I had a headache when I woke up the next day. I hadn't had enough to drink for it to be a hangover, more like a migrane. I thought back to joking around with Ed Sheeran and Nick Jonas and wondered if it had actually happened or not. Looking at my phone answered my question: it had. There were photographs of me posing with Ed, with Jenni and other celebrities we had come across. I had a load of friend requests on Facebook and I'd been tagged on Instagram. I looked at the empty space beside me. Zed had obviously already gone to work. I looked at the time and saw it was only 9.30am.
I opened my Instagram and looked at the photos Jenni had tagged me in, and one was a dorky photo with Ed, where we were making silly faces with lemon slices. 'Finally met this talented blonde and so glad I did. What an incredible night sky_bright.' How did a photo of me have thousands of likes? I didn't even know. I logged into Facebook next. Over 100 friend requests. All but two were people I had never heard of. There was one from Ed, under a false name though, and one from Joe the co-owner of the record label. I uploaded a selected few photographs from the night before, and then decided to check my text messages.
You're on the news again. Looks like you had a good night. Call me later, love you, Sally xx
Was called into work early but didn't want to wake you. See you for dinner. Love you, Z xxxxxx
Hope you're not too tired! Was a great night! Rehearsals at 10.30, send a car for you at 10.15. Ed :)
Oh my god, you are the best friend ever! Thank you so much for taking me last night! Ah I can't believe it! Call you later- J xxx
After sending a quick reply, I climbed out of bed and jumped into the shower. As I got dressed into shorts and a lace top, I put on the Entertainment news. How I was the headline, I didn't know, but there I was on the television screen in our bedroom. There were photos and video recordings from us arriving on the red carpet the night before, as well as the Instagram photo Ed had uploaded.
'Ed uploaded a photograph to his Instagram, saying how glad he was to have met Sky and that they had a brilliant night. We have to say, the red carpet certainly suits her. Other guests in attendance included Nick Jonas, Olly Murs and Kelly Clarkson.'
My phone buzzed and I looked at all of the notifications to say my Facebook pictures were being 'liked' or 'commented on', as well as the new followers I was receiving on Instagram. It was crazy. I looked in the mirror at my appearance, deciding I would put my hair into a half-updo. I quickly applied some subtle make-up and grabbed my blue kimono. All good to go. I was halfway through a slice of toast when the buzzer sounded. Grabbing my bag, I headed out the door for another strange day.
The contract was stupidly long to read, but Joe had said it was vital I understood what I was agreeing to before I signed it. Basically, I wasn't allowed to release any snippets of the song or quotes from it or anything that would bridge copyright. I had to go to Toronto and perform and after that I could choose to sign another contract should the label want to sign me. I also had no say in my outfit, hair or make-up, which I found a little weird. I shrugged it off and signed the contract.
'Hey.' Ed pulled me into a hug when I walked into the studio. I started to wonder if he was going to be the big brother I'd always wanted. 'How are you?'
'Tired.' I replied honestly. 'But then we did leave at like 3am.'
'Dirty stop outs!' He grinned. 'And now we have to work.'
'At least it's nothing too exhausting.'
Ten minutes later and we were sat on a sofa, in a room that didn't look particulary exciting considering that it was a recording studio. There were two brown sofas, cream carpet, a brown coffee table and a mini fridge. Ed had his guitar out and his music was laid out on th table.
'So I've had this song for a while, just been waiting for someone to duet with. I think your voice would fit perfectly.' He explained, moving the music so that I could see it. 'Shall I play it and then you can hear what it sounds like?''
'Sure.' I looked at the notes and the lyrics as he started to play and sing.
'All I knew this morning when I woke
Is I know something now, know something now I didn't before.
And all I've seen since eighteen hours ago
Is green eyes and freckles and your smile
In the back of my mind making me feel like
I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just wanna know you, know you, know you.'
The song was incredible and I couldn't help but notice Ed's face as he played. He looked around like the room was the most incredible room he'd even been in. And I knew why. It was because he was seeing a kailedoscope of colours with every sound he heard. When he finished, he looked up at me, hopefully. 'What do you think?'
I couldn't help but laugh at that. 'Okay, so you're an award-winning singer-songwriter and you just asked me what I think?'
He grinned. 'Yes. You're not the only one that gets nervous about things.'
'Well I thought it was great.' I smiled. 'And if Jenni was here, she'd be crying.'
