is what you'll perform and you can introduce it as your new single. Jamie-Lee, how's things on the publicity front?'

'Well as she's been abroad, there's not much on the media front although people did love those photos on Taylor Swift's Instagram of the two of you at her New Year's party. I'd like to get you invited to some upcoming events though, maybe even to London Fashion Week.' Jamie-Lee said, cracking her knuckles. I winced.

'And being in Ed Sheeran's new video will help publicity too, right?' Darren added at Jamie-Lee looked at him, confused.

'Ed Sheeran's new music video?' Eric said with a raised eyebrow. He looked over at me. 'When were you planning on passing this on?'

'Sorry.' I apologised, biting my lip. 'I didn't even think and it was kinda a last minute thing.'

'Well it certainly will get us some more hits on the website.' Jamie-Lee said, looking thoughtful. 'I'll make sure Leon puts your name on the credits for it. We want people to know that it's you.'

'I'm sure they do already.' Darren muttered under his breath, although it was only me that seemed to hear him.

'And Darren, how are stats for social media and the website?' Eric said, moving on swiftly.

'They're pretty steady.' He explained. 'I think that if you update more about what you're up to, it might help.' He said to me. 'You've not posted much recently and there's definitely a difference as a result.'

'Okay.' Eric nodded. 'That'll be all. Meeting over.'

Ed was still in his meeting when I finished, so I decided to head over to Kensington Palace, making the most of the cold, winter sunshine. As I walked into the park, a few heads turned and I wondered if I was recognisable in my day clothes; I was wearing a cream skater skirt, a burgundy silk blouse, thick wool tights and my mink faux fur coat with my signature shoe boots. I looked around and realised I fitted in quite well in London. Most of the people there were stylish, especially in this part.

'Lucy!'

I froze. Was it paparazzi? I looked up to see a familiar face; Greg. 'Hey!' I said, walking over to him with a smile. 'It's been a while.'

'It has. Sorry, I should have replied to your text when you said you were back. It's been busy at work.'

'Still interning?'

'Yeah.' He frowned. 'But other than the photos of you and Ed at the album launch, my boss hasn't used anything I've thrown his way and he took complete credit for those pictures. I'm just stuck buying coffee.'

I frowned with him. 'What a jerk.'

'I know. I'm not sure I'm cut out for all this interning. It's not getting me anywhere. My parents think I should just get a real job, but I love photography.' He sighed. 'I've just been handing my CV into some places.'

I felt bad for Greg. He was really talented, but getting into the photography business wasn't easy, even less so in London, where there were loads of art colleges and universities. And for his boss to claim credit for his work? It was completely ridiculous. Then suddenly an idea struck me. 'What are your plans for this afternoon?'

'Nothing, it's my day off... why?' He gave me a confused look.

'I've got an idea.'

Half an hour later and I was in a public toilet in Westminster, touching up my make-up. I always carried the basics with me just in case and I was glad I had. I put on some red lipstick, tweaked my eyeliner and added an extra coat of mascara. I looked in the mirror, quickly brushing through my loose curls with my fingers. Perfect.

'Are we going to get in trouble doing this?' Greg asked as I walked out of the grimy public toilet.

'Why would we get in trouble? My label want me to get more publicity and to post more online and you need more publicity so what could go wrong?' I said with a small smile. 'Just tell me what you want me to do.'

We walked over the bridge as Greg looked up at Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Every now and then, he'd stop, look through his camera lens and continue. Then he stopped for good. 'Okay, I've got an idea. I just hope it works.'

'It doesn't matter if it doesn't.' I said, reassuringly. 'We'll take photos until you're happy.'

'I don't want you to go blue. That won't make for a good photo.'

'So photoshop it.' I laughed and he shook his head.

'I try to photoshop as little as possible. Right, take two steps back.' He instructed, grabbing my handbag and hooking it over his arm. 'Does it suit me?'

'Not so much.' I laughed, obeying his instructions.

