The Fortune Teller

“We are doing something very very fun today!” Rosie chirped.

It had been a week since Christmas, meaning it was New Years day today. Charlotte didn’t bother going out, she was recovering from the flu for the past couple days. She spent most of it in bed, willing herself to feel better. Oliver came to visit on few days, but Charlotte slept through most of his visits. It was only now, that she was feeling better. She could stomach food without feeling nauseous and there was no desperate need to retreat back to bed either.

Rosie stayed over in their flat most days. She was recovering from flu as well, whereas Rissa stayed away. Not wanting to chance it at all. It was nice, Charlotte found. That both Rosie and Charlotte were soon slipping back into their regular pattern of being close best friends, like sisters once again. Charlotte leaned her head on Rosie’s shoulder. The duvet covered both of them as they settled on the couch. They were both watching Game of Thrones series one, back to front again because they could.

Charlotte gasped over exaggerated. “Are we actually venturing out of the flat today?”

“Yes we are, but not until tonight though.” Rosie replied.

Charlotte raised both her eyebrows, her interest piqued. “What exactly are we doing then?”

“Something, you’ll just find out tonight. So don’t ask me any other questions otherwise I won’t take you.” Rosie grinned mischievously.

Charlotte sighed heavily, checking her phone to see if she had any reply off Oliver yet. She would hate to be the needy girlfriend but she hadn’t seen him for two days and the last time she did, she fell asleep. But she hadn’t heard back from Oliver since yesterday. She glared at her phone before chucking it aside. Charlotte, focus, she thought; spend the rest of the day with Rosie and wait for tonight, you had a life before Oliver so you can have one with him in it.

***

“Is it safe?” Rissa called as she walked into the house.

“No, so piss off!” Charlotte retorted.

Rissa poked her head round Charlotte’s bedroom door, her nose and mouth covered with her scarf. Charlotte rolled her eyes, giving her a pointed look as if to say seriously.

“Good, you’re ready.” Rissa grinned.

Charlotte nodded, looking down at her outfit. She was told to go dressy casual, no heels. So Charlotte resorted to a pair of light wash denim skinny jeans and a floral blouse, paired with her tan Chelsea boots. Her blonde hair was scraped back in a sleek ponytail. She put on a dark cherry shade of lipstick before checking herself once over in the mirror.

“It looks okay, doesn’t it Thor?” Charlotte mumbled to her dog, who sat half asleep on her bed. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

“Hurry up Charlie!” Rosie shouted from downstairs.

Rosie went home and changed into suitable clothing. Charlotte was still in the dark on to where they were going tonight, but from the way both Rosie and Rissa were dressed, it was either a restaurant or house party. Charlotte groaned inwardly, she really hope it wasn’t a party, she was most definitely not in the mood for a party.

“I am thinking of dying my hair blue.” Rissa mused.

Rosie glanced at Charlotte with a curious glance. They were all in Rosie’s car, Charlotte in passenger whilst Rissa made herself comfortable in the back.

“Any particular reason why?” Charlotte asked.

“I think I need something fresh, besides Tom doesn’t like it when I dye my hair so it will piss him off.” Rissa’s grin faded slightly.

Charlotte turned round in her seat, watching her friend’s face fall as she thought through something. There must been something wrong with them, again. Charlotte hadn’t been paying attention to either of them, she felt like a bad friend.

“What’s going on Riss? Cut the bullshit too.” Charlotte asked. Her expression grave as she continued to study Rissa, how did she not notice the bags underneath her eyes or the lack of real smiles?

Rissa sighed heavily, leaning back in the car seat. “I guess, I am, I don’t even know. I love him and he knows that of course. But he loves me, but he doesn’t seem to throw himself as much as I do into our relationship. I still feel we are in this complicated mess of friends with benefits.”

Rosie even paid attention to this, she nudged Charlotte to say something.

Charlotte smiled sadly to Rissa. “I think you should tell him this, no point keeping this bottled up and not tell him. I bet he is probably thinking the same, it’s a big transition from being best friends to boyfriend and girlfriend.”

A smile flickered on Rissa’s pixie features. “Thank you for the advice Charlie.”

“Don’t hesitate to talk to me, Riss. I am there, always.”

Rosie cheered as they pulled up outside what looked like the O2 Academy. Charlotte furrowed her brows in confusion. They were seeing something in concert.

“Who are we seeing?” Charlotte asked.

Both Rosie and Rissa shared a look and squealed before composing themselves. Charlotte narrowed her eyes, clearly unamused, she hated surprises.

“What?” Charlotte demanded, glaring at Rosie and Rissa who burst into fits of giggles. “Tell me now.”

“Wait and see inpatient arse!” Rosie shouted.

Charlotte sulked, crossing her arms as soon as she got out of the car.

