I'd had Tuesday off work, as Eric had deemed me 'pretty useless.' He was cross I couldn't go to album signings, but what was the point when I couldn't sign anything? It was a shame I wasn't left-handed. On Wednesday, I had a doctor's appointment at a private hospital in London. I'd never been to one before and I knew it was because Eric was getting fed up of seeing my sparkly, chunky cast. It wasn't exactly a fashion statement and apparently it didn't go with the whole 'image' he was trying to create for me. I left the hospital with an alternative solution, which still had to be worn all of the time; a splint. The leather splint was strapped on and secured tightly, keeping my wrist in the same position as it had been in for the cast, except it was a lot thinner and it meant that I could wear jackets and long-sleeved outfits a lot easier, as it was more subtle. It did mean, though, that I needed to be even more careful as it was less sturdy.

Amanda came to see me around half past four that afternoon, to get me prepped for the Fifty Shades Darker premiere. I was going to be attending with Abel, as our song was the official song for the movie. I knew that was only going to cause more speculation, but I decided to shrug it off. After having a quick dinner, my stylist set straight to work, straightening my hair with her GHDs.

'How's the splint?' She asked as she unclipped another layer of hair, running it through the sleek, hot straighteners.

'It feels weird.' I replied. 'And I'm really worried I'm going to knock it and make it worse. It's supportive but it's not like I'm wearing a big, thick plaster shield.' I looked down at my wrist in its shiny leather splint, which I knew had probably cost a fortune. 'But hey, at least I'll fit in with the whole Fifty Shades of Grey thing. It's almost bondage right?'

Amanda burst out laughing, snorting as she did so. 'Oh my god, you're hilarious! Don't make me laugh again, though, because I'm worried I'll burn your ear off or something.'

I was so glad I had a lovely stylist. Eric was a bore and an arse and Jamie-Lee was pretty plain, so I was glad the rest of my team were fantastic; my band were fun and friendly and Darren at Graphics was alright, too. It made my manager a little more bearable. My phone buzzed and Amanda passed it to me. 'Nathan again, huh?'

It was. We texted quite a lot and it was quite nice having a guy friend there and looking out for me. I'd always preferred hanging out with guys to girls when I was at school, afterall. Girls could be pretty bitchy. 'Yep.' I replied to my stylist and friend.

Eric didn't get your arm amputated did he? Because you know, I wouldn't put it past him! N xx

I laughed and Amanda raised an eyebrow as I text back.

No, just some weird leather splint. Maybe kinda bondage? Bit worried about my dress for the premiere now! xx

'So nothing's going on between you two?' She asked, running a hairbrush gently through my hair.

'He's a good friend and it's only been three weeks. I'm not over it yet. I'm still so angry at Ed.' I frowned and shuddered at the memory of discovering the photograph. Being angry at least made it easier to get over. I wasn't mourning him, so much. I was still crying, but more at the betrayal than anything. And I'd written two new songs about it. The music was still unwritten though, thanks to my wrist.

'Just be careful.' Amanda said as she walked in front of me, ready to sort out my make-up. 'You're still fragile.'

I held up my right arm. 'In more ways than one. But, honestly, don't worry. Ed's put me off dating for a while. I'll just spend my days sat watching Disney films.'

'Sounds like a super plan.' She looked thoughtful for a while. 'Tomorrow's cover day, right? You should totally do a Disney song.'

'I should.' I smiled, liking the idea. There was a knock at the door and it was my Vlog cameraman, ready to film me getting ready. I gave him a small smile and the conversation changed to my music, as it often did when I was being filmed.

Bondage?! Blimey, didn't take you for that kind of girl! I look forward to seeing the photos, I think? N xx

I blushed, tucking my phone away into my black clutchbag. The world didn't need to know about that.

