Fine Fresh Fierce, I've Got It On Lock

As the credit rolled Harry took my hand and we followed the crowd out the doors.

            “So do we stay and mingle?” I asked.

            “A bit,” Louis said.

            “So did you guys like the film?” I asked.

            “Well I didn’t really understand it,” Charlotte answered.

            “I wasn’t really talking to you,” I mumbled under my breath, Niall heard and let out a small laugh.

            “What was that?” she asked.

            “Oh I said I saw Victoria Beckhams underwear,” I said quickly.

            “Oh,” She said confused.

            “So what didn’t you understand Charlotte?” Eleanor asked.

            “What was the point, it was like action packed and plot less,” she said.

            “They were fighting to save the world,” I said.

            “But why?” She asked.

            “Because it needed to be saved,” Harry said speaking for the first time since he kissed me.

            “Ah the stone man speaks,” I said.

            “Yeah,” he replied.

            “Well I’m cold,” I said slightly regretting the shortness of my dress.

            “Well maybe if you weren’t dressed like a slag you wouldn’t be,” Charlotte said nastily.

            “Charlotte!” Eleanor exclaimed.

            “What she is,” Charlotte said defending herself.

            “No she isn’t,” Niall said helping defend me.

            “Really, Niall you like girls like that?” Charlotte snapped.

             “Carson is a good friend Charlotte,” Niall told her.

            “What’s your problem?” I asked.

            “Nothing you’re just dressed like a slag is all,” Charlotte said matter of factly.

            “Are you not going to defend your girlfriend Harry?” Eleanor asked glaring at Charlotte.

            “He obviously doesn’t like you much,” Charlotte said snarkily.

            “Okay that’s it,” I said lunging for her. Harry grabbed my waist and restrained me.

            “Carson I can see you,” I heard Bridget say into my ear, “Calm down.” I took a deep breath and Eleanor lead Charlotte away.

            “We should go,” Liam said.

            “Yes good idea,” Louis said looking back to Eleanor and giving her a nod as we walked away.

            “Sorry,” I told the guys as we got into the limo, “Short fuse plus stupid girl equals crazy Carson.”

            “She makes us all crazy,” Zayn said.

            “What is her problem?” I asked.

            “She’s weird and stupid,” Harry said.

            “Why are you being so quiet  mate?” Louis asked.

            “I don’t know,” he answered.

—————————-

            ‘The next few days we stayed in the hotel laying low. Only leaving for band meeting and absolutely nothing else. Harry either spent the entire time in his room or sitting silently with the others. Avoiding any contact with me at all, whether it be verbal or physical.

            “Hey,” I said to him in the kitchen. He didn’t even acknowledge my presence. I walked back to my room and through myself on my bed.

            “What the hell?” I thought to myself, “I hate boys.”

            “Uuuurrrrgggghhhhh,” I screamed into my pillow.

            “Are you skinning a cat in here?” Gemma asked.

            “No I’m picking my brain apart trying to figure out the male brain,” I said.

            “Don’t even try. You’ll just give yourself an aneurism,” she said sitting on the bed with me.

            “Well the nunnery it is,” I said.

            “What happened?” she asked.

            “I have no clue. None at all. Its arghh!” I said.

            “Okay walk me through everything last night to right now. Play by play,” she said.       

            “Well,” I started, “we talked that night we were trapped. Honest to goodness real talking…”

————————

            “…Then we sit in the cinema, not even 10 minutes into the movie he pulls me to him and kisses me. Not a staged kiss, or a lets get this over with kiss. It was a real kiss, then he avoids any conversation or eye contact with me. The only interaction we had was when he pulled me away from Charlotte. And when he told the entire limo Charlotte was crazy.”

            “So wait my brother kissed you?” She asked.

            “Yeah,” I said.

            “So do you like him?” She asked.

            “Well I don’t want to but I think I might,” I admitted.

            “Oh wow,” she said, “You like my brother. Its been 3 weeks and he has you under his spell.”

            “I don’t understand it,” I said.

            “You should talk to him,” she told me.

            “Noooooo,” I whined.

            “Yes!” she insisted.

            “But I, I don’t know how,” I told her.

            “Tell him how you feel,” she said.

            “No!” I said like I was 5 and she just told me to share my Barbie’s with her.

            “You need to,” she said.

            “Fine!” I said getting up and walking to the door and turning back around, “I think I’ll text him first.”

            “I’ll leave you to it,” she said.

            “Thanks,” I said opening a blank text message.

 

C- Hey can we talk?

H- Why?

C- Just because

H- I guess.

C- Can we get out and talk. This Hotel room is driving me insane.

H- I guess.

C- Meet you in the hall in 5.

H- K.

            I grabbed my coat and slipped on some boots and walked out to the hall, where Harry was waiting.

            “Hey,” I said, “let’s go on a walk.”

            “Whatever,” He said.

            “Okay,” I said, “after a few minutes of silence. Why are avoiding me?”

            “I’m not,” he said.

            “Yes you are!” I told him.

            “Why do you care?” he asked.

            “Because I thought we were starting to get along, and you know bond,” I said.

            “And?” he asked again.

            “You kissed me and then stopped talking to me,” I said, “was I bad at it?”

            “No” he said.

            “Then what?” I asked.

            “Nothing,” he said.

            “Oh my god, we are getting nowhere fast,” I moaned.

            “Why do you care?” he asked.

            “You already asked that,” I told him.

            “Your answer was wrong so I asked it again,” I said.

            “Okay what do you want the answer to be?” he asked.

            “The truth maybe?” I suggested.

            “Okay,” He said, “How about you answer my question truthfully then. Why do you care that I’m avoiding you?”

            “I guess we’re at a stalemate then,” I said, “I won’t answer your question until you answer mine.”

            “You suck you know that,” he said showing the first sign of emotion I’ve seen since the premier.

            “Oh and why is that?” I asked.

            “Because you’ve made things more complicated than they should be,” he said.

            “Did not,” I argued.

            “Oh yeah you did,” he said.

            “Things were easier when we weren’t getting along,” I said.

            “Yep,” He agreed.

            “So that’s it, we’re going to keep avoiding each other and lying except when we need to be couple,” I said.

            “I guess,” He said.

            “This did not go the way I planned in my head,” I said crossing my arms and throwing a mini tantrum.

            “How did you plan it?” He asked.

            “Well we would walk, talk, tell the truth, get whatever was bothering you off your chest and then go back to being friends or not enemies anymore,” I said.

            “I see,” he said.

            “Why won’t talk to me?” I asked, “did I do something wrong?”

            “No, not really,” he answered

            “So I kinda did something wrong?” I asked.

            “Well not purposely,” He said.

            “What did I do?” I asked.

            “I can’t even explain it,” he replied.

            “Try please,” I said giving him a pouty face.

            “That’s what you did,” he said.

            “What pouted?” I asked.

            “No acted nice and cute and, and uh,” he said.

            “Sorry?” I said.

            “Like I said not really your fault,” he said.

            “So you think I’m cute?” I asked teasingly.

            “Okay that isn’t helping you,” he said.

            “Sorry,” I said, “but you think I’m cute?”

            “Ugh yes Carson,” He said, “and also obnoxious and irritating.”

            “Oh,” I said quietly.

            “Okay so I was truthful,” He said, “now its your turn. Why do you care?”

            “Well I could get cheesy and say I miss you,” I told him.

            “How about you get truthful,” he suggested.

            “Fine,” I said. I took a deep breath, “I may like you,” I said slowly.

            “Really? I thought I was a shallow, egocentric pop star?” he asked.

            “You read my texts didn’t you?” I asked.

            “No, I accidently read Jareds,” he said.

            “Asshole,” I said punching his shoulder.

            “Hey what happened to your liking me?” he asked rubbing his shoulder.

            “Nothing, you just act like a real ass on occasions,” I said.

            “I’ll give you that one,” he said.

            “So why did you kiss me?” I asked, “you never really explained that one to me.”

            “Is saying your cute not enough?” He asked.

            “Nope I need to hear it,” I said.

            “I may like you too,” he said.

            “The boy can share emotions? No way!” I teased pinching his cheek.

            “Cut it out Carson or I’ll take it back,” He said.

            “Why didn’t you just tell me?” I asked.

            “Your dad threatened me, he’s a big scary guy,” he said.

            “What did he say?” I asked.

            “That you were his daughter and that I was not to touch you unless I wanted to lose an appendage,” He said.

            “No he didn’t? Did he?” I asked.

