As Elliot and I fall behind the group, I’m slotting my phone back into my bag when my sunglasses manage to tumble out of it. But as I reach down to pick them up, Elliot pulls on the drumstick, taking me with it, and the sunglasses move just beyond my reach.
‘Hang on,’ I huff, as I bend down to attempt to retrieve them again.
But this time he tugs harder, pulling me away from the sunglasses completely and dragging me along behind him. When I whirl around to scowl at him, I’m met by his boyish grin, the man utterly thrilled with himself. He continues to walk with his eyes defiantly on mine as I stagger behind him.
‘Come on, we’ll lose the others,’ he says, his voice filled to the brim with amusement.
‘Stop it, youbeast.’ My voice cracks with laughter as I pull it back with all of my strength.
The challenge has been set, and we each grab the stick with both hands, our breathless laughter ringing out as I try to pull him in the direction of my sunglasses, attempting to take control. But it’s clear within seconds who is stronger, and my feet begin to stumble across the grass as he gains ground. Toretain some of my dignity and out of sheer stubbornness, I throw myself onto the ground, planting my behind on the grass.
But that doesn’t stop him. To my chagrin, he merely starts walking again and pulling me along behind him like a fucking pet on a leash, ignoring my protests.
I manage to untie both of his shoelaces with a giddy grin, which seems to do the trick. He relents with another loud laugh, walking us back to my sunglasses so I can retrieve them.
When I’m back on my feet, I summon a haughty glare.
‘Sorry, couldn’t help myself,’ he says, beaming.
‘You know what? I think it’s time. Let’s just be allies,’ I suggest, holding out a hand for another handshake.
After a moment, he nods and reaches his free hand out to take it – but I snatch mine back, shooting him the finger.
He rears back, wheezing with laughter. ‘I deserve that.’
‘Yeah, you do,’ I agree.
We attempt to do his shoelaces up together with our free hands, which requires an unbelievable amount of teamwork and communication, and ends with me nudging him over with my shoulder. Eventually, I permit him to let go so he can do them up properly himself.
The others await us on the path ahead of us, but with a creeping dread, I become aware of my surroundings. And the fact that the path we’re walking on leads to Firecrest’s largest stage, the Firecrest Stage. The one I have sworn to avoid under any circumstances. The stage is a famouslyenormousspace, fit to hold the biggest crowds for the biggest artists. I’m guessing we’re just planning to walk around the edge of the field to get to The Jungle area, but even the idea of being in the vicinity of the crowded space is too much. Way too much. The back of my neck suddenly heats up and my mouth goes dry.
I know Hennie isn’t aware of where we’re heading as she doesn’t know Firecrest at all. I, however, have the map memorised in order to avoid situations just like this.
Anxiety prickles up my spine as I realise I’ll have to speak up now or face it. And for a second I just let myself hate this. Hate being a nuisance.
My footsteps slow a little and Elliot glances at me as his steps match mine. I take in a nervous gulp of air, my throat working to try to form the right words.
‘Guys!’ Elliot’s shout startles me. ‘Wouldn’t going through the Grimlands work?’ he calls, the others coming to a stop in front of us. I stare at him in astonishment.
‘I mean – it would be quicker to just go around the Firecrest Stage–’ Josh starts.
Hennie’s eyes go wide with alarm as she walks back towards us. She knows very well my upcoming panic tells. ‘You know, I haven’t seen the Grimlands yet… it would be cool to check it out on the way?’ she says with an eager look at Owen.
Elliot nods. ‘Me too. If that’s alright with you?’ he asks me.
Still stunned into silence, I manage a small nod.
Josh springs right back into action, changing course to lead us down a different path. He continues to chat animatedly about our new destination, and I’m almost dizzy with relief and gratitude. I feel my cheeks burn as I resist looking at Elliot.
He must have known what he was doing, trying to steer us away from such a busy area. The fact he had somehow identified that we were about to enter an uncomfortable situation for me is genuinely touching, not to mention speaking up and taking action so I wouldn’t have to experience it. I have to strongly resist the urge to throw my arms around him.
Maybe we’re a little closer to being allies than I thought.
Saying that, we were in a tug of war only minutes ago. So, who really knows.
He walks next to me in a companionable silence, taking in the sights around us. Having finally gathered the courage, I face him and tug lightly at the drumstick for his attention. He turns to me, his expression plain.
‘Thank you for that,’ I say.
