Chapter 14

Hauling her suitcase through the airport, Fifi and the rest of the group so they can check in to their schedule flight on time. The guys come to a sudden halt as a swarm of fans crowd round them, wanting their signatures and pictures took; Fifi stands afar to observe the situation. The fans which seem to be from teeny boppers to middle aged women and they all react differently. Some shrieking hysterically with tears strolling down their faces and others who are perhaps more reserved in not trying to grab the guys in places they'd mostly likely preferred not to being manhandled. How do they get used to this, she asks herself but reasons that they probably expect it now since being in the limelight for over two decades. Here she saw the guys flashing their famous grins, hugging and embraced the adoration from the fans. One of the fans had noticed her and Maddie standing back so they called them over to be in a photo, as she wanted whoever was there with the guys all together. Somehow Fifi found herself wedged between Alex and Nick with one fan knelt down in front of them. She felt awkward but just poised a smile and plodded on. 

Fifi is relieved when the security guys finally jumped in to take them to the check in point and then relax once in the boarding lounge. Thankfully there wasn't much waiting for boarding the plane and Fifi desperately wanted to get on it, only so it can land again at the destination. She hates flying, it made her so anxious and panicky. Half an hour later, hands clammy and taking slow, deep breaths, Fifi tries her best to hide what was going on with her as she didn't want to attract any attention and being mocked. Maddie slides her hand on top of Fifi's and does her best to distract Fifi. She already knows about Fifi's fear and has been through this ordeal many times, even more so since being with the guys on tour. Once the plane is in the air, the nerves fade and Fifi focuses her attention on having as much food and drink as a distraction. Lost in the music, she feels a poking sensation and turns her head to see Nick, with his between the two seats...

"What are you listening to? I can see your head bopping along to it..."

"Oh hi Nick, just some Van Halen."

Pleasantly surprised by her choice of music but can't reset teasing her a little...

"So what's wrong with the Backstreet Boys?!?"

"Nah, I see enough of you guys as it is without listening to you's as well!!"

"Ah charming huh?!! You heard this AJ bro.. She's dissing us!!"

Alex just sits there laughing and pretends to roll his eyes at Fifi mocking his disappointment in her, well her music taste anyway. He carries on reading his book and continues to throw in the odd comment here and there. Now Maddie has joined in with the banter after finishing some game thing on her phone. 

"So what is it about Van Halen, chicks don't usually listen to that sort of stuff?!"

Seeing the impression on Fifi's face says it all, she obviously not impressed with this statement she just heard...

"It's the belting of Eddie and the guitar in it, is what she likes... Something to rock out to. But, she does like groups such as Take That and even The New Kids. Alex will remember her loving Take That though, remember all the posters on her wall... Alex?"

After a short delayed reply, Alex speaks not giving Fifi a chance to have her say seeing as they were all talking about her as if she's invisible.

"I only went up to her room once or twice but yeah she did... Who was it plastered more than the others, Robbie was it?"

"Excuse me, I am here you know!  No it was..."

"... Jason!!"

Both Fifi and Maddie said in unison, making the guys laugh. This was good and all four of them carried on talking. Things were definitely more relaxed without Kevin around, or that's how Fifi felt. She didn't know where the others were seated but she hopes the divide between fades away. The cabin crew serve them food so they spend the next half an hour eating and drinking. Fifi isn't too impressed with the food but being ravenous, she ate as much as she could. It was a three course, smoked salmon for starters, seared fillet of beef with vegetables and goats cheese with a selection of fancy biscuits for dessert. She prefers simple meals and not seafood although the beef was quite nice, she thought. Once the chattering quietend down, Fifi plugged her ear plugs back in to finish listening to her music and she does until a bit later on, when Nck is walking past her from visiting the toilet...

"Fifi, are you feeling okay?"

"Yeah, I think so. Why?"

"You've gone a little pale..."

Feeling a little panicky as she knew that her tummy had started to churn but wasn't expecting to have gone pale. Nick goes to get some water from the cabin crew station and one of the crew members come back with him.

"Can I get you anything ma'am? You do look a little under the weather, try sipping this water and take a few deep breaths."

Nodding and being polite, she gives the lady a small smile. She takes the water and does as instructed.

"Is this helping you ma'am?"

"Yes, thank you. Must have been either the food or lack of sleep that I've had but I'm sure I'll be fine once I've finished this water."

"Okay, I will leave to it but if you need anything at all, just let me or one of the crew know."

"Righteo, thank you again."

With that, the crew member leave and carries on seeing to other passengers. Eventually, Nick sits himself back down and the other two just look out of their windows leaving Fifi to sip her water in peace. 

After the flight, it was a show night and so was the following night. Fifi felt fine during the two days and things were running smoothly.