            “Yeah he did, all while flexing and keeping one hand on his taser,” he said.

            “I will kill him,” I said.

            “Wait what did you think of the kiss?” He asked.

            “It was, nice,” I said dreamily.

            “Just nice?” He asked, “Not amazing? Or life changing?”

            “Mmm, No,” I joked.

            “Can we go back now? Its kinda starting to rain,” he said looking up.

            “Yeah, but I’ve always wanted to do this,” I said, pulling him to me and wrapping my arms around his neck and kissing him, “Okay now we can go I’m freezing.”

            “You do realize that if we are caught together, your dad will hurt me right?” He asked.

            “We’ll just keep it a secret then,” I said with a wink.

            “A secret?” He said, “That doesn’t sound like a good idea.”

            “No but it sounds fun,” I said.

            “If I die, my blood is on your hands,” he said.

            “You’ll be okay,” I said, “Probably.”

            “Not funny Carson. Your dad is scary,” He said.

            “Toughen up babe,” I told him.

            “We should part ways here,” I said when we got to the lobby, “you know so no one suspects anything.”

—————————-

            “So how did it go?” Gemma asked.

            “Eh okay. He’s not exactly the best with you explaining or emotions” I told her.

            “Yeah my brother, he’s really good with is words isn’t he,” she said.

            “Did he at least explain the kiss?” She asked.

            “No, it’s probably a part of his head game thing, he’s going,” I said.

            “And girls just fall for those sorts of things,” She said.

            “So you and Niall,” I started, “I’m making that happen.”

            “No you aren’t,” She said.

            “Yes I am,” I said slipping back into the living room, and to the boys room.

            “Hey boys,” I said sitting on a bean bag chair on the floor.

            “Hey Carson,” They said.

            “Why are you wet?” Zayn asked.

            “I was standing on the balcony,” I lied.

            “Niall I have a question for you,” I said.

            “Okay?” He said.

            “Lets go grab an ice cream,” I said, “Jared can take us.”

            “Okay,” he said, “What’s your question?”

            “This is weird I know, but I know you like Gemma why won’t you tell her anything?” I asked.

            “I, I don’t,” he denied it.

            “You do, I’m pretty good at picking up on other people feelings,” I said.

            “Okay,” He said.

            “So you admit you like her?” I asked.

            “Well yes, I did, do,” he said.

            “Did or do?” I asked.

            “I do but I can’t,” He said.

            “Why not?” I asked.

            “First she’s one of my best mates sisters, and second I could put her in danger. You saw that video of us playing Wii. That could be her next time,” he said between bites.

            “You won’t we’re getting closer to catching him,” I said.

            “You aren’t any closer than we started,” he said.

            “Maybe not but we are trying,” I said. He looked over my shoulder and waved. I turned around and saw Charlotte.

            “Uh,” I said.

            “She’s weird but not that bad,” he said.

            “You are way too nice,” I said.

            “Yeah it’s a real problem,” he joked.

            “She likes you to you know,” I told him.

            “Really?” He asked surprised.

            “Yeah but she thinks you don’t like her,” I said.

            “Don’t tell her anything,” He asked me.

            “I won’t but you really need to,” I told him.

            “I will, eventually,” He said.

            “Well that’s something at least,” I said.

            “What about you and Harry?” he asked.

            “What about us?” I asked.

            “He likes you,” he said.

            “No he thinks I’m obnoxious,” I said, It wasn’t exactly a lie.

            “Maybe but he likes you, he won’t admit it though,” He said.

            “Well until he does I can’t do anything about it,” I said.

            “You could tell him you like him,” Niall said.

            “When did you become so intuitive?” I asked.

            “Who knows,” he joked.

            “We should get back,” I said, “Jared needs to cook us dinner.” I looked at Jared a few booths down, who just shook his head.

“So what happened last night?” I asked Bridget and Jared after waking up and stepping over the sleeping lumps on the floor that were the boys, and sitting at the table.

            “Well,” Bridget started, “We’re positive the fire alarm was a distraction to get out of the building so they could leave this.” She pushed an envelope toward me with a flash drive in it.

            “What was on this?” I asked.

            “This,” Jared said turning his laptop so I could see it. A video of Niall and I playing Wii golf was playing.

            “That was just last night,” I said unable to disguise the fear in my voice.

            “We know,” Jared said.

            “How did they get that were they inside. That was me,” I said.

            “We don’t know how they bugged the flat,” Jared answered my non-question.

            “What does this mean?” I asked.

            “That we need to be more careful,” Bridget said.

            “That was me, last night,” I said again.

            “I know babe, but the good news is they only got video with no audio, and your parents have a team sweeping the flat for any evidence they can find,” Bridget told me.

            “Okay,” I said still in shock.

            “In the mean time we will all be moving to one big suit at a hotel just as a precaution,” Jared said.

            “Okay,” was all I was able to say again.

            “Carson can I talk to you in my room?” Bridget asked.

            “Yeah sure,” I said following her to her room.

            “Are you okay?” She asked as I sat on her unmade bed.

            “Yeah, I’m fine,” I said.

            “Are you sure?” she pressed.

            “Yeah well that video was creepy, but I’ll be okay,” I said.

            “Okay well, I just needed to make sure,” I said.

            “I’m okay I promise I knew the risks when I took the job,” I told her one last time.

            “Okay one more question,” She said, “As your friend and guardian I have to ask… What happened last night? In the elevator?”

            “Nothing,” I said. She rolled her eyes at me, “Some minor small talk, a freezing Carson and a chivalrous out of character gesture, and then apparently sleep.”

            “It looked a little like it was more than sleep,” She said.

            “What did it look like?” I asked.

            “You were asleep on his chest, his arm around you,” she said.

            “It wasn’t like that. I don’t even know how that happened. We fell asleep sitting up, separately, and woke up entangled,” I explained.

            “Entangled huh?” she asked.

            “Yes,” I said.

            “So all you did was sleep?”  she asked again.

            “Yes for the last time all we did was sleep,” I said again.

            “Its just you were in a slightly compromising position,” she said.

            “Oh my god,” I sighed, “I was probably cold and moved closer to him to keep warm. Or maybe I thought he was a pillow, or something I don’t even know it just happened.” I left out the part where I woke up and was completely aware of our sleeping position and was okay with it, “can I go now?”

            “Yeah, but I’m taking you and Gemma shopping at 2 the boys have a premiere to go to,” She said, “And your mom is coming to pack up your things so hide anything you don’t want her to find in my room.”

            “Okay,” I said leaving her room.

———————-

            “Can’t I just wear jeans?” I whined.

            “No!” they both snapped.

            “It’s just a movie premiere not the Grammy’s,” I tried to reason.

            “We aren’t asking you to don an Oscar de la Renta, just a nice classy dress,” Bridget said, “Maybe a…”

            “Ooh I like this one,” I said grabbing a champagne colored sequined covered dress.

            “Of course you do,” Gemma said.

            “Can someone zip me up?” I asked walking out of the dressing room.

            “I got it,” Gemma said zipping the dress up for me.

            “It’s a bit short,” Bridget said.

            “I like it, I’m getting it,” I said.

            “What are you getting?” I asked Gemma.

            “Nothing, I’m not going,” she said.

            “What why not?” I asked.

            “Because I don’t have a date or reason to go,” Gemma said, “You’re going with my brother and Louis is taking Eleanor.”

            “You should ask Niall,” I told her.

            “Don’t even start,” She warned.

            “Fine. Can I get shoes?” I asked.

            “I guess,” Bridget said as she handed over the plastic money card, also known as a visa.

————————

            “My goodness you have expensive taste,” Bridget said sliding the key card into our hotel room door.

            “Ooh fancy and big,” I said.

            “For a girl who doesn’t like to dress up, you sure love shoes,” Gemma said throwing my bags onto my bed.

            “Hey the Choo’s completed the dress,” I said, “and why do you get the bed by the window?”

            “Because I’m better,” She said, “and those shoes could pay for a term at university.”

            “Again dating a pop star, need to make it believable,” I explained.

            “I don’t think its your clothes we have to worry about,” Gemma said.

            “What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked.

            “If you two don’t start acting like a couple no one is going to believe you,” she said.

            “We’ve only been together what a week?” I said.

            “In public yeah but people have to believe you too have history and truly like each other,” she said.

            “Well I don’t really have much dating experience,” I said.

            “You haven’t dated anyone?” She asked shocked.

            “Well no not really,” I said, “I’ve sort of been with guys,” I said.

