#taxis manchester piccadilly station

[airportstravel]

When planning your journey from Heathrow Airport, deciding between pre-booked taxi transfers and on-the-spot taxi services is crucial. Both options have their benefits and drawbacks, impacting cost, convenience, and overall travel experience. This article delves into these aspects, helping you make an informed choice for your Heathrow Airport transfer services.

[killymafterdark]

Simon wasn’t planning on killing again so quickly, still riding the high of destroying the teacher who liked their students a tad too much. But then he found himself at the Manchester Piccadilly one morning, no reason, no purpose. He briefly wondered what he was doing there, but then... Simon saw him.

The man was clearly new to the city, getting off the train with a backpack, a suitcase, and a cardboard box under his arm, a look of feeling lost in an unfamiliar place weighing down his handsome features. Simon felt it then, deep in his gut, a stir of excitement that made his instincts sing. He immediately felt drawn to the man, enticed like never before with anyone else.

Simon didn’t know what the man did to deserve catching Simon’s eye that day, but he was determined to find out. His intuition was never wrong, which told him there was a good reason for them to meet like that. He had to get to him, had to study him. He had to have him.

Simon watched as the man looked something up on his phone, unapologetically taking up space in the middle of the station, not caring in the slightest that he was blocking the path, making other passengers go around him. That checks, Simon thought, gauging the guy as obnoxious. Just look at that hair.

Simon cocked his head, watching as the man crumpled his printed-out ticket and threw it in the nearby trash bin before heading towards the main exit.

He loved people’s disregard for the safety of their personal information.

Simon waited half a minute before he moved. He quickly grabbed the ticket from the top of the trash pile and left the station to follow the man. He stopped in the smoking zone by the taxi parking, where the man was waiting for his Uber. Simon lit a cigarette, lazily leaning on the wall, before unfolding the paper to see the man’s name. He traced the letters with his fingertips. John MacTavish.

“Hello, Johnny,” he said under his breath, watching MacTavish enter the car.

A ghostsoap serial killer AU I wrote for the discord's spooky exchange. Hold My Breath in Your Hands available on AO3.

Explicit | 18,6k words

#stalking #obsession #violence #revenge #voyeurism #kinks #murder

[firmustransportation]

Simplify Your Journey: Airport Transfers in Manchester

Introduction

Traveling can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be stressful, especially when it comes to getting to and from the airport. Manchester, a bustling city in the United Kingdom, is home to an international airport that serves as a major gateway for travelers. The quality of your airport transfer can significantly impact the overall travel experience. To make your journey as seamless and stress-free as possible, it's essential to explore the airport transfer in Manchester. This guide provides valuable insights into the various choices, helping you navigate the city with ease.

Public Transportation:

Manchester boasts an efficient and well-developed public transportation system, which includes trams, buses, and trains. These modes of transport provide cost-effective and eco-friendly options for travelers.

Trams are a standout feature of Manchester's public transportation network. The Metrolink tram system connects various parts of the city and its suburbs. Trams are known for their reliability and punctuality, making them an excellent choice for in-city commuting and short-distance travel.

Buses complement the tram system, covering routes that trams may not reach. Operated by different companies, buses provide a comprehensive network that connects even the most remote parts of Manchester. They are a budget-friendly option and serve both locals and tourists.

Trains are a vital part of the public transportation system, connecting Manchester Airport to the city center and other major UK cities. Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria are the primary railway stations, and they offer high-speed train services to destinations like London, Birmingham, and Edinburgh. This makes trains a great choice for both in-city and intercity travel.

While public transportation in Manchester is convenient and affordable, it has limitations, especially when it comes to schedules. Timetables may not always align with your flight times, which could result in longer waiting times. Additionally, navigating through busy stations or vehicles with heavy luggage can be cumbersome.

Private Taxis:

Private taxis offer convenience and personalized service for airport transfers. Passengers can pre-book taxis or find them at the airport, providing a door-to-door solution.

The advantages of private taxis include the flexibility to depart at your chosen time and reach your destination directly without stops. This convenience can be particularly appealing for travelers with specific schedules or those who prioritize a hassle-free experience.

However, private taxis are generally more expensive than public transportation. Prices can vary based on factors such as the distance to your destination and traffic conditions. It's advisable to confirm the fare with the driver beforehand to avoid unexpected costs.

Cycling:

Cycling, while not the most conventional choice for airport transfers, has gained popularity in Manchester due to its sustainability and health benefits. The city has invested in cycling infrastructure, including dedicated lanes, bike-sharing schemes, and secure bike storage.

Manchester's relatively flat terrain and compact city center make it ideal for cycling. It promotes an active and eco-friendly lifestyle and is particularly suitable for short trips within the city.

However, cycling may not be practical for everyone, especially those with heavy luggage or in adverse weather conditions. Safety concerns and physical fitness can also limit its feasibility for some travelers.

Walking:

Exploring Manchester on foot is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the city's culture and history. The compact city center is pedestrian-friendly, offering the perfect environment for leisurely strolls.

Walking allows you to explore museums, art galleries, historical landmarks, and the vibrant atmosphere of the city. The well-maintained sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly crossings enhance the walking experience.

While walking is a great choice for exploring the city center, it may not be suitable for longer journeys or for travelers with substantial luggage. However, it can complement other transportation options, giving you the freedom to explore Manchester's unique neighborhoods and landmarks on foot.

Rideshare Services:

Rideshare services, such as Uber, have gained popularity in recent years and are readily available at Manchester Airport. These services offer the convenience of private transportation with the added benefit of app-based booking and fare transparency.

Rideshare services strike a balance between private taxis and public transportation. Passengers can choose from various vehicle options based on their preferences and group size. App-based booking ensures prompt and efficient service.

However, it's important to note that availability and pricing for rideshare services can fluctuate depending on demand, traffic conditions, and the time of day. Additional airport surcharges may apply, so travelers should be aware of potential extra costs.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Manchester provides a range of airport transfer options to cater to different needs and preferences. The best choice for you depends on factors such as your budget, the level of convenience you desire, and the nature of your travel.

Public transportation, with its trams, buses, and trains, forms the backbone of Manchester's airport transfer network, providing a cost-effective and eco-friendly means of travel. Private taxis offer a personalized and flexible door-to-door solution, while cycling and walking promote sustainability and a healthy lifestyle. Rideshare services provide a modern, app-based approach to private transportation, offering a balance between cost and convenience.

The ideal airport transfer option in Manchester ultimately depends on your specific circumstances and preferences. By considering the strengths and limitations of each mode of transportation, you can make an informed choice that ensures a seamless and stress-free journey. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, Manchester's diverse airport transfer services make it easy to navigate the city with ease.

[biglisbonnews]

Greater Manchester ‘worst city in Europe for clean and green transport’, says new report City region is branded worst in Europe for eco-friendly transport“I’d hoped we could take a Bee bike to Salford,” said Sarah Rowe of the Clean Cities Campaign after meeting the Observer at Piccadilly station in Manchester. “But look.”Her app shows that none of the docks nearby has any bicycles, so we take a taxi. The driver gets £12 and the people of Manchester get 15 more minutes of exhaust fumes. Continue reading... https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/jul/02/greater-manchester-worst-city-in-europe-for-clean-and-green-transport-says-new-report

[liquor-and-intellect]

Clouded- Part 4

In which Jules might or might not have feelings for her best friend, Harry, who is getting engaged to another girl and everything just becomes… more complicated.

or

friends to lovers to enemies to lovers- it’s complicated

previous parts

PART 4

Harry had left an hour later when I had reassured him multiple times that I was okay. There had laid a minute amount of tension between us still as we stood facing each other in the silhouette of my doorway, the moonlight running through my windows to highlight the contours of his face… the dip of his cheek bones… the curve of his chin... I knew that upon leaving this space, things would be different between us. We could never return to our normal state of familiarity with each other, no matter how many times the phrase “I need you” was exchanged.

That night I fell asleep restlessly. Waking up every hour to stare at my ceiling and think about how we weren't starting this “being friends” with complete honesty and transparency—and that was my fault.

I knew I would have to tell him eventually, but I wasn’t ready just yet. That didn’t mean I couldn’t take positive steps in the right direction though.

Before the morning light was even out, I was up with a single bag in tow, climbing my exhausted body out of the back seat of an Uber. London’s Euston Station was already alive with the bustling of early travelers claiming their first spots on the tube. It was a two and half hour ride to Holmes Chapel, with one stop and a train change halfway through.

The travel northwest was quick, my thoughts consuming me enough to keep me company. After a speedy tube change at the junction, I noticed the familiar scenery as we headed north towards Manchester Piccadilly, my home of Holmes Chapel coming into view over the rolling green hills.

I took a taxi at the Crewe Station, the address humming off my tongue like a second nature. We passed through the city limits and I felt the rise of familiarity overcome me as I gazed out onto the streets that stretched across. There was my school, there was my favorite restaurant, there was the place the cool kids would hang out on the weekends. Studying a park bench, I remembered Harry and I sitting on the jagged wood as his soothing words calmed the sobbing preteen who just went through her first break up.

This town held too many memories.

My house came into view as I placed one foot in front of the other down the sidewalk. My childhood home was a warm two-story house. When it was cold, you could find it with tuff of smoke billowing out of the chimney to fight the chilly air, the smell of warm bread drifting through the cracked window. And when it was warm, you’d see a dainty light-haired lady on her knees in the flower beds that bordered the front fence of the property, hands deep in mulch with her favorite gardening apron on. My father would be trimming the ivy that curved its way up to an upstairs bedroom window, but never too much because my mother loved the way it looked. I counted the number of pebbles on the stone walk way, taking note of the wooden porch swing that was rocking gently in the breeze.

My mother's face was priceless as she opened the door to my soft knocks. Her short blonde hair pinned away from her face and her morning robe still loosely woven around her petite frame. Sometimes—at times like these—I loved to look at her. I adored the way her nose was so familiar, because it sat on my face. Or the way her eyebrows raised ignited a nostalgia in me because I used the facial expression quiet often.