“Don’t slouch, at least pretend you want to be here.” Rissa said.

“It would help if I knew what-” Charlotte trailed off, as she noticed a familiar van. Slowly, everything was starting to make sense, “is this... what I think this is?”

“What is it you think it is?” Rosie questioned.

Charlotte’s walk quickened, as she followed the signs through the back entrance of the O2 Academy. It couldn’t be Bring Me the Horizon. It really couldn’t, could it? Charlotte could hear both Rosie and Rissa running to catch up with her.

“Hold up, Charlie.” Rissa said. She grabbed onto Charlotte’s arm, pulling her back.

“Am I? What? Where’s Oli?” Charlotte asked.

“Probably at sound check, so don’t rush sweetheart. This is as much of a surprise for him as it is to you. He was far too nervous and worried to even invite you over, so we had to do it for him, hence the whole secrecy.” Rosie filled in.

Charlotte slowed her pace down. Butterflies were still dancing in her stomach, from either happiness or nervousness. She couldn’t wait to see Oliver do the thing that he loves doing most, as well as Jona, Matt, Vegan and Lee. No doubt Tom was here to photograph, so it was all exciting and new. She wondered whether this would be what Oliver would feel when she would be performing.

“Can we find them now?” Charlotte asked.

Rissa walked off down one hallway then into another set of double doors, Charlotte followed her with a spring to her step.

“What do we have here?” Robyn asked.

Charlotte stopped immediately, staring at the girl in front of her. She was hoping not to see her ever again. Charlotte rolled her eyes. She could not be the nice girl and get pushed around by Robyn.

“Excuse me. I need to see my boyfriend.” Charlotte replied. Not even daring to bat an eye at her.

“Of course, Princess.” Robyn replied mockingly.

Rissa turned around, noticing Robyn and Charlotte, she grabbed onto Charlotte’s arm.

“Hun, there is no need to waste time with vermin.” Rissa retorted.

Rosie snorted, trying her hardest to hold in her laughter.

Charlotte cracked a small smile and carried on following Rissa towards where the noises from sound check was growing louder and louder. The stage must be pretty close, she thought. She could hear Matt do a ba domdom tssss noise on the drums, after a bad joke made by Lee. Her smile grew larger. She had missed everyone since being ill, she missed the way they were all so crazy and acted like they were on 50 million drugs at the same time. She could tell that Rosie must’ve been feeling the same.

“Wait there, Oli doesn’t know that you’re here, so wait,” Rissa smiled, “same goes for you Rosie,” Rissa danced her way towards the stage, leaving both Charlotte and Rosie to wait hesitantly by the door.

“Wonderful practice ladies!” Rissa teased, her voice projected very loudly.

Rosie smirked at Charlotte, rolling her eyes playfully. They were both thinking the same thing, how did Rissa get away with this?

“Tom kick yeh bird out now, before I do it for yeh.” Matt grumbled loudly.

“Nah, I don’t think you’ll want me too. Wait till I introduce you to my two gay best friends, they love love love your band guys.” Rissa babbled.

Charlotte shot Rosie a ‘what the fuck’ look. Rosie shrugged in return.

“Rissa, what have yeh been sniffin’?” Vegan asked.

“Tadaaaaaaa!” Rissa ran to the door, grabbing our arms and dragging us into the backstage room.

Charlotte blinked, clearly startled by the sudden movement. She didn’t have time to process a hello, or wave to the guys as Oliver’s lips was on hers. She was too shocked to function. Her mouth opened in the kiss, Oliver took that as a good sign to continue kissing her. Their kiss was becoming too heated for any audience to see, as Oliver’s hand as snaking its way up her shirt towards her bra clasp.

“Oli!” Charlotte exclaimed, breathless as she tried to steady her footing.

Oliver grinned like a cheeky school boy. “I’ve missed me girl. It’s nice to see that yeh back to yeh blushin’ red not sickly green.”

Charlotte burrowed her face in his shoulder, trying to hide her embarrassment from the catcalls from their friends. “I can’t believe you.”

“What can I say? I am pretty unbelievable.” Oliver winked at her.

Charlotte kept her head down by Oliver’s shoulder, mumbling hellos to everyone. She was far too embarrassed to even attempt to function normally.

“Aw Charlie, don’t worry we won’t take the mick.” Matt said, chuckling softly to himself. “I think Oli was considerin’ turnin’ into a monk, if he didn’t see yeh soon.”

Charlotte cracked a smile at this. She looked up at a bashful Oliver, for once. “Hold up big boy.”

Oliver placed his hands round her waist, pulling Charlotte closer to him. She kissed the top of his nose.

“And you weren’t going to tell me about this concert tonight?” Charlotte asked accusingly.