            “Like been, been as in bed been?” Gemma asked.

            “Yeah,” I said sheepishly.

            “What who, when? Spill sister,” She said taking a seat on her bed.

            “Okay new years last year,” I started, “My parents were working a celebrity party, and I knew one of the guys that was attending pretty well, my mom and dad were working on the set of his movie.”

            “And?” she pressed on.

            “We were drinking, as you do on New Years,” I said.

            “Of course,” She said.

            “Then we kissed, then did more, then next thing I know Bridget is looking for me and finds me, um kinda sorta, indisposed,” I said.

            “She caught you having sex?” she all but yelled.

            “Yeah,” I said sheepishly.

            “So who was it?” she asked.

            “Josh Hutcherson,” I said.

            “No way!” She said.

            “Yeah way,” I said slightly proud of my conquest.

            “How was it?” she asked.

            “Drunken and sloppy, I don’t know” I said.

            “Wow, I’m impressed,” she said.

            “Don’t tell anyone,” I asked her.

            “I won’t I promise,” She agreed.

            “Thank you,” I said.

———————-

            “Guys hurry,” I said as Bridget finished my updo, and Gemma applied my mascara, “I’m sunning late.”

            “We’re almost done,” Bridget said, pushing in the final bobby pin.

            “Shoes please,” I said lifting a foot. Gemma slipped it on Cinderella style and I was done.

            “Awesome now I can go,” I said.

            “Here,” Bridget handed me the ear piece. I pushed it in and walked into our living room.

            “Zayn put a shirt on,” I said watching him fix his hair in the mirror.

            “Sorry babes, too distracting?” he asked.

            “Oh yeah baby,” I joked.

            “Hey I’m right here,” Harry said.

            “ Whoa Mr. Styles you clean up nicely,” I said noting the tux.

            “Yeah but I hate these,” He said pulling on his untied tie.

            “Here I’ll do it,” I said taking the tie and tying it into a perfect full Windsor, “All done.”

            “Thanks babe,” he said with a wink.

            “Okay les go guy limo is waiting,” Jared called out.

            “Oh by the way,” I said, “I’m sorry about any weirdness in the elevator while we were sleeping, not really sure how that happened,” I said.

            “No problem,” he said, “nothing happened.”

            “Right,” I said feeling apiece of my self esteem crumbling.

            “Guys lets go,” Jared called out again.

            “Coming Louis,” yelled back.

            “Are we getting along?” Harry asked in the Limo.

            “Yeah,” we are I said noticing we hadn’t fought once.

            “This is nice,” He said.

            “You okay Niall?” I asked.

            “He’s nervous Charlotte will be there,” Liam said.

            “I don’t blame you,” I said, “Shes weird and scary.”

            “Yeah Lou why is Eleanor even friends with her?” Harry asked.

            “She doesn’t even know,” He answered.

            “Here we are guys,” Jared said through the diving window.

            “Ready?” Harry asked.

            “I guess,” I said taking Harry’s hand. The door opened and I could hear the crazy crowd of fan girls screaming. I emerged from the limo into a ongoing flash of cameras.

            “Carson look here.”

            “Carson who are you wearing?”

            “Carson.”

            “Carson,”

            I heard over and over.

            “This is crazy,” I said.

            “Do you like it” He whispered to me.

            “Yeah I do,” I said.

            “Good,” He said pulling me along the red carpet.

            “Harry, Carson over here,” more people yelled.

            “Lets give them what they want,” He said pulling me toward him and kissing me full on the lips. I didn’t fight back. I kissed him back and loved every secong of it.

            “Oh my gosh, how adorbs,” Charlotte said walking up to us.

            “Hey Charlotte,” I said half heartedly.

            “Hey girlfriend,” She replied.

            “Having fun with your 15 minutes of fame?” She asked snarkily.

            “Yeah,” I said unsire of the correct answer to that question.

            “Niall want to go find the stars and congratulate them?” She asked.

            “Uh yeah sure,” he said terrified, of course she missed the fear in his voice and took his hand and pulled him along.

            “She is a strange one,” I said taking Harry’s hand again and walking along the carpet, pausing for this magazine, or this fan. It was a thrill. So many people I had never meet knew my name, and suddenly had fallen in love with me.

            “Too much?” Harry asked as we sat in out seats.

            “No it was great, I loved it,” I said grinning from ear to ear still.

            “Good,” He said. The lights dimmed and the movie started. The movie played for a few minutes before Harry looked at me and caught my attention.

            “What?” I whispered.

            “Nothing,” he said.

            “Okay,” I replied right before he put one hand under my chin and guided my head to his. He pressed his lips against mine. They were soft and warm. I kissed him back forgetting where we were and what was going on. I liked kissing him, I shouldn’t but it was amazing.

            “Sorry,” He said pulling away and sitting back in his chair. He was silent for the rest of the film.

“Have you and my brother made a love connection yet?” Gemma asked stealing my jeans.

            “Ha no,” I replied.

            “Really well you guys were pretty close on the dance floor last night,” She said reemerging in my jeans.

            “Yeah that’s called dancing,” I said.

            “Sure, it is,” she replied.

            “It is. Cardigan and cami? Or V-neck?” I asked.

            “Which one gives you better boobs?” She replied.

            “I don’t know,” I said looking down at my chest.

            “Go cardigan,” She said, and do something with your hair.

            “Whats wrong with my hair?” I asked.

            “Nothing but since you’re a celebrities girlfriend now you have to keep up appearances, meaning looking nice all the time,” She answered.

            “Fine, I’ll do something to it,” I said pulling on my cardigan.

            “Good,” she said putting on her own shirt. I plugged my iPod into the dock and let the sounds of Train drown out her nagging. I straightened my hair and pulled some of the front pieces into a braid and called it good.

            “Are you ready?” I asked her looking at the clock.

“Yeah one second,” She said, “What time are we supposed to be meeting the boys?”

“Oh I don’t know,” I said, “I’ll ask Harry.” I pulled out my phone and sent him a text. “They said 11:30.”

“Good, then we have 15 minutes,” She said putting on her converse and tying them up.

“Hey throw me my shoe please,” I asked.

“Sure,” She said literally throwing it at me and hitting me in the face.

“Ouch, you ho that hurt,” I said rubbing my cheek.

“You said throw it,” she said sheepishly.

“I can see how you and your brother are related now,” I told her, “Let’s go before you behead or dismember me.”

“Drama queen” she said leading the way out of our room and into the lobby.

“What happened to you?” Harry asked motioning to my reddened cheek.

“Your sister went Rambo on me and attacked my face,” I told him.

“Aww you want me to kiss it and make it better?” he teased throwing his arm over my shoulder and kissing my probably bruised cheek.

“Oh don’t that hurts,” I said.

“Sorry babe,” He said.

“Don’t call me babe!” I said.

“Hey love birds are you ready to go?” Jared asked.

“What yeah,” I said noticing that everyone was getting into the car.

———————-

“Are we done yet?” Harry whined sliding onto the couch next to me.

“Aww poor baby,” I said, “tired of getting your picture taken?”

“I’m just tired,” he said yawning and laying his head in my lap.

“Why?” I asked.

“Because while you were sleeping like a baby, I was listening to Louis talk and sing in his sleep,” He said.

“What was I singing this time?” Louis asked.

“I don’t even know,” Harry answered.

“Well its better than the time Niall tried to sleep in your bed,” Liam said as he finished his last picture.

“Hey Liam do you want to bring me a juice box?” I asked flashing my cutest smile.

“Sure,” He said grabbing one from the long table covered in different foods.

“So are you guys done?” I asked as Niall and Zayn finished up their last shots.

“They have to run through the prints, and make sure everything is perfect,” Zayn said.

“I’m sure they will be,” I said, “I mean you do look part Greek god, mixed with Abercrombie model.”

“Hey watch it,” Harry said, “You might make me jealous.”

“Are we actually getting along?” I asked noticing that we hadn’t fought in at least half an hour.

“Don’t jinx it!” Gemma said.

“Good point!” I said, “I take that comment back.”

“You guys are done, perfect photos as always,” the photographer announced.

“Awesome,” I said getting up causing Harry’s head to hit the couch, “I’m starving!”

“Me too,” Niall said, “I’m thinking Nandos.”

“Niall you’re always thinking Nandos,” Liam said.

“I don’t think I can eat anymore,” I said pushing my food away.

“Same,” Louis said.

“So what are you guys doing tonight?” I asked.

