“Oh guys, you’re awesome!” Lia told Will and Gareth. Gareth had played the piano part for the song and Will had added the singing. A second verse had been added. Thalia drooled over their song and then played her ideas. “Maybe as a bridge?” she suggested.

“That was just what was missing!” Gareth exclaimed and kissed her cheek.

“Darling, watch your flu!” she warned.

“Sorry! How’s been the rest of your day? I feel like we haven’t talked in ages.”

“And that out of my boyfriend’s mouth.” Thalia said sarcastically. “But we got along. I invited them for breakfast. It’s Adam’s birthday tomorrow and he was a little complaining about not being able to celebrate it really. So, I’ll make a cake and a bit of breakfast.” She proceeded with her routine whenever there would be visitors. First of all she cleaned up, then did the cooking or most of it and finally set the table. Gareth had arranged the dining corner the past morning and it looked pretty cosy.

“I’ll take a quick shower and then we’ll watch the movie, yeah?” she asked once all the work had been done.

“Are you sure? You’ll fall asleep straight away!” Will laughed.

She just frowned. Thalia didn’t feel tired at all, although it had gone almost one in the morning. But when she lay on the couch, tucked into her dressing gown and a quilt, her eyes felt heavy and she fell asleep, not waking until the following morning.

 

*

 

The five young man came walking through the hallway. On their way they found the dining table to their right, tidied up and set. On their left they got the sight of a curled-up Thalia, sleeping on the sofa.

“I’m sorry. But look at her. I couldn’t wake her.” Will sat at the edge of her couch and shook Thalia’s shoulder gently. Lia pulled the quilt around her head.

“Don’t wanna get up yet. I’ve not slept like that since they gave me the morphine in hospital,” she whispered, totally unaware of her surroundings.

“We can leave.” Mickey said. Thalia almost fell from the sofa, if Will hadn’t sat in her way.

“My gosh! I’m sorry!” she called and pulled her dressing gown shut. “I beg your pardon!”

“I never promised you a rose garden!” Will and her sang in unison and sniggered. “Don’t mind us! Will, sort out the sofa and guys, take a seat. I’m sooo sorry and I’ll be right back.”

Thalia rushed down the hallway, all the time singing: “ Along with the sunshine, there’s gotta be a little rain sometimes.”

 

15 minutes later, to Will’s surprised she re-appeared.

“You should have woken me up, Will sweetheart!” Thalia said. “Anyway, let’s start all over. HELLO!” She hugged each of the guys and then jumped towards Adam.

“Well, Birthdayboy. Congratulations.” He hugged her back, whispering: “Thanks, that’s been a wonderful idea.”

She wandered into the kitchen and took the cup of hot coffee from the working unit. It was definitely hers, since only her drank it with so much milk.

“Will – you should so move in here. Gareth’s so grumpy in the mornings and besides, all he does is sleep and not being here.” She heard laughing from the living room. “It’s the sad truth.” She caught Jesse looking around the walls. He smiled and told her: “Some of the walls, are they painted by hand?”

“Yes. All the details and decoration were actually painted by Penny’s friends. She’s doing arts at college. There’s plenty more. Come on, have a look at the flat. I didn’t manage showing you last time.”

They all got up and walked after her until she stopped in front of the first closed door on the left. “This is my bedroom.” She pushed the door open and revealed therefore a set of walnut-furniture pieces. At the far right side, another door lead out of the room. “Leads to my walk-in closet.”

“Too many clothes.” Will hushed.

“I heard that, William!” Lia teased. “And that’s my bed. It took a long time until I decided on it. The size has been a bit of a problem. A small one wouldn’t have enough space for Gareth and me and a larger one feels just so empty when he’s not there.”

The guys looked around.

“Enough of that. If you’d simply turn around. That’s the bathroom!” Will switched on the light of the right-hand room and let them have a  look at Thalia’s cream-tiled bathroom, with the large tub, the separated shower and the immense mirror.

“Well, nothing extraordinary, is it?” she asked.

“But pretty big.” James said.