Luckily, my outfit was sexy but classy. Forever Unique had sent Eric the dress, after seeing my pictures from the Brit Awards. Apparently they'd had a bit more business thanks to me, so it worked out as a plus for them. The dress reminded me a little of Elsa's from Frozen, only it was a black, darker version. It had a sweetheart bust and was completely covered in sequins, tightly around my body until just after my bum, where it fell out in a chiffon see-through black mermaid tail. The same black chiffon detailing was on the long-sleeves too, so it made my injury look a lot more subtle. I had silver dangling earrings in my ear and a chunky statement ring on the index finger of my right hand, taking some of the attention away from my wrist. My hair was pin-straight and sleek, and I had my usual winged eyeliner and red lipstick on, with black Jimmy Choos on my feet. Perfect. Amanda snapped a few photos of me on my phone and hers, so I could upload a photo to social media for the fans who seemed to be following my every move.

Off to the premiere of Fifty Shades Darker. #lovemeharder

I wasn't excited to be going to the premiere. More excited about the buzz from talking to the press and walking the red carpet with people calling my names. After all, I wanted to punch the main male character and that probably wasn't going to stay well. I'd have to stay clear of the actor. Jamie something, wasn't it?

'Well don't you look fabulous!' Amanda said, clapping her hands together, whilst the camera was rolling. 'Definitely my favourite client.'

'Only client.' I corrected with a wink and she laughed, giving me a hug.

'Have a fabulous time.'

'Oh I will.' I smiled, adding silently; I hope.

The cameraman left shortly after that, making his way to the premiere to set up some good arrival shots, and then, before I knew it, the car arrived with Abel inside. The premiere was in the Odeon in Leicester Square, as were most premieres in London, and I rested my arm on the arm-rest as we drove along.

'You look great, by the way.' Abel said, breaking the silence with a friendly smile. 'You can't even tell you've broken your wrist.'

'I think that was Eric's idea.' He sighed.

'You shouldn't put up with that crap. Have you told your label he's treating you so bad?'

'I'm not sure I can.' I replied, honestly. 'They might just drop me.'

'I very much doubt it. It would be a pretty stupid mistake.' He gave me a nodd. 'After all, you're still number one and our single is in at number two so in a way you're taking over the chart.'

'It's the craziest feeling.' I whispered, thinking about it. 'Six months ago I'd never pictured this happening. I was just a normal girl trying to make it in the industry. No one knew who I was.'

'And now they're all chanting your name.' His smile met his eyes and I couldn't help thinking that he was good-looking, although the dodgy hair was pretty off-putting. The car stopped and the driver got out. 'So, you realise they're going to think we're dating, right?'

'They think I'm dating any guy I'm seen with.' I rolled my eyes.

'Bet Ed's feeling pretty shit. Serves him right.'

I nodded. 'It does. He can look at the pictures and wonder whatever the hell he wants; that's fine with me.'

'You're firey.' He laughed. 'It's pretty cool.' The driver opened Abel's door and he nodded at me. 'Let's do this.' He climbed out of the car carefully and then held out his hand for me, helping me out. He pulled me to my feet and the flashes filled my vision, giving me the familiar adrenaline rush. Abel placed his hand gently on the small of my back as he led me up the carpet, where he signed a few pictures and posed for photos with the fans. I did the same, before we posed for the red carpet together for paparazzi.

The film itself made me angry, as I had expected. The whole idea was just completely ridiculous and it bothered me that so many women loved it. Love story or not, who wanted to be treated that way? Not me! We headed to the after party at Aqua afterwards, mingling with the actors, actresses and other celebrities, and I shared my false 'positive' comments about the film until it was time to head home. Abel and I left together, sharing the same car, although I knew the press would take this the wrong way. What they didn't know was that I laid in bed in Disney pyjamas, by myself, that night, looking at the empty space beside me until I eventually drifted into dream land.

I woke up pretty early the next day and for once, I wasn't surprised to see images of myself plastered over the web. There were photos of me alone on the red carpet and some with Abel, posing together with captions wondering if we were a couple. That also didn't surprise me. I rolled my eyes and went to get dressed, choosing to wear a black strapless top and a blue skirt for the upcoming Disney cover I'd thought about for most of the Fifty Shades premiere. The only issue was, I couldn't play guitar. Ugh.