“Its our weekly wii sports tournament night,” Liam answered.

“Fun,” I said.

“Would you girls like to join us?” Zayn asked.

“I can’t,” Gemma said.

“Why do you have other plans?” I asked confused.

“Skins is on tonight,” Harry said.

“That’s doesn’t start until like really late,” I said.

“She has a skins ritual complete with rewatching the last episode, a facemask that resembles Shrek and baking cookies,” Harry told us.

“Wow,” I said both amazed and disturbed at her dedication to the show.

“Well I will be there,” I said.

“Well don’t expect us to go easy on you, just because you’re a girl,” Harry teased.

“Don’t expect me to go easy on you because you’re a big pop star,” I retorted.

—————————

            “Are you guys ready to lose?” I asked dropping onto the couch.

            “Yeah right,” Harry said, “I see you dressed up for the occasion.” He gestured to my basketball shorts and tee shirt.

            “Well I didn’t see a point in looking pretty for pizza and Wii sports,” I said, “Its not like we’re going to the Monte Carlo casino.”

            “Harry be nice,” Niall said joining us on the couch.

            “I am being nice,” He defended.

            “What kind of pizza do you want Carson?” Louis asked.

            “I want olives and I don’t really care what else is on it, as long as there are no stinky fish,” I replied.

            “Got it,” He said placing the order. “It’ll be here in 40 minutes,” He announced after hanging up.

            “That’s so long,” I whined.

            “If Niall can survive I’m sure you can,” Liam said.

            “I guess,” I sighed, “So what game are we playing first?”

            “Tennis,” Liam said turning the Wii on.

            “Who plays first?” I asked.

            “Well Harry plays first since he won last time, and I think Niall, then we just play until we lose and next person plays winner,” Zayn explained.

            “Easy enough,” I said getting comfortable on the couch.

————————

            “Told you I’m a champion Wii Sports player,” I said after winning my 6^th straight game.

            “I think you cheated,” Harry said.

            “Not even, I spent a lot of time with Jared playing Wii while my parents followed this celebrity or that Heiress,” I said, “I‘ve had a lot of practice.”

            “Well I think that enough Wii for me,” Niall said, “My arms are already sore.”

            “Same,” I said laying back against the couch, “What time is it?”

            “Its midnight,” Louis answered.

            “I should probably get back to my own house,” I said getting up, “Goodnight boys.”

            “Goodnight,” They called back as I closed the door.

            “How was it?” Gemma asked.

            “Awesome, I won and I’m exhausted so goodnight,” I said going to our room and peeling of my slightly sweaty shirt and looking for pajamas.

            “Great”, I thought “No clean pajamas. I thought Bridget was getting out clothes sent out.” I thought about it for a moment before pulling on the robe Bridget got me and sleeping in my underwear. I slipped under the warm Duvet and was asleep in seconds.

————————

            “BEEP,BEEP, BEEP,” A loud obnoxious alarm was suddenly going off waking me from the dead of sleep. I pulled on my uggs and stumbled into the living room just as Bridget ran out of her room.

            “What the hell is going on?” I yelled over the beeping.

            “Fire alarm,” Bridget said bursting into our room, “Get the boys and meet us at our disaster emergency place, “I’ll take Gemma.”

            “Right,” I said heading out the door to the boys flat.

            “Boys wake up,” I yelled pounding on their door until Liam opened it for me.

            “What’s going in” He asked.

            “Fire alarm, can you take Zayn and Niall to the fountain in front of the building, Bridget and Gemma will be there already. I’ll get Louis and Harry.

            “Yeah, sure,” he said helping me wake them up.

            “Take the stairs,” I told them as they left the room.

            “Harry, Louis! Wake up!” I yelled in their room.

            “What?” Louis asked.

            “Fire alarm get down stairs to the fountain in front of the building,” I told him handing him a shirt from the floor as I went to wake Harry up.

            “Harry Fire alarm wake up!” I yelled shaking him.

            “Seriously how can you be sleeping through this?” I asked shaking him hard, “Okay then,” I said as I took the cup he had next to his bed and dropped it on his chest.

            “What the hell?” He asked jumping up.

            “Fire alarm lets go,” I said handing him a shirt as well and leading him out the door to the hall.

            “Wait so the building is on fire?” Harry asked.

            “Possibly,” I replied stepping into the open elevator.

            “Do you think someone set the place on fire?” He asked as we started moving.

            “I honestly don’t know,” I said.

            “Oh,” he replied.

            “Shit!” I said realizing we were in the elevator.

            “What?” Harry asked looking scared.

            “We weren’t supposed to take the elevator, just in case,” I said as the elevator shuttered to a stop, “just in case this happened.”

            “We’re stuck I here?” he asked.

            “Yeah,” I said sliding my back down the elevator wall, “I’m an idiot.”

            “What are we going to do?” Harry asked as my phone began to ring I looked at the screen and saw that it was Bridget.

            “Where are you?” she yelled into the phone as soon as I answered.

            “I made a mistake and well we’re in the elevator and we’re stuck,” I said waiting for her to freak out.

            “YOU’RE WHERE?” She yelled.

            “I was thrown off in the panic of everything and we took the elevator out of habit,” I said trying to remain calm, “I’m sorry.”

            “Okay,” Bridget said taking a deep breath and releasing it slowly, “Everything is fine, it was a false alarm. You’ll be okay.”

            “I’m so sorry,” I said holding back my tears.

            “Okay well they’re going to let us back into the building soon and then they can switch the power back on and get you guys out of the elevator,” She said trying to calm me down.

            “Okay,” I said taking a deep breath that did absolutely nothing to calm me down.

            “Don’t worry I still love you,” she told me.

            “I love you too,” I said before ending the call.

            “So?” Harry asked.

            “Well it was a false alarm and we aren’t going to die,” I said, “But I’m still an idiot for getting into this damn elevator!” I buried my head in my hands and let out a sob.

            “Are you crying?” Harry asked unsure what to do.

            “No, I’m just uh. Yeah I’m crying,” I said.

            “Are you okay?” he asked trying to comfort me.

            “Uh well I could have killed us,” I said, “I’m so stupid. All I had to do was get you out of the building and keep you safe, and I couldn’t even do that.”

            “It’s okay,” He said sitting next to me and putting his arm around me.

            “No its not,” I said collapsing into his chest, “If there had been a fire we would be trapped in here being burned to death.”

            “But we aren’t,” He said trying and failing to make me feel better.

            “You’re terrible are comforting people you know that,” I said with a small laugh starting to feel a little better.

            “But I did make you laugh,” he said.

            “Only because you epically failed at making me feel better,” I said.

            “Maybe I failed on purpose, to make you laugh,” he reasoned.

            “Doubt it, but good try,” I told him.

            “Do you feel better now?” He asked.

            “Actually I do,” I said wiping my face with my sleeve bringing attention to what I was wearing, “Really? I said to myself.”

            “What?”Harry asked.

            “I sort of just realized what I was wearing,” I admitted.

            “What’s wrong with it?” He asked.

            “Well this is sort of it,” I said gesturing to the robe.

            “Seriously?” He asked.

            “Yeah, I was out of clean clothes and well this is actually pretty embarrassing,” I said pulling it tighter.

            “Well, uh, yeah not sure what to say about that one,” he joked.

            “Yeah we’ll pretend it never happened and I’m dressed like a nun,” I said still embarrassed about my lack of clothing.

            “Got it,” he said. We sat in silence for a few minutes.

            “Okay I’m bored,” I said.

            “Well why don’t we just play monopoly, oh wait we’re trapped in an elevator,” Harry said.

            “They really should have games for when you’re stuck in an elevator,” I said.

            “We could invent some,” He suggested.

            “Why is it we keep getting trapped places?” I asked, “and don’t you dare say fate.”

            He thought for a minute before saying, “Destiny.”

            “Haha,” I said, “I really am bored though,” I whined.

            “Well you’re a girl what do you do at sleepovers?” He asked.

            “I don’t have sleepovers my only friend is Bridget,” I told him.

            “Well what about at boarding school?” He asked.

            “We played truth or dare on occasions,” I said.

            “Then lets play,” he said,

            “We can’t do proper dares in an elevator,” I said.

            “Well if we don’t do something we’re going to die of boredom,” He whined.

            “I know,” I said letting out a shiver.

            “Are you cold?” He asked.

            “Kinda,” I said.

            “Here,” he said taking his shirt off and handing it to me, “put this on.”

