Fifty-Five (Amy); Blackout.
"Five minutes!!"
I laugh as Heather squeals nervously, running around in a frantic circle before coming to a rest on the floor by my feet.
"You'll get dust on your trousers." I warn her, grinning as she jumps up with a squeak, and desperately attempts to see if she has any dust on her behind. "Here," I laugh, dusting her down.
"Fine then, don't thank me for getting the dust off your arse for you!"
"Ohh, I'm sorry!" Heather hugs me, and I can feel she's shaking. "I'm so bloody nervous," she says suddenly, answering the question only just forming on my lips. I hug her tightly, ruffling her hair affectionately with one hand.
"You'll be fine," I assure her. 'Fevered Sleep' are playing another gig tonight, and it's a bigger venue, so Heather's more nervous than ever. They're going to release a single in a couple of weeks, and this gig is really about promotion and stuff.
"I hope so... Just better make sure I don't fuck up the singing or anything-"
"Heather, you're going to be fine, okay?" I say firmly. She smiles.
"Thanks Amy. I knew I could count on you to cheer me up!" she says, then gulps as a bell rings. "That's my cue. I'd better go." she hugs me again, smiling brightly. "I've finally found my calling...! Shame it took so damn long, but I still found it!" she smiles more, and I can see how happy she is by the way her eyes sparkle. "See y'later Amy!" She giggles and prances up the stairs to the backstage area, as I make my way back to the crowds. I quickly locate the 'famous people' and join them.
"Alright?" I ask, looking around at them all. Helena and Johnny are chatting away, but look up to nod and smile at my question, Jenny and Lisa are arm-in-arm and looking cute and happy, and the two Tims just nod.
"Heather okay?" Tim [Burton] asks, a note of worry in his voice. I smile.
"She's fine." I nod, then point to the stage, grinning, as the lights dim and the band file on. The lights wipe out, and the audience cheers -us included- as the first strains of 'Home Again' are heard.
The evening practically flies by, Heather looking like she's enjoying every second of it, and all too soon the final encour has ended, they're taking their bows and leaving the stage. I attempt to push my way through the massing crowds to get to the backstage area, but at that point all the lights go out again.
"Typical fucking London!" Tim Roth comments from behind me, and I laugh.
"Please keep calm," a voice booms. Think the host-type-blokey's got a megaphone. Wonder if they keep one handy, in case their mics break down? That thought makes me laugh again. "There's nothing to panic about, it is just a power-cut... Light will be restored presently, so until then keep calm!"
Chapter 54 ; Contents ; Chapter 56