Oliver’s mouth fell open slightly. “Yeh were ill, I didn’t want to drag yeh out of bed for some silly gig.”

“Very thoughtful Oli,” Charlotte teased “but seriously, I would not miss the chance to see my boyfriend and his beautiful band mates,” Charlotte stared pointedly at the guys, that weren’t even bothering hiding their blunt stares, “if this happens again, I’ll kick you were the sun don’t shine.”

Oliver offered her a sheepish smile. “I can tell yeh are feelin’ much better.”

Charlotte rolled her eyes. She moved away from her boyfriend’s embrace, and struck up a conversation with Jona.

“How have you been feeling pretty lady?” Jona asked.

Charlotte shrugged. “I’ve been better, but runny noses can’t stop me now.”

Jona laughed, Matt joined into their conversation, talking freely about his adventures last night.

“It’s truly a huge shame, yeh weren’t there. I mean us lads need a woman to watch over us, especially Oli, Robyn is a bad influence on everyone.” Matt said, before jumping on Rissa’s back.

Charlotte laughed, along with Jona. They both agreed, but Charlotte was struck with the question; how come Oliver didn’t tell her that Robyn was out with them last night? She swore he only mentioned the lads, not Robyn, did Oliver think that he had to tiptoe round Charlotte in order to keep his friendship with Robyn? That really put Charlotte into a big muddle. She hoped she didn’t come across as that type of girlfriend.

“I can see the gears shifting in your head.” Jona chuckled.

Charlotte blinked. And then sighed heavily, she could trust Jona, and he would tell her the truth no matter how hurtful right?

“What’s running round your head?” Jona asked. Concern slipping into his voice, yes she could trust Jona.

“I am not a stuck up girlfriend, am I?” Charlotte asked.

Her eyes wandered round the backstage area, she noticed Robyn was in the room, laughing with Oliver. A pang stabbed her in the heart. She was definitely jealous, but that’s allowed. Only natural, breathe Charlotte, she thought.

“No, what made you come to that conclusion?” Jona replied.

Charlotte shrugged again. “I think Oliver didn’t tell me about Robyn, joining you lads, last night. I just don’t want him to think he can’t speak with me about Robyn. I know we don’t like each other but he can still talk to me, right?”

Jona nodded his head. “I think you are worrying about this too much, if you want, do you want me to nudge Oliver to tell you about it?”

Charlotte sighed, shaking her head. “No, thanks for the offer though, I’ll have to ask him.” She smiled widely at Jona. “You are like the fairy godmother.”

Jona glared at her, not even bothering to retort. Oliver swept her up from her feet literally. She was in his arms, bridal style. Oh gosh, let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Charlotte thought.

“I prefer havin’ yeh in my arms,” Oliver smirked.

“You are a cheesy cunt.” Charlotte grumbled, trying her hardest to get out of his grasp.

“Yuck, I don’t even wanna think about that.” Vegan grumbled.

Charlotte laughed at his reaction. Then facing Oliver, a cross expression on her face. “Don’t make me tickle you, Oliver.”

Oliver’s eyes widened with feigned fright. “Ooooh, is that all yeh got Charlotte?”

“Don’t ‘Charlotte’ me.” Charlotte glared at him, she moved her fingers towards his neck, making tickling motions. “Let go of me.”

“Say ‘please’.” Oliver teased.

“Oli, put yeh girlfriend down now, people are coming in now.” Tom shouted.

Oliver placed Charlotte down gently, with a swift kiss on her lips. Oliver jumped around the backstage area, bounding into Vegan and Jona.

“I think this will be our best gig yet.” Oliver grinned, he winked at Charlotte.

That cued her blush to appear. Charlotte sat down on the couch in the corner of the side stage. She watched all the lads bounce around on a pre-gig hype. Robyn waltzed towards Oliver, putting her arm around his waist, giggling flirtatiously.

“It calls for a toast,” Robyn started, her eyes flickering round the room until they landed on Charlotte, “hopefully this gig will hold enough money to keep Steel City’s finest music shop running, my favourite place, home and work. I want to thank my best friend, soul mate, Oli, who agreed to do this gig after my constant nagging,” Robyn stared at Oliver affectionately. She planted a kiss to his cheek. Charlotte couldn’t help but boil up with jealousy. Robyn’s eyes landed on Charlotte again, with a smirk, she finished off her mini speech with a forced, “and to you guys.”

Charlotte cheered along with everyone else, plastering the fakest smile she could muster. Charlotte caught Rissa’s eye, Rissa was looking incredibly pissed off. She shook her head at Charlotte and stuck her tongue out at Robyn whilst she wasn’t looking. Charlotte cracked a real smile this time.

“She is getting a slap if she doesn’t back off.” Rosie muttered underneath her breath.

Charlotte hugged her best friend. “Don’t worry Ro, ignore her, she is doing it for a reaction.”