            “Close your eyes,” I said untying my robe.

            “Fine,” He said covering his eyes with his hands. I slipped the robe off and slid the t-shirt over my head and then put my robe back on.

            “You can look now,” I said sitting back against the wall.

            “Nice pink bra,” He teased.

            “Hey, I told you not to look,” I said hitting his shoulder.

            “Come one it was an accident,” He said.

            “Liar!” I said hitting him again.

            “Where are you from?” He asked.

            “Random, but all over why?” I asked.

            “Because you use American slang but you don’t exactly have an American accent,” he said.

            “Well my dad is from here in London, and he moved to L.A. and met my mom, who was a detective in L.A. they moved back here and started this security type agency. We’ve lived here, New York, California, all over, We follow the celebrities that need us,” I said.

            “That’s a lot of moving,” Harry said.

            “Yeah, it is. I lost track after 7 times,” I said.

            “So is this like a family business?” He asked.

            “No way. This is definitely not my thing,” I said.

            “Well what do you want to do?” He asked.

            “You know marry a big pop star,” I joked, “I actually want to be a lawyer.”

            “You’re definitely mean enough to be a lawyer,” Harry said.

            “Thanks I try,” I said yawning.

            “Its 3:30 we’ve been stuck here for only a half hour,” he said.

            “Are you serious?” I asked.

            “Yeah we should have brought blankets and pillows,” He said.

            “And a television,” I said.

            “Yeah, maybe some food,” he said catching my yawn.

———————-

            I felt something heavy across back and looked up to see Harry’s arm holding me tight to him. I closed my eyes and snuggled back into his warm chest and fell back asleep.

———————-

            “Carson,” I heard someone say. I let out a sigh and readjusted my arms, “Carson wake up,” The voice said again shaking me this time.

            “What?” I said opening my eyes.

            “Get up,” Bridget said.

            “Oh we saved,” I said getting up.

            “Harry,” I said moving his arm, “we’re rescued.” He rubbed his eyes and sat up confused.

            “You two get back to the girls apartment,” Jared said.

            “Okay,” I said staggering out of the lift and back to the apartment. I collapsed on the couch unable to make it to my bed. Harry took a pillow from the couch and took a spot on the floor falling back asleep.

            “Well you can bet you’ll be getting death threats by morning,” Liam said once we were all backstage.

“You think they bought it?” I asked.

“Did you not see the looks of pure jealousy and hate you were getting?” Harry asked.

“I was more focused on not tripping,” I said.

“Well it’s safe to say they bought it,” Louis said.

“Step one accomplished,” I said.

“I thought you didn’t have a plan?” Harry asked.

“I don’t I’m making it up as I go along,” I told him.

“Well Niall you are obviously in very capable hands,” Zayn joked.

“Hey I know what I’m doing,” I defended myself, “I’m still getting a feel for the guy so I can catch him.”

“Catch who?” a girls voice behind me asked.

“Oh hey there Eleanor, Charlotte,” Liam said.

“Who are you trying to catch?” Eleanor asked again.

“Oh just some paparazzi pig who tweeted a photo of Harry and I before we were ready to let everyone know we were together,” I said thinking quickly.

“Aren’t the paparazzi the worst form of people,” Eleanor said.

“They really are,” Eleanor’s friend Charlotte replied, “They’ve said some nasty things about you guys.”

“It comes with the job,” Louis said shrugging it off.

“Do you remember that silly rumor that they started about Niall and me being together,” Charlotte said.

“Oh yeah,” Niall said slightly sarcastically.

“She started that rumor herself,” Harry whispered to me. I fought back a laugh.

“Well I’m sure you guys have some prepping to do before you perform,” I said, “So Gemma and I are going to grab a table and wait for you guys.”

“Right,” Gemma said.

“See you in a bit,” I said giving Harry a kiss on the cheek, playing into my role, before leaving the room. We walked back into the main room and took a seat at one of the tall tables near the stage, with only two seats so we didn’t have to sit by Charlotte.

“Whats this for again?” I asked.

“It’s a charity for children or polar bears, something of that nature,” Gemma replied. The boys were 3^rd in the lineup, the first act, Pixie Lott, was just taking the stage. The first few bars of ‘All About Tonight’ started playing.

“I love this song, lets dance,” I said grabbing Gemma’s hand and pulling her to the dance floor.

            “I’m going out with the girls, ready to show all the boys what I got,” Pixies voice flowed through the club and nearly every girl was dancing, even the past her prime, cougars were up. We dance through all of Pixies 3 song set and the barely noticed that the next band had finished and the boys had taken the stage when ‘Up All Night’ started playing and Liam’s voice flowed through the speakers, the crowd erupted into cheers and again all the girls were up dancing. They finished their set and literally jumped off the stage and into the crowd. They found their way to us just as Gemma and I decided it was time for a water break.

            “You guys were amazing,” Gemma told the boys, giving them each a hug.

            “You really were brilliant,” I said giving them all a hug as well before taking Harry’s hand.

            “Did you change?” Harry asked looking at my dress.

            “No I just took off my coat,” I replied.

            “Oh well you look, uh, nice,” He said.

            “You guys both look great,” Niall said.

            “It’s called the miracle bra, it can make anyone look great,” Charlotte said from behind us, “You guys looked amazing.”

            “Thanks,” the boys muttered.

            “Well I need some water,” I said.

            “Me too,” Gemma said.

            “I’ll join you girls,” Harry said leading me to the bar.

            “Are you not too keen on Eleanor and Charlotte?” I asked.

            “Eleanor’s fine, she’s a lot of fun actually, but Charlotte is just so obnoxious. I can’t stand to watch her flirt with Niall and him suffer,” he said.

            “Poor thing just can’t take a hint can she?” I asked between large gulps of water.

            “Not at all,” He admitted, “It’s sad actually.”

            “Well I’m going to dance,” Gemma announced getting up from her chair, “care to join me Carson?”

            “In a minute I need to rest my feet a little longer,” I said.

            “Okay,” She said walking back to the others. Harry and I sat in silence for a few minutes while I finished off my bottle of water.

            “So boyfriend ready to dance?” I asked.

            “Sure,” He said taking my hand and leading me back to the others. Eleanor and Louis were already dancing.

            “Why aren’t you guys dancing?” I asked.

            “Its not my thing,” Zayn said.

            “And I’m waiting for Pixie Lott to be available,” Liam said.

            “I just wasn’t in the mood,” Niall said.

            “Same,” Gemma said.

            “Well no one asked me to dance and you can’t just dance alone that lame,” Charlotte said.

            “Well your missing out,” I told them taking Harry into the crowd off people to where Louis and Eleanor were. After dancing for a while I took my shoes off and gave them to Gemma to hold on to.

            “Hey were did Charlotte go?” I asked.

            “Bathroom, Bar, some random guys lap. Don’t know and don’t really care,” She said looking bored.

            “Come dance with us, ask Niall to dance” I whispered to her before slipping back into the crowd. We dance another hour. Zayn took to the floor with a girl I didn’t know and Liam finally got to dance with Pixie. After another song Gemma and Niall both joined us. The D.J. finished the last song and an older woman, who I’m assuming is part of the charity, grabbed a microphone.

            “I would like to say thank you to everyone who came out tonight and to all the performers. We raised 60,000 pounds tonight.” The woman said, “Have a great night everybody.”

            “Well I’m exhausted lets go grab your things and go home,” I said attempting to put my heels back on before deciding that was not going to happen.

            “I agree,” Liam said walking to the backstage area. I grabbed my shoes and coat and slowly followed them.

            “Hey Lou do you have my coat?” Niall asked.

            “No its over there, on the chair,” Louis said pointing to it, “Hey that rhymed.

            “Oh yeah,” Niall said grabbing it from the chair. When picked it up and white envelope fell from the sleeve.

            “You dropped something,” I said to Niall as he pulled his coat on.

            “Oh thanks,” he said picking up the envelope.

            “Uh this isn’t mine,” He said looking at it.

            “Let me see it,” I said taking it from him. I healed it to the light to see through it before slowly opening it. I pulled a sheet of paper from it and unfolded it and read:

            “I hope you had a nice night, seeing as it may be one of your last. You best tell that girl you were with how you feel before it’s too late.”

            I fiddled with the wire in my bra before finding the microphone and puling it out.

            “Bridget,” I said into it, “We need Jared. LIKE NOW.” In less than a minute Jared stumbled into the room.

            “What is it?” He asked.

            “We got a letter,” I said handing him the envelope.