'Okay, just smile.' He said simply. I smiled and he snapped away some photos. 'Good, now maybe hold some hair in your hand? Yeah that's cool.' He clicked away. A few people passed us and looked at me their eyes wide, but luckily they didn't intervene with the photos. 'Okay I'm happy with those ones.' He said with a smile. I walked over to him, past the chattering people. 'I'm waiting for someone to pounce in shot and ruin a picture.' He said with a chuckle, looking out to the London Eye. 'Can you stand here?'

'Sure.' I stood where he'd instructed.

'Okay, can you lean one arm on the railing and put a food up on the side of the bridge.' He said. I tried to follow instructions, but failed miserable. 'Erm, like this.' He showed me with his body and then I copied him. 'Yeah.' He snapped away some photos as I smiled, laughed and even pouted. 'Cool. Okay, shall we go to the next location?'

The rest of the photos were snapped at St Paul's Cathedral and on the Millenium Bridge, which was pretty quiet, but I guessed that was because of what had happened the other day. When I thought about it, Westminster was incredibly quiet too and there were more police officers around than normal.

'Okay, that's all done.' Greg said with a smile.

'You mean it's a wrap?'

'Do they all say that?' He chuckled, putting the lens cap back on his camera.

'Not all of them but most of the ones I have met.' I replied, honestly. He handed me back my bag and I checked my phone.

At Jonathan Ross show now. Filming starts in an hour so won't be back until after dinner I'm afraid. Sorry beautiful. I'll see you when I get home. Ed xxx

I sent a quick reply.

That's okay, see you then xxx

'So what will you do with the photos now?' I asked, interested in the process.

'I'll go through them, adjust lighting and edit any bits that need editing, although I don't like to photoshop people because it ends up looking completely unnatural.'

'That makes sense.' I said with a smile. Some of the photos of me from photoshoots had been almost unrecognisable.

'I'd better let you head off, I'm sure you've got lots planned this evening.' Greg said as he put his camera away. 'I'll get straight to work on these.'

'Want some company?' I asked. I didn't have any plans for the evening and I didn't really fancy travelling through London at rush-hour by myself.

'Really? You want to watch me edit photos? It's not that exciting, really.' His eyes were surprised.

'So we'll get a take-away and some beer?' I suggested with a smile.

'A beer and take-away girl? I like it!'

Greg lived in Whitechapel, a five minute walk from the Aldgate East tube station. The block of flats were pretty modern-looking, but they were also quite small. Greg's studio flat was really small, but I knew he was paying a lot more than I was for my one bedroom apartment back in Brighton. On one side of the room was a small kitchen with white counters with black tops. Then there was a small circular table with four chairs. There was a white sofa decorated with grey cushions and then a double bed tucked away behind a bookcase, filled with books about photography. It was small but it was cute and homely.

'Sorry, it's probably not quite as fancy as places you're used to.' He apologised, closing the door behind us.

'I have a tiny one-bedroom apartment in Brighton.' I replied. 'Believe me, it's nothing fancy. It's bigger than this, though, and I bet I'm paying less than you.'

'Eight hundred a month.' He said with a frown. 'Cheaper than the last place I was in, though.'

'Eeek.'

'Think you'll get a place up here?' He asked with a smile, filling the kettle with water and then placing our Indian takeaway on the kitchen counter.

'I think I'm going to need a lot of albums before I can afford somewhere up here.' I replied. 'It's lucky Ed lets me stay with him really. Saves a lot of train fares.'

Greg laid out two plates and cutlery on the table, before adding a spoon to our curries. 'Yeah, that's pretty handy.'

I walked over to him, dishing out my food as my stomach growled. I'd missed lunch as I hadn't gone to the Warner Records canteen and picked up a sandwich like Ed was planning to do. Whilst we ate dinner, we spoke about our families and our Christmases, and I was glad that I'd made another friend in London. Greg was lovely and we had a lot in common. I found myself wondering if Leanne would like him. After dinner, Greg loaded up his dishwasher and got out his laptop, plugging his camera into the side of it with a USB cable.