“Julia!” she exclaimed before a smile caught its way onto her lips. She grabbed my shoulders, wrapping me in such a familiar warm embrace. She still smelled like coffee and cinnamon, just like when I was younger.

“I wasn't expecting you, love,” she told me, pulling me through the door frame and closing the door behind her. I could smell the aroma of breakfast in the air and I suddenly missed her hot tea and biscuits.

“I-” I broke off, not exactly sure what to say. There was so much that had happened in the short time I haven't spoken to her. What was I supposed to say? “I, um, just felt like I needed to talk.”

Her eyes narrowed and I felt the way they evaluated me under her gaze. She was always so good at reading me, being able to notice when I was upset or hiding a sneaky teenage secret. This was a bit different though and I could tell that she knew it as well because she led me into living room, gesturing for me to take a seat on the patterned sofa.

“Let me get you some tea, dear.” She nodded. “Stay right here.”

I sighed a breath of relief. That was exactly what I needed right now.

When she passed the steaming cup into my hand, the sweet smell of it having already been given sugar warmed my heart. My poor mother who had no idea the damage that I had done.

“What's going on, Julia?” she whispered, her arm balancing on the back of the couch as she faced me, her legs being pulled up beside her.

“Mum...” I murmured, my eyes falling to my lap. “where do I even start?”

She pursed her lips. “How about we start from the beginning, yeah?”

I nodded. “That's where it gets a bit complicated…”

There was nothing more difficult then having this talk with my own mother. I always imagined when I told her I was pregnant, I would have the sweetest, most elaborate surprise planned. I could imagine the look on her face as she realized, with tears in her eyes, “I’m going to be a grandmother?” and I would nod, and we would laugh and I would look to my husband with pride-

But that wasn’t how it happened. Because now, I honestly didn’t know how to get through this without her. I didn’t know what doctors to go to, which home remedies helped morning sickness or— oh, God­­—how to even raise a fucking child. I was at the end of myself and I just needed my mum.

I sniffed and felt a tear run down the side of my cheek being set loose from the corner of my eye.

“Mum, I'm pregnant,” I whispered and I rode out the words with a soft sob as I tried to not fall apart. But there was something about being in such a safe space where all my walls didn’t need to be up. It was so easy to fall apart here, because I knew of how many times I had been put right back together under this roof.

I was too ashamed to look up at her, afraid to find judgment or disgust in her blue eyes that mocked the same color as mine. It would be too much to bear. That was until I felt her thumb brush under my cheek bone, catching the salty tear that had been released.

“Come here, my darling,” she finally breathed and that was it. That was all it took for me to fall forward into her arms and relish the feeling of being held as I let every piece of myself heave in exhaustion. “It is quite alright to cry, let it all out and then we will talk.”

She had always been good at being the calm individual in the family. Her words being the peaceful mediation when my dad would yell at me for coming in late or for wondering why I wasn't with Harry when I had said I would be. I had such a good mother and I had neglected that for so long—how was I going to be able to amount to the woman holding me together right now?

“Are you positive?” she asked me when my sobbing had died down and I laid limp in her strong arms.

I nodded against her, my head tucked neatly in the space between her collarbone and chin. “I took multiple tests...” I whispered. “and I've been very sick lately.”

“Do you know who the father is?”

That was the question I didn't want to answer. My mother was in the social loop with Anne… so she was certainly aware of the fact that he was most definitely getting married in the matter of mere months. There was no way that I could tell her that I had slept with my best friend and potentially ruined our future relationship and most likely his soon to be marriage. I didn't want to be seen as that low— even though I was surely feeling that way.

“Yes,” I mumbled. “I know who the father is.”

She didn't push me any further for the moment, but I knew her patience of me avoiding that answer would soon grow to an end. Eventually I would have to tell everyone and I dreaded that with everything inside of me.

I drank the tea, wishing desperately that it would solve all my problems like it healed the common cold. My mother and I talked more and I felt the weight slightly shift on my shoulders as if it was ready to be lifted. Letting someone else know besides Jeff was one step further to where I needed to be.

My mum told me of a local OBGYN here in Holmes Chapel that was at the same clinic she went to when she was pregnant with me. It was a very close friend of a friend. I called shortly after lunch and was lucky enough to schedule an appointment for the next day.

“Do you want to stay the night and I'll go with you in the morning?” she asked me when I had finished setting my plate in the sink.

I nodded. “That would be nice… Thank you.” I gave her a small smile, letting her know that I appreciated everything she was doing for me.

That night I laid in my old childhood bedroom, memories pulling at my heart strings as I glanced briefly at all the pictures taped lazily on my walls. My first dance, a beach trip with Harry, a birthday party, Halloween. My chest ached suddenly when my eyes gazed over a photograph of Harry and I before he went into his second X Factor audition. His hair was a bed of curls, tall and light brown but his smile still radiant and his irises still dancing. He had both arms around me, his chin completely missing the top of mine by inches as he had pulled me into his chest. I had been so excited for him that day, I knew that they would have to take him back. There was no way they could listen to Harry Styles and turn away as if they had not experienced pure talent from such a radiant human being.

I swallowed and looked away. He didn't deserve for me to do this to his life.

My eyes had started to close when I heard the vibrating of my phone going off on the bedside table. My vision clearing when I saw the caller ID reading: Jeff (Harry’s Manager).

“Hello?” I asked, my voice still groggy.

“Julia,” he greeted. “how are you?”

I sat up on my elbow, officially awake. “Fine...” I answered, wondering what it was that he had called me for. “is everything alright?” Something must have happened to Harry.

“Yeah,” he breathed, allowing me to sigh in relief with him. “I called to asked you the same thing. Harry says you two are officially trying this friend thing?”

I pursed my lips. “Yeah, we are,” I mumbled. “I don't know how long that's going to last though.”

“So, I assume you haven't told him?” he asked. “He most likely would have told me if he knew.”

“No, not yet... It was sudden and he wanted to be friends again with honesty and I just didn't have the heart to tell him... I just couldn't do it.” I laid back down on my back, my free hand falling limp by head. “I'm at my mother's house for the night, I have a doctor's appointment in the morning. I'm trying to take steps in the right direction and telling Harry is next on my list.”

He let out a long breath. “Just remember that the longer you wait to tell him, the more hurt he's going to be. He's going to need time to sort out everything with Elaine, the wedding, and me and the management team. They aren't going to want something like this leaking into the press.”

The breath immediately left my lungs. “I- I don't want to ruin his career...”

“Julia,” he interrupted my upcoming words with a stern voice, his accent blending the letters together like a mosaic. “this isn't your fault alone. Stop blaming this on yourself. Stop acting like this was all your doing when it was as much as Harry's as well.”

I took a deep breath, nodding even though he couldn't see me.

“You don’t need to have everything figured out when you tell him, but just be in a healthy mindset,” he continued talking, taking my silence as acceptance. “He's going to need you to be strong for the him when he finds out. He won't be able to handle it alone.”

“Okay,” I whimpered, swallowing back my pride.

“Get some rest now.” His voice had dropped lower, as if trying to convince me that I needed sleep. “God knows you need it.”

***

I sat in the creaky plastic chair in the waiting room, surrounded by the swollen bellies of women around me. My mother perched next to me, her calm posture winding up my nerves even more. She was being so supportive that it ripped my hear to shreds. I didn’t deserve it.

“Julia,” a nurse called as she stepped through the doorway and I felt the eyes of everyone around me land onto my rising figure.

Gingerly, I stood up and followed her into the hallway, my mum's shoes clapping behind us. The nurse politely weighed me on a scale and continued to taking blood samples and vitals. She led me to a separate room where I sat down tensely on the plastic covered bed.

We sat in the quiet for a few moments before the sound of my phone ringing pulled me from my reverie. Of course, I sighed, it was Harry. He had impeccable timing.

“Hi,” answered tersely, trying to loosen the strings in my voice, knowing all too well he could read me like an open book.

“Hey, Jules,” he greeted, curiosity leaking into his voice. “I was just waiting to go in for a performance in London. Thought I'd give you a call.”

I nodded. “Thanks, I didn't know you were performing today.”

My mother's eyes widened in realization that I was talking to Harry and a small smile crept onto her lips.

“Yeah, it was kind of sudden for all of us.” He let out a breathy chuckle and I could just imagine his hand running through his hair. “What are you doing?”

My heart dropped at the question and I pushed at every bone in my body not to pull another lie into this relationship. “I'm at the doctor's… in Holmes Chapel actually,” I mumbled, he didn't have to know what kind of doctor.

“You went all the way there for a doctor's appointment?” he asked as if he was surprised. “Is everything all right? Are you okay?” I could psychically feel his worry seeping through my cellphone.

“No! I'm fine, Harry. Everything's alright,” I assured him. It was further from the truth, but I couldn't say that or he would strangle himself with worry.

He let out a breath. “Alright… just let me know if anything isn't—okay, I mean.” There was a shuffling around on the other end. “You need to tell your doctor about the panic attacks you've been having.” His voice was lower now as if he didn't want people overhearing.

I pulled my lips into my mouth. “Yeah, I forgot about that. It's not a big deal, though.”

“Jules!” His voice was reprimanding. “Of course it's a big deal. What would have happened if I hadn't showed up?”

I sighed, dragging my hand down my face. “I don't know.”.

Right then the door opened and an older lady with a lab coat strolled in, her iPad resting in her hand. “How are we doing today?” she asked.

“Harry, I have to go. I'll call you later,” I told him.

After he had hung up, I looked expectantly into the bright and warm eyes of the doctor. She had gray hair that grazed her shoulders, and wrinkles around her mouth from years of smiling. Her kind demeanor gave me a sense of comfort and allowed me to relax in my seat a bit more.

“So, we're five weeks, yeah?” she asked, sitting on the stool in front of me and crossing her legs.

I nodded.

Her short hair swished around her as she nodded at my confirmation. “I'm Dr. Kelly,” she introduced, sticking her hand out for me to shake. “and I'll be your OB today and possibly moving forward in the pregnancy. Nice to meet you two.”