'Hey Luce, seen the photos from last night! You look great!' Daisy said when I called her on the phone.

'Thanks love.' I said, genuinely meaning it. 'I was wondering if you were free today.'

'I'm sorry, but as it's my day off I made plans.' She apologised from the other end of the phone.

'It's okay, not to worry.'

What was I supposed to do? I frowned as I tried to find a backing track, although I knew it wasn't going to sound anywhere as good.

Glad you ditched the freaky bondage crap in the end last night. Looking gorgeous in that black dress! Wit-woo. N xx

Of course. Nathan. It wasn't going to help all of the circulating rumours, no, but surely he was willing to help me out?

'Yeah, I'm around. I'll head straight over.' He said on the other end of the phone, sounding cheery.

He wasn't joking when he said straight over, either. Within half an hour, he was there, guitar over his shoulder and a cute smile on his face. 'You were clearly missing me.' He said as I let him into my flat, closing the door behind him.

'That and I was really after a favour.' I said, playfully. 'I hate not being able to play guitar. Now, instead of listening to my voice, my female fans will spend the whole video gawping at you.'

He rolled his eyes. 'Don't be ridiculous. Now, put the kettle on and we'll make a start. Have you got the sheet music?'

'Yup.' I replied as he followed me into the living room. I passed him my songbook of Disney music. 'It's lame, I know, but I was raised on Disney films.'

His eyebrows shot up. 'It's not obvious.'

'Isn't it? There's nothing I love more than wearing a princess dress.' I gave him an embarassed smile as I filled the kettle with water.

'I can see that, actually.' He gave me a lopsided smile as I turned the kettle on and turned back to face him. 'You'd be a good Disney princess. Have you ever been to Disneyland?'

'I wish.' I replied with a cheesey grin. 'It would be awesome!'

'I'll take you sometime.' He said and I knew he meant it. He unzipped his guitar case as I returned to the kitchen area to make the cups of tea. Then I heard him starting to play the notes of the song I had chosen. I just hoped it was a decision the fans would like.

That afternoon, we sat down on the sofa, ready to record it. I took a deep breath as I pressed record on my camera, angling it so you could see the both of us. 'Hey guys, here's my weekly cover. I've decided to do something a bit different today so I hope you like it and, as you can see, I'm joined by Nathan Jones who is going to be playing guitar for me today as my wrist is useless. Here it goes.'

Nathan counted me in and then started to play the chords as I sang,

'There you see her

Sitting there across the way

She don't got a lot to say

But there's something about her

And you don't know why

But you're dying to try

You wanna kiss the girl

Yes, you want her

Look at her, you know you do

It's possible she wants you, too

There is one way to ask her

It don't take a word

Not a single word

Go on and kiss the girl

Sha-la-la-la-la-la

My, oh, my

Look at the boy too shy

He ain't gonna kiss the girl

Sha-la-la-la-la-la

Ain't that sad

Ain't it shame, too bad

You gonna miss the girl

Now's your moment

Floating in a blue lagoon

Boy, you better do it soon

No time will be better

She don't say a word

And she won't say a word

Until you kiss the girl

Sha-la-la-la-la-la

Don't be scared

You got the mood prepared

Go on and kiss the girl

Sha-la-la-la-la-la

Don't stop now

Don't try to hide it how

You wanna kiss the girl

Sha-la-la-la-la-la

Float along

Listen to the song

The song say kiss the girl

Sha-la-la-la-la-la

Music play

Do what the music say

You wanna kiss the girl

You've got to kiss the girl

Why don't you kiss the girl

You gotta kiss the girl

Go on and kiss the girl.'

I finished singing, surprised that Nathan had joined in as a backing singer, adding some harmonies to the song. It made it sound even better. We played back the video quickly and then a few minutes later, it was off onto the web.

'So how's everything?' He asked, putting his guitar back in his case.

'Fed up of this splint if that's what you mean.' I laughed.

He sighed. 'You can stop hiding everything behind a smile, you know. I'm afraid I'm not falling for it.'

