Where The Lines Overlap [CTH]

[36] Sparks

We would be gone until the 2nd of January and then I would have to come back in time to travel back to Brighton for work and university. Still I was astounded at the fact that my parents allowed for me to go, but I was more embarrassed by the fact that my Mother winked at me and reminded me to "stay safe" when they dropped us both at Heathrow Airport early that morning.

The flight to Australia took 24 hours.

It would be the longest plane journey I would have ever been on in my whole life and the first without my family by my side, but funnily enough, I wasn't scared at all and if I was, it was because of excitement. But, I knew everything would be alright because Calum was by my side.

We spent the time away by watching films together and attempting to play them at almost the same time (though mine was behind by a second), complaining about the quality of airplane food, showing each other new albums we loved and cuddling by removing the arm rest between us, before we fell asleep, up in the air, amongst all the stars and clouds.

By the time our plane landed in Sydney Airport, I felt my ears pop.

We were finally in Australia, a land completely and utterly foreign to me in every single way, down to the accent. Eventually, it dawned on me that in a few hours, I would be meeting Calum's family for the very first time. I felt sick inside.

Together, Calum and I unbuckled our seatbelts and got hold of our carry-on luggage. Then, we proceeded to go through lines and lines of immigration and baggage claiming. A long while later, we finally began to make our way towards the exit.

From far away and behind the shiny, tiled walls, I could hear the sounds of a large crowd of fans collectively singing 5SOS songs at the top of their lungs. My heart begins to race at the sound of all of this, as I realized who they were all anticipating to appear.

I felt Calum's warm hand go over mine as I pushed the cart with him. He grins as if to say: "It's alright", but all that's running through my mind is that "Everyone's going to hate me."

Then suddenly, he leans in close and says in a low tone: "You go ahead to the car first, babe. Someone will help you up to a large, black SUV. You understand? I'll be there in a minute."

Confused as to what was going on, I nod anyway and watch him take the cart with our luggage in it and push it alone, walking a completely separate way from me. Almost immediately, a number of security guards and protocol officers rushed to his side to guide him and I knew it was for the commotion waiting outside.

So I walked on my own first, with nothing but my handbag slung over my shoulder like a regular person. I tried to pace myself quickly but was in awe at the number of people who came by and lined up all along one side by the wall, waiting for Calum to arrive.

Awkwardly, I went past all of them with my head down but noticed from the corner of my eyes that they were mostly girls: some were up holding signs, albums, wearing 5SOS t-shirts, had their phones out for a photo opportunities and some...were just strikingly beautiful. I was plain in comparison and so very under-dressed.

By the time I made it through the doors, I could feel myself sweating from nervousness at the sight of photographers also waiting in line. I felt as if I was hiding, like I was undercover.

At the edge of the pavement outside, a line of cars were waiting. At the very end, there stood the large, black SUV. As I approached it, I was immediately greeted by an open car door and a chauffeur who appeared to be in his 50s. He said "Hello, Miss Alexia" politely and then led me in the vehicle quickly.