After briefly shaking her hand, my mother spoke before I could introduce myself, “I'm Linda and this is my daughter, Julia.”

She smiled and proceeded to ask the standardized questions, making notes on her iPad in front of her.

“Do you have any asthma?” she asked. “Or any form of anxiety problem?”

My immediate response was about to be no before I stopped myself, thinking of the precious panic attacks that I had experienced. “I- um- actually have had two panic attacks in the past month,” I told her.

My mum's head whipped around to look at me, her lips parted in astonishment because I hadn’t told her.

Dr. Kelly's eyebrows drew together as she observed me. “Can you describe these for me, love?”

I took a deep breath, thinking of the drowning feeling I had gone through, the sense of suffocation and closing in walls. “I felt as if there was a weight on my chest and I couldn't actually see what was in front of me, it was all just blank.”

“How long did this last?” she asked, her pen scribbling away.

I pursed my lips, trying to push myself back to that first night when Harry had found me in my room. “Fifteen minutes… about thirty until I was okay.”

“Why didn't you tell me?” my mum interrupted, her eyes wide like moons with worry.

Averting my gaze to my lap, I said, “Harry was there for both of them and his worry would have been enough for the both of you. I didn't think it was that serious.”

“Well,” the doctor interrupted. “it might have not been that big of a deal before, but now that you are with a child it can be a lot more dangerous. What if you fall during a panic attack? Or pass out? Stop breathing? These are all risks that you have to be aware of.”

I nodded, feeling shameful.

“I'm going to prescribe you a small dosage of anxiety medicine along with some prenatal vitamins. Take this every night and it should help with the panicking feeling you experience before escalating into a panic attack.”

She went over more rules with me, setting up ultrasounds appointments and the timeline of the next few months. How my body would be changing and what I should expect from hormones or sleeping behavior. It was so much to take in I could feel the stress in my chest as I tried to remember what the last thing she had said was when she started a new topic.

“I also recommend to stay away from seafood,” she continued. “just because of the possible bacteria that could be inside of it can sometimes be harmful for the baby.” She glanced down at her screen, sliding to a next page as she scanned her notes. “Also, you should know to drink no alcohol...” she mumbled as if it was a second thought.

When the appointment ended, I was physically exhausted. There was too much to soak in and I could already feel that these next months coming up were going to be the most challenging yet. I really needed to get my shit together.

…

I had said my goodbyes to my parents later that day and got a train back to London, denying the money my mum offered to pay for the ticket. I didn't need to be in debt with anyone, if I was going to be a mother I needed to take responsibility for myself and the first step I could take into that direction was by paying for my own tube ride. Maybe it was a control issue… maybe not.

My apartment was small and welcoming when I opened the creaking door. The gray walls wanting to draw me into their embrace and pull me back to familiar territory. I took a deep breath and laid the packet of information I had been given by the doctor next to the fresh bottle of prescription pills.

It was starting to feel real now and the next thing I had to do was tell Harry. Or at least attempt to tell him. But just like Jeff had said, I needed to pull myself together as much as possible before laying the news onto him. I had to be prepared to be strong for the both of us. I had to be able to handle whatever he threw at me when he found out. People had a tendency to do irrational things when put into stressful situations.

An hour later my phone began ringing and I trampled from my bathroom before my voicemail could catch it.

“Hey,” I answered Harry breathlessly, falling onto my couch from my exertion of running down the hallway.

He chuckled on the other end. “Hi there. What were you doing? Running a marathon?”

“More like my hallway.”

“Maybe you should work out with me some time,” he suggested and I could practically feel his light laughter brush my cheek as he chuckled to himself through the phone.

“I know this phone call wasn't to try and get me to work out again, because I already told you last time that the argument is only a dead end,” I laughed and pushed a hand through my hair.

“Okay, it actually isn't,” he replied. “I wanted to ask if you wanted to join me and a few friends out tonight— you know, just a small, private club.”

“Define a few friends.”

Harry swallowed. “Uh, Elaine and the band. I think a few of Jeff’s wife’s friends were joining…”

I pulled my lips into my mouth. Not my definition of a good night if that's what he wanted to know.

“Remember,” his voice was noticeably lower. “we were going to try being friends again. This is a good start.”

I nodded even though he couldn't see me. Why not? “Okay,” I told him.

The cracks of his smile breaking sounded through the phone and I couldn't help but smile along with him. He had a strange way of doing these things to me. Harry was contagious.

“Meet us there at eight?” he asked. “I'll text you the details.”

I agreed and hung up to get dressed. What would pushing everything aside for one more night do? I'll let Harry have fun and I'll break the news soon. Just give him a little more time.

I dressed in a loose black t-shirt dress with a large tan sherpa coat and ankle boots. Pushing my dark hair off my shoulders, I grabbed my purse and walked into the dropping London evening air. My exposed legs were suddenly feeling like a bad idea, I thought as I rushed to grab an Uber on the corner of the busy college street.

The heater was on full blast as I pushed myself into the backseat, telling the driver the address Harry had texted me. It was a private club in the high end of London, Harry and his friends had probably rented it out for the evening. The usually did that when they didn't want the paparazzi having any kind of interference.

I stepped back into the biting cold when the taxi stopped on the corner of the street, my boots tapping against the sidewalk as I pulled on the door handle of the entrance.

There was a short hallway that led to another set of doors, the music seeping from underneath the hinges.

The bouncer's eyes landed on me. “Name?” he asked, his broad shoulders clad in a black blazer and dress shirt. I knew Harry and his friends probably paid him well for performing security on a Thursday evening for them.

“Julia Lovewick,” I said and gave him a polite smile as he opened the door for me.

It wasn't much a club as it was a small lounge with loud music and sleek granite topped bar. The twinkling black tiles mesmerizing as they laid underneath huge circular couches and an open dance floor. The music didn’t pound  the inside of your ears like a normal club, but eased itself through the speakers with a pleasurable tone. As I walked further into the bar, the warm sound of laughter echoed underneath the soft tones of guitar as I recognized Harry’s friends, along with some I haven’t seen before.

“Jules!” a voice called and my heart leaped at it's lovely vibrato. His voice calling my name was my favorite thing.

“Hey,” I smiled and turned to give Harry a loose hug. I didn’t want to squeeze too tight in fear of pushing the boundaries we’ve placed—along with the ones in my own heart as well. Harry didn’t mind though because he gave me a hard embrace for a single breath before pushing away.

“I'm glad you could make it,” he whispered low enough for only me to hear. His green eyes stared into mine for a beat too long. His way of letting me know how thankful he was that I showed. “Everyone's over here.” He motioned with his hand and I followed him to the corner of the room where a group of his friends were sitting in a round booth.

I noticed Glenne, Jeff’s girlfriend first. She smiled at me, her pink lips stretching over her teeth. She had always been one of the girls I had grown closest too out of Harry's friends, I guess that's why I had suddenly had this connection with Jeff. “Julia!” she greeted and stood up to wrap her arms tightly around me.

“Hey,” I laughed. “It’s been a minute.”

With one arm around my shoulders, she playfully glared at Harry. “You didn't tell me the life of the party was going to show up, I might have saved a few drinks for her.”

“Who's shown up?” a voice asked, high heels clicking with it.

I looked over Glenne’s shoulder to see Elaine approaching the group, her long tan legs stretching miles up to her short sequined, skin tight dress, a closed lip smile on her face.

“Julia has!” Glenne continued, oblivious to the tension that seemed to slip between Harry, Elaine and I. “Harry wanted to keep her a surprise for us!” Her ring clad finger tapped the tip of my nose playfully.

“Alright, alright,” Jeff chuckled, wrapping his arm around Glenne’s waist, pulling her away from me. “someone needs to slow down on drinks here.” His bright eyes landed on her lovingly.

Glenne’s mouth dropped and her hand landed on her chest. “Slow down?” she asked incredulously. “Julia just got here! That means speed up if anything.” She reached to the table handing me a small shot glass and taking one herself. “Drink up, love”

I stared at it, feeling my stomach tie in knots. “No… no thank you. I'm okay,” I reassured her, my voice shaking slightly as I set the glass back down on the table. I tried my best to act as causally as possible, but I swear the shaking in my hand as I shoved the glass away was as visible to everyone as Harry’s love of bad jokes.

“C'mon,” she cheered. “the night is still young.”

I shook my head. “Really, I don't need anything.”

“Julia-” she groaned.

“Glenne, love, she doesn't want to drink,” Jeff cut her off, looking into her eyes seriously. “leave her alone.”

His eyes met mine over the top of her blonde head and I gave him a tight smile. I could tell that he understood exactly. I hadn’t assumed Jeff would tell Glenne… but I understood if he would have. Me being pregnant was a large and very catastrophic secret. I had assumed at the end of the day when he was at home he would have let it slip to his girlfriend the mess of my life that I dragged him into. The small amount of comfort it gave me that he hadn’t shared my secret grew my trust for Jeff, allowing me to exhale just a bit more.

Glenne—tipsy and unaware of the everything— rolled her eyes and shrugged, pushing the liquid down her throat before slamming the glass on the table.

“You sure you don't want anything?” Harry asked from beside me, his green eyes too large and too unknowing.

“No, not tonight,” I told him, giving him a smile.

“Ah, Julia,” Elaine said, walking up to Harry and laying her hand on his shoulder. “if you can't hold your alcohol, just say so.” Her long eyelashes batted at me in such an annoying way.

I laughed lightly. “I remember distinctively last year when a certain someone was throwing up in the streets after—what was it, Elaine? Three? Or was it two drinks?” I asked her, keeping my tone light so it would sound like only friendly banter, but the glare in her eyes made it obvious it was most definitely not.

“I hadn't been feeling well that day,” she defended, an obvious blush rising on her cheeks.

Harry's eyes flickered back from both of us, trying to gauge exactly what he should say or do, an obvious discomfort in the way he stood. “Elaine, darling,” he told her, wrapping his hand around her wrist. “let's go talk to Jack, I heard Diane was in town.” And he pulled her away, because he knew exactly what was going on.