'It's going to take time.' I told him, my face serious. 'But I'm still sworn off guys. Maybe I'll become a nun, that could work.'

He rolled his eyes at me before softening his look as he reached for my arm. 'I know you're scared but you have to give your heart a break. Don't let Ed ruin your chance at a happily ever after.'

The next day, I headed to the O2 arena for soundcheck with Abel, with my cameraman in tow as normal. I'd spent the morning replying to fans on social media, thanking them for their support and reading their comments on my latest cover.

Your voice is incredible!

You're a real-life Belle! Sing a Beauty and the Beast Cover!

Omg, Lathan forever! Please sing a duet!

Most of the comments were positive, which was good, but there was a whole lot of 'Lathan' going on, which was a little weird and panicked me. I thought about it again as I waited for my microphone levels to be adjusted at soundcheck as Eric tapped his foot impatiently.

'You're doing great.' Abel reassured me, giving my manager an irritated look. 'Come on, we'll roll again from the top.'

That night, I sat nervously in my dressing room, alone as Amanda had left straight after doing my usual make-up and topping up my naturally curly hair. I was wearing my purple shoe boots from the album launch, but with a short bodycon one-sleeved black dress with a cut out waist, another look chosen by Eric that gave me apparent sex appeal. I was sat warming up my vocals as I listened to the support act on the tannoy system when there was a knock at the door. 'Yes?' I called out, pulling my dress down in an attempt to cover more of my thighs.

Abel slipped inside, a smile on his face. 'You look nice.'

'Thanks.' I replied, shyly, biting my lip nervously.

'I go on soon.' He said, stretching his arms out in front of him. 'Are you going to watch from the wings?'

'Is that okay?'

'Sure.' He smiled. 'I think Eric's gone.'

'Thank god.' I sighed. 'I've fed up of his disapproving looks.'

'I would be too.' He replied. 'Are you coming to the after party?'

'Eric said it wasn't a good idea.'

'I'll bet he did.' He nodded, giving a cheeky smile. 'And are you going to listen to him?'

I thought for a moment. 'No. No I'm not.'

'Good, it'll be a great party and I think you know some of the people coming.'

'Mate, you're on in five. We need you at the wings.' The stage manager said, appearing in the doorway.

'Sure.' He nodded, before looking over at me. 'See you out there.'

I felt kind of bad watching The Weeknd as I'd heard so very few of the songs before. I could sing along to 'I can't feel my face' and 'Earned it', but that was pretty much it. I stood there, tapping my foot along to the music, until an earpiece was placed in my ear and a glittery black microphone put into my left hand. I hated holding a mic in my left hand, it just didn't feel right. I looked at my right hand, which was mostly covered by the one sleeve of my dress, and sighed. I had five weeks of this yet. The lighting onstage changed as the familiar intro of our song started. I took a deep breath and walked out onto the stage in front of the thousands of fans filling the sold-out O2 arena.

'Lucy May, everybody!' Abel said at the end, kissing my cheek as he usually did at the end of our performance. The crowd roared and my heart pumped with adrenaline as I smiled, looking at all of the crowd. He squeezed my hand and I walked off the stage, waving at the crowd as I went.

'Great work.' Jed, Abel's manager, said high-fiving me as I walked into the wings. 'It's a shame Eric didn't stick around.' I nodded but, truthfully, I wasn't disappointed that he hadn't stuck around. I was relieved.

After the concert finished, I headed back to my dressing room, quickly checking my hair and make-up which, thankfully, was fine. I pulled my phone out of my handbag, surprised I had three text messages.

Good luck tonight! I'll be watching for a video on Youtube. Love you, Wills xxx

Good luck today babe and I'll call you tomorrow! Lea xxx

What a fabulous performance! N x

I looked at the last message, from Nathan, puzzled. Was there a livestream or something that I didn't know about?

Thanks! Are you cyber-stalking me? xx

I quickly finished my bottle of water and applied another coat of lipstick carefully, before adding some Lipcote to the top to stop it from smudging or fading.