            “Carson you know you aren’t supposed to open things without checking them out first,” He said taking out the paper and reading it for himself.

            “Sorry, I jumped the gun a bit,” I apologized. Jared took out his phone and called for my dad to pick us up.

            “Your dad is on his way. I want all of you back at the girls flat, so we can check out yours,” Jared informed us before leaving us to find the security for the club.

            “So what does this mean?” Harry asked.

            “It means that the creeper was here tonight,” I said.

            “Do you have any ideas who it is?” Niall asked.

            “Not yet,” I admitted, “But the fact that the letter was hand written proves that we’re dealing with an amateur, but seeing as they made it backstage shows that they are on the inside.”

            “Carson,” I heard my dads familiar voice call from down the hall.

            “In here da-Mark,” I said almost calling him dad.

            “Are you guys okay?” He asked.

            “Yep, no bullet holes, all in one piece,” I told him.

            “Good,” he said, “let’s go then. The car is waiting outside and its late.”

            “Are you okay?” I asked Niall when we got to the car.

            “What? Oh yeah I’m okay,” he said sounding distracted.

            “We’ll catch him don’t worry,” I told him giving his hand a quick squeeze.

            “Thanks,” He said.

            “Ready for our big sleepover?” I asked when we all settled into the car.

            “Will there a pillow fight?” Harry asked with a wink.

            “Absolutely not!” My dad said.

            “Sorry sir, it was a joke, and not a funny one,” Harry said with a touch of fear in his voice.

            “I’m just kidding,” My dad said, “I’m more worried for you guys having to sleep under the same roof, rather than my daughter.”

            “Thanks, I think,” I said. The drive back home was quick and silent. Everyone was either to tired, scared, or confused to talk.

            “Okay well we will be watching the building,” My dad said when we pulled up, “Bridget is waiting in the lobby, be safe.”

            “Thanks dad,” I said getting out of the car, “Love you. Good night.”

            “Love you,” He replied before taking off.

            “So babe,” Harry said taking my hand as we entered the building, “I prefer the right side of the bed.”

            “Uh as if,” I said ripping my hand from his, “You’re sleeping on the living room floor.”

            “Feisty,” He said.

            “Yeah keep that up and I will hurt you,” I told him.

            “Promise?” He asked.

            “Harry, come on. What are you doing?” Liam asked.

            “Well, I see you two are getting along,” Bridget said.

            “Just a lovers quarrel,” Harry said placing his arm over my shoulder and pulling me in to him and kissing my cheek. Without thinking I gave him a quick jab to the gut with my elbow.

            “I told you,” I said walking away as he bent over in pain.

            “We told you not to irritate her,” Liam said.

            “Pay up,” Niall told Louis.

            “Uh fine,” Louis said taking out his wallet and handing over the 5 pounds.

            “Well lets get to bed,” Bridget said shooting me a look, as she tried to mediate, and help Harry into the lift.

            “Sorry,” I said, “I didn’t think I hit you that hard.”

            “No prob,” He wheezed.

            “I want the boys in the living room, and girls you are to stay in your room,” Bridget informed us when we got back to the apartment, “No funny business.” The boys spots were already made up on the floor.

            “Got it,” we said.

            “Goodnight then,” She said going to her room, Gemma and I did the same.

———————-

            “Gemma,” I said shaking her awake.

            “What?” She moaned.

            “Wake up, I’m hungry lets go get breakfast,” I told her.

            “Then go get breakfast,” she whined.

            “I don’t want to go alone,” I told her.

            “What time is it?” She asked.

            “7:30,” I said.

            “Don’t you sleep in?” she asked.

            “No, I’m hungry, lets go!” I said jumping up and down on her mattress.

            “Fine,” She said getting up.

            “Yay,” I said grabbing my robe and throwing her hers. I opened the door and practically stepped on a shirtless Zayn.

            “Shh,” Gemma whispered as we stepped over him, then Liam, Niall, and Louis.

            “Wheres Harry?” I asked her.

            “I don’t know?” She replied.

            “We lost him?” I asked.

            “I’m an only child, hmm,” She joked.

            “Sorry to burst your bubble sis,” Harry said from the kitchen table with a bowl of cereal, “But I’m still here.”

            “Well I was almost an only child,” She said.

            “Hey are you eating my cereal?” I asked looking into his bowl.

            “I don’t know,” he said with a full mouth.

            “You are eating my cereal!” I all but shouted.

            “Shhh,” they both said. I just glared as I poured my own bowl of cinnamon toast crunch and milk.

            “You stole my cereal,” I mumbled taking the seat next to Harry and across from Gemma.

            “What’s going on?” Liam asked sitting up and rubbing his eyes.

            “Breakfast,” I said between bites.

            “Oh yum,” He said joining us, still shirtless.

            “Do guys not wear shirts to bed? At all?” I asked.

            “Uh, nope,” Both Harry and Liam said.

            “This wasn’t enough,” I said slurping the last bit of cereal and milk from the bowl, “I want a real breakfast.” I walked over to the fridge and pulled out the eggs, grabbed the bag of potatoes, and the pancake mix.

            “Who wants real food,” I asked.

            “I do,” Niall mumbled from the living room floor.

            “I bet,” I said as he got up and joined.

            “I’ll peel the potatoes,” Gemma said getting up from the table and washing the bag.

            “Awesome,” I said, “Liam would mix the pancakes please?”

            “Sure thing love,” He replied taking the box and the bowl I had set out.

            “Just follow the directions,” I told him.

            “Believe it or not I actually know how to make pancakes,” he said.

            “Wow, I’m impressed,” I told him as I started cracking eggs into a large bowl.

            “Are Zayn and Louis still sleeping?” Gemma asked.

            “Yeah they aren’t morning people,” Niall said.

            “Not even if there’s food?” I asked.

            “Nope,” Harry said.

            “Wow,” I said impressed with their dedication to sleep.

            “Yeah its what keeps Zayn so pretty,” Harry teased.

            “Well its working,” I replied.

            “I hear you talking about me,” Zayn moaned from his sleeping bag.

            “Zayn wake up,” Niall yelled to him, “We have pancakes.”

            “Did I hear pancakes?” Louis asked sleepily.

            “Yes Louis,” I said, “we’re making breakfast.”

            “What do you want me to go with the potatoes?” Gemma asked.

            “Dice them up and some onion and bell pepper, please,” I told her while I whisked the eggs together.

            “Real food,” Louis said taking a seat at the table.

            “What’s going on?” Jared asked emerging from Bridget’s room.

            “I could ask you the same,” I said looking back into Bridget’s room.

            “Well you guys needed to be chaperoned,” He started.

            “Save it,” I said handing him the bowl of eggs instructing him to finish scrambling them and the cook them. I took over Gemma’s job and finished dicing the potatoes and peppers, and slicing the onions before frying them up in a pan.

            “Do you want me to finish the pancakes?” Gemma asked Liam.

            “No I’ve got it,” He said still stirring the large bowl of pancake mix.

            “Is that breakfast?” Bridget asked.

            “Yeah,” I said, “we caught Jared walk of shaming it out of your room and made him help, you can finish now.” I handed her the spatula and took a seat with the others at the table and Liam gave the pancakes to Jared.

            “So what are we doing today?” I asked the table.

            “I think we have a photo shoot,” Zayn said with a yawn finally joining the rest of us.

            “Fun,” I said, “Am I invited this time?” I looked at Harry.

            “As long as you don’t kill me again,” He said rubbing the purple and blue bruise I left on his abdomen.

            “Again sorry about that, I was tired and you were being rude,” I told him matter of factly.

            “Yeah yeah,” He said. Moments later plates piled high with food appeared in front of us.

            “I love breakfast,” I sighed as I finished my last bite.

            “If you and Harry weren’t fake dating, you and Niall would be perfect for each other,” Louis teased.

            “You guys need to get going,” Jared said, “The flat has been scoured and nothing found so you can go get ready for the shoot. We’ll meet in the lobby at 11.”

            “But I don’t want to go,” Niall whined.

            “Sorry mate you have too,” Jared said.

            “Fine,” He said. The boys finished breakfast and picked up their sleeping bags from the floor and left for their own flat.

            “Spill,” I said looking at Bridget.

            “He finally got the anvil sized hints,” She said walking back to her room.

            “So glad, I’m a heavy sleeper,” I said walking to mine and Gemma’s room to change.

            “Wow, Jared and Bridget,” I said taking a seat at my vanity.