I watched them walk away together hand in hand, the stunning knight pulling the damsel in distress away from harm. It hurt—I was lying if I said it didn't.

Turning my gaze back to the group in front of me, I took a seat in the open chair, guessing I shouldn't wait around for Harry to return.

“Why haven't I seen you around lately?” asked Mitch, leaning his forearms onto the table in front of him. He pushed one hand through his dark brown locks, causing them to pull away from his forehead as his friendly gaze landed on me.

I pursed my lips, thinking of my absence from Harry's social life in the past month. Things hadn't exactly been the best between us. “Been busy with homework,” I yelled over the music that seemed to only get louder with the minutes.

He winked, letting out a light laugh as he tilted his drink back. “I'd say that too,” he mocked playfully.

“Believe me when I say I have been far from the parties lately,” I assured him, shaking my head at his playful teasing.

“Harold!” an all too familiar Irish accent called, followed by a stumbling blonde man who collapsed next to me.

“Niall!” Harry called back from across the bar, waving at his drunk friend. I had a feeling this wasn’t the first time they had greeted each due to his inebriated state.

Niall swung his head around, his big blue eyes falling on me. It had been a while since I had seen him, since their One Direction days were behind him. When Niall visited London, it wasn’t uncommon for him and Harry to meet up. He was the only ex-band member that Harry bothered to keep up with.  “You going to introduce me to... your friend?” His pearly smile flashed at me as he directed his question to Mitch.

I couldn't help but start laughing. I had met Niall plenty of times, but the effects of alcohol seemed to push those memories aside.

Mitch played along. “Yeah, Niall,” he said. “this is my friend, Julia. Julia this is my very wasted friend, Niall.” He gestured to Niall's slumping posture.

“Hi!” I told him. “Nice to finally meet you.”

“You are very pretty,” he stated, his large blue eyes taking me in.

I giggled and glanced back at Mitch who had his head tilted back in laughter.

“Ya know,” Niall continued. “you look like someone I know.”

I leaned on the table, resting my chin in m my open palm. “Is that right?”

His eyes narrowed as he nodded furiously. “Yeah. She's really pretty too. Harry always talks about her.” He leaned in closer to me, lowering his voice to a whisper. “Sometimes…” he slurred. “I think—” hiccup “— that he likes her. But don't tell Elaine because-she-doesn't.”

I bit my lip, if only he could be any further from the truth.

“Niall...” Mitch groaned, rolling his eyes.

“What?” he asked, looking up innocently. “Elaine doesn't like anyone.”

Mitch’s eyes widened, leaning across the table to look at him. “Shh! Could you be any louder?”

“Eh.” Niall shrugged. “I'm too drunk for that.” He took a long sip from his beer.

“Julia. Long time no see.”

I looked up from the table to see Emi Prendergast with a wide smile on her orange lips and her sun-kissed blonde hair curled messily around her face. “Here,” she said, laying a glass on the table. “heard that we were the only ones not drinking tonight, so I thought I'd bring you a water.”

“Thank you,” I told her appreciatively, I had been getting thirsty. “And I know… it's been a while since I've been out.”

“Em!” Niall cheered, slinging an arm around my shoulder. “Doesn't she remind you of Julia?”

Emi looked back between me and Mitch, the corner of mouth tugging upwards as she tried not laugh. “Yeah,” she agreed, nodding her head as if she was talking to a child. “she really does.”

Niall nodded as if he knew he was right the entire time.

“Except I call dibs on her,” he continued. “Harry wouldn't let me within flirting distance of Julia.”

“Flirting distance?” I asked.

He nodded. “Yeah. I said she was pretty and then he told me that I wasn't allowed to flirt with her because that was his best friend.”

Mitch’s face fell in his hands as he shook his head.

“But good thing you're not her. I called dibs on you,” he repeated.

I rolled my eyes and took a sip of my water.

From where I was sitting, I could see Harry making his way back over to our table, winding his way through a throng of people. He looked good tonight. His button up shirt was slightly transparent, so the outline of his scattered ink could be seen as the shirt shifted around him. The top was tucked into a pair of wide-legged slacks that traveled up the expanse of his legs, accenting his narrow hips. He could make anything look good.  Staring at him I wondered if he knew just how toxic he really was. The man could pout that lip and I'd follow him to the ends of the earth.

“Looks like I missed something...” Harry’s deep velvety voice lilted my ears. He stopped in front of the table to stare at Niall's arm that was resting around my shoulders.

“Ya did!” Niall answered. “I called dibs.”

Harry raised an eyebrow at him, taking a seat across from us. “Dibs?”

“On her.”

Noticing his confused expression, Mitch clarified, “Niall says that Julia looks just like Julia but since it's not Julia he has called dibs.” He gestured with his glass before taking a sip.

Niall stared at him, his mouth slightly hanging open. “No, I called dibs because she's pretty.”

Mitch rolled his eyes.

“You can't call dibs on Julia,” Harry argued, something settling in his eyes as he frowned at him.

“Yes, I can, lad.” He nodded. “This isn't the Julia you told me to stay away from, this is another that looks just like her. That's why I can call dibs.”

Harry's eyes flickered back to me, hoping I didn't catch the slip about Niall being told to stay away from me.

I pretended I didn't and took a sip of my drink.

“What's going on here?” Elaine said too loudly. Her voice too high pitched for my sensitive ears. She slid onto Harry's lap, her arm falling loosely around his neck.

I looked down at the table.

“Looks like someone is getting cozy over here, Harry,” she sang, while she eyed me and Niall.

“They are not getting cozy,” Harry said sternly, his jaw tense.

Niall leaned in towards me, his face inches from my own. “Maybe we can get cozy at my place after this, yeah?” he attempted to whisper, but his state seemed to deceive him because it was practically yelled for everyone to hear.

Before I could respond, Mitch erupted into laughter next to us, his head tilted back and his eyes screwed shut. I bit back my smile, trying my best to not laugh along with him.

“He thinks I'm kidding,” Niall huffed and let go of me to slump back in his seat and take a long sip of his glass.

I couldn't help but chuckle at how completely drunk he was.

“They'd make a cute couple, wouldn't they, Haz?” Elaine asked, her hand brushing its way through his hair.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Mitch roll his eyes.

Harry bit his cheek, making no acknowledgment that Elaine—obnoxiously—hanging over him. “He's not her type,” he mumbled.

I watched him curiously,

She traced her finger across his plump lip and I felt the urge to get out of my seat and throw up. “Oh, you don't know what she wants.”

“Aye, lads!” Niall cheered, pulling himself clumsily up onto his feet in the chair. Obviously, he was unaware of the awkward tension that Elaine had just created. “can I have a toast?”

“Niall, sit down, you drunk,” Mitch scolded as he fought off a tugging smile.

He shook his head, the movement causing him to sway back and forth on his feet and I instinctively reached up to grasp his hand, allowing him to steady himself. “I'm not that drunk.”

Harry's green eyes grew bigger. “Yeah, you're pretty wasted, lad, maybe you should get down.”

“Whoa, what did I miss?” Adam asked as he strolled toward the table, a look of confusion on his face as he eyed Niall cautiously who was still standing and swaying with a drink in his hand.

“I'm making a toast, that's what you missed!” Niall yelled back at him.

Adam smiled, sitting down next to Emi. “Don't want to miss this,” he muttered, trying to hide the urge to laugh.

“Excuse me, everyone!” he yelled, looking out to everyone around us. “I would like to make a toast.”

Mitch leaned back in his seat, shaking with laughter.

“I want everyone to know that I have called dibs on Julia!” Before anyone could form a response, he threw his head back and downed the rest of the glass.

My face fell in my hands as I joined Mitch in laughing, my shoulders shaking up and down. As much as I hated being around Harry and Elaine while they were being an annoying couple, I was glad I had come out tonight. Even if it was for a short time, I needed to feel the bubbling of giggles in my stomach and light air of being around friends. It was hard to live a life without those experiences, I knew from firsthand experience when attempting to distance myself these past few weeks.

I knew it wouldn’t last long, but I was willing to soak up as much of it as could at this particular moment in time.

…

Harry's P.O.V

I leaned back in my chair, watching Julia shake with laughter. Her eyes squeezed shut and her lips stretching all the way from ear to ear. Her hands were gathered in front of her chest, a gesture she normally did when she laughed. She was so mesmerizing.

“Hey.”

I averted my attention to the girl who was sitting daintily on my thighs, the one who wore my ring on her finger.

She moved my chin to face her, trying to get me to listen.

“Pay attention to me,” she giggled, trying so hard not to sound rude when in reality she wanted to. El always did that. She always tried to soften the blow of her words with a slick smile or the bat of her eyelashes. She demanded attention.

“I am,” I told her softly, dragging my gaze away from Niall who was scooting closer to Jules.

She shifted in my lap so she was blocking my view of them. “Are we going to go venue shopping tomorrow?”

I swallowed. All I've heard about this past week and a half is the wedding. What colors, what dresses, what style, what theme. Harry, what kind of table cloths? Should I invite a talk show host for the publicity? It was everywhere I turned—I couldn't escape it.

“Yeah, sure. If you want,” I told her.

She nodded. “Well, I do. I think I want to look at the huge event center here in London. The one with a lot of seating.”

I nodded. Of course she did.

“What about the one in Holmes?” I asked for what felt like the hundredth time.

Elaine's nose wrinkled. “I told you I didn't like that one,” she said again. “it's too tacky.”

That was a new one. Usually she would tell me it was too small or in the middle of such sketchy street. This was the root of the problem, it was now too tacky. Ever since I was little I wanted to get married in that building. Of course I would give the bride her say because this day was all about her, but it still would have been nice for consideration.

“Harry!” I looked up at Adam’s voice. “do you remember what time we were supposed to meet the band at the studio tomorrow night?” He had his arm wrapped around Emi’s shoulder, her back leaning into him casually.

“Six,” Jeff answered, walking up to the table with Glenne just behind him.

Niall glanced at his watch. “Well,” he said, his accent much more heavier than usual with the amount of alcohol he had been consuming. “It's 12 already, we might as well start heading there.”

