The Only Exception | W2S

TWO.

I'm genuinely loving this story already. I fear I'm going to have to make George a secondary main character for all of you George girlies in the comments 😭😭

Whilst I'm here — I've created a playlist for this song on Spotify. The link is on my message board. It will be updated as the story progresses! They are songs that chapters will be inspired by / songs I listen to while writing.

JANUARY, 2025

I'd neglected to check any work emails or messages over the holidays. Christmas was a time for me to spend time with my family, and after an incredibly difficult year, family time seemed even more crucial than ever.

But now it was January, and that meant returning to work, which also meant catching up on all of my missed emails, and messages. And there were a lot.

As I sat down at my desk, back in my room in the London flat, I opened up my mail, immediately noticing an email with several red exclamation marks in the subject matter, from my contact at the agency who managed me.

Obviously important, I opened up the email, quickly scanning my eyes over it.

Holly,

A contact from the Sidemen has reached out - they would like you, George, and Arthur to feature in a video together. Obviously, George and Arthur have featured on their channel before, but I am understanding that this would be your first time. Please reach out and let me know if this is something you are interested in.

Happily holidays!

Cathy

I knew what Arthur and George's response would be - they enjoyed featuring in their videos, and I would always hear all about it after their shoot. But I wasn't entirely sure if I was the right person to join them in this collaboration.

Everything about me was fundamentally different to the Sidemen. My personality, my content - it didn't fit with the general vibe of their videos, and I was even more unsure it would go down with their fanbase.

All of these thoughts zoomed round in my head whilst I typed out a response to Cathy.

Cathy,

Thanks for your email. I appreciate you reaching out! Hope you had a lovely break too! I'll have a chat with George and Arthur, and let you know. Currently unsure, but it's not a no.

Will be in touch soon,

Holly

As soon as that was done, I swivelled in my chair, and yelled out to both of my flatmates.

Within ten seconds, my door was pushed open, Arthur stumbling in first, followed by George.

"I didn't even realise you were awake," George laughed, flopping down onto my bed, Arthur hovering by the door.

"Surprise," I respond dryly. "I have a question - what's this about a potential Sidemen video? With all three of us?" I ask, hoping one of them had a good idea what it was about.

Arthur's face lit up. "Pub golf! Are you doing it? Please say you're doing it," he spoke excitedly.

"I didn't know it was pub golf - I told Cathy I'd think it over. But - you know, if it's a drinking video, I might have to come," I grin, feeling a lot more relaxed about the idea.

George sat up. "I think you'd enjoy it. I mean, you're good friends with Simon and Tobi, and you know Ethan, and Josh. Plus, you've now met JJ and Harry. Vik is nicer than little ray of sunshine over here," he says, pointing to Arthur, who was still grinning, "so I think you'll fit right in."