            “Yeah she seems to crazy for him,” Gemma said.

            “Oh she is,” I said brushing my hair.

            “What do you wear to photo shoots?” Bridget asked.

            “Clothes?” I replied.

            “Ha funny,” She said.

            “Speaking of relationships, since when do you like Niall?” I asked.

            “I don’t,” She said a bit too quickly.

            “Don’t lie. I can tell when people are lying,” I told her.

            “Fine,” She admitted, “like maybe 8 months ago.”

            “Why haven’t you told him?” I asked.

            “Because, I can’t he’s one of my brothers best friends, it’s like written in the sister and best friend code,” she said.

            “Screw the code,” I told her.

            “Easier said than done,” she replied.

            “Not really,” I told her, “Just tell him you like him, or better yet, pin him up against a wall and kiss that adorable face of his.

            “Your insane,” she told me.

            “Again not the first time I’ve been told that,” I said.

            “Again not surprised,” She answered.

            “Just get ready for the shoot,” She said throwing a pillow at me.

            “Fine, meanie,” I said throwing the pillow back and nailing her in the face.

            “Just for that I’m borrowing your True Religions,” she said.

            “Only if you can promise me you’ll him how you feel,” I told her.

            “Not happening,” She said walking into the bathroom with my jeans.

            “You will weather you want to or not,” I called to her.

“So are you going to tell me about what happened on the roof the other night?” Bridget asked when I got up from my nap a few hours later.

“What time is it, and no,” I said glaring at Gemma.

“It’s 8 and she got it out of me, I’m sorry she jedi mind tricked me,” Gemma apologized.

“Please tell me what happened fake little sis,” Bridget pleaded.

“There was nothing too exciting going on,” I said falling into the plush chair on the right of the couch Gemma and Bridget were sitting in.

“Well you and Harry looked like you were getting along better today,” She said.

“We had to, we were in public,” I pointed out.

“Not just at the signing  but in the car too, you do know Jared and I talk,” Bridget said.

“We talked about nothing significant,” I reiterated.

“You’re lying I can see it in your eyes,” She said.

“We may have clicked, a bit,” I said, “but no offense Gemma, it’s just kind of weird talking about him in front of you.”

“I’ll just go do something in our room,” Gemma said getting up and leaving the room.

“Well,” I began, “We started playing 20 questions and first the questions were easy, favorite color, and things like that, basics you know. The questions got a little more personal but not too personal. Then the last question I asked sort of ended the game.”

“What did you ask?” she asked.

“How he felt when he got stuck fake dating me,” I told her.

“Oh what did he say?” She asked.

“He said he volunteered, that they didn’t draw straws,” I explained.

“Oh,” she said again.

“So I asked why,” I went on.

“Of course you did,” she said.

“And he said he didn’t know. Of course he knew, and I know he knew, he just wasn’t telling me and I just don’t understand. What’s the big secret? I don’t understand boys” I said letting out a sigh and collapsing into a pillow.

“I know babe, I know,” Bridget said rubbing my back, “Wait so do you like him?”

“Well I would be lying if I said I didn’t think he was cute, but I don’t know him well enough to know if I ‘like’ him,” I explained.

“Can I come back in?” Gemma asked.

“Yeah sure,” I said.

“Thank you I was getting bored back there,” She said taking a seat in the chair I moved from.

            “Gemma you have a brother can you give us some insight onto why boys are so confusing,” Bridget asked.

“Believe me if I knew I’d have written a bestselling book on it,” Gemma said.

“Well someone needs to figure it out and write that book. I’d buy multiple copies of it,” I said.

“Seriously,” Gemma said, “You think you know them and your close and then BAM! They stop talking to you,” Gemma said.

“Yeah or they give you cryptic answers to easy questions,” I added, “Or just refuse to answer at all.”

“Don’t forget when they completely ignore your hints, that you’ve been dropping like anvils,” Bridget said.

“Men,” I said.

“More like boys,” Bridget added, “Men don’t act stupid like this.”

“Wait a minute are you talking about my brother?” Gemma asked.

“Yes,” I admitted.

“Wait what did happen on that roof?” She asked.

“Honestly nothing,” I said, “absolutely nothing.”

“Sounds like it’s a Ben and Jerry’s kind of night,” Bridget said grabbing her phone and dialing, “What flavors do you girls need?”

“Phish food, and Late Night Snack,” I said.

“Chunky monkey and Whirled Peace,” Gemma told her.

“Okay,” Bridget said into her phone, “We need 1 pint of each of the following Ben and Jerry’s flavors, Phish food, Late Night Snack, Chunky Monkey, Whirled Peace, Everything but the, and Red Velvet Cake.” She paused before adding, “We also need 2 large pizzas 1 pepperoni and one with everything but the nasty fish, and that’s it.” She gave them her account number and then hung up.

“Well our food will be here in 30-40 minutes, be ready to eat your feelings.” She said getting up and going to her room. She reemerged wearing sweats and an oversized t-shirt.

“I hope you know that I can’t vent to your mom or Jared, so I save all my problems for you,” She said taking her spot back on the couch.

“Same here, my roommate is some weird anti-social freak who avoids me at all costs, be prepared for some unloading,” I said. Once the food was delivered we began our very grown up method of dealing with our problems with the opposite sex. Ice cream frist pizza second, all while watching The Notebook followed by Prince of Persia, so we could fantasize about Jake Gyllenhaal’s orgasmic body. We had definitely become a cliché.

“Well I feel better,” I said collecting the food mess from around Bridget and stuffing it all into a large trash bag. Bridget let out a soft snore. “She always sleeps after a therapy session.” I explained to Gemma.

“Well that had to be the best girly cliché therapy session I have ever had,” Gemma said helping me pick up our mess.

“I think we’ve picked up enough.” I said looking around at the pillows and blankets still strewn across the floor and chairs.

“Good because I’m exhausted,” Gemma said putting the trash bag in the kitchen and following me to our room.

—————————-

            “Woah what happened in here?” Niall asked lookin at our disasater and the still sleeping Bridget.

            “You wouldn’t understand, I said thankful I had actually woken up and gotten ready just in case the boys showed up.

            “Okay then,” Louis said.

            “What are we doing today?” I asked.

            “We have a show tomorrow, and a sound check and set list to create today,” Harry said.

            “Oh fun,” Gemma said.

            “When are we leaving?” I asked.

            “WE are leaving in a half an hour, I didn’t say you guys were invited,” Harry said.

            “Oh play nice,” Louis said, “You guys can meet Eleanor, she’ll be at the sound check too.”

            “Well that sounds fun,” Gemma said.

            “I’ll just grab my shoes and meet you in the lobby in 20,” I said. The boys left and I ran to our closet and frantically searched for something to wear to the show tomorrow.

            “Why are you raping our closet?” Gemma asked.

            “I’m looking for something to wear to the show,” I said.

            “You do know that’s tomorrow,” Gemma said.

            “We might need to go shopping,” I said.

            “Why what are you looking for?” she asked.

            “Something that a pop stars girlfriend would wear to a show of theirs, and I don’t have anything like that,” I said.

            “We can buy you something today with Eleanor, she’s very nice and a model who know where to shop,” Gemma said.

            “Good lets go then,” I said slipping my foot into an ugg boot, “Oh and no one outside of us and the boys know about the threats so don’t tell Eleanor.”

            “Got it,” she said putting shoes on also, “So how are we explain our living down the hall from the boys?”

            “We were best friends as kids, I went away to school and decided when I was done to move in with you in the city and we found a flat in the same building as the boys so we would know someone here” I said fabricating our life stories, “And my older sister moved in with us to help us.”

            “Are we doing the always had a crush on the friends little brother thing?” she asked.

            “How about the I’ve liked your brother for a while but played it off like I didn’t really well,” I answered.

            “Sounds good to me,” Gemma said.

            “Well lets go then,” I said.

            “Oh look we beat the boys again,” I said when we got off the lift in the lobby.

            “They were probably all standing around the mirror flexing,” Gemma joked.

            “Were not,” Liam retorted from behind us.

            “Oh then Harry was curling his hair?” I asked teasing.

            “I do not curl my hair,” Harry said.

            “Oh so it has that bounce naturally?” I asked.

            “Yeah are you jealous?” he said flipping his hair.

            “Oh yeah I can hardly contain myself. I want you, I need you, oh baby, oh baby,” I answered.

            “Will you two quit flirting,” Zayn said, “and get in the car.”

            “We are not flirting,” we both said at the exact same time.