The table was silent. Drunk Niall tended to forget that we weren’t in a band together anymore.

“You have time, Niall,” Julia said gently, her lips shaking slightly as she bit back a giggle. Her  hand landed on his arm as he went to stand. “wait a while and you can all go together.”

“Don't worry, love!” he told her and I felt my heart clench with it. “I'm just going to the bathroom, I'll be back.” His grin was wide as he smiled at all of us before stumbling drunkenly towards the other side of the room.

Mitch sighed and put his hands on the table before standing up. “I'm going to go make sure he doesn't go into the wrong room.” His curls fell around him as he shook his head before following him.

Glenne took a seat by Julia, leaning in closely to whisper something in her ear that caused them both to start giggling. She had always gotten along very well no matter what kind of atmosphere she was thrown into. Julia could walk up to a stranger and make friends in a second, she was just that way. People liked her.

I guess that's why we had gotten along so well over the years. I had been so quiet and reserved when I was younger and when I was with her, I actually had a chance at feeling normal. I had been her trusty sidekick as she flew about talking to everyone in the room once before finally settling. It was just her—it was just Julia.

“What are you two giggling about over there?” Emi asked with a glint in her eye. There was some unspoken girl-talk going on between the three.

Elaine cleared her throat on my lap, looking down at her hands. She had never really hit it off with the mate's girls.

“What are they talking about?” Jeff asked, taking a seat by Glenne, eyeing them playfully.

“Tell me if I'm wrong,” Glenne began. “but it seems as if Niall has a bit of a crush on Julia.”

“You're wrong,” I told her immediately without thinking, the words had just forced themselves past my lips before I could stop them.

Adam lifted an eyebrow. “I think you're wrong here, lad,” he told me.

I could feel Julia's eyes on me.

“He doesn't like, Julia,” I said exasperatedly. There was no way— Niall couldn't like her. “He's just drunk.”

Julia swallowed and looked down.

Adam kept it going though. “Niall only exaggerates when he's drunk, that means those feelings have to have come from somewhere.” He didn't see that my jaw muscles were already tensed or that I was rolling my eyes.

“Like I said,” I told him, hoping he would drop it. I didn't want to talk about this anymore. “he's just drunk.”

Julia's P.O.V

My chest tightened at Harry's words. Was it really so difficult to accept that someone could like me? He made it sound that the only way a man could think I was pretty is if he was drunk. I felt the tears in the back of my throat as I struggled to swallow them down.

“Excuse me,” I mumbled, pushing my chair back from the table and desperately searching for some kind of oasis from this situation. I didn't want these people to see me cry.

Walking to the hallway where Niall disappeared to, I followed the tile where a small exit door sat. I needed some air— some kind of relief.

Harry didn't think. He didn't realize that his words were harsh and were cutting me to the core. I know that I had just been his second choice- a mistake even- but that didn't mean he had to humiliate me in front of his friends.

I pushed the door open, welcoming the cool night air as it hit my flushed face. Maybe it was just my hormones, the doctor had warned be about those.

Leaning against the brick wall of the alley, I sucked in a deep breath. I just needed to take a minute to calm myself down, then I'll go back in there. Maybe no one caught my damp eyes or shaking hands, maybe they just thought I had to go to the bathroom.

The door opened behind me, followed by a soft, “Julia.”

When I focused on Jeff walking through the threshold, I realized then, that I had hoped it would be Harry.

“Are you okay?” he asked, standing across from me and leaning against the opposite wall. His hand shoved into his black leather jacket as his moonlit eyes took me in, looking for a crack in my rigid posture.

I nodded.

“I don't think he meant it like that—”

“I know what he meant, Jeff,” I whispered. “It's okay. I just needed some air.”

He shook his head. “No, you obviously don't understand.” He pushed himself away from the wall. “He's just jealous—”

“Don't say that to me,” I replied, my voice as thin as paper. “Please, I'm begging you. You can't say those things to me.”

“Julia! It's only true, why can't you see it?” he shouted, his voice louder as he pulled at his hair in frustration.

“Because!” I screamed back. “If I see it, then I'll believe it and if I believe it then this will hurt so much more than it already does, okay?”

He glared at me, something shifting behind his eyes as he breathed through his nose.

“I don't even know why you care,” I sighed, throwing up my hands.

His eyes finally broke away from mine as he looked towards the end of the alley way. “Because,” he murmured. “I don't want him to ruin his life. Harry would do the same for me and I only want to return the favor. He's different when he's with you.”

“People change,” I whisper, but before he could respond the door opened for the third time tonight. This time, a disheveled looking Harry coming through, his eyes landing on the two of us in confusion.

“What are you doing?” he asked, his eyes widening.

Jeff, who had fallen back against the wall, pushed himself from it, walking past Harry and holding the door open. “We were just talking.” The slam of the metal door punctuating his sentence.

Harry looked back at me, but I averted my gaze to the ground.

“Are you mad at me?” he asked.

I sighed. “No, Harry. I'm just tired.” I was mad though, but I knew I had no right to be from all the secrets I was keeping.

“No. You’re mad,” he stated.

I shook my head. “It doesn't matter any way.”

“But it does.”

I looked up to him. Why was he being so relentless?

Harry moved closer to me, his green eyes as big as the secrets between us. If I could, I’d fall right into them.

“No, it doesn't,” I said slowly, looking him straight in the eyes. I didn't want him pushing me right now when I was already so close to an edge.

Harry's arms crossed over his chest, the muscles distracting me as they moved under his tanned skin. “There's something you're not telling me,” he stated.

I took a deep breath. “There's a lot of things I'm not telling you,” I murmured.

He didn't move, but his eyes eternally frozen on me as so many thoughts and emotions passed behind them. I couldn't catch a single one, they were so sudden and quick it left me dizzy.

There wasn't time to catch my breath before he took a step closer and crushed our lips together. All my willpower demolishing along with it.

…

It was right after Harry pressed his lips against mine that a fire ignited in the pit of my stomach and at that moment I was so afraid it would burn us both to unrecognizable ashes.

It was this unknown rhythm that sang when our mouths danced together, a melody I suddenly knew although I was sure I had never heard it before this moment. His large hand cupped my hip bone, the thin material of my shirt threatening to run away beneath his fingers as it rode up in his grasp.

I let my curious hand wander up the length of his forearm, wrapping around the toned bicep under his sleeve. This feeling, as small as it was, felt like the best thing on this earth, how could I have been deprived for so long?

His finger hooked in the belt loop of my pants pulling me closer to him as distance could allow before backing me up against the brick wall behind me. Immediately without thought, my hand rose in front of my stomach, easing the pressure of our bodies from my belly. Before he could question it, though, I let my hand travel the expanse of his abdomen, feeling the curves and dips of his muscles. I wasn't certain if I was stepping on the top of his feet or not as his mouth traveled down to my neck, his nose skimming the vein under my ear. Harry pressed wet, passionate kissed along my skin, each one sending shivers of ecstasy down to my toes.

“What are we doing to each other?” he mumbled, his eyes landed on me as his words fanned over my face, each one of his exhales becoming breath in my lungs.

I took in his big brown eyes, each freckle on his nose. He was pure beauty.

Letting my other hand free from his arm, it wandered greedily over the dip of his nose, letting his silky eyelashes flutter against them. “We're robbers, Harry,” I whispered, soaking in as much as I could before this moment could vanish.

His eyebrows pulled together.

“We take and we take and one day we will have to return it, but then nothing will be left. But we might as well take as much as we can now, right?” His eyes, having wondered down to my lips met my own gaze again, a mutual understanding growing between us.

Harry swallowed, his jaw twitching before he kissed me for the second time.

He didn't know how right I was, though. He didn't realize that I was taking so much of him in that moment for when I would have to tell him secrets that would change everything. I would ruin his career, I would ruin his relationship, and I would most likely ruin this friendship between us that was already hanging by a thread. In this moment I was so greedy.

I let myself kiss him still…

As a groan sounded from his throat, the noise of a door opening stopped me cold.

Both of us froze, lips parted and heavy breathing circling the atmosphere.

“Um-”

I looked up to see Jeff, his eyes wide and his mouth slightly parted, there was this small smirk that was beginning to rise on his lips.

Harry pushed himself away from me, leaning against the other wall. His eyes, although, never straying from my figure.

“I—I was just—” Jeff gestured in the area around him, at a loss for words. “I was checking on you, but now... I guess, I see everything is fine...” He pursed his lips.

Harry let out a shaky breath, his eyes meeting mine as we shared this understanding from the feet separating us.

“Yeah, I'm going to go,” Jeff said loudly, as if he thought we couldn't hear him, With my eyes on Harry it felt as if I could drown out the rest of the world around me and focus solely on his electric green eyes.

Harry nodded.

“Yeah, okay.” And the door shut a moment later.

Harry let out a long breath, closing his eyes and leaning his head back against the bricks. “Why is everything so difficult?” he asked.

I crossed my arms. He had no idea.

“How did my life get to this moment where I suddenly start to question everything?” he said, opening his eyes to look at me, searching my face for answers. “When everything was starting to fall into place... Boom— you happen.”

I swallowed and looked away. I couldn't shove away the guilt sinking to the bottom of my spine. One of us is always pushing away. Never hot or cold, but somehow switching back and forth. I had to be the cold one right now.

“We've been gone for a while,” I mumbled. “they're probably wondering where we are.”

He stared at me for a moment, gauging my emotions. Then, he slowly nodded. “Yeah, you're right.” He walked toward me, grabbing my hand in his. Letting his thumb brush over my knuckles as he thought. “We'll talk about this soon,” he promised, looking me straight in the eyes. “we'll figure things out.”

I gave him a small smile, wrapping my other hand over the top of his. “Yeah, we'll figure everything out,” I mumbled.

He gave me a smile, bending down to press a lingering kiss to the corner of my mouth, before letting go and walking to the door. I stood and watched him retreat, my hand falling limp.

“See you in a minute,” he said.

The door closed in reply.

I gave it a couple of seconds before gathering myself and opening the door after him.