'So what I do first is flick through the photos and see which ones I like best.' He explained, opening up the gallery. 'Of course, feel free to intervene if I choose some you're not happy with.' He scanned through a few photos, deleting some which were out of focus. He paused on a photo of me laughing in front of Big Ben. 'This is lovely.' I smiled, unsure of what to say. I hated commenting on photos of myself. He flicked through a few more and frowned. 'So many of these are great. Narrowing down until ten is going to be a tough job.'

By eight o'clock, he'd finally narrowed them down, edited them slightly, but not too much, and we sat looking at my Facebook page. 'Are you sure this won't get you in trouble?' He said, his voice nervous. 'They're not the same style as your last few shoots at all.'

'No.' I agreed. 'They're more fun and natural. I like them.' I clicked on 'Create new album' and wrote Photoshoot with Greg Martin as the title. 'I'll link to your website in the captions too.' I told him with a smile.

'What if people hate them? I mean, I really like them, but what if other people don't.'

'I'm sure they will. I'm just glad I didn't break your camera lens with this ugly mug of mine.'

He frowned. 'You're not ugly. You're beautiful. An english rose, maybe, with your complexion. You're very photogenic.'

I laughed. I selected the photos and clicked 'upload.' 'Well there's no going back now.'

As it was getting late, I decided it was best to head back to Camden after uploading the pictures. I'd said I was fine heading home by myself, but Greg had insisted on accompanying me, proving to be a perfect gentleman. We reached the steps outside the apartment and he put his hands in his coat pocket.

'I had fun today.' He told me with a shy smile.

'Me too.' I replied, returning the smile. 'I just hope it shows your boss that you're a good photographer, although I still think you should find somewhere else, a magazine who deserves you.'

'We'll see. Thanks for doing this, Lucy.'

'What are friends for?'

'These are really good!' Ed said, enthusiastically, when he got home that night. He flicked through the photos and smiled. 'He's a good photographer. I can't believe his boss is such an ass.'

'I know, it's so unfair.' I said in agreement. I looked at the album and realised just how many likes and comments were on them. 'At least this might give him a bit of publicity.'

Ed clicked on the link through to Greg's photography Facebook page. 'A bit? Lucy, have you seen this?'

I looked at the likes on the page; 5601. There had only been 200 earlier that day. 'Woah.' I said in disbelief.

'I think you've given him a super boost. You're a good friend.' He said with a smile, kissing my forehead. 'And I am so lucky to have you as my girlfriend.'

'Are you? Really?' I said with a raised eyebrow.

'Yes.' He grinned. 'You're kind, caring, funny, talented, cute, beautiful and very sexy.' He placed his hand on my thigh, which was bare from when I had taken off my tights, and pressed his lips to mine. I deepened the kiss and moved to straddle his lap.

'Wow.' He whispered, half an hour later, pulling up his boxers and jeans and securing them again with his belt as I climbed off of him, dressing myself on the sofa beside him. We were both breathing quick and my back felt damp with sweat. What a work out it had been for my thighs; one that had actually felt good.

'I know.' I replied, trying to decide whether or not to put my blouse on over my black, lacey push-up bra. I decided against it. My back was far too sweaty. I needed a shower.

I stood up, but he pulled me back into his lap, pressing his lips against mine. 'You are incredible.'

After being woken up by Ed making love to me, I was in a very good mood when I arrived at the studio early the following day. I walked into the recording studio with a smile on my face, wearing black leggings, a grey off-the-shoulder slouch top and my cowboy boots, my necklace from Ed secured tightly around my neck.

'Good morning!' I practically sang to Eric as I passed him in the corridor.

'I need to speak to you.' He told me, his voice low. 'I saw those photos you posted on your Facebook page.'

Ah, shit. 'Well, you wanted me to post more...' I said, my voice weak.

'You're lucky they're good and doing wonders for your publicity or I'd be fuming.' He said with a frown.

'Wonders for my publicity?'

