The Other Side: Chapter 1: Harvey

Harvey

Bet you weren’t expecting me, were you? Well sorry to step on your toes, but here I am. You haven’t heard my side of the story yet. I mean who would believe a fifteen year old girl over me? The lead singer of Heartland, duh...

My name is Harvey Alexander Middleheart, the son of Elizabeth and Grant Middleheart, and brother to Niall and Tanisha. Well, I don’t see them anymore. Long story. Anyway, back to the introductions. I’m 36, father of Melissa Middleheart and fiance to Leila Hamilton, but people best know me as the lead vocalist of award winning band Heartland. Yep. I’m not bragging, I’m just stating facts. I mean don’t you do the same?

So, as you’ve probably heard, me and Missy aren’t exactly close. Not as close, as I’d like us to be. We’re different people and we want different things from life. I mean, I’m very career and work orientated, whereas she’s more family orientated. That’s more from Diana’s side of the family. I mean, I appreciate life is difficult for her. Her parents are not together. Of course that’ll get to her, sometimes, that’s completely normal. She’s a teenager after all, hormones and everything are gonna be rushing around aren’t they? She won’t be able to think straight will she? Not for a while. But hopefully when she’s an adult, she’ll understand. I mean all parents want their kids to appreciate them. That’s just a necessity right?

Anyway, staying on the topic of Missy, we had a massive argument last night. Don’t suppose she’s told you all about that? What a surprise. Always likes to make me look like the bad guy. Honestly, I have no idea what I’ve done so bad. I mean all I’ve ever tried to do is just be a good father. But not everyone sees it that way, y’know? Especially her mother Diana. She’s still got it in her head, that I’m a massive control freak and I use Missy, for my own benefits. I know. Crazy, right? I mean, why would you have a kid and not treat them right? It’s a life commitment after all, but that doesn’t register for people like her. I mean she hasn’t even bothered to contact her once, over these past four weeks. Four whole weeks. No calls, text, letter, absolutely nothing. I know right, sick in the head. But what can you do, eh?

Today’s, the start of my long awaited one week holiday. My bandmates, Liam Cavanagh and Matthew Havisham are taking the helm back at Havenshaw, so I can kick back and relax, with my beautiful Leila. We never seem to see each other anymore, so this will be a perfect opportunity for us to make some memories, together, as well as beginning official arrangements for our wedding. I proposed almost 14 months ago now, and I’ve been so busy with the album, awards, tour prep and everything else in between, so we’ve never really had the chance to start sorting things out. Unsurprisingly, Missy doesn’t approve of our relationship. She thinks I’ve wasted a perfectly good marriage with Mum, for an anorexic gold digger. Hmm, teenagers right. Never approving of anyone, or anything, unless it was something that benefits them, haha. Luckily, Missy is at school right now, so I am free to say whatever I want, whenever I want, without needing to worry about facing the consequences. Wait, why am I talking like this? I’m an adult. Not a child. If anything it’s her who should worry about facing the consequences. Anyway, moving on.

“What do you want to do?” I asked Leila, this morning, hoping that she had something in mind. You see, I’m terrible at surprises, organising things, sorting out days out. It’s never been me, you know? I usually leave it all to my staff, yes I do have staff to sort things like that out. I mean, I am a full time musician.

“Any chance we could drop in Milliken’s Bridal Boutique, have a look at some of their dresses?” She asked, looking up from her laptop. Answering her fan mail as per usual. Leila adores her fans! Did I mention that she runs a beauty video blog? Well, now you know. Model and influencer. I mean, could you get any better than that? Connecting with her supporters means everything to her. She reminds me of myself in some ways, haha. No wonder we get on so well.

“Are there any ideas for your dress you have in mind?”

“Not really, hence why I wanted to go. Get some ideas, start creating some theme mood boards. Is there a budget in mind for the dress?”

“No not. You have whatever you want, babe. It’s your special day, you deserve to look like a goddess.”

“What about Missy? Is she going to be your maid of honour/best man?”

“I’d like her to, but let’s face it. Missy isn’t exactly kind of the one to do weddings, is she?”

“Yeah, but this is her father’s wedding. She has to go. Whether she wants to or not.”She was right. Missy who’s the last person who’d want to be seen at a wedding.