What just happened?

I shook my head, taking a breath and walking inside. I could hear the music picking up from the speakers in the room and suddenly I didn't feel like hanging out anymore. I wanted to go home and gather my thoughts.

“What are you doing?” A demand.

I spun around to see Jeff leaning against the inside of the doorway. His leather-clad arms crossed on his chest as his shoulder rested casually on the corner, legs crossed at the ankles. His gold eyes soaked my appearance up like a sponge, I didn't have to ask to know what he was talking about.

“I don't know,” I said honestly. It was the truest statement of my lifetime.

He sighed and pushed himself away from the wall. He chuckled as he walked beside me, the hallway opening up before us and everyone just as we left them.

My eyes immediately found Harry, who sat in a chair at the table across from Elaine. I was suddenly happy with the distance between them.

“You gonna tell him?” Jeff murmured as we approached the table. I watched as he walked to sit by Glenne, his eyes still on me though as he waited for an answer.

I took my seat next to Emi, avoiding his gaze. “Of course,” I mumbled.

He raised an eyebrow. I was acutely aware of the pair of eyes watching us from all around.

I let out a frustrated breath. “Soon, okay?” He was irritating me with his judgmental looks.

Emi leaned over. “Is everything, okay?” Her eyes flicked between me and Harry.

A sudden sense of worry struck me. Could she tell what just happened? Could she see my beating heart through my chest or fluorescent marks burning my skin where Harry’s hands had been? “What do you mean?” I settled with.

“Jeff said you and Harry were arguing outside,” she whispered back.

I let out a sigh of relief. Thank God for Jeff Azoff and his alibis.

I nodded. “Yeah,” I told her. “everything's good. We... we resolved it.” That was a good word for it.

She gave me a smile. “Good, I know I hate it when my friends and I argue.”

My eyes drifted up to Harry, who was coincidentally looking at me too. The corner of his lips lifted and I felt my teeth biting down on my lower lip. What were we doing to each other?

I was pulled from my thoughts when an arm slung around my shoulders. “You were gone for quite a while,” Niall slurred, giving me a lopsided grin.

I rolled my eyes and pushed his arm off. There was only one person who I wanted wrapped around me at the moment. Laughing, I grabbed my water and took a sip. “I was running away from you,” I told him.

Laughter sounded from around the table and for that short moment, life felt flawless.

…

Harry's P.O.V

These days, I never woke up with a smile on my face.

But I did.

Rolling over and stretching out my arms, my teeth flashed and my lips stretched across my face and I was happy. I was truly happy.

It had been two days since I kissed Julia and it's been a whirlwind. She's been on my mind twenty-four seven and it's so hard to focus on the real world when I just want to go and push her up against the wall again. I want to see her big blue eyes and locks of ebony hair. It was too long to be kept from her.

Elaine had left yesterday to visit her family. Some part of me felt bad for taking this time to enjoy the quiet that my flat held now and for wanting to text Julia to see if she wanted to come over. I knew it was wrong that I was so tangled up in her when I was engaged, I just didn't know what to do.

I wanted to be with Julia.

Right now, in this moment, I wanted to take her and drive to some remote town and live out our lives there. Buy a nice house, maybe a couple of years later have a few kids and be a small quiet family. I wanted to run away with her. I wanted her today and tomorrow— hell, the rest of my fucking life.

Why I hadn't thought this sooner— I don't know. I've been holding myself back from the waterfall of feelings that were pouring from me ever since I stepped off that train last month. I knew once I opened up that box there was no going back, there was no stopping the way I felt about her. Julia was so unpredictable and I was such a coward, I was too scared to let her love me, too scared that there would be consequences because people as bright as her don't want people like me.

I had proposed to Elaine because it was something that had been coming for a long time and it was an act others expected out of people like us. They expected them to wrap themselves in a safe haven and once they had been together for a couple years tie the knot like it was simple. Like it was safe and calm and comfortable.

After being with Julia, I knew love wasn't supposed to be like that.

It was supposed to be passionate, spontaneous—but trusting. Never in my life had I kissed someone like I kissed Julia. Never had I so feverishly searched for something in someone that I couldn't find in myself.

I got dressed and ran down my hallway. I needed to tell Julia this. I couldn't keep it in anymore.

“Are you home?” I texted her, while getting in my car in the lot.

Not hesitating a single second, a reply came. “Yeah. Why?”

“I'll be over shortly,” I sent back and floored the gas, following the familiar road to her house.

A/N: This chapter took A LOT of editing on my half, so it’s up a little later than anticipated. & I was 15 when I wrote this and had no idea about pregnancies or OB appointments... so be kind.

 Pls like/reblog if you read my story. It really makes all the difference in my little world:) also, the next chapter is my favorite so I can’t wait to share it with you all.

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[romancandlemagazine]

An Interview with Peter Saville

Peter Saville doesn’t need much of an introduction. Not only was he the man responsible for what might be called the ‘visual language’ of Factory Records, designing record covers for the likes of Joy Division, New Order and A Certain Ratio, but he’s also produced powerful imagery for David Byrne, Suede, Pulp, George Michael and countless other icons of audio.

And, if all that wasn’t enough, he came up with that dynamic logo that’s on the side of those yellow trams that roll through Piccadilly Gardens every few minutes.

I called him up to talk about his work today, Manchester in the 70s and his idea of 'the interzone'.

Are you busy at the moment, have you got a lot on?

Yes, even when I think I’m not busy, things just seem to come up. As you get older you tend to think things will change, but actually, they don’t change at all. Anyway, it’s better to have something to do than nothing, so I’m not going to complain.

What have you been up to lately?

The highest profile project over the last 12 months has been Calvin Klein  — the redesign of the Calvin Klein identity for Raf Simons.

What does that involve then? What would you call that? Is it ‘branding’?

I try to avoid the term ‘branding’. It’s a useful word to understand the context of the work, but it’s not a process that I wish to perform. It’s a strange hybrid between design, advertising and PR. It’s almost entirely commercial, and therefore, it’s not something I want to be involved with.

So you’re not getting bogged down with the commercial stuff?

The capturing of markets and controlling of markets is not something that I wish to be associated with. My work, and any reputation I have, is based on giving something to people, not leading them to a market.

The Factory Records covers were not about making people buy the records. They didn’t even try to make people buy the record. They existed independently to the music, and therefore people’s relationships with them were quite different. The people who liked the covers or became interested in the covers saw them as possessions - they learnt through them, things they maybe didn’t know before.

Was that the intention of those covers? To show people the things you were into?

That was my intention. I was learning and so, I was sharing. The nature of Factory Records was that I had complete autonomy to do that. There was no marketing and no one was trying trying to sell records. Factory was a situation that allowed a group of individuals to do what they wanted to do. If other people liked it and supported it, then fine.

That was what Factory was about. And it was the same with The Haçienda. It wasn’t run as a business, trying to take money off the kids of Manchester, it was a gift to the kids of Manchester.

Something separate from money and business?

Yes,  you did it because you could. But you’ll know very well that in the contemporary market place, there are very few companies who are doing things just because they can. They do things to make money. That’s business.

For a period of time in my career, I needed to engage with business. I was not an up-and-coming young designer, nor was I a ‘statesman’ of popular culture — it was an in-between period - in the ‘90s I needed to have a relationship with business.

Everyone’s got to eat.

Yes exactly, you’ve got to make a living. I had this uneasy relationship with different sectors, but I didn’t find a comfort zone for myself.

So at the end of the 90s, I stopped looking. I did a retrospective book and a show, and I closed the studio. I didn’t want to go into fashion marketing or branding or retail. I didn’t really want to do that. So I just had to be on my own. Since the early 2000s, I’ve operated independently.

I suppose you’re maybe in a comfortable position where you can pick and choose a bit, thanks to all the things you’ve done in the past.

I’m fortunate that just enough people engage me with work and commissions that I can address on my terms.

When Raf Simons phoned and asked me to look at the issue of the Calvin Klein identity – I was able to identify with his position. He is not Calvin Klein — Calvin Klein is Calvin Klein, and Raf is someone else. So I had to say to myself, “If I was in Raf’s position, what would I do?” So I changed the original Calvin Klein lettering from upper and lower case to upper case – it became capitals. It’s evolved from the subjective to the objective, but it still looks like Calvin Klein.

When you’re asked to intervene in aspects of cultural history, it’s quite an honour. You feel a sense of responsibility in responding to the challenge.

To respect what’s gone before?

Exactly. So in certain situations, I’m really happy to do that. But when someone is approaching me with something that has absolutely no virtue other than profit, because I don’t have a company to carry, I don’t have to do it.

When I first started to learn about art and design history, I was frustrated. Going right back to the ‘70s in Manchester, I would sit in the library at what was then Manchester Polytechnic, looking at the history of art and design, and simultaneously looking out of the window at Oxford Road, and feeling an enormous disconnect, and a sense of frustration. I was angry.

Because you were so far away from the things you were reading about?

Yes, because the everyday world wasn’t the way it could be.

What was it like back then?

It was terrible. When I was 20, in 1975, buses, cinemas, bus stops, railway stations, department stores, taxis, packaging, signs, logos… they were appalling. There wasn’t any awareness of contemporary design — of how design led thinking could make things better. That frustrated and upset me. And I felt very strongly then, as I do know, that our everyday world can be better.

Now what ‘better’ is, is a kind of variable. We saw a lot of ‘design’ begin to get rolled out in the 80s and 90s, but then it got rolled out to the point of ad infinitum, and lost its significance.  

Things merely only looking good is not necessarily better, and an awful lot of art and design has been co-opted to camouflage the intent of things. And that’s not better. Using our cultural heritage, our civilisation, to sell mobile phone minutes or cheap holidays or gratuitous fashion — using it as merely packaging for the unnecessary — isn’t good.

And a lot of that started to happen. Business, as ever, takes a lead from the avant-garde, and begins to copy it, but without values.  I try to do things well, and to improve the look of things that have values. But if it’s something with no values, it’s kind of wrong to wrap it up as something important.