He laughed. 'Good, so will you sing it with me this weekend?'
'Absolutely.'
At the apartment later, I sat drinking honey and lemon tea. I wasn't used to spending most of my day singing and I was worried my voice had had enough. Zed came in from work later than usual and I smiled when I saw he was carrying a lovely bouquet of lillies.
'They're beautiful.' I smiled as he passed them to me and gave me a soft kiss on the lips.
'Just like you.' He replied with a smile. 'How was your day?'
'Strangely tiring. It's tough trying to learn a song you've never heard before.' I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him again. 'How was yours?'
'Crazy busy.' He replied. 'I'm glad we're having a quiet night in.'
'Well I started dinner.' I said, signalling to the saucepans on top of the oven. 'I hope you don't mind.'
'Mmm and that's one reason why I'm marrying you.' He wrapped his arms tightly around my waist and kissed my forehead. 'So what's your plan this weekend? Toronto right?'
'Yes,' I replied into his chest, 'we fly out on Friday afternoon for the rehearsal on Saturday.'
'I wish I wasn't working this weekend, I'd love to see you.'
I sensed his frustration, so I pulled back to look at him. 'It's being filmed, so you can watch it back.'
'I know, I just wish I was coming that's all.'
'Hey.' I smiled up at him. 'We're going away together next week. That'll be nice and we'll get some time just the two of us.'
'You're right.' He smiled. 'Sorry, I'm just worried I'll lose you again.'
'Never.' I replied, reaching up and kissing him firmly on the lips. 'I love you.'
'And I love you.'
Friday came around too quickly. We spent the morning rehearsing, I had a quick lunch with Zed and before I knew it I was packing for Toronto. I didn't know what I'd be wearing for the charity event. That was down to the record label and whoever they had hired to dress me. That made me nervous. That I had no idea what I was going to be wearing. I packed leggings, jeans and a few tops as well as a sundress. I was flying back on the Monday morning, so I had no idea what I was going to need with me. I packed a bikini, just incase, and some heels. Done.
I met Ed and his crew at the airport and we were checked in and sent straight through to the VIP waiting lounge. Ed was in tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt, so I was glad I had opted for leggings and an over-sized off-the-shoulder t-shirt for the plane. Comfort was the way forward.
'Excited?' He asked me with a smile.
'A bit.' I replied. 'I've never been to Toronto.'
'I'm afraid we're not going to have much time to look around.' He apologised.
'That's okay.' I said, with a half-smile. 'It's still nice to be going somewhere new. Is it tiring? Touring?'
'Yes.' He replied honestly. 'But when you hear the crowds singing your songs, it makes it all worth it.'
'I bet that's an incredible feeling.'
'It really is.'
When we got to Toronto, we met up with Ed's crew at the hotel and then went out for dinner and drinks. It was nice that he was good friends with his manager, hairdresser, set designer and make-up artist and I felt relieved when they told me that they would also be helping me the next day. We ended up in a bar with private booths and drinks that cost an absolute fortune, but luckily I didn't pay for a thing.
I was glad I'd brought black jeans, a sparkly top and heels with me as everyone was dressed very cool.
'Okay, we've got a newbie so we need to play a good 'getting to know you' game!' Nina, the make-up artist, announced, shooting me a smile.
'Oh no.' I groaned. 'This isn't like a 'tell me one thing no one else knows' game is it?'
'Oh no, Nina is more hardcore than that.' Ed warned.
'I hope you can take your drink, chick.' Marty, the hairdresser beamed, clinking his glass against mine.
'We're going to play 'I've never.' ' Nina smiled, winking at me. 'Have you played before?'
'A very long time ago.' I replied, feeling nervous.
'Then that's fine. Right, I'll start. Never have I ever been arrested.'
We watched as Marty took a swig of his drink. He raised his eyebrows. 'Drunk and disorderly. Right, my turn. Never have I ever got a tattoo.'
Ed rolled his eyes and swigged his drink, but their eyes widened when I also took a swig of my drink.
Nina grinned. 'Spill.'
'It wasn't out of choice.' I admitted. 'A guy did it to me, but I got it removed last month.'
Ed looked at me, his eyes full of understanding. He'd sussed me out. 'Right my turn. Never have I ever worn a dress.' All of the girls and surprisingly, Marty, took a swig. Ed shook his head. 'Not even going to ask. Sky, you're up.'