'Magazine websites and blogs are praising your fashion sense and the naturalness of the photos.' He explained. 'But next time you decide to run off for a photoshoot with an amateur photographer, you tell me? Do you understand?'

'Of course.' I practically squeaked.

'Good.' His phone started to ring. 'Now you've got fifteen minutes to warm up and rehearse with the band before we start recording. Hop to it.'

Eric was grumpy the rest of the day, making the day even longer than it needed to be. He kept huffing and puffing about the voices not being right and then the drumming rhythm was wrong... and anything else he could possibly pick holes in. Surprisingly, he let the band and I head out to lunch and grab some food from the local Starbucks, although we only had forty minutes to do so.

'Anyone else think he's being more of an ass than normal?' Daisy asked, running a hand through her long, bright-red hair.

'Absolutely.' Jesse agreed. 'Although I think I know why.' He nodded at me. 'He doesn't like it when his artists don't do as they're told.' His mouth broke into a grin. 'But I quite like the defiance.'

I blushed as I grabbed my caramel latte and panini from the lady behind the counter. 'I was trying to help a friend out.' I said, before explaining the whole situation.

'That's nice of you, mate.' Jake said with a nod as we sat at a table at the back.

'He should leave that magazine though, if they're taking credit for his ideas.' Daisy added.

'I know, that's what I told him.' I sighed. My phone beeped and part of my wondered if it was Eric, demanding us back twenty minutes early. I smiled when I saw it was Ed.

Hey beautiful. Remember I've got a dinner meeting with Leon later. What are your plans? xxxx

'We should hang out more.' Daisy said to me with a shy smile. 'We don't know that much about each other at all, do we?'

'We don't.' I agreed.

'Jake and I are hitting Camden later for a gig at the Barfly that our friends are playing. You girls should come.' Jesse said, shooting me a cheeky smile.

'I'm in.' Daisy said. 'I think I'm going to need some cider if we make it out alive.' She turned to me. 'Don't leave me the only girl, will you?'

'I'm in too.' I said with a smile, before texting Ed.

My band have invited me to a gig in Camden with them! Hope that's okay? xxxx

Of course it is! Be nice for you to get to know them. Have fun! xxxx

I made myself a cup of coffee when I got in as I felt exhausted from being bossed around all day by my manager. He was finally happy with the song, although it had been five o'clock before he'd called it a day. I'd hurried home on the tube and then I'd jumped in the shower as my dinner cooked. The band were picking me up at seven for the gig, so I didn't have long to get ready. I ate my dinner quickly, knowing I'd probably regret it later when I had indigestion. Then I slipped upstairs to the wardrobe of Ed's bedroom, half of which had now been given to me. I'd been surprised when he'd said I could keep some things at his place, as I'd wondered if it was too last. But it was nice and reassuring that I always had clothes here incase I needed them. I opened the wardrobe and looked at the clothes that hung there; what kind of music did they play? I wish I'd asked as I knew that would have influenced my outfit.

In the end, I played it safe with my black high-waisted leather-look trousers, a cream bralet, a long necklace and my shoe boots. I quickly dried and straightened my hair, before re-applying my winged eyeliner and mascara. Then I applied some deep red lipstick. I grabbed my black fringed bag and checked myself in the mirror. It would do. Then the doorbell rang. I raced down the stairs to get it and when I opened it, Daisy was stood in front of me, her usually pin-straight hair curly, wearing a black leather skater dress with tights and heeled biker boots, a warm wool coat on over the top.

'Hey!' She said, looking at my outfit. 'You always look so stylish!'

'So do you!' I replied with a smile. I grabbed my fur coat and closed the door behind me, locking it carefully. 'Hi guys!' I said to Jake and Jesse.

'Looking good, Luce.' Jesse said with a playful wink and Daisy rolled her eyes as she linked arms with me.

