Protect You, Protect Me
C'mon C'mon
“We love our fans!” Louis shouted to the crowd, making them scream even louder. The boys smiled. Louie turned over to see Liam dazing off into the crowd. Louis walked over to him.
“What are you looking at mate?” Louis asked pulling the microphone away from his mouth.
“You see that girl,” Liam nudged with his head. Louie turned to peek.
“Yellow polka dress? The one pulling her shoes off?” Liam nodded with a goofy smile on his face.
“You best pull her back then mate, you smitten boy,” Louis said pushing him in the shoulder. He walked away leaving Liam in his thoughts while he stared at her.
------
“Alright girls, it’s time to go,” Gray said standing up to stretch. The six little girls stared back at her with doe eyed expressions. Even though it was fun, Gray couldn’t wait to drop them all off and change into some comfy clothes. She rounded them up and heading to the end of the aisle to walk up the countless stairs and back to the car.
“Excuse me miss.” Gray turned around and looked to see a security guard staring her down. Gray sighed and made a half attempt wave at him.
“I know, I know, I’ll put my shoes back on.” God, her feet hurt badly for this.
“No, that’s not it miss,” he explained, “You are requested backstage.” Gray looked at him like he had four eyes. Backstage? Girls like Gray don’t get requests like that often.
“You’re kidding,” she deadpanned.
“Afraid not miss.”
“Sorry there buddy, I have to decline. You see them,” Gray motioned to the groups of girls,” We are a package deal. So unless the head honcho back there was them all, it’s a no.” She sighed; this was being coming a pain. Grace, her 5 year old sister started whining below her.
“Gray, can’t we go?! I’m tired.” Little Grace gave out a big yawn. Gray kneeled down in front of her.
“I know baby,” Gray responded giving her a smile and rubbing her head. She started to group them all together again, and head up the stairs.
“Miss! You all are in.” She turned and looked at the grumpy security guard again. Who is back there losing their mind? Six adolescent girls at a backstage concert is never a good idea. As much as Gray wanted to say no, she knew it was a once in a lifetime opportunity for the girls she had. Plus, she could quite possibly be known as the best sister ever for the rest of her life. Gray squatted down again to look at all six starry eyed faces. “Ladies, who wants to go on an adventure?” All six girls erupted in screams.
--------
The grim security guard led them through the corridors of the arena before stopping in front of two large doors. Gray assuming the one and only band of One Direction was back there. Before they all went in Gray stopped, about to give her ‘Mom’ speech to them all.
“Alright girls, you have to be on your best behaviors now. No screaming like crazies, no yelling, and please god no crying. We have thirty minutes then we HAVE to go home. Grace, no taking others things and Gillian, try not to curse. The rest of you.. be nice! Got it?” The six girls nodded their heads enthuasticly in agreement. They were afraid to make to make any sudden moves that would make Gray change her mind. She nodded to the security guard, who opened the door and ushered them all in. There they were, the men of One Direction sitting in front of them. Gray’s body started to shake. Who does this?! Supermodels and singers, not simple girls from Illinois.
“Hello boys,” she said, trying to sound confident. Gray wasn’t sure if it worked, but the boys got up and came over to introduce themselves.
“Hi, what’s your name,” Niall said, kneeling in front of Grace. That seemed to the be the green light for them all. Soon there were six young girls all over the room, bugging every guy. Well, except Liam. Gray didn’t realize it, but he was now standing closely next to her. She felt her phone buzz and pulled it out of her purse to check her message.
Mom: You are your way back? You still have your hearing??
Me: LOL, think you are SOO funny. Not yet, had a chance to go backstage, leaving soon. Mom: Oh boy. Did you score yourself a hottie?? You could use some lovin.
“Hi there.” Gray jumped at the voice causing her phone to plummet to the floor. Liam Payne smiled at her, bending down to pick up her phone.
“Tell your mum I say hello.” Gray’s face immediately turned to a bright red. Only her mom could get her into a pickle like this. She was afraid to open her mouth, at this point nothing may come out.
“I’m Liam,” he smiled to her. Oh god, don’t smile at her. Gray could barely contain it. In person who was adorable. Wait, better than that, he was HOT. Faces like his could get Gray into trouble.
“Hi, I’m Gray. I can’t think you guys enough for this. I’m going to be the best sister ever right now,” she laughed, trying to keep her composure.
“Oh, you have sisters? All of them?” Liam’s eyes were wide.
“God no, I’d lose my mind, just two.” She pointed to little Grace who seemed to find a comfortable spot on Harry’s lap and eight year old Gillian who seemed to be laughing at something Niall said.
“How did you get stuck on child duty,” he asked, playfully smirking at her. She looked at him and smiled.
“Not sure to be honest.”
“Well, I’m glad it was you,” he whispered close to her head so the rest wouldn’t hear. His voice traveled through her body, causing her to get goosebumps.
Oh shit.
She shuffled around on her feet dude to both his voice, and her horrible shoes cutting of the circulation.
“You alright,” he asked, moving closer to her. There had to be only centimeters between their bodies. He smelled of vanilla and a forest, the scent was heavenly to Gray.
“My feet hurt, this shoes suck.” Gray grabbed his arm for balancing and grabbed the slingback heels off her feet. Where did this sense of confidence come? She was grabbing his arm like she owned it. This wasn’t Grays still. She is the calm, quiet yet strong one. Not some girl who just does what she pleases without thinking first. Well, until now. She was inches shorter than him now.
“Better?” He gleamed to her. Gray matched his smile back.
“Much.”
All the girls made their rounds, getting pictures and autographs with the boys by the time Gray started to round them up.
“Alright ladies, time to leave. Emily’s dad is looking for her, “Gray piped up through the room. The girls groaned, and reluctantly joined her by the door.
“Ok, 1, 2,3, 4, 5… I’m missing someone,” Gray looked around to find Grace. Harry cleared his throat to get Gray’s attention. Grace was curled up in