Page 132 of I Knew You Were Trouble

So please watch.

My hand sails to my mouth, tears stinging my eyes. Before I know it, Meredith is on her feet and grabbing my hand, pulling me back in front of the TV.

‘What’s going on?’ I breathe, confused, vaguely aware that Duncan appears to be filming me with his phone, yet I want to read Aidan’s message over and over again, as if to check that his words are actually real.

‘Watch,’ Meredith giggles.

‘Now, ladies and gentlemen,’ Maxwell Horton schmoozes on camera. ‘We’ve gotquitethe surprise treat for you tonight. Especially you ladies… you’ll see what I mean…’ Horton exaggerates a wink at the audience, and can’t resist a cheeky laugh. ‘Singing a brand-new track, exclusive to the show, called “Agony”, please give it up… it’s Rebel Heart!’

There is frenzied screaming and applause. The camera swoops. Then the voices die down. In the centre of my flat, I feel my knees give way, holding onto Meredith’s hand.

The lights are low when the music starts. I realise there are candles surrounding them, the Rebel Heart boys each sat on a stool with a microphone. They are wearing black suit trousers, black shoes, and crisp white shirts with the sleeves rolled up. J.B. is with them, but his torso is mostly covered by a guitar. I can hardly believe my eyes.

Aidan is at the front, his head bowed. Watching him, my own heart swells.

As J.B. begins the melody on the guitar, Aidan sings.

They tell me that I care too much, thought I’d find a way back tookay

But if I’d known that I’d regret it all, that ugly moment I sentyou away

Now I’m sitting here, I’m empty, never gave you chances toexplain

Just cut you out of everything, seems now I can’t handle thepain

And sorry only goes so far

I’m left with all these aching, heart-shaped scars

The memories of you I’m drowning in

You’re everywhere I look, you’re seeping in

By the time the boys join in to harmonise the chorus, their voices soaring, I can’t hold my emotions anymore. The tears are falling and I cover my mouth. I can’t take my eyes from him.

Give me one more chance, to take you home

I’ll treat you right, take it slow

Can picture our future

Know we’re meant to be

Give me one more chance, to take you home

I failed you once, but now I know

Can picture our future

Begging you, don’t set me free

It’s my fault, and I just can’t take this… this agony

This agony

This agony

Hearing his words, I’m broken. I glance across at Meredith and she squeezes my hand, her face crumpling.

---