Through the dark

Manchester

Brad arranged for town cars to take us all to the hotel and bring our luggage so we didn't have to wait at the airport.  We check in then decide that it's probably best to just relax. Jet lang isn't great but luckily most of us have slept so we just need take it easy for the day. It's about noon I can't seem to relax so I decide to go find a Starbucks.  I'm not too far from the hotel when I see the Starbucks but it's surrounded by photographers or is that paparazzi?  What's going on?  I want a latte but I don't want to push through that crowd.  I turn to head back to the hotel figuring I'll just get something there when a black SUV rushes up to the Starbucks the paparazzi goes crazy and then the SUV speeds off.  That was weird but at least they're leaving and I can go get my latte. 

When I enter the bistro the baristas were all having a collective "omg" moment.  I take it someone famous had just been there but I really don't care.  I just want my latte and then I'll be on my way.  I place my order once the guy behind the counter recovers.  After I take my cup with my name incorrect as always I head out the door.  My phone starts to ring so I step outside to answer it.

"Hey Tim!  What's up?"

"Hales where are you?  We knocked on your door but you aren't answering."  I can hear concern in his voice

"I couldn't relax so I decided to go to Starbucks but that now seems silly given the caffeine but you know best laid plans and all."  I say. I'm not sure if it's the jet lag or the fact that I know there's no way I'll see Ryan.  At the moment I'm feeling a little lighter.

"I wish you would have asked one of us to go with you." This time he sounds relieved and annoyed.

"Sorry; you're right it's smarter to be all together. I'm headed back now."

We hang up after he asks me to grab them all drinks too. I walk back in the place is still buzzing but the most of the excitement seems to have died down. Once I get back to the hotel I see everyone gathered in the lounge area. Brad wants us to go to dinner at a little place he knows so we all agree to meet back in the lobby around 4. They want to go for a walk however I head back up to my room. I turn on the TV to find a story about One Direction members Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles taking a trip to Starbucks this afternoon. Realization hits me that's who I missed today.

As I watch the video at first it is kind of funny; the two guys are joking around with each other like normal guys do.  Then more and more people start to crowd in.  The guys seem fine but then it appears as though they get overwhelmed.  I've seen some stories on them back home so I see that it's Louis who pulls out a phone and then try to shield Harry as they are becoming over run with people.  Then you see two guys come in, grab them and head into the SUV.  It's sort of sad.  They were hanging out having fun and just got mobbed.  I know I would have lost it so many people touching me with so many cameras flashing.  The news story changes and I sit there in awe of what that must feel like.

At around 3 I start to get myself ready.  I take a quick shower to wash the travel and jet lag off then put on a simple black tshirt, jeans and a cream sweater jacket.  I pull some of my hair back off my face in a low lose ponytail and head down to the lobby.  Brad is very excited to take us to Hawksmoore; it's not a very large place but very well done in ambiance.  True to the era using lots of woods and bricks with beautiful lighting.  We arrive for dinner at 5 and the place seems full.  Brad gives his name and the maître d' explains that if we are ok there is a private group along with us.  We are seated to the side out of the way of the group that has taken over the rest of the restaurant.  I'm not paying attention at all but all of a sudden Melanie gasp and Kate sort of squeals.

"Do you see who is on here guys?"  Kate ask

"I know I know!"  Melanie is squeezing Kates arm

I follow where they are looking and see the guys I saw on the TV earlier this evening.  They are relaxed again laughing with their friends.  It looks like this is the whole group now as I see Liam and Zayn at a table; Niall is at the table with Louis and Harry with French fries hanging out of his mouth like a walrus.  There are other people that I don't recognize but can assume are the band or security.  It's a fun setting seeing them all joking and laughing.  Harry slyly puts a little pepper in someone's cup.  I can't help it I laugh a little too loud when Louis goes to take a drink and he spits in right back out.  Harry is trying to look innocent but draws way too much attention and Louis hits him lightly in the back of the head.  At my laughing the boys look in my direction and I put my hair in front of my face looking away.  I hope they aren't offended by my laughing I just thought it was cute.

The waitress comes over to take our order which is pretty easy as we all order various steaks with veggies along with soft drinks.  We sit trying to talk about our plans for the next day which is a little awkward because we are to attend the first of two nights of concerts for One Direction whom happen to be just a few feet away.  Brad says that he will see if the guys are up to say hello but I ask him to leave them be.  After seeing the news I feel it rude to bother them while they are just trying to have a meal.  So the topic is changed to the match in a couple of days and heading to London.  It's a really nice evening of relaxation, conversation and a bottle of wine.  Mom is the first to say it's time to head back once it gets to be around 7.  Brad asks for the check when we are told the group took care of it.  I look over to see that they are heading out as well.

Stepping over to what looks like a body guard I hear Brad and Mom thank them for taking care of the meal.

"Our pleasure.  The lads heard the young lady talking about how they needed time to relax as well and thought they'd return the kind gesture."  He looks at me when he says it and again I look down to avoid eye contact.

The guys all head out at the same time which is the first time I realize there has been a crowd of people outside.  Once again camera's flash and people scream.  The guys wave, sign a picture here and there then hop into the black SUVs waiting for them.  We wait a few minutes before exiting ourselves so we are not caught up in the crowd then get into the car to head back to the hotel.  It's not particularly late but we've had a full day so we all decide to call it a night.  Once I get into my room I am overcome with exhaustion.  I fell asleep rather quickly; tonight my nightmare is mixed with a dream of a happier memory floating on the surface of a group of guys just having fun.