Page 18 of Happiness Under a Summer Skye

When they arrived back at the apartment, Meghan was the picture of positivity. ‘You’re going to get through this, you know.’ She hugged her tightly. ‘I’m just at the end of the phone if you need me. I can be here in a flash.’

Angelia nodded. ‘Thank you, Meg. I know.’

Meghan sighed. ‘I’d much rather stay with you. I don’t like the idea of you being alone with this news. I’m worried about you.’

‘I’m fine, honestly. It’ll take a while for it to sink in, I guess, but I think I just need some time alone to process it, that’s all.’

Meghan had reluctantly left and after Angelia had had a good cry, she video-called her parents. It was 2 p.m. and the rain hadn’t let up all day, it was if she had brought it on herself with her current mood. She gave them as much information as she could remember and tried her best not to cry but her voice wobbled on several occasions.

‘That’s it, we’re coming down,’ Angelia’s dad said into the camera. He stood from the dining table where they had set up the laptop so he and her mum could be present on the call. ‘I’ll contact head office right away and let them know.’ It had been the reaction she had anticipated.

‘Dad, it’s fine, you don’t need to rush down here. I’m going to be fine. I’ll get the tablets and follow the doc’s instructions, and I’ll be fine.’

Her mum leaned towards the camera. ‘Sweetheart, you’re our baby; we want to be with you. This is a huge thing you’re going through.’

Angelia nodded. ‘Yes, I know, but⁠—’

‘I won’t take no for an answer, Angelia. You need us. You might not think you do but…’ Her dad’s expression was filled with worry and her mum’s eyes were glassy with tears. If she was honest with herself, all she wanted in that moment was a hug from her parents.

‘Look, why don’t I come home instead?’ she asked.

Her mum straightened her back. ‘To Skye? Can you do that?’

Angelia shrugged. ‘I’d like to. I mean, I could do with coming to see the property I’ve just bought in Glentorrin, so you know, two birds, one stone…’

Her dad sat again beside his wife. ‘But what about your safety? Fans finding out you’re here? You know what happened last time.’ He was right to be worried. Last time she had visited home, hordes of fans had camped outside her parents’ house and she had ended up having to leave under cover of darkness and relocate to a secret location on the mainland just outside the village of Gairloch. The secret location had been the home of Nick Dacre, lead singer of Sonic Idols, the other band managed by Den.

Angelia huffed. ‘That’s the only obstacle really. I’ll speak to Den, I’m sure something can be done. I’m seeing him and the rest of the band later today to let them know what’s going on anyway. We’re having a break for a few weeks now the tour is over, so the timing is good at least.’

‘What if Den says no? He might think you coming here is too risky.’

Den was a Yorkshireman, an overly tanned one with a dirty laugh. But as a manager he was top notch. Sonic Idols were another huge band, and they had only ever had good things to say about his abilities; what he didn’t know about looking after artists wasn’t worth considering.

‘Let me talk to him and see. He only wants what’s best for us all, so I trust his advice.’

‘Okay, love. Well, it will be good to see you regardless of whether you come here, or we come to you. I’m going to do some research into this myasthenia thing. I’d like to know what we’re up against.’ This was typical of her father; he wanted to know all the facts and for them to face every hurdle as a team. It wasn’t just Angelia with the condition, they would all deal with it, as a family. And he was a great one for approaching things in a pragmatic way; research was always the key. He looked into everything before making any major decisions, whether it be a new car, a new computer or even a new breakfast cereal.

‘Thanks, Dad.’ Angelia tried not to allow the emotions churning her insides to appear on her face. But her mother knew her all too well.

‘Sweetie, don’t try to put a brave face on this. You must be so scared. But we’ll get through this, okay? You’re not going to face this alone.’

Angelia cleared her throat and nodded. ‘I know, Mum. And I appreciate you both so much.’

Her mum’s chin trembled. ‘We know you do, love.’

‘Look, I’d better go. I have the guys and Den coming round for pizza so I can tell them. Meghan will be here too because she probably took more in at the appointment than I did.’

‘Okay, darlin’, we’re here any time of night or day. Just drop us a message or give us a call, okay?’

She forced a smile. ‘Okay. Bye for now. Love you.’

Her mum smiled through her tears. ‘Love you, too, sweetie.’

‘Aye, love you, darlin’, and remember, any time,’ her dad added.

She ended the call as the doorbell chimed the arrival of the band.

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