There’s a lot of that these days… a lot of things look pretty slick, but beyond the fancy shell, there’s not much to them.

The one thing that has upset me over the last 20 years is the way that the canon of culture has been used in ways that we no longer trust. 30 years ago if you did something better, it meant it was better… someone was trying to make a better pair of jeans or a better car. But now, it’s just a look.

I suppose it’s hard to put effort and thought into something you’ve got no belief in.

Exactly. As you grow up and get to understand the world better, you question things. Some of the things I used to take for granted when I was 25 or 30 — I now look at in a completely different way. Once upon a time I might have thought it was nice to do the identity for something like a bank. But who wants to work for a bank now? They’ve shown themselves to be utterly disreputable.

So the understanding of the work and the world and the people who approach is constantly changing. You have to try to hold on to your own values. My reputation, the fact that some people have some admiration for me, is because my work meant something to them.

But if you suddenly starting doing some naff work for a bank, it’d discount all that.

Exactly. I became more concerned with my own identity than in just being prepared to work for people who’d pay me money. And I’m quite happy being me, trying as much as I can to be genuine about the things I do. It’s not easy. We have to earn a living, so it’s not all spiritual… we have to engage with reality.

Going back to what you were saying about looking after Oxford Road and feeling distanced and frustrated. Was that what spurred you on to do those first designs for Factory?

In 1978, the year I graduated from college, I wasn’t being asked to do anything for the infrastructure of the country. But someone did ask me to do a poster. There were things happening – the whole post-punk scene and the notion of independence in music. All of the venues that Manchester had for punk and new wave bands were being closed for one reason or another, and on behalf of the youth culture of the city, Tony Wilson took it upon himself to organise a venue.

Factory was nothing more than what is referred to these days as ‘a night’. It was Friday night every two weeks for two months, and that was it. I knew he was doing this, so I went to see him and said, “Can I do something.” And he said, “Do a poster.”

In doing that poster, I tried to put a better poster, a more intelligent and more beautiful poster, on the walls of Manchester than the ones that were already there. And that led to Factory records where I was given the freedom to express my will and my wish for how things should be,

It was an autonomous situation; it was not a proper company and everybody what they did in the way they wanted to do it. Nobody had any former experience, no one told anyone else how they should do what they were doing, we all performed autonomously. It shouldn’t have worked, but it did.

Were you ever questioned or disputed at all?

Not really no. Famously, ‘Blue Monday’ went straight from me to the printers. No one saw it.

Did you listen to the music when you were designing the covers?

If I could, but very often that wasn’t possible. But the covers weren’t about the music, they were about the moment. But then the bands were making music about the moment too.

There was always accidental parallels. I was into the aesthetics of computer systems that people were talking about a lot in the 70s and 80s. I didn’t have a computer – it wasn’t a part of everyday life, but people talked about them in the way that people talk about artificial intelligence now. You haven’t met a robot, but you know they’re coming.

So in the late 70s and 80s, computers were on my mind, and I was thinking about the visual side of it. And at the same time, New Order were looking at the significance of computers in making music. So what I did on the cover of Blue Monday had a parallel to what they did. In fact, the floppy disk was the common factor between the two. The first time I saw a floppy disk was the day Stephen Morris gave me one, and that became the basis for the cover.

It wasn’t about the music; it was about music as part of our culture. We were interested in the now. They expressed it musically, I expressed it visually.

The significant word to mention in any kind of understanding of me is the word ‘interzone’.

What do you mean by that? What is the ‘interzone’?

The interzone is the space between design, art, fashion, music, movies, photography, architecture, interior… it’s what people talk about now as convergence. And that was what interested me, even as a teenager. I was interested in the leading edge of mass culture, and how the new ideas would define themselves in different ways.

The feeling of the now is the feeling of the now. Musicians express it one way, film-makers express it another way and photographers express it in yet another way – but it’s all the same spirit. We know that now.

It’s all the same thing.

It’s all the same thing. That was my view 40 years ago in college, it’s just that I happened to want make art, which I saw as record covers, so I went to study graphic design. But what I found there was a closed mind-set — graphic people were into graphics, and weren’t very aware of what fashion or music was doing. This notion of the interzone wasn’t really appreciated.

I was never particularly interested in graphics or typography, I was interested in how two dimensional culture could capture the mood of the moment — the feeling of the now. So I studied graphics, but I spent more time in the fashion department than the graphics department.

If you just started pasting posters up yourself, but they weren’t linked with music or an event, they would just be a bit of paper on a wall. They might be interesting, but they wouldn’t be tied in with anything.

If you just make work that is not applied to any situation, then it’s art. These days art is quite a credible thing to do, but in the mid-70s in the North of England, you were more likely to  become an astronaut then be an artist.

The only art that I saw was on record covers, so I wanted to do record covers. The record cover was the only place where you could see freeform visual thinking.

So Malcolm Garrett and I both wanted to do that. In a way we both wanted to be artists, but we didn’t know anything about art. So what was important to me was this broader feeling of the now.

As someone who is so into ‘the now’, what are your thoughts on the nostalgia that surrounds Factory? Why do you think people look back at that stuff so fondly?

I think there’s nostalgia about things that seem to have values. People are seeking authenticity and meaning. So things that have authenticity and meaning never die, because they’re more than just surface.

People still talk about Coco Chanel because she changed the way women could be in the world. She didn’t found Chanel to make money, she found Chanel to express herself and what she cared about.

Companies exploit these values — they continuously harvest them like GM crops, to the point that the market and the audience become tired of it. But they’ll carry on wringing it out until there’s nothing left. It’s desperate and it’s tedious to see the way the world operates.

In regards to the nostalgia thing, do you think people often take the wrong things from history? Instead of being inspired by the free way you lot worked at Factory, people just rip off your graphics.

Yes, unfortunately the mass market can be rather superficial. They get the look more than the attitude. But it’s a long process of familiarisation. We are living in an era of the dissemination of privilege, it is really only in the last 50 to 100 years that ordinary people have actually been allowed to share in privilege.

Do you think the internet has had an effect on that?

It’s one step forward, one step back. The internet allows for the unfettered distribution of a message, and at the same time it allows for confusion and fake news. The problem with the internet is trying to tell the difference between what’s real and what’s not.

Almost everything that we invent which is a benefit to society just becomes a problem sooner or later. The motorcar was brilliant – now it’s a problem. That’s just life.

Where do you see things going?

I don’t know. I don’t care anymore. Next month I’m 62. It is other people’s responsibility now. I don’t have any children, but if I did, I would be very concerned. I’m passing the baton of the ones coming up.

What would you say to them as you pass the proverbial baton?

Do things you believe in. There’s a constant battle between good and bad, but as least if you do things you believe in, you’re trying to keep it on the right side of good.

It’s very difficult for every new generation, as they face a new set of challenges that the generation before didn’t even dream of. I thought I had a lot of people to compete with in the 80s, but now there is a 1000 times more. It’s really difficult.

It’s not even easy to find somewhere to live, or to find a job of any kind. The safety net that I sensed as a young person in the UK in the 70s – how the state would stop you from falling – is not there anymore. I think it’s increasingly difficult for every next generation.

As far as you can, try to do what you believe in, because then you hold on to yourself. I don’t really have much money – I don’t own my home, but I’m happy with what I’ve done. I might regret some mistakes I made, but I don’t regret the work I made.  

Interview originally published in 2018. 

[ukftm]

Hello. I have a consultation appointment in Manchester and live in London. I am looking to go by virgin train or flight and wanted to know which one is closer to the hospital. Also do you know how long from the airport/manchester picadily station by taxi to the hospital so I can allow time to travel to it. Also, how long is consultation appointment roughly do you know? Since I need to book travel back. Thank you!

The railway station is quite a bit closer. Google maps suggests the following journey times to North Manchester General Hospital by car:

14–24 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly railway station

25–50 minutes from Manchester Airport (this does seem to vary quite a bit depending on the time of day so is worth checking yourself for your appointment time)

I’m afraid we don’t know how long consultations normally take, but hopefully some followers might be able to help there.

~ Alex

[cupidchungha]

im having the same issue w london!! its so confusing and also its so expensive to travel down there in the first place immmm 😭😭

i found out i can get a relatively cheap coach down and back up to liverpool, but the transport is so confusing whilst in london itself bc switching tube lines when ive never been on the tube before and i’ll be by myself?? no thanks lol - i hope you can figure it out though 💛💛💛

[vanrentalmelbourne-blog]

Fly To Any Major City Then Hop A Taxi

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[chauffeurairport-blog]

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[firmustransportation]

Getting Around Manchester: Your Ultimate Transportation Resource

Navigating the bustling city of Manchester can be an exciting adventure, but efficient transportation is essential to make the most of your time in this vibrant metropolis. From exploring its rich cultural heritage to attending business meetings, Manchester offers a diverse array of transportation options to ensure you get where you need to go. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various modes of manchester transportation services, helping you traverse Manchester seamlessly.

Manchester's Transportation Network

Manchester boasts an extensive transportation network that caters to the needs of both residents and visitors. The city's well-planned infrastructure includes a mix of public transportation, roadways, and pedestrian-friendly areas. Here are the key transportation modes you can utilize:

1. Buses: Manchester's bus network is a lifeline for many commuters and tourists. It covers the entire city and its outskirts, making it an affordable and convenient mode of transportation. The Greater Manchester Transport Authority operates an extensive bus network with various routes and services to cater to different travel needs.

Tip: Consider purchasing a day pass or a travelcard for unlimited bus rides within a specified time frame to save money.

2. Trams: The Manchester Metrolink tram system is another efficient way to get around the city. It connects key locations, including the city center, Old Trafford, and MediaCityUK. The trams are known for their punctuality and frequency, making them a popular choice among both locals and tourists.

Tip: Trams have dedicated stops and routes clearly marked, making navigation easy even for first-time users.

3. Trains: Manchester's extensive railway network offers excellent connectivity to the rest of the UK. The city is served by several train stations, including Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria, and Manchester Oxford Road. Trains are a convenient option for traveling to nearby cities or exploring the beautiful countryside.

