This is set directly after Radio Silence. I apologise for any inconsistencies.
After the live event, I was invited to do a signing session. Frances had already set up the booth with printouts of drawings she had done for the podcast. I took in a deep breath and approached the booth with some hesitance. Performing Live was one thing, but meeting my fans in person? That was a whole other level of scary. However, before I even thought about ditching, Frances waved me over. She waved her hand wildly and called out towards me. She had an excited grin on her face.
Too late to back out now.
I plastered on a smile and walked over to her.
She furrowed her eyebrows and gave me a look.
“You weren’t thinking about backing out, were you?”
“Good. Cause Raine texted me that she’s coming with Carys and Daniel later.”
I blinked at her in surprise. A cheeky smirk spread across her face. I guessed she had planned this.
“What? You didn’t think your friends would miss the opportunity to support you?”
I wasn’t sure how I felt about this new Frances. Seeing her so comfortable in her skin was strange yet oddly comforting.
“I dunno…. It’s just not their thing.”
I was still getting used to all this. The last time I had this many friends was... Well, it was a long time ago. It was before everything happened with Carys. Sometimes, I look back at it fondly and wonder if my life would have turned out differently. It feels like a whole different lifetime ago.
I could tell Frances was reading my expression.
“Well, you better get used to it. This is our new life now. No stress. No school. And most importantly, no Uni! Just us and Universe City!”
I smiled and turned toward her.
“Didn’t you apply to that Art College?”
She shot me a look which made me laugh. It felt… nice.
We didn’t have any more chances to talk as a crowd had started to form at the booth. Soon I found myself chatting animatedly with my fans. It seemed many had come up with interesting theories and were hoping I answer some of them. It was oddly fun discussing the thing I care about most with so many people. They seemed so different to the ‘fans’ who have been sending me threat letters and spamming my Tumblr with hate.
“Um, Aled? That group of fans have been calling for your attention for the past ten minutes.”
Frances said as she tapped my shoulder.
I turned towards said group in confusion. Sure enough, they were waving their hands, jumping up and down, and calling out to me.
I frowned. The group was still further in the queue, and it wasn’t the shouting that was strange. No, most fans know me as “Radio Silence” or “The Creator” or “Aled Last”. But for them? They were calling out to me, Aled. I squinted my eyes, hoping to get a better look at them, when I noticed something about one of the boys. He had dark hair, blue eyes and dimples. He was also sitting on the shoulders of a blonde, buff rugby player.
I froze. It… it couldn’t be, could it?
Frances held on to me tightly as I found myself staggering into her. She gave me a look of concern.
“Is everything alright? Do you know them? Should I call security?”
I said between labouring pants.
“It’s… it’s just… I… I wasn’t expecting them… I haven’t.”
I stammered about hopelessly. Why can't I form a constructive sentence?
Frances looked at me with wide eyes.
“Fuck, you’re having a panic attack!”
Was I? The room was starting to spin, and my vision became hazy. The loud noises around me slowly blurred into white noise, and… what? What was happening to me?
Frances immediately sat me down on a chair and gave me some water.
“Here, drink this. Slowly.”
“Okay. Now, deep breath in… 1, 2, 3. Now out, 1, 2, 3… again. In…”
I followed her guidance and suddenly felt a lot better.
“Now tell me everything.”
I nodded, but I didn’t couldn't find the right words to begin.
“It’s okay. Take your time. We can temporarily close the booth for now.”
She announced a quick break before turning her attention back to me.
“Now talk. Who are those people?”
“Well, they’re… they’re my friends. From Truhm. Well, were my friends, I guess….”
“I…I don't know. Just… they’re kind of a year or so older than me… And there was a lot of talk about School and University and… And then Carys…. And mum…. And Universe City.… and I guess I sort of just…. Stopped talking to them?”
I looked away, embarrassed. The realisation finally hit me on how long I've been cutting off people who cared about me. It started with Charlie and the Paris gang. Then, Dan and Frances….
She nodded, taking in my words slowly.
“Why haven’t you told me about them before?”
I bit my lip. The subject had never come up, and I never guessed they would reappear so suddenly.
“It's about ‘keeping things separate’ again, isn’t it?”
“Aled, I know it hasn't been easy but remember what we talked about? You can’t just stop talking to people just because it’s too difficult. You stopped talking to Daniel and me when things got too tough, which only caused us to worry! Nothing changes until you open up.”
I did not want to meet her eyes right now.
“It’s different. I didn’t talk to you and Dan for months. But I haven’t talked to them for well, years. I don’t even know how they found me here.”
Frances smiled and placed a hand on top of mine.
“Hey, it’s going to be okay. They came here looking for you, which means they truly care about you. And most importantly, you don't have to go through this alone anymore. You have me and all our other friends! I can always follow you to talk to them.”
I shook my head and pushed her away. I stood up with all the confidence I could muster.
She gave me an encouraging smile. I returned it and headed for them.
“Do you think maybe he didn’t hear us?”
“I dunno…. It seemed like he saw us….”
“Maybe he just doesn’t want to see us. It has been years after all….”
“Look, Aled was going through a lot. He had a lot to deal with. And…. We weren’t there for him. So if he doesn’t want to see us anymore, we should just be understanding.”
They had all gathered at a corner, sharing snacks. As I approached them, I could hear them chatting about me. This is a bad idea…. I should just leave before they notice me. I turned around only to see Frances shooting me encouraging thumbs-up signs.
Okay, so turning back is not an option. I took in a deep breath and approached them.
At the sound of my voice, they spun around.
I stood there awkwardly and send them a wave. Before i could react, Darcy came crashing a hug into me. It was closely followed by Elle, Nick and charlie.
“Come on, Dar. Give him some space. He still needs to breathe.”
Tara pried her girlfriend away from me. The others let go as well.
“Oh my god, Aled! After you left the group chat and stopped answering your messages, we all assumed you changed your number and we were never gonna see you again!”
Charlie approached first.
But before I could response, Tao barged in.
“It wasnt until I heard something about a popular podcast being created by some kid called Aled Last that we thought we might find you again.”
“We spent the last few months listening to the podcast and searching on ‘Universe City’ and “Radio SiIence” did we learn about this convention.”
I was stunned. I didn't know what to say. I had been the one to shut them out and yet here they are, opening their arms out to me and acting like nothing had happened. Tears begin to well up in my eyes and vision became blurry.
“Yeah, I'm OK. Thanks guys."
They grinned back. They begin chatting up a storm, catching up with our lives. It was like nothing had changed, I was 15 again and nothing else mattered.
After chatting for a while, I noticed Frances desperately getting my attention and calling me back.
Charlie whipped out his phone.
"Let's exchange numbers. I'll add you back into the group chat, if you want, of course.”
I nodded and took out my phone.
"One more thing. All of us are going to the HIGGS reunion party ahead of it's grand re-opening. You should come!”
Charlie nodded to Frances.
"Invite your new friends too!”
I nodded and headed back to the booth.
I looked at my phone as a notification appeared.
Charlie Spring added you to "Paris Gang".
I grinned. Reunion party, huh? Maybe I should go.
2087
baratheonpilled
gummygunk
janainaart
titsay
turnnoffyourmind
origamiaround
yousharknotpass