'Never have I ever sang in front of over one hundred people.' I said with a smile.
'Touche.' Ed raised his glass before taking a swig.
After a game of 'I've never', I felt a lot more comfortable talking to everyone. Nina even asked me to go to the bathroom with her.
'I think we're all going out partying after the charity event tomorrow.' She told me as I checked my hair in the mirror.
'You'll be exhausted.' I said, pushing my hair over to one side.
'That's the life.' Nina smiled. 'Your hair is gorgeous. Is it like that naturally?'
'Yeah.' I replied with a smile. 'I used to hate it.'
'The girls are incredible. Do they ever get frizzy?'
'Nope.'
'So jealous.' She smiled, applying some lipstick in the mirror. 'So this has been a pretty crazy week for you, huh?'
'Tell me about it.' I sighed. 'Mixed emotions all round.'
She shot me a sympathetic smile. 'I can imagine. You know, it gets easier, you get used to stuff. And I know that you're in the press loads now but it doesn't always have to be like that. Look at Teddy, he's managed to keep his private life private. He's rarely in the press, unless he's performed somewhere or gone to some event.'
'If it goes well tomorrow, that's how I want it to be. Low-key.' I told her, putting my hair back to how it was when we had walked in. She gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze and we headed back to the guys.
I was surprised I didn't sleep through my alarm the next day. I had an hour until breakfast, so I had a quick shower, got dressed into my sundress and I left Zed a voicemail as he had already started to work. After my scrambled eggs on toast, we headed to the venue for the charity event. When we arrived, people were already getting to work with flowers, balloons and the banners which read 'Unicef Summer Ball.' The whole venue was being given a watery theme to match the cause, with blue, turquoise and white decorations being spread around. There were large and small tables with ribbon-decorated chairs and there was room for a dancefloor at the front.
I hadn't realised quite how big the venue was going to be. As Leon, Ed's manager, worked with the tech guys to set up the microphones, we sat on the edge of the stage. 'How many people are coming tonight?' I asked, nervously, as we looked out at the vast hall, which even had a balcony in it.
'About five hundred.' He replied, looking out in the same direction as me. 'I think the tickets were pretty pricey too.'
'Woah.' Was all I could manage say.
He squeezed my hand, reassuringly. 'You'll be great.'
'Easy for you to say.' I laughed. 'To you, five hundred people is nothing.'
He shot me a lopsided smile. 'Just one song and I'll be right next to you.'
'Right you two, you're up!' Leon called, jumping off the stage beside us. 'Let's see what you've got.'
People always say that dress rehearsals always go wrong. But for once, it didn't. It ran smoothly. I sang my duet with Ed three times and then Leon was happy with me, so I spent the rest of the early afternoon watching Ed perform the songs he would be singing.
'I am so glad you called!' Jenni squealed down the phone at me as I sat down into a comfy chair at one of the posh tables. 'How's Toronto?'
'I have no idea, I've been inside rehearsing.' I replied, truthfully. 'But I thought you might want to hear this...'
I held the phone away from me so she could hear Ed's voice.
'So you can keep me
Inside the pocket
Of your ripped jeans
Holdin' me closer
Til our eyes meet
You won't ever be alone
Wait for me to come home.'
'Oh why am I not in Toronto with you?' Jenni sighed, dramatically, from the other end of the line. 'I'm sorry, but his voice still makes me want to melt. Tell me you still feel the same.'
'Goosebumps maybe.' I laughed. 'But the more I get to know him, the more weird I find you saying that.'
'Sorry.' She apologised.
'Hey Sky, are you ready to go?' Nina's voice interrupted our conversation.
'Jen, can I call you later? I've got to go.'
'You can facetime me when you're all dolled up and gorgeous.'
'Okay, bye.'
'Sorry.' I apologised to Nina, standing up. 'I didn't realise we were going yet.'
'Just you and me.' She smiled. 'Girls take a lot longer to get ready then guys and Ed doesn't wear much make-up!'
And Ed didn't need to be waxed. Everything hurt two hours later, when my legs had been waxed thoroughly, my eyebrows threaded and my face had been cleansed and toned. I sat on my hotel bed in a white, fluffy robe, with Nina beside me, snacking on raspberries and strawberries.
'The redness has nearly gone.' She announced with a smile. 'That's a good sign.'
