Written in These Walls

I step out of the plane and watch as the car pulls up. I slowly make my way down the steps, wondering if he came or just had a car meet me. A door opens and he gets out, his huge smile that could light up the darkest room, greets me. He welcomes me with a big embrace and a pat on the back. I walk with him to the car and get in, him allowing me to enter first.

We sit and talk, catching up and life in general, just enjoying one anothers company as we make our way to his place. While I hide out, he gets out. Social media explodes with every sighting. Frame by frame of him is all over the world in a matter of seconds. He seems to just roll with it all, never seems to let anything get to him. Nothing sticks to him, tephlon. I cant seem to get away from the pointless drama but not him, the camera and press love him, the Golden Boy. I do not hold any ill will towards him becasue of this. In fact. I'm happy for him, glad someone can get away with it. God knows the rest of us are constantly under the scrutiny of others, management, the press, our fans. He knows all of this and doesnt like it, though he will play it in his favor.

We arrive at his place and are let in through the gate. As we make our way inside he offers me a drink and I decline, I do however accept water. We sit and talk about things that went on during the tour, how they could have different, how we might have changed them.

I watch as he leans forward and his elbows go to his knees, he's getting ready to talk.
"So whats going on with you?"

I start to tell him how I need to get back to me, take care of me. How I want to slow down and take a breather, enjoy some of the simple things in life again. Stress shows up all over me, my wieght, my face, my attitutde, nothing is left out.

I watch as he leans back onto the couch, he has a look of disappointment, yet he understands. He asks how he can help. Right now all I need is a place to hide out until I figure it out. As far as we know, I havent been spotted so we both will be left alone. It only takes one person to let it leak. One Tweet, one Instagram photo, and all hell will break loose.

He pulls out his phone and starts to go over his calender telling me what he's doing and where he will be going. I watch him as he gets excited telling me about all these people he has looked up to, he will get to meet or has already met. Fame has been good for him and good to him.

"Ya know, I've never done it, but there is this castle that you can stay at, actually there are quite a few, why dont you make some reservations and take it easy there. Go walk in their gardens and just relax. Take your journal write, your sketch pad and draw. Thats what you need. Hell, there are hundreds of castles, see them all, stay at the ones you can to get the feel and experience of them."

A huge smile comes to my face and I like his idea. Its not your average get away and not somewhere my presence will be disruptive.

I start making a list of things I will need to get before I head out. Books. I need books to read. Some poetry would be good. The classics. My mind is racing faster than I can write. I havent been this excited about getting away in a long time.

Niall tells me in between excursions I am more than welcome to stay at his place whether he is here or not and I will more than likely do that. This is not somewhere I am expected.

I decide to go into town on my own. I understand this could be a huge mistake but hope that I am not noticed by fans or the paps. I am covered in a hoodie and a hat to cover the hair. I head to the door and Niall laughs at me, anyone who knows anything about us would know it is me. I tell him I wont be long as he tosses me his keys and he tells me to take my time.

I spot an older looking book store and duck in taking a quick scan and know immediately this is just the place. I grab some Shakespeare and then a collection of different authors to try to cover the famous ones. In the back I find journals of every shape, size, color and texture. I grab 3, all different. I remember seeing an art store as I drove in so after I pay I quickly walk a few stores down to see what they have to offer.
I have stepped into my heaven. Canvases, paints, easels and brushes line the walls. I could spend all day in here just looking. I slow my pace a little so I can enjoy myself. I pick up a few sketch pads, some charcoal pencils and some pastels. Paints may be a little much to be traveling around with. I lay the things on the counter and the younger girl recognizes me but says nothing, just smiles. After paying I turn over one of the sketch pads and sign it and slide it to her and tell her 'thank you'. As I walk out the door I hear a slight squeal of delight and smile to myself.

After I arrive back at th house, I unload my puchases and take them in and put them in my luggage.

I notice a piece of paper on the bar in Niall's handwriting. He made the reservations for me, all that is needed is my card number so I call and finish it.

All is set. I'll leave first thing in the morning. The first day of the rest day of my life

Notes

Finally !!.....