I didn’t stop running until I reached my room and slammed the door. I slid down to the ground and sobbed. I have no idea how long I was there for. A while later, Karina and Nancy came through from the next room. I had heard them talking in hushed voices. I told them to go away. I really didn’t want to talk to anyone.

I think I must have dozed off lying on the bed. I woke at about 6, to someone banging on the door.

‘Go away. I just want to be left alone.’

‘It’s Shane.’

‘And you think that makes a difference?’

‘Please. We need to talk.’

‘I don’t have anything to say.’

‘But I do. Please.’

I sighed and stood up. I unlocked the door, sat back down on the bed, and called out, ‘It’s open.’

Shane came in. ‘Are you okay?’

‘What do you think?’ My voice was cold, and Shane looked hurt.

‘I’m so sorry. I didn’t know she was going to be here.’

‘And that makes things better?’ I seemed to answer everything with a question.

‘Please don’t make this any harder on me.’

‘Harder on you?’ I was getting angry now. ‘I’m so sorry. I’m not the one who’s ex has just turned up. But then maybe she isn’t just an ex. What do I know anyway?’

‘Of course she’s my ex! Don’t be ridiculous!’

‘So what’s she doing here then?’

‘I don’t know! Harriet, please, you’ve got to believe me.’

‘Why do I?’

‘I can’t believe you asked that! Haven’t the past few days meant anything to you?’

‘If they didn’t mean anything to me, why the hell do you think I’ve spent the past two hours crying my eyes out?!’ I might have exaggerated, but it won’t do him any harm to feel guilty.

‘I’m sorry.’ Shane came and sat next to me, and put his arm around my shoulders.

I brushed him off. ‘Don’t touch me.’

‘Please, Harriet. I love you.’

‘Really? Does Gillian know that?’ I practically spat her name out.

‘Well, whilst you’ve been up here "crying your eyes out" I’ve been trying to tell her.’

‘What do you mean "trying"?’

‘Okay, then, I’ve told her. She’s gone. She went off crying too, but I came after you. Doesn’t that tell you anything.’

‘I suppose so.’ I relented, slightly.

Shane put his hand over mine. This time I didn’t stop him. ‘I swear to you, I had no idea she was going to be here. None of us did. She just turned up this afternoon, and they couldn’t get rid of her. I was as shocked to see her as you were.’ Shane turned to face me. ‘She’s in my past Harriet. She hurt me so much, and I can never forgive her for that. I’m with you now. She’s my past, you’re my present.’

I mumbled a little rhyme that I knew from years ago, under my breath.

‘What did you say?’

I repeated it. ‘Yesterday’s history, tomorrow’s a mystery, today is a gift, that’s why they call it the present.’ I looked up at Shane. ‘Do you mean it? That she’s behind you?’

‘Yeah. I promise you. I love you more than I ever loved her. And I was with her for 4 years. I’ve been with you for four days!’ We both smiled. ‘That’s better. I’m sorry. I don't know what to say to make things better.’

‘You could tell me you love me again.’

‘I love you.’

‘I love you too.’

***

That night at the concert, I really did know that Shane meant what he said. During his regular ‘talking’ slot before "We Are One", he convinced me.

‘Today, something from my past turned up unexpected. It wasn’t welcome, but it made me realise how much I appreciate my present.’ He looked down at me, and then continued. ‘I’m sure most of you will have seen the pictures in the Mirror today. Or at least heard about them. I know many of you will have disregarded it as another rumour. But it isn’t. The girl in the pictures is my present, and I hope, my future as well. I have fallen head over heels in love. Totally and utterly.’ For the first time all week, the audience shut up and listened. ‘I’ve never felt this way before. I know many of you will be upset, though God knows why,’ He smiled. ‘But, Harriet, the girl in the pictures, is the one who keeps this smile on my face. I met her on Monday, but already she’s part of me. Please, please, please, be happy for us. One thing to console yourself with - last Monday, Harriet was a fan too, so it goes to show we can fall in love with our fans!’ Shane laughed. ‘Anyway, I’ve probably withered on for long enough now. "We Are One" - enjoy.’

There were tears rolling down my cheeks. All through the song, Shane and I didn’t take our eyes off each other. I knew behind me, hundreds of hearts were breaking, but in one moment of total selfishness, I didn’t care, because my heart was more complete than ever before.