Connected [Luke Hemmings]

• Chapter 05 •

• Chapter 5 •

Renn

I think the more I stay on this tour, the more Luke avoids me. Sure, we're handcuffed, but even though you're so close to someone, you can feel so distant. Though, I'm not exactly sure why I feel so upset about it. We've always been so distant.

Ashton only lets us go when they're playing shows or Luke actually needs to be separated from me. Unfortunately, Luke and I have picked a few fights since our arrival, causing us to be cuffed together for 4 more days.

Now, I'm sitting backstage on my phone, texting Jana, where it's early afternoon. I've told her how tired and awkward my body feels. Jetlag, plus 4 stinky boys. And handcuffed to one. She thinks that I should smile, and let the bad stuff go. 'Just imagine it, like a million girls are jealous of you,' she had said.

I've never been on tour with the boys before, and the reason being Luke and I never got along. This time it's different, and I can't help but want to go home.

"Renn? Are you hungry? I left a note for the boys saying I'm going to get some coffee," says Liz. She's accompanying us on tour for 'parental guidance' and also because her son is underage.

"Um... I'll tag along," I say.
"Great, let's get going."

"So you and Michael?" asks Liz. I'm shocked, Michael and I? Ew.

"We're just friends," I clarify.
"Oh, so you guys broke up?"
"Um, no Liz we never dated."
"Oh... I'm sorry I was given different information."

Let's get this whole Michael thing straight right now. When I moved, Michael was the only one who smiled at me everyday, let alone speak more than a 'hello' to me. I met Calum through Michael, who were best friends. They were kind of my only friends until I met a girl named Bianca, who transferred in Year 8. Dakota and Hannah hated Bianca and me, and never spoke to us. Michael says the only reason why is because Dakota is jealous of us, but what is there to be jealous of? In the halls, Dakota would snicker and tell people rumours that I was sleeping with Michael, but we weren't dating. It wasn't true, Michael and I were and still are only friends.

"It's okay," I say, shrugging it off. I guess if it happens all the time, hearing it from Liz shouldn't be a big surprise.

Liz orders a plain sugar-and-cream coffee, and I get some type of latte. I learn that Liz hates sugar filled drinks, such as mine. "You get used to it," I say. I also mention I'm a big sucker for coffee flavoured things, especially a tiramisu.

"You and Luke have more in common than you think, he loves chocolate, sugar... anything sweet," says Liz. I laugh; the way Liz describes her son, is like he's four years old.

"He would always buy those sugar coated candies from the grocery shop when he came along with me. Then he'd eat a whole box of doughnuts if you didn't come and stop him," she says. Though, I don't know if she is exaggerating or not. Luke is super skinny, he can't eat that much.

"That's a boy for ya," I simply say.
"Listen, Renn," says Liz, after our laughter dies down. "I was informed that your grandfather passed away."

I think that's where my world stops. Right then and there. I can't hear the low murmurs from other customers in the coffeeshop, I can't even hear Liz speaking to me, the only thing I'm focused on is my own heartbeat, that's racing fast. "Sweetheart, breathe," says Liz, holding onto my shoulder.

"Your mother told me she emailed you a plane ticket," says Liz.
"I need to go." I begin to panic.
"Renn, sweetheart your plane leaves Thursday night. Right now, all we can really do is just breathe, and be there for the boys."