'I'd hope so.' I groaned. 'You don't need to do anything else painful to me do you? Or anything else that would require me to sit in just my underwear?'
'Sorry.' She apologised, turning the volume of the television down. 'It's probably a bit too early in our friendship for that, huh?'
'Just a bit.' I replied, touching my legs. 'At least they're silky smooth.'
'Your face will be too.' She smiled. 'And no caterpillar eyebrows this evening.'
'Were they that bad?'
'Oh in my time, I have dealt with a lot worse. We left later because I knew it wouldn't take that long.' She stretched out on my bed. 'Now, come on, let's order some room service as I doubt they'll be any decent food later.'
Hanging out with Nina was fun, and I was glad she was going to be there later to touch up make-up, and Marty to touch up hair. It meant that when Ed was onstage, I had some friendly faces to mingle with. The Sherri Hill dress which had been chosen for me was beautiful. It was black with very thin straps, and a sweetheart neckline. The bust was covered with black lace and the rest of the dress was a silk material. It flowed out around my waist in a skater-shape with a black peticoat underneath to add volume. With the dress, I had been given a gorgeous pair of silver Jimmy Choos to wear and a silver clutch bag by a designer I hadn't heard of before.
Marty came half an hour before we were set to leave, and Nina disappeared to sort out Ed. He spent ages playing with my curls, complimenting me on how beautiful they were.
'I don't want to tie them back.' He said, simply. 'But I think if I pinned them all to one side then it would be sexy and natural.' His hands got to work, pinning my hair over to one side with kirby grips and then a large dimante clip. He passed me some matching earrings to wear and then stood back to admire his and Nina's work. 'Perfect.'
I looked in the mirror. Never had I managed to get my hair or make-up this perfect. I wished I could always have my own make-up artist and hairdresser. I stood up and looked in the full-length mirror at my whole look. It all fitted together perfectly.
'Ah, I am so happy!' Marty beamed, clapping his hands together.
'Could you please get a photo for me to send to my family?' I asked him, pulling my phone out of my clutch bag.
'Of course.' He smiled. He took the phone and snapped a few shots away. 'They will be so proud of you.' I blushed. 'I will give you some privacy.' He excused himself and left me alone in my hotel room.
I tried to Facetime Zed, but he didn't answer, so I settled for sending him, Sally and Simon the photograph instead. Then I rang Jenni on Facetime as promised.
'Hey!' She beamed. She seemed to be sat on her bed with Rob.
'Hey guys.' I smiled.
'Wow, look at your hair and make up.' She gushed. 'I want a professional make-up artist!'
'I know, I'd love one all the time.' I smiled.
'Go over to a mirror and show me your whole outfit.'
I did as she instructed. 'Here.'
'Oh, Sky, it's so pretty!'
'I know, I'm wearing Jimmy Choos!' I squealed.
'Oh my god, I must borrow them sometime!'
'I just hope they're comfy.' I replied. There was a knock on my door. 'Right, I'll speak to you later. Bye!'
'Have a great time!'
'I will once the performance is over.' I hung up and answered the door.
Ed was stood there in black trousers, a white shirt rolled up to show his tattoo sleeves, a black waistcoat and a black tie. 'Wow Sky, you look beautiful.' He smiled, taking in my outfit.
'Thank you.' I replied with a blush.
He held out his arm for me and I took it. 'How are the nerves?'
'Not great.'
'Well we'll make sure you have a drink before the performance.' He replied with a smile. 'Now let's go and change your life.'
Being back on the red carpet wasn't as bad this time, as I knew what to expect and I knew that I looked good because professionals had helped me to get ready. I managed to call out what I was wearing and Ed and I posed for some photographs together, before we headed inside. Despite only being in the venue that afternoon, it had almost been transformed with lighting and photograph slideshows being projected onto the walls. We were greeted by the charity owner, Zelma, who seemed very happy to welcome us to the event, and she led us into our dressing room where we would wait for our performances in thirty minutes time.
Ed sat, playing on his guitar and I smiled when I realised which song he was playing.
'We'll do it all, everything, on our own
We don't need anything or anyone
If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?'
He smiled at my singing and then continued with the next verse.
'I don't quite know, how to say, how I feel
Those three words are said too much, they're not enough
If Iay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?'
He nodded at me to join in with the next part of the song.
'Forget what we're told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden that's bursting into life.'