Stalking in person maybe? Now are we going to this party or not? N x

I raised my eyebrows. He was here? Really? I knew he liked The Weeknd. I'd caught him humming some of the songs before and he'd covered a few on Youtube. But I hadn't know he was going to be at the concert. He'd kept that one quiet. Confused, I threw on my leather jacket, grabbed my things and headed out into the hallway.

'Need a hand?' Matt was there, making me jump out of my skin.

'I thought you'd left with Eric?' I said, trying to calm myself down after nearly having a heartattack.

'Of course not. I'm your security, not his.' He tutted, shaking his head. 'If you're ready to leave then I'll call the car round. You'll get a decent night's sleep at this rate.'

I bit my lip, nervously. 'Actually, I'm going to the afterparty.'

He smirked. 'I don't think Eric will be impressed.'

'He's not impressed with whatever I do so I've given up trying.' I replied with a lopsided smile.

'You're firey. I do wonder why it is you need me. So where is the party we're going to?'

I smiled up at him. 'Sushi Samba.' I looked down the corridor and then I spotted a familiar face. 'Now you're definitely stalking me.'

Nathan ran a hand through his dark hair and gave me the cute smile that was enough to make any girl's heart melt. 'I've had tickets for ages. I was up in one of the VIP boxes.'

'You didn't tell me.'

He shrugged. 'Maybe I wanted to keep it a surprise.' It definitely was one of those. 'Now are we heading to to this party? I could do with a beer.'

Sushi Samba in London was in Heron Tower. The outside wasn't hugely exciting (although it was paparazzi-free!), but the venue was enough to take my breath away. The bar was on the 39th floor and the walls were non-existant. Instead, the whole bar was surrounded by glass windows, showing an incredible view of the city I now called home. I gasped as I admired the decor, from the red and black table booths to the tree on the already-busy terrace outside. Nathan passed me my first drink as Matt slipped off into the crowd, watching me from afar.

'I think I could get used to celebrity parties.' I said to Nathan as I sipped my cocktail and looked out at the London Skyline, from the nearby Gherkin to London Bridge. It was perfect.

'They're okay.' He shrugged, sipping at his beer. 'I think it depends who's there with you as to whether they're exciting or not.'

'Well is this exciting? Hanging out with me?' I asked, realising I sounded pretty flirtacious.

'Of course.' He replied, his face sincere.

'You'll get fed up of my company soon enough. It's lucky you're off on tour in a few weeks. Europe, right?'

He nodded. 'Yep. It's kinda delayed really, I mean it's been two months since I released my album but I'm looking forward to going to some cities I've never seen before.' He took another sip of his beer. 'Do you like to travel?'

'Absolutely.' I smiled, looking out onto the skyline again. 'I like hearing the different languages and learning about the different cultures. I have a list of places I want to go before I die.' I told him, realising I'd not even told Ed that. Maybe I was more comfortable being myself around my new friend? I wasn't sure.

He smiled and the smile reached his eyes. 'I know what you mean. There's something about going to a new place and exploring it, finding out new things. It's a big world out there.'

The Weeknd was DJ-ing that night, so we soon retired indoors to dance to the set he was performing, once the music started. The room was packed with people I recognised from the music industry and a couple of celebrities I recognised from television or film.

'Lucy!' I turned to see Gigi Hadid walking over to me, wearing a white playsuit. 'How are you?'

'I'm good.' I replied with a smile. 'What about you?'

'Not too bad! Great performance this evening by the way! Taylor didn't say you were going to be at the concert.'

'It was a bit of a last minute decision.' I replied.

'Well you look totally hot. I'll catch you later, okay?' She kissed my cheek and disappeared off, leaving me at the bar with Nathan.

'Are you trying to get me drunk?' I asked with a raised eyebrow, sipping my drink.

'Not at all.' He grinned.

'Mmm this is good. You have a gift for choosing cocktails I'd like.' I smiled as I finished the last of my second cocktail, placing the empty glass down on the bar.

'So it seems.' He gave me a sexy crooked smile and I chided myself for thinking of the word 'sexy.' He was my friend. How inappropriate.