The Barfly was a ten minute walk along Chalk Farm Road and we chatted about work as we walked through the busy Camden streets. It was only Wednesday, but girls hurried around in skimpy outfits and musical artists walked along the streets with guitars hung over their backs. London partied every night. We passed the Stable Markets and then the crowds started to die down. The Barfly, with huge signage and drink advertisement painted onto it, wasn't easy to miss on the corner of the street. Jesse high-fived the security guard and he let us straight in, before turning to the girls behind us. 'Tickets please.'

The Barfly was decked out with leather booths and comfy chairs and it was clear that the band playing must have been male; teenage girls were everywhere, in their mini skirts and heels, trying to look older than they were. Some stuck to wearing tartan shirts of different colours with jeans and converse, but they still had far too much make-up on.

'Who is this friend of yours playing?' I asked Jesse with a raised eyebrow as Daisy squeezed in at the bar beside me.

'It's a band called The Vamps.' Jesse told me. 'James, the lead guitarist, is my best mate from school.'

'That's cool.'

'They're expected to be signed soon. There's a lot of interest.' He signalled for the bar man. 'Hi Dan.'

'Jesse! Good to see you! This round is on the house.'

'Thanks mate. We'll have four Amigos please.'

'Sure.' The barman disappeared and came back with our drinks, handing them over.

'There's a lot of girls in here. Now I know why Jesse and Jake wanted to come so bad.' Daisy said with a raised eyebrow. I looked around and realised that Jake was already talking to some girl who looked in her late teens, her hair dyed pink.

The number of teenagers started to reduce and I realised they were going upstairs. Jake had vanished with them. 'Ready to go up?' Jesse asked Daisy and I.

'Let's go.'

'Tonight we'll dance

I'll be yours and you'll be mine

We won't look back,

Take my hand and we will shine

Oh, oh, oh

She needs a wild heart

I got a wild heart

Oh, oh, oh

She needs a wild heart

I've got a wild heart.'

'Thank you London! You've been amazing! Stick around because up next is We the Kings!' The lead singer said into the microphone as the teenage girls screamed. They disappeared out back.

'Having fun?' Jesse asked with a smile. 'I'll introduce you when they come back out.'

'Introduce us? Bro, they look like ten years old.' Daisy said, frustrated. 'Don't get me wrong, their music was great but they look so young. I was expecting some eye candy.'

I giggled, finishing my second beer. 'I bet you were.'

Jesse rolled his eyes. 'Whatever. I'm going to go found James and then we'll probably go to the pub downstairs. Are you coming?'

'I might stay and see what the headliners are like.' I replied with a smile.

'Me too.' Daisy said with a nod. Jesse disappeared off into the crowd of girls and Daisy turned to face me. 'I think I needed to be drunker to watch that band. They're cute if you're a teenage girl but I'm twenty-four!' She threw her hands in the air dramatically. 'I need to find a man not a boy.'

'I think we need another drink.' I laughed, dragging her to the bar at the bag of the tiny arena. I ordered us each another beer and paid the barman. Then I turned back to my bandmate, who was gawping and staring at the stage. I followed her eyeline and looked at the stage; there were five guys in total. Two guys with long mousey brown hair, one with long ginger hair two with shorter dark hair. 'Men like those men?' I questionned and she blushed. 'Which one are you gawping at?'

'I'm not gawping.' She said. 'Just looking.'

'Well then which one are you looking at?' I teased.

'The guitarist with short dark hair and really pretty eyes.' She sighed, trying to subtly point.

'Hi there, we are We the Kings. We hope you enjoy our set tonight. Get ready to rock out London!'

'Check yes, Juliet

Are you with me?

Rain is falling down on the sidewalk

I won't go until you come outside

Check yes, Juliet

Kill the limbo

I'll keep tossing rocks at your window

There's no turning back for us tonight.'

'Oooh they're good!' Daisy said with a smile.

'Then come on, let's stop hiding at the back and dance!' I pulled her down so we were near to the front.

'Lace up your shoes

Ayo ayo

Here's how we do

Run, baby, run

Don't ever look back

They'll tear us apart if you give them the chance

Don't sell your heart, don't say we're not meant to be

Run, baby, run, forever we'll be

You and me.'