Rosie hugged back, whispering into her ear. “It’s not me that you should be worried about. It’s Rissa, she looks like she is gonna bollock her.”

Charlotte laughed as she pulled away, she had to agree. The anger lines was clear on Rissa’s face, her fists tightening up, ready to punch someone, or more correctly Robyn.

A new voice spoke up. “Lads, get ready, you are going on in five.” A tall broad shouldered man. In his early thirties, he like the rest of the guys was covered in tattoos. He had natural black hair in an uneven buzz cut. An arrogant smirk on his face that made him look like a complete tool. But there was something about him that drew people in, Charlotte felt that, she was sure Rosie did too.

“Alright Ste,” Matt grumbled, downing the rest of his beer.

“I am afraid, we haven’t been introduced.” Ste said, his eyes landing directly on Charlotte, ignoring Rosie blatantly.

“That would be me girlfriend.” Oliver replied with ease, wrapping his arm around her waist. He pulled me closer to him.

Charlotte couldn’t help but smile at Oliver’s incapability to hide his jealousy.

“Good one Oli, sure if she was still single. I’d sweep her off her feet.” Ste winked at Charlotte.

Charlotte blushed, hiding her head in Oliver’s chest. Oliver smirked at her reaction, kissing the top of her head.

“Gonna give me a kiss before I go on stage.” Oliver asked.

Charlotte tilted her head as she looked up at him. “Good luck.” She pressed her lips onto his gently before pulling away just as quick. Oliver raised both his eyebrows comically.

“Lover boy, hurry ye arse.” Lee called.

Oliver bit his lip as he stared at Charlotte. It looked like he was contemplating saying something. Charlotte could see the conflicting emotions in his eyes. She knew it. She knew what he was going to say. But instead of encouraging him like her heart wanted to, she gave him a gentle push in the direction of the stage.

“Hello, Sheffield. Yeh are lookin’ fuckin’ great tonight.” Oliver spoke with amazement into the microphone and was responded with eager cheers.

Charlotte watched the gig intently from side stage, her eyes always focused on Oliver. She could sense his love and passion for music. Then again, their genre was hardly her specific type of music but still she got swept away. She often flickers her eyes across the stage, absorbing everything in. She felt the music run through her, pounding at her heart dancing to the tips of her fingers.

“This song is called Don’t Go, and singin’ with us is our good friend Rissa Markus.” Oliver rasped huskily.

Rissa had her microphone in hand. She shot Charlotte a wink before skipping her way onto the stage. Charlotte was stunned to silence. She didn’t know Rissa could sing. She knew Rissa modelled for Drop Dead but not sing.

Cheers from the crowd when Rissa stood beside Oliver on stage, made Charlotte’s heart well.
Oliver kept an eye on Charlotte all throughout the song. The lyrics triggered a shiver through her body. Was he trying to subtly tell her something? Then Rissa chimed in, her voice airy.

“Don’t go.” Rissa finished, receiving catcalls and screams. She kissed Oliver’s cheek and jumped on Vegan’s back, who carried her towards the side stage.

Charlotte hugged her tightly. “That was astonishing Riss!”

“When were you gonna tell us you can bloody sing?” Rosie asked, pulling Rissa into a hug as well.

Rissa blushed, unusually embarrassed. “Surprise!” She grinned.

“Thank yeh for a mental gig Sheffield!” Oliver shouted.

Charlotte watch the crowd slowly disperse, the few hardcore fans left, one collecting the set list and others were getting guitar picks. But soon it was empty. Matt came running off stage like a bounding puppy, every inch of his body was covered in sweat. He opened his arms for a hug off Charlotte.
She stared at him hesitantly, and tried to politely decline before soon ambushed by sweaty Jona. Matt joined them.

“Eeeeeeww, gerroff, I hate to sound like a girl, but shower please!” Charlotte groaned.

Just as she managed to shrug those two off, she was ambushed again by Oliver and his lips. She could barely gather her wits, her brain went to mush as she instinctively kissed back Oliver. She didn’t care if he was sweaty. She even threaded her hands into his damp hair, pulling him closer to her.

“That was amazing. I should’ve seen you all sooner.” Charlotte grinned widely as they pulled away.

“Thank yeh Charlie, it means a lot from yeh.” Oliver returned the grin, but it was his own trademark cheeky grin.

Charlotte pressed her lips to his once more, before letting him bounce around back stage. She watched Rosie stare adoringly at Lee, it was weird to see Rosie so normal and in love. Rosie was always eccentric, loud and bubbly. Not as eccentric as Rissa though. Why do I attract the crazy ones? Charlotte thought. Cracking a grin as she watched them all fall over each other into a wrestling match, she couldn’t even pretend to be surprised now.