'I be on my suit and tie, shit tied, shit tied

I be on my suit and tie, shit tied, shit

Can I show you a few things, a few things, a few things, little baby?

'Cause...

I be on my suit and tie, shit tied, shit

I be on my suit and tie, shit tied, shit

Let me show you a few things

Let me show you a few things.'

'I love this song!' I practically squealed, singing along to the lyrics. 'I can't wait 'til I get you on the floor, good-looking, Going hot, so hot, just like an oven.'

'Why don't you go and dance?' Nathan asked after finishing his beer.

'Because of this stupid thing.' I signalled to my wrist.

'A broken wrist doesn't stop you dancing.' He shook his head. 'Stop letting it hold you back.'

'And as long as I got my suit and tie

I'ma leave it all on the floor tonight

And you got fixed up to the nines

Let me show you a few things

All pressed up in black and white

And you dressed in that dress I like

Love is swinging in the air tonight

Let me show you a few things.'

'Well then, I'm not dancing by myself.' Before I could say anything else, he grabbed my left hand and pulled me onto the dancefloor.

'Let me show you a few things

Show you a few things about love

Now we're in the swing of love

Let me show you a few things

Show you a few things about love

Hey.'

We danced to a few more songs beside each other, our bodies far enough apart so that I didn't panic. It was completely innocent. Just friends. Although part of me had wondered what would happen if our bodies had touched. I shook off the thought, cursing myself for being so ridiculous. 'Can we get some air?' I asked Nathan as my face felt flushed.

'Sure.' He smiled. He guided me outside, his hand gently on the small of my back in an almost protective gesture. The cool air hit me as soon as we were outside and I shrugged my leather jacket back on, protecting my bare shoulder. I realised I hadn't thought of Ed all evening and I wondered if that was a good thing? Maybe it meant I was finally starting to move past it. Or maybe not. I was pretty sure that I would freak out if he walked into the room.

'Wouldn't it be cool to live up here?' Nathan said, interrupting my thoughts.

'Absolutely.' I sighed, looking at the city filled with lights. I wondered how the city would have looked just over a week ago, when it was filled with darkness, only lit by the fire in Westminster. The thought made me shudder.

'Are you cold?' He asked, putting his arm around my shoulder, casually. It filled me with warmth and I realised how much I'd missed someone holding me. I glanced over at him and realised he was watching me with a look I couldn't quite decipher. His eyes met mine and he moved towards me and I wondered if he was going to kiss me. I felt worried and sick. Then the dizziness started. I wobbled and he grabbed me. 'Lucy, are you okay?'

I knew what was coming, but he didn't. I'd not told him about this ability. I swayed a little.

And then I was there again, in the street, the street I'd seen before. I walked along it, smelling smoke and looking around, desperately trying to work out what language was on the signs. The air was warm and I knew I was somewhere in southern Europe. A few people hurried past me, running away from the fire.

'Lucy?'

My vision returned and I realised that Nathan was holding me up, stopping me from falling. The party guests around me seemed oblivious, thank god. I moved backwards. 'Sorry.' I apologised, my heart trying to return to normal. I could still smell the smoke.

'You just passed out.' He said, looking at me with a worried expression.

'Well.. sort of.' I replied, nervously, biting my lip.

'What just happened?' Matt asked, suddenly at my side.

'She passed out.' Nathan said, furrowing his brow.

'I'll call the car right away. We have to get you home.'

'I'm fine.' I replied, shrugging it off.

'No.' Both men chorused and I knew that I wasn't going to get anywhere. It was pointless.

I was surprised that the paparazzi were still absent when I left and I let out a sigh of relief. This time, Eric wasn't going to know I'd disobeyed him. It didn't take long to get back to my apartment, and we were soon there.

'Would you like a hand getting upstairs?' Matt asked as we pulled into the carpark for my small block of flats.

'I keep saying I'm fine.' I grumbled, shaking my heads. 'Honestly, I'm completely normal.'

'I'm worried about you being up there by yourself.'