'Thinking of playing a cover tonight?' Leon interrupted our jamming session and we both looked up. 'That was really good.'
'What do you think, Sky?' Ed asked, a playful smile on his lips.
'I... I don't know... I mean one song is... bad enough.'
Leon shot Ed a worried look before looking over at me. 'Well you guys have twenty minutes to get warmed up. Ed you're opening with 'Sing' and then we'll go into 'Everything has changed.' See you up there.'
The door closed and Ed got up. He walked over to the mini-fridge and pulled out a bottle of whiskey and some cola. 'Little liquid courage?' I nodded. He poured me out a mixture. 'Cheers.' We clinked glasses and both drank. I crinkled my face up. 'Never had whiskey?'
'Never have I ever.'
Before I knew it, I was stood by the side of the stage, ready to go on. Ed was singing his opening number. I could see video cameras and people were dancing. I needed to pee, but there was no time. Nina squeezed my shoulder with reassurance. 'You're going to be great.'
'I really hope so.'
'If you love me come on get involved
Feel it rushing through you from your head to toe
Louder!
Sing!'
The crowd errupted into applause and I wiped my clammy hands on my dress, glad that it was black.
'How's everyone doing?' Ed called into the microphone and everyone cheered. 'I am so glad to be here tonight, helping to raise money for Unicef. It's a great cause so get donating! Okay, so you've all heard about my mission recently. How I saw a Youtube video of a really talented girl and I tried to track her down... and you know that I suceeded.' He smiled. 'Well she's here tonight, and we have a little something for you. Ladies and gentleman, put your hands together for Miss Sky Bright.'
Nina pushed me gently and I walked out onto the stage, clutching my microphone tightly. My stomach twisted as the audience cheered and I wondered if I could run away there and then and throw up somewhere. But Ed gave me a reassuring smile. 'You can do this.'
He started to strum his guitar and then I knew it was too late to make a break for it. I raised my microphone to my mouth, hoping that my shaking hand wasn't too obvious, and I closed my eyes.
'All I knew this morning when I woke
Is I know something now, know something now I didn't before.'
There was a roar of approval, so I slowly opened my eyes. Ed was nodding and smiling as he played his guitar.
'And all I've seen since eighteen hours ago
Is green eyes and freckles and your smile
In the back of my mind making me feel like
I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now.'
Ed turned to face his microphone and joined in with the song.
'I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just wanna know you, know you, know you
'Cause all I know is we said, "Hello."
And your eyes look like coming home
All I know is a simple name
Everything has changed
All I know is you held the door
You'll be mine and I'll be yours
All I know since yesterday is everything has changed.'
The audience cheered and I braved looking out at them as my companion sang the next verse. Jenni was going to be so jealous.
'And all my walls stood tall painted blue
And I'll take them down, take them down and open up the door for you.'
He shot me a smile and I smiled back, it was contagious.
'And all I feel in my stomach is butterflies
The beautiful kind, making up for lost time,
Taking flight, making me feel like.'
He turned to face me and winked.
'I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just wanna know you, know you, know you
'Cause all I know is we said, "Hello."
And your eyes look like coming home
All I know is a simple name
Everything has changed
All I know is you held the door
And you'll be mine and I'll be yours
All I know since yesterday is everything has changed
Come back and tell me why
I'm feeling like I've missed you all this time, oh, oh, oh.
And meet me there tonight
And let me know that it's not all in my mind.'
I looked out to the crowd, feeling a little braver and they cheered.
'I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just wanna know you, know you, know you.'
'All I know is we said, "Hello."
And your eyes look like coming home
All I know is a simple name
Everything has changed
All I know is you held the door
You'll be mine and I'll be yours
All I know since yesterday is everything has changed'
'All I know is we said, "Hello."
So dust off your highest hopes
All I know is pouring rain and everything has changed
All I know is a new found grace
All my days I'll know your face
All I know since yesterday is everything has changed'
I embraced Ed in a hug before I could stop myself. I'd done it. I couldn't believe it! I beamed and he hugged me back. 'You were incredible!' I pulled back and he took my hand, leading me into a bow. 'Sky Bright everyone!' I looked out at the five hundred-odd people who were cheering me on. And the cameras. Oh my god, I'd been filmed. 'How about Sky graces us with one more song? We've got a cover we were playing around with earlier.'
The song was right. In that moment there. Everything changed.