Tip: Check train schedules in advance and consider booking tickets online for discounts and to secure your seat, especially during peak hours.

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For those who enjoy outdoor activities and want to explore the city at a leisurely pace, cycling and walking are excellent options, allowing you to experience Manchester's charm up close.

[kevingbakeruk]

Still no assurances over northern transport investment, says Greater Manchester mayor

A meeting in between the Chancellor and Andy Burnham has actually cannot offer assurances on northern transport investment, inning accordance with Greater Manchester’s mayor.Mr Burnham has

now contacted Phillip Hammond to give concrete commitments to extensive rail upgrades at his speech to Conservative conference in Manchester next month, adding that the region had to ‘see the colour of his cash’.

The mayor was speaking after meeting with Mr Hammond - alongside Merseyside mayor Steve Rotherham and Teeside mayor Ben Houchen - to go over closing the north-south divide.He stated he was pleased the Chancellor had actually held the meeting and said it revealed he was'listening’, calling that a 'step forward ’.

However he said till firm pledges were provided on Transpennine electrification, a brand-new east-west rail link and the growth of Piccadilly station, he would be 'keeping up the pressure’ - including that Mr Hammond ought to utilize Tory conference to show his dedication.

Chancellor Philip Hammond on a visit to Manchester" That’s an apparent chance, isn’t really it, for the Chancellor to stand in Manchester and truly reveal that he’s dedicated to the Northern Powerhouse,“he said.Read More "He’s got a bid in for new platforms at Piccadilly, he’s got the concern we’ve expressed about electrification, he’s got the goal for new high speed lines throughout the north.

"We also raised real estate, we likewise raised skills, as well as the Northern Powerhouse more broadly. There’s a lot of methods which now he could show the Northern Powerhosue is extremely much alive and kicking.

"We didn’t hear it today, however we want to hear it in due course.”

The mayor included that he also pushed for almost ₤ 5m of delayed homelessness financing, agreed by the government earlier this year, to really be paid to Greater Manchester - in addition to devolved control over local train stations.But top of the meeting’s agenda was a company dedication to previously-promised transportation upgrades, following a tip from the transport secretary that full electrification of the Manchester to Leeds line might not be needed after all.

Mr Hammond had actually continued to firmly insist at the meeting that federal government policy on Transpennine upgrades had not changed, said Mr Burnham, while also duplicating Chris Grayling’s declaration that a few of the line might not need electrifying.“So'which is it 'is my point to the Chancellor, "included Mr

Burnham.” The federal government does require to clear this up, this uncertainty. He requires to provide clarity earlier or later on with regard to carry investment in the North of England.

“The general public here have waited long enough for enhancement and it’s our task to promote the people here and require that financial investment and ensure we get what we were guaranteed.”

The Chancellor introduced a northern beauty offensive today after a summertime of bad headlines for the federal government regarding the Northern Powerhouse, with both regional leaders and previous Chancellor George Osborne questioning the federal government’s dedication to the project.Mr Burnham stated Mr Hammond had’ made a clear declaration that the Northern Powerhouse is really much part of the government’s agenda’. Learn more"But in fact we did

n’t see the

colour of his cash today and up until we do we will keep up the pressure,“he said.The mayor stated his position was not about'point scoring 'with

a Conservative government however included that the north was presently being expected to accept'second best’.” If he now follows through, we will be the first to praise him,“he included.

Source

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/still-no-assurances-over-northern-13572018

from TAXI NEAR ME http://taxi.nearme.host/still-no-assurances-over-northern-transport-investment-says-greater-manchester-mayor/

from NOVACAB https://novacabtaxi.tumblr.com/post/175563034941

[harty54]

Saturday 23rd June York cont

Well this is a first for me regarding train delays! We got as far as Lancaster and we are delayed due to a bloke on the rail track ahead pulling wires and generally illegally trashing rail property! Apparently the transport police are after him. I do hope they check the workings etc as well before they let the trains through. Would rather be late than derailed or blown up! Looks like I will now miss all my connections and have to re plan the rest with no booked seats. However I still have a first class ticket so that may help. I also have no time frame to get to York as my first thing to do is a 1hr boat rip on the Ouse at 7pm. Feel sorry for those on this train who are on their way to Manchester Airport which is our trains final destination. I get off the stop before at Manchester Piccadilly and being a big station it will take time to get to the correct platform anyway. Fortunately I had saved the timetables for each trip and included a good number of services so I can sit here and decide which is my next possible option train wise. We have bee stopped for about 15mins and there is a bloke in hi vis pulling bits of torn off cable off the line! Travelling on British trains has been eventful I must say! My hint to anyone intending to travel by train in UK especially at present would definitely be build lots of time into your plans! Can’t imagine the stress those going to the airport must be feeling! Now 30mins stopped. They are now checking to see what has been affected by the cable damage. I suspect this is going to create chaos on this section as trains start to build up behind us and potentially going the other way.

We are off after a 30min delay.

We are now at Preston and took on endless passengers who are northern rail passengers affected by the strike so there are people standing up everywhere!

First class is also now just anyone who fits in! Still am off next stop in about 40mins. This will undoubtedly be a bun fight so have decided will go for a train leaving an hour after we should arrive so have time and will even see if I can book a seat but doubt it.

Much later

Got to Manchester Piccadilly ok and glad I went for the later train. Gave me time to have a comfort stop, find correct platform and nibble some snack I had with me. The B&B had provided me with a brown bag breakfast but it was not as much as I have been forcing myself to eat at breakfast to get me through unreliable food stops! Went fast and the train not so crowded as the earlier one for York that required a change at Huddersfield. Despite the issues turns out I saved a change! With the 30min delay I was 1 1/2 hrs later than planned but no biggie as I mentioned earlier. I got to the hotel and have since spent an hour doing a walk around recci. However I am feeling quite faint from lack of food so have decided to have lunch/dinner at 4.30pm as have hr long boat cruise at 7pm and by then I will need a rest!

The whole of the city is packed. This hotel in full and it has 200 rooms! The streets from the minute I got here are heaving and this is from lunchtime. There are thousands of youngish people all in their best obviously come to party. The

Pubs and restaurants are also alive with people. All of this is probably added to because the weather is fine and warm if a bit overcast and humid. The taxi driver told me it is always like this on weekends especially Saturday night (it is Saturday night!) apparently it is hens and bucks nights and any other celebration the preferred venue is the city!

My hotel is right by the river and easy walking distance to York Minster so good position. Despite being about 10mins from the station I caught a taxi and glad I did given the throngs.

My room is a budget single and it is tiny and on the 8th and top floor! Why do the singles seem to end up at the top? Although I do notice that some of the premium suites are also on this floor. The receptionist offered a bigger one but as hotel is full no options until tomorrow. It was nice of her to offer but I don’t mind the room. It is well set out and has all I need and there is a lift! Anyway I am out all day every day so only use it for showering and sleeping really. I can lay on my bed and look out the window (which opens)across part of the city. No interesting buildings but still trees and buildings rather than dirty roof tops which have been my view in some hotels.

[novacabtaxi]

Futuristic 'hyperloop' might move guests between Leeds city centre and airport, says Transportation Secretary

Futuristic ‘hyperloop’ technology could be used to move passengers at high speeds between Leeds Bradford Airport and Leeds city centre in the coming years, according to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling.

The Minister, who was in Leeds on Friday to speak at a Northern Powerhouse transport conference, suggested the system could provide a high-speed link between airports and city centres.

It is potentially fantastic technology, but I think it is also about how you use that technology. I can see hyperloop providing a very good high speed ‘airport to the city centre’ type service.

Chris Grayling

The revolutionary transport concept, made famous by tech billionaire Elon Musk, uses an electric motor to accelerate an electromagnetically levitated pod through a low-pressure tube, which could theoretically reach speeds of up to 670mph with no air resistance.

Asked at the conference whether the UK should be investing in new technologies such as hyperloop, Mr Grayling said: “It is potentially fantastic technology, but I think it is also about how you use that technology. I can see hyperloop providing a very good high speed ‘airport to the city centre’ type service.

“The issue I always say is that, in order for hyperloop to work in some of our more complicated systems, it is not just about the technology itself, it is about how you manage the flow of people onto it.

“If you imagine Manchester Piccadilly or Leeds station at rush-hour, and you are trying to get people into pods of 20 people to travel to all kinds of destinations, I am not yet convinced that it is a technology that can replace our conventional railways, and our conventional city-to-city links.”

Last year, Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group suggested the system could eventually cut journey times from Edinburgh to London to 50 minutes.

Source

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/politics/futuristic-hyperloop-could-move-passengers-between-leeds-city-centre-and-airport-says-transport-secretary-1-9049483

from TAXI NEAR ME http://taxi.nearme.host/futuristic-hyperloop-might-move-guests-between-leeds-city-centre-and-airport-says-transportation-secretary/

[2fatturtles]

Manchester

Sierra arrived on the train from York about 20 minutes after I passed through customs and got my bag. We timed it well. After that we hopped back on the same train, which took us into the center of the city. European trains are a marvel. They go everywhere, are relatively cheap and mostly on time. It turned out to be more trouble trying to find the front door of our hotel. It was pouring when we arrived at the Piccadilly train station and it was a mile walk to the hotel.  So I decided we needed to take a taxi. Unfortunately our hotel was in a pedestrian only area and the driver wasn’t too familiar with it. So of course being women, we stopped to ask directions because it wasn’t obvious on Google Maps which building we wanted. The barista at Starbucks told us which way to go but then realized after we left that he was wrong. So he came running out after us to tell us a completely different set of instructions. Sierra later told me that northerners are extremely friendly and helpful. He sure was. Sierra was getting a bit antsy by this time because she had a 4:00 Skype call with a colleague for her thesis work. It didn’t help that there was no one at the front desk when we finally found the entrance. The sign said to help ourselves to the Grab ‘n Go while we waited. So we did..... except it was the hotel’s small snack store. The next morning we discovered where we were supposed to go. Oops. Hopefully we weren’t on camera and get charged for our diet coke and ice cream.