'I'll stay with her.' Nathan said, surprising me. He turned to me. 'What if it happens again?'

'It won't.' I said, before adding, silently. I hope.

'Good idea.' Matt nodded as Nathan opened the car door. 'Let me know if you need anything.'

I didn't say anything as I walked up to the top floor, where my flat was. I turned the key in the door and Nathan followed me in, locking the door behind him. Then I walked over to the kettle, filling it and turning it on.

'Shouldn't I be doing that?'

'How many times do I have to say I'm fine?' I sighed, kicking off my heels and draping my jacket over the back of one of the dining table chairs.

'In case you didn't realise, you passed out.'

'But not because I was ill!' I said, dramatically. I'd had enough of the fussing. 'I had a vision, okay?'

'A vision?' He looked at me, confused. 'Are you sure that you weren't hallucinating?'

'I'm sure. It's happened before and then my vision came true.' I paused for a second, whilst I poured the boiled water into the teacups. 'It's one of my abilities.'

Nathan's expression turned from concern to curosity. 'So you can, like, see the future?'

I think so.' I nodded, biting my lip nervously. I passed him a teacup and then grabbed mine, moving to sit on the sofa. 'It's so weird.'

'I'll bet.' He sat down beside me. 'And what happened in your vision?'

My brows furrowed together as I looked up at him. 'There was another fire.'

I went to bed almost immediately after drinking my cup of tea, with Nathan crashed out on the sofa bed. Exhausted from the performance, I fell asleep straight away in my new lace-covered white pyjama shorts and grey vest top.

I was walking past Kensington palace and the air was getting warmer. No one was around, which was weird, because it was a beautiful evening. I smiled as the birds sang in the trees and a couple of squirrels hurried past my feet with their food. I paused, looking up at the palace before I continued the route to my flat, walking down the familiar alley way. That was when I heard footsteps. I quickened my pace and so did the person following me. I found myself sprinting, as fast as I could, and then I was shoved against the wall. I looked at the eyes inside the hood.

'Rich.'

'It's great to see you again beautiful.'

'Get off of me!' I shrieked as his hands started wandering up my skirt.

'You love it.'

I sat up in bed with a scream, tears streaming down my cheeks and my heart hammering against my chest. I felt like I was going to throw up.

'Lucy?!' Nathan was in my room in seconds, stood there in just his boxers. I blinked, surprised that he wasn't dressed but I wasn't in the mood to stare at his body. I looked down, feeling embarassed that, once again, I'd woken him up.

'Sorry.' I breathed, taking deep breaths to slow down my heart rate. I ran my hand through my hair, which was probably messy enough anyway.

'Bad dream?' He asked, sitting down on my bed beside me.

I nodded. 'It was nothing.'

'It doesn't look like nothing.' His worried eyes met mine and he wiped a tear off of my cheek with his thumb. His touch set electric shocks across my skin. 'Tell me about it.' He whispered his plead as his hand moved down to my arm.

I took a deep breath and held back the tears as I told him the inspiration behind my number one hit, Skyscraper. I told him all about Rich and the bad treatment I'd been given. I told him about the confrontation in Brighton a couple of months back and I told him what he'd said to me, specifically. He sat and listened, without saying a word, as he gently caressed my arm.

'I've not had the best luck with guys, have I?' I sighed, running my hand through my hair again. 'I'm sorry, but your gender are jerks.'

'Like I've said before, we're not all like that.' He whispered, squeezing my shoulder. 'I promise.'

'Promises are made to be broken.' I sighed, climbing back under my duvet to lie down. He stood up, but I stopped him. 'Can you stay in here? If you don't mind of course? You just helped me get back to sleep last time.'

He nodded and gave me a small smile, climbing into bed beside me. I felt his warmth as he ran his fingers gently up and down my spine and, before long, I was fast asleep again.

I woke up the next day, surprised to feel his body pressed against mine and his arm firmly around my waist, almost protectively. I rolled over and he stirred, gently opening his eyes.

'Morning.' He mumbled, looking at me, his arm still around my waist.