We The Kings were good and they were good to dance to, although some of the teens had annoyingly started a mosh pit for no reason. I noticed the guitarist looking up at Daisy a few times and I wasn't surprised. She was cute and petite with bright green eyes. Her red hair wasn't natural but it suited her well. Soon they were on their last song and the night was getting late.

'We'll write a song that turn's out the lights

When both boy and girl start suddenly shaking inside

Don't waste your time

Speed up your breathing

Just close your eyes

We'll hope it's not for nothing at all

Nothing at all.'

'Thank you London'! The lead singer said as guitar picks were thrown into the crowd. The crowd cheered and screamed, including us, and the guys started to pack away.

I looked over at Daisy, who was twirling a red strand of hair around her finger. 'We'd probably better get going soon. We are going to be shattered tomorrow and Eric will be even grumpier than normal.'

'Can't we get one more drink?' She said with a twinkle in her eye. One more drink and then maybe she could talk to the guitarist. That's what she was thinking.

'Okay, just one.'

We headed back to the bar and ordered our final tequila beer of the night, perching on the stools as the teenagers started to get kicked out by bouncers due to the underage curfew. Two glanced my way, their eyes wide. 'Oh my god, you're Lucy May!'

'Yes I am.' I replied with a small smile. 'And this is my guitarist-'

'Daisy!' The black-haired teen cut me off and smiled at my bandmate. Daisy raised her eyebrows in surprise, clearly surprised that they knew who she was. 'Can we please have a picture with both of you?'

'Sure, shall I find someone to take it.'

'No need, I've got my selfie stick.' She clipped her phone onto it and extended it as we all squeezed in. Then she snapped a few times. 'Awesome! Thank you, it was so cool meeting you.'

'You too.' I replied.

'They knew who I was.' Daisy said as the teens were ushered away by the bouncers. 'That was so weird.'

'It certainly was.' I said in agreement, clinking my bottle of drink against hers. I crossed my leg and then frowned. I hadn't broken the seal, but I was about to. 'I need to go to the ladies.'

'I'll hold your drink.' She said with a reassuring smile.

'I'll be quick.' I disappeared to the bathroom, relieving my poor bladder. When I got back, my eyebrows shot in the air. Daisy was talking to the cute guitarist she'd been eyeing up. She worked fast, I had to hand it to her.

'Lucy May?' The redhead lead singer squinted at me.

'Yes.' I replied, nervously biting my lip.

'You're at one of our gigs?'

'It seems that way.'

'No freakin' way! I loved your single Heart Attack. Seriously cool. There aren't many girls willing to rock out these days.' He said, shaking my hand. 'I'm Travis.'

'Nice to meet you.' I said with a smile. 'You guys are really good.'

'We are?'

'Yeah, seriously, my friend Daisy and I loved your stuff!'

'Thanks, I'm hoping that maybe a record label will agree with us sometime.' He replied in his American accent. 'Is that your friend?' He nodded over to where Daisy was giggling at the bar, holding both of our beers.

'It is.' I nodded. 'I'd better grab my drink before she finishes it!'

We left around midnight, when the bar was starting to lock up. It was probably just as well too, as we had to be at the recording studio at 9am. We walked back with the guys; Jake had got a girl's number but Jesse was gutted he hadn't pulled. Daisy, of course, had managed to leave with a phone number and a new friend on Facebook, which she was very happy about. When I got home, I was surprised to find that Ed was in the shower. I quickly changed so that I was wearing a pale pink silk and lace bralet and matching knickers. There was nothing wrong with wearing underwear to bed, was there? I heard the shower turn off and I checked my appearance quickly in the mirror. It's a shame I didn't have a silk robe as it would have topped off the outfit perfectly.

'Lucy? Did I hear you come in?' Ed called from the bathroom. I heard him unlock the door and he appeared in the doorway with just a towel around his waist. 'Woah.' He bit his lip as he looked at me, stood there in my almost-pinup underwear. He walked over to me quickly, crashing his lips against mine.