            “Right well just get in the car,” Niall said. We did as we were told.

———————

            “I thought Eleanor was going to be here,” I said to Louis from one of the bar chairs we were sitting at.

            “She’s on her way,” He replied.

            “Well when she gets here do you mind if we steal her for an hour or so to go shopping?” I asked.

            “As long as you buy me something,” he joked.

            “Why do you guys need to go shopping?” Niall asked.

            “Because being a pop stars girlfriend needs nice clothes, duh,” I said as if everyone knew that.

            “Right,” He said.

“Honestly Lou where is Eleanor?” Harry asked, “we need to get this set list done and start sound check and we can’t do that  if you’re watching the door.”

“Yeah we’ve been waiting forever,” I said.

“It’s been 20 minutes,” Gemma said.

“That’s so long,” I whined.

“Well that one thing you and Harry have in common, a complete lack of patience,” Gemma replied.

“Hello,” a girly voice called out.

“Hey babe,” Louis said greeting he girl with a kiss.

“Eleanor this is Gemma and Carson, Carson, Gemma this is Eleanor,” Louis introduced.

“Nice too meet you,” I said offering her my hand, “I’m Carson.”         

“I’m Gemma,” Gemma said following suit. Louis and Eleanor caught up and the boys, Gemma and I waited.

“Lou we’ve got stuff to do,” Zayn said.

“Right,” Louis said.

“Eleanor would you like to go shopping with us?” I asked, “while the boys work.”

“I would but I actually have to meet my friend Charlotte, I invited her to the show tomorrow, I hope you don’t mind,” Eleanor replied.

“Oh no.  Not at all,” Niall said looking slightly worried.

“Okay then we’ll be back then,” I said grabbing Gemma and heading out the door.

———————

            “Try this on,” Gemma said shoving a mess of fabric at me.

            “What is it?” I asked.

            “A dress now go put it on,” she replied shoving me into a dressing room.

            “It’s a bit short,” I said from behind the dressing room door.

            “It’ll make your legs look incredibly long,” She replied.

            “Are you calling me short?” I asked.

            “Maybe,” She said, “now let me see it.”

            “Fine,” I said swinging the door open.

            “Wow, you look hot,” She said looking stunned, “Like I’m picturing my brother unable to keep his hands off you eww not I’m slightly disturbed hot, but in a good way.”

            “I don’t do hot,” I said looking down.

            “The why are we here?” She asked.

            “Lapse in judgment on my part,” I said.

            “You’re getting it,” She said.

            “What are you getting?” I asked.

            “That blue one I tried on,” she replied.

            “Oh,” I said.

            “You’re getting that dress,” She told me, “change back into your other clothes so we can get shoes to go with it.”

            “Fine,” I said getting back into my regular clothes, “lets pay and go get shoes.”

            “You do know that I meant heels right?” Gemma asked.

            “Yes I know,” I said.

            “You’re okay with heels but not a dress?” She said, “You’re insane.”

            “What heels are easy. Theres no special way to sit in heels, and you canbend over in heels,” I explained.

            “Still insane,” Gemma said.

            “You’re not the first to call me that,” I said.

            “Didn’t think so,” she said.

————————

            “So did you ladies have fun?” Liam asked.

            “Of course,” I told him.

            “Wheres Eleanor?” Gemma asked.

            “She went to pick up her friend Charlotte,” Louis said.

“Ugh,” Niall shuddered.

            “Whats wrong with Charlotte?” I asked.

            “Are you guys ready to go?” Jared interrupted.

            “Yes,” Louis said going out to the car waiting for us.

            “So whats wrong with Charlotte?” I asked again.

            “When we first met her she was normal a bit excited to meet us,” Liam said.

            “But?” I prodded.

            “She was really taken with Niall,” Harry said.

            “Obsessed actually,” Zayn added.

            “Right, and then the texting and caling and tweeted started,” Louis said.

            “And?” I encouraged.

            “Well nothing really. I told her I wasn’t into her and it all stopped,” Niall said, “but I haven’t seen her since.”

            “So she’s crazy?” Gemma asked.

            “Basically,” Harry said.

            “Although that American chick Sydney whatever was possibly crazier,” Zayn added.

            “Oh yeah she was psycho,” Liam said.

            “Is she the one who said you grinded on her?” Gemma asked Harry.

            “Yeah she’s completely delusional,” Harry said.

            “She’d have to be to want you to grind on her,” I said. There was a collective ‘ooh’ throughout the car even Jared joined in.

            “Sorry,” I said, I saw an opportunity and I had to take it,” I said apologizing.

            “Don’t worry, I’ll get you back for that one later,” Harry said.

            “Bring it on,” I said.

            “Play nice you two,” Louis said.

———————-

            “Carson are you dressed yet?” Bridget asked knocking on the bathroom door.

            “Almost why?” I asked opening the door.

            “I need to wire your bra, Gemma’s already done and waiting,” Bridget said.

            “Oh right,” I said letting her pin the microphone to my bra and hook the receiver to my underwear waste band like usual.

            “All done,” She said zipping me into the dress.

            “Hey can you uh, do my hair? I need it up but covering my ear for the ear pece at the same time,” I asked.

            “Sure,” she said taking a comb from the bathroom counter and starting to tease piece up at my crown, “But there is no ear piece, It’ll be too loud at the show for you te hear me.”

            “Ooh,” I said, “Your giving us a longer leash?”

            “Yeah about a foot,” She joked, Jared and some others will be there watching entrances and exits with earpieces. So You tell me what you see and I’ll tell them.”

            “Ow,” I said as she pulled a piece of hair too tight.

            “Beauty is pain suck it up,” she told me.

            “I’m sorry I’m not a big fan of getting my hair pulled,” I said as she finished up her masterpiece.

            “You will someday,” she said with an eyebrow wiggle.

            “Ew Bridget,” I said, “Just no!”

            “Sorry, had too,” She said, “Your done now put your shoes on everyone is waiting on you. Oh and you and Harry are making your debut as a couple tonight.”

            “What?” I said.

            “You two are dating as of tonight,” she said.

            “No warning?” I asked.

            “This is the warning,” she said leaving me in my room. I took a deep breath and looked at myself in the full length mirror. Gemma was right, the dress was amazing. It was silver and had a high neck, and deep plunging back. It had netted gauzy sleeves that billowed and gathered at the wrist. The hem was a bit short for me hitting just about mid thigh, just shy of my finger tips. And the shoes were amazing. 4 inch Steve Madden stilettos, black and glittery giving off a Dorthy-Esque vibe. My hair was teased up and pulled half way up and the rest down my back. After collecting myself I emerged from the room to find Gemma waiting in her plain midnight blue dress with black lace overlay.

            “Damn girl,” Bridget said, “After tonight you and Harry may not be fake  dating.”

            “Ha ha,” I said pulling on my trench coat ready to brace the cold.

            “Are you ready?” Gemma asked.

            “Yep lets go,” I said opening the door just as the boys were coming out of their door.

            “Hey babe,” Harry said taking my hand when we got the them. He looked drop dead sexy in his black tux with his white button up shirt with the top 2 buttons undone.

            “So I take it Jared told you about us coming out as a couple tonight?” I asked bringing my attention back to everyone around me.

            “Oh yeah,” He said taking in a breath as the lift opened for us.

            “So how do we do that?” I asked.

            “I don’t know,” He answered.        

            “Well I don’t either,” He said.

            “Well what do we do then?” I asked.

            “We can discuss it in the car,” Liam said as the door slid open.

            “Wow,” I said looking at the sleek black stretch Limo, “I take it we aren’t going incognito.”

            “Uh no,” Harry said.

            “So what is our game plan,” I asked once we were all settled.

            “First you guys enter together, be together as much as possible,” Liam said.

“Dance together when we aren’t on. Harry bring her drinks,” Louis added. “Carson play nice,” Zayn said.

“I think we can manage that,” I said looking at Harry.

“This should be fun to watch,” Gemma said.

“5 pounds says one of them kills or injures the other by the nights end,” Louis said.

“My moneys on Carson,” Niall replied. A few minutes later we arrived at the club where the boys were playing. Hundreds of fans were crowding limos and standing around the blocked off path to the door. Jared opened the door. Louis was the first out, followed by Liam, Zayn, Gemma, Niall and then Harry. Harry stood outside the door and offered me his hand helping me from the car. Instead of dropping my hand he laced his fingers through mine causing the crowd of girls to gasp and whisper.