I looked at his face and felt irritated that he still looked cute, even when he had only just woken up. 'Morning.'

'Did you sleep better?' He whispered, his voice soft.

'Yes thank you.' I replied, subtly trying to glance at the tattoo I'd just spotted on the left side of his chest.

'What time is it?'

'Just after ten.'

'Ah, shit!' He cursed, jumping up. 'I've got to be at the studio in an hour!' And then he was gone.

Other than the odd interview, the next two weeks were pretty quiet on my schedule and part of me wished that I'd flown out to visit my parents and Willow. I promised myself that I would go to them over Easter, which was what usually happened. I spent the time catching up with my friends, including Leanne, Adriana and even Greg. I'd done well avoiding Ed. That was, until Eric called me into Warner Records for our monthly update meeting on March 9th.

'Hi Lucy, go on down.' The receptionist, Clara, told me with a friendly smile when I arrived that morning in my Nashville cowboy boots, blue denim jeans and a cream blouse; I was embracing the spring-like March weather.

'Thanks Clara. Love the dress by the way.' I said, smiling at the red-headed receptionist.

'Thanks!'

I shrugged off my baggy cardigan, draping it over my over-sized shopper bag and I walked down the corridor, straight into the person I'd been avoiding since the break-up. 'Sorry.' I said, stepping backwards. 'I wasn't looking where I was going.' I looked up at him and realised he looked the same as always, in his jeans and a hoodie, his ginger hair dishevelled. I knew he looked no different, because he was often in the papers, rolling out of a club at a crazy time in the morning, often with a girl. It had irritated me at first, but now I was used to it.

'I wasn't looking either.' He replied. He suddenly glanced up at me with the familiar steely blue eyes. 'You're looking well.'

'Thanks.' I nodded, running the fingers of my left hand over my splint, which had another two weeks according to the doctor; apparently my bones were good at healing quickly. 'You too.'

'Lucy!' I heard Eric's voice and for once I was thankful he was calling me.

'Erm, see you around.' I said, slipping past Ed and making my way to my manager's office.

The meeting started off as normal; talking over the hits on my website, any publicity I was getting and any upcoming events over the next few weeks. It was all pretty same-old and I was relieved that I was being given some studio time to write and record new songs. I'd written a few of those recently.

'So Skyscraper's down to number nine but Love me Harder is still doing well at number two.' Jamie-Lee said, checking her perfectly-manicured nails. 'We could release a new song soon.'

'We will.' Eric nodded. 'But I'm going to wait until next month for that. Lucy, we've got you a support place on a European tour.'

'You have?' My eyes widened and I blinked, surprised. I was going to see Europe?!

'Yes. We had a call yesterday from Nathan Jones' manager about a last minute spot on the tour. Apparently Fifth Harmony pulled out because of an injury or something? Of course we said yes as it'll do great for your publicity and the fans seem to be loving Lathan at the moment.' Eric explained and I winced at his use of 'Lathan'. Really? 'Of course, all of the band are going, it's in their contract. It starts two weeks today.'

'Where are we going on the tour?'

He didn't reply. Instead, he handed me a schedule and I scanned the list.

March 23rd- Paris, France.

March 26th- Antwerp, Belgium

March 27th- Amsterdam, Netherlands

March 29th- Oslo, Norway

March 30th- Stockholm, Sweden

April 1st- Frankfurt, Germany

April 3rd- Milan, Italy

April 5th- Madrid, Spain

April 9th- London, United Kingdom

I'd be finished just in time for Easter. 'I'm away for Easter.' I told Eric. It wasn't a request, it was a demand. 'I've booked my flights to see my family.' I lied. I hadn't booked them yet.

'Fine.' He shrugged. 'But you're going to go on this tour and rock Europe's socks off. Amanda will start looking for some outfits for you right away, although she isn't able to make the tour so I'll be sending a replacement. A bit irritated that she booked a holiday without telling me. Very unprofessional.'

I looked at the tour dates again and then my vision filled my mind; one of the cities would be where the fine happened but, the question was, which one?