“That is because she spends so much time in here.” Will joked and received a punch by Thalia. “No, only joking. I guess Gareth and me take a lot longer in the bath.” He winked at her and kissed her cheek. “Sorry.” Thalia nodded and went out of the room again.

“Well, the door over here is another small box room. For the washing machine and dryer. And then there’s my tiny study or guestroom. But wait…” She bend down and then pushed the door open. “Aww, darling. Good morning.” Thalia picked up the little black dog. “And that is Rémis.” She patted the dog’s head lay him in her arm carefully. He was still very young and small. Jesse made and attempt to stroke the little animal and soon the guys were all drooling about the little one.

“And what do we do with you? I don’t want you running around the kitchen while I’m preparing food.” She said to the dog.

“I’ll look after him, OK?” Will offered.

“’Kay.” She explained a couple of things in the study. “And now. My favourite room. The music room.” She walked up to the door and opened it slowly. This room was clearly the biggest of all. “I spend a lot of time here, that is if I’m at home. But it’s pretty comfortable over there!” She indicated the far corner just underneath the huge window, where she had arranged a couple of huge pillows and candles.

“And in case you haven’t figured: This is her piano.” Will pulled the huge white blanket away from the instrument.

“I’m impressed.” Jesse said.

“I put a lot of effort into this room because I’m sort of married with this room.”

“You really are.” Will sniggered.

“I guess the flat took about a week until I could move in. This room two weeks more.” Thalia guessed.

“Guys – “ Mickey started and pointed to a couple of photo frames on the wall.

“Interesting.” Jesse said.

“What is?” Thalia asked, craning her head in order to have a look.

“Look at that!” Mickey pointed out for her, which photo he was talking about. It was from the EMA’s in Rome in the past November. There was Thalia posing with Natasha Bedingfield an Anastacia. And in the background you could see the backs of a group of guys. Maroon 5.

“Now – that’s a coincidence.” She smiled.

“Wait, wait! Afterwards, did you wear this…” Ryan began, then fell silent in order to think.

“Wear what?” Thalia asked curiously.

“That orange dress?” Adam completed Ryan’s question.

“Um, it was apricot. And it was an ensemble by Foxtrot and Tango.”

“Well, I don’t remember the colou at all, all I can think of is that it was really short and…” Adam stopped in his sentence.

“I guess his original words were: ‘Oh, hello. Someone’s damn sexy.” James filled her in. Adam hit his arm and blushed.

“Thanks.” Thalia said innocently.

“But I swear it was orange!” Adam insisted trying to move away from the theme for a good reason. Thalia giggled and shook her head.

“Anyway, where were we?”

“The EMAs? So it was you who had all the people crowded around at the afterparty. Alicia Keys, Usher, that Italian guy singing the final song.”

“Sort of.” Thalia said it almost absently, trying to remember the night.

“The funny thing is: She never asks for attention. You practically have to drag her everywhere. What was it you said before the Brits: ‘Let’s just sneak in around the back. The red carpet is a little too crowded.’”

“But it was!” Thalia protested, now blushing herself.

“I guess I heard you play that night!” Jesse told her.

“Oh, I did. It was really late, though, and it didn’t sound good.”

“It was excellent. Alicia thought so, and me.”

“Thanks. I really didn’t want to do it. But someone filled her in about my story and she came walking up, asking me if I’d play right after her. And I couldn’t say no, could I?” James had walked over to a pile of CDs on the floor, next to hear hi-fi set.

“Coldplay, The Killers, Moby and what’s that?”

“Puccini!” Thalia said casually.

“Oh, yeah. Of course.” James said with a slight laugh.

“Sorry. I sometimes listen to classic music. I did mention, didn’t I? At the moment I’m trying to get everything I need on my notebook.”

“Sorry to interrupt you again. But, didn’t the two of us crash into each other?” Adam said.

“Pardon?” Thalia said, but then it poured on her.

 

*

“Oh girls! Over here!” Thalia smiled towards the photographers.

“Miss! It’s time!” Irene said quickly.