I arrived at work five minutes late the next morning and I was waiting for the bollocking as I slipped into the studio booth, where my band were already sat on the sofas. I looked around for Eric, waiting for him to pounce. 'Where's the boss?'

'Running late.' The music producer explained to me. 'Traffic is extra bad today. Don't worry, you were here fifteen minutes early, weren't you?'

'Thanks.' I whispered, taking off my coat and grabbing the latte an intern was holding out for me.

'I had so much fun last night!' Daisy beamed as I sat down on a comfy, worn sofa beside her.

'I'm here!' Eric called out, marching into the room. 'Come on, time to crack on!'

'CRASH

I wanna fall

I wanna be somewhere in the middle.

Somewhere in the middle

Something

It's better than nothing

I just need a little

I just need a little cause I

Don't wanna be nowhere

But somethings making me go there

Somewhere in the middle with you

CRASH

FALL

I like it I like it

Somewhere in the middle with you.'

The music producer clapped from beyond the glass and gave me a thumbs-up, although Eric just nodded. I took off my headphones, hanging them onto the stand, and I joined my bandmates for a group hug.

'Lucy!' Eric's voice called and I wondered what on earth I'd done wrong this time. I walked out to join him, surprised that it was just after lunchtime and we were finished. 'No time for hugs.' He told me.

'Nothing else is on my schedule for today.' I replied confused.

'It is now. Jamie-Lee has got you a ticket for the premiere of that new Hunger Games film tonight.'

'Mockingjay Part two?' I said, surprised. I'd been waiting for it to be released. I'd never expected to go to the premiere.

'Yeah, it's probably that one. Point is, she got you and a plus one a ticket. Not that I need to ask who your plus one is. There's a car outside for you to take you to meet Amanda at the beauty parlour. Grab your stuff, you've not got long until your appointment.'

Daisy gave me a thumbs up and I smiled. 'I don't need asking twice.'

'The premiere is at seven tonight? Nina's going to kill me!' Ed chuckled on the phone when I rang him in the car.

'I hope she doesn't kill you or I won't have a date.' I replied, looking at my chipped nails and frowning.

'Well I'll be there beautiful. I just might not be in a fancy suit unless I can get hold of Nina. I'll speak later?'

'Bye.'

The car pulled to a stop and I looked out of the window to see that we were at 'The Covent Garden Salon.' It was a small and simple beauty salon, but the staff greeted me with friendly faces as soon as I walked in the door. Then I spotted Amanda, who I was very glad to see. I was in capable hands.

'I'm so glad you're here.' I said to her as I was placed in a comfy chair.

'Talk about last minute dot com.' She said, shaking her head. 'It's lucky you're my only client. It wasn't easy to get you booked in for all the treatments Eric wanted you to at this late notice, that's for sure.'

'All the treatments?' I replied, my eyes wide.

My legs, under arms and eyebrows were waxed, leaving me feeling sore. Then I was given a complete facial, which left my face feeling less painful. My nails were re-done and painted a deep red colour and my hair was pinned into rollers. Amanda reappeared with a plate containing salmon, baby potatos and green beans.

She passed it to me. 'Dinner time.'

I tucked into the food, feeling starving. 'What's left to do?'

'Just your make-up.' She replied with a smile, tucking into her own plate of dinner.

'Thank goodness.' I looked down at legs, which had been plastered in aloe-vera gel to stop them from stinging. It was working okay. They were less painful and the redness had gone down. I wrapped the white, fluffy robe around myself self-consciously and yawned.

'Oh no, you are not tired yet.' She said, shaking her head.

'I was out late last night.' I sighed.

'So I saw.' She passed me a copy of the Metro, which was showing me leaving the Barfly with the band last night. Luckily, I looked alright. 'With any luck you'll be in the paper again tomorrow.'

An hour later and I was ready for my first ever movie premiere. I stood in the ladies bathroom, looking at my reflection in the full-length mirror, surprised at my glamorous rock look. My hair fell in loose curls, as normal, but my make-up was different to normal. Silvers and greys swept outwards, becoming darker in the corner of my eyes, and my eyes were lined with black eye-liner, sweeping out into wings at the side. My eyelashes were curled and layered with thick mascara. It was darker than my usual look, but it made my eyes look more blue, somehow. My lips were simple, just enough pink lipstick to make them stand out but without taking the attention away from my eyes. Then there was the designer dress; a black dress with plunging neckline (which mean no bra- eek!) and leather piping under the bust, where the dress fell out loosely and elegantly. The plunging neckline meant that it was backless down to my waist. It was sexy, gorgeous and edgy. I wore simple black stilettos underneath and I had a tiny black leather clutchbag.

'Lucy? Are you dressed yet? I need to check your outfit before you go.' Amanda said, knocking on the door. I slipped the clothes I'd been wearing into the dressbag and opened the bathroom door, stepping out. 'Well don't you looking smokin'.' She said, turning me around. 'Oh you'll definitely do.'

'Think Ed will like it?' I asked, nervously.

'Honey, you are going to drive him crazy.'

The car arrived to take me to the premiere not long after that and I was disappointed when Ed text me.

They sent separate cars for us so I'll meet you on the red carpet. I love you xxxx

Separate cars? What was Eric playing at? Or Jamie-Lee? Or whoever had decided that. Whenever I'd been to a red carpet event, I'd always arrived with Ed. Now I was going to be arriving on my own and it was going to be freezing cold. The car I was in was cool enough.

'Almost there.' The driver told me as we turned towards Leicester Square.

'Okay.' I replied, nervously.

'First time on the red carpet?'

'Not quite... first time solo on the red carpet.' I sighed.

'Of course. I've seen you in the paper with Ed Sheeran.' He said as we reached a queue of black cars. 'Maybe it will do you some good, making your own grand entrance. Might stop people just associating you with Sheeran.'

Maybe that's why my manager had done this. So that I was making a name for myself. 'Maybe you're right.'

The car moved again and I heard the screams and cheers, and I saw the flashing of photography on the red carpet. My driver turned to face me with a smile. 'Are you ready?' I nodded, mutely, and he got out of the car, walking around to my side. I sucked in a deep breath and he opened the door. I got out of the car slowly, and carefully, before whispering a thank you and walking onto the red carpet. I was first faced with fans, holding out pictures and photos, hoping to get them signed by the Hunger Games cast. A few took photos from me and held out autograph books, so I signed them with a smile. Then I walked further up the red carpet to where the press were.

'Lucy!'

'Lucy May!'

'You're looking incredible!'

'What are you wearing?'

'This is a new piece by Kaufman Franco.' I replied with a smile, posing for some pictures with my hand on my hip. The cameras flashed and I changed poses, trying to act confident, despite feeling nervous.

'Lucy, can we ask you a few questions?' A reporter from 4Music said.

'Sure.' I said with a smile, walking over to her.

'Are you a fan of the Hunger games series?'

'Absolutely.' I replied. 'I've read all of the books and I've been so excited about the release of this film. Being here at the premiere is just fantastic.'

'Are you team Peeta or team Gale?'

'Team Peeta. I've always been team Peeta.'

'Fantastic! Can we play a game?' She asked with a friendly smile.

'Sure.'

'Okay, we're going to play snog, marry or avoid. So answer as honestly as you can.' She explained. 'Your choices are Gale, Peeta and Finnick.'

'Okay... Snog Finnick, Marry Peeta and avoid Gale.' I replied with a laugh and she nodded.

'Thank you so much.'

'You're welcome.' I slipped away and then spotted a familiar face coming up the red carpet.

Wow. He said into my head. Just wow.

Do you like it? I replied, innocently. I shot him a playful smile and he returned a lopsided one.

You're beautiful and so god damn sexy. He reached me and wrapped an arm around my waist.

'Ed! Lucy! Over here!'

'Show us some love!'

'This way!'

Ed pressed his lips to my forehead and I smiled as he said, I love you.