“On my way!” Thalia chirped in the best of her moods.

“I’ll see you later!” one of Thalia’s favourite singers, Anastacia, called.

“Come on, darling!” Gareth said, slipping his hand into hers.

“Gaz! It’s so great here!” she exclaimed.

“If I didn’t know better I’d say you’re drunk.” Gareth said with a smile.

“No, I’m just happy we’re here, together, you know.”

“Will! Over here! Thalia, can you join him, please?”

“Excuse me!” she said to Gareth, let go of his hand and slipped it around Will’s waist instead. The two smiled perfectly into the cameras and then walked on. It were only a few metres until they would reach the entrance. Once inside, Gareth stopped.

“I’ll see you at the staircase. Two minutes!” he called after Nicola, Irene and Will. Thalia looked a little puzzled at him. But he winked and started to drag her towards a corner. She stumbled and almost fell over a pair of foreign feet. When she looked up, she gazed into a pale but smiling face.

“Excuse me!” she hushed, enchanted by the eyes. Yet it was Gareth, who pulled her up from the floor and then caught her in the corner. He kissed her longingly and made her forget.

“I hope Adam is alright.” Gareth breathed when they broke apart.

“Who?” she asked, a little confused.

“Adam Levine. The one you ran into. From Maroon Five.”

“Oh.” She said and nodded. The eyes had been so piercing and made her shiver when she thought about them.

 

*

Adam had to laugh. She had been drifting away into a daydream.

“You remember now?” he asked.

“Yes, yes, I do. Well, it’s weird it took me so long to figure out who you were when we met the other day. Shame on me!” He laughed.

“I guess you were too engrossed into other things.” Thalia caught his wink and blushed.

 

*

“Come on, Adam. Let’s head in. I’m starting to freeze.” Ryan said.

“OK, cool. I’m getting thirsty.” Adam agreed. The two started to walk and immediately, the three other guys followed.

“It’s so great here!” James smiled.

“You know who this is?” Jesse asked.

“Who?” Mickey asked.

“The girl walking in front of us.” James said.

“Oh, no. But… Oh, hello. Someone’s damn sexy.” Adam said and whistled silently.

“She’s that blind girl. Well, apparently not anymore. The pianist from London.” Jesse said. He would have said more but the girl and her companion stopped. Suddenly, the dark-haired guy started over to the side and Adam could just back away, so that he wouldn’t walk right into the girl. He smiled and looked down at her. Slowly, she looked up. He looked down to her and was dumbfounded for a moment.

“Excuse me!” she said rushed and then the young man helped her to her feet again. He looked after her and how the guy engaged her in a kiss.

“Darn…” he said under his breath.

“Looks like she’s taken.” Ryan said.

“Yeah. But…” Adam started.

“But? That won’t stop you?”

“No, there are other pretty women.” The guys all laughed.

 

*

“Did you paint this, too?” Mickey asked.

“Uh… Paint?” Will laughed.

“Actually, those golden signs you see. It’s real. I mean – you know those little sheets you can use for craftworks? We used that. Took us a good two days.” She pointed around the walls, towards all the small notes. Where the light fell on the wall, you could see a little gold shimmer. It was Penny’s idea though. I’m not into showing off.” Thalia smiled.

“It’s cool. Could that team do our house as well?” James joked.

“I’m sure they would. It’s been a total laugh!” The telephone started ringing and Thalia shrugged. “I’m sorry. Will?” she handed him Rémis, who she had carried all the time.

The guys looked after her. Will had to smile.

“Yes, that’s Thalia at her best. A little chaotic, most of the time chipper and always in a hurry. But you will never get your head around her. Don’t even try. She has many unknown ways. Especially since the… well, since she fell sick last time.”

“Anything we need to know about that?” Adam asked. Will shrugged and patted the dog’s head.

“She will tell you all that’s necessary. And eventually tell you all. But most of the time she keeps it to herself. She’s really concerned with other people and doesn’t want to bother anyone, if it’s not necessary. So… She didn’t even tell us all about it. I believe only her brother knows. She loves him more than herself, or Gareth. Just for the record. And there are some priorities in her daily routine: Coffee, breakfast, updating her website, the dog, being on the phone to Gareth, sleeping. And the rest of the time she’s working.”

“Updating her website? Well, Jesse, you and her can work together for the TD.” Ryan said.

 “If you’re finished with the music room, then you can come back. I’m in the kitchen.” She called. She was humming loudly.

“What song is that?” Mickey asked.

“I’m sure you know…” Will said. “She’s learning to play it on the guitar. American Pie.” Thalia heard them coming back just when she was slipping the first pancake on a plate.

“Do you need help?” Ryan asked. He leant against the door frame.

“No. I invited you. But you could ask Will for drinks. I have to watch the pans!” she said and stirred in one of the three.

“OK. But you surely could do with some company.”

“Usually, I become nervous when people watch me. But if it’s only you, then it’s alright. But you cans it with the guys. I won’t take too long. Prepared some of the food yesterday.” Ryan nodded.

“No, that’s cool. Let’s see whether I can learn from you. And impress Shantell, when I come back home.”

“Shantell? Is that your girlfriend’s name? It’s pretty, I like it.” Ryan smiled.

“Just as her.” He said. Thalia grinned at him.

“All loved up.” She cooed.

“Like on the first day.”

“Ok, then watch this. It needs a lot of practice.” Thalia said, picked up the pan with the pancake in by its handle and ten threw the thin cake into the air. It turned and landed in the pan.

“I’m impressed.” Ryan said and nodded.

“By what?” Adam asked.

“Her cooking skills.” Ryan said.

“What are you doing there?”

“Pan cakes.” Thalia answered.

“She’s a pro. She did this throwing up in the air…” Ryan said.

“Really. Would you show me?”

“Too late. I’ll never finish if I do that again and again. And I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry. And it’ll make you wait even longer for your present.” Thalia teased. “Besides, we’ll have plenty of time. I can show you the next time I get the chance to cook for you.”

“Ok. The thought of a present is a good excuse.” Adam agreed. He disappeared into the living room again.

 

About twenty minutes later, Thalia had put the food onto the table with a little help of Will.

“Take a seat, guys…” she announced but disappeared into the kitchen herself. Quickly, she lit up the twenty-six small candles and picked up the huge chocolate gateau.

“Alright. So, you were complaining immensely and so I decided to make and immense cake.” Thalia said when she balanced it before Adam. He took it and blew out all candles at once.

“Thanks again.” He said and hugged her as he had put the plate onto the table.

“No problem. I love spending time in the kitchen.” She told him. “And that one’s for you…” Basically out of nowhere, she produced a parcel. Adam shook it next to his ear. He tried not to seem too eager while he tore away the paper. “You shouldn’t have done this at all.”

“No, it’s just… I’ve been lucky. If I hadn’t seen this in the shop you would’ve gotten nothing.” While he unwrapped the two items, Thalia sat down.

“What is that?” Adam asked, looking at the little doll in his hand.

“Ragdoll?” Thalia said. “Just punch it and it will say nasty things. Maybe this will help our working.” He looked at her and back at the doll. “The looks are just a coincidence. They had a nun, a preacher, some gangster guy and well, that brown-haired girl. I thought this one might fit the situation best.” Thalia winked at him. Then Adam picked up the flat, square item.

“Well, I can guess what it is. I’m just not sure which genre.” Adam told her, just before he could look at the title. “A classic one. Should have known.”

“And even if you don’t like it. Listen to it once. First of all, these are like the most famous song, recorded at last years Proms. And then, those are my favourites. Maybe this will help our understanding?” Thalia suggested. Adam nodded.

“I surely will. Thanks and thanks and thanks. If I was you, I probably wouldn’t have done all of this.”

“You surely wouldn’t have!” Jesse and Ryan said in unison.

Everyone laughed. “OK, now. Tuck in, everyone!” Adam turned on his chair and everyone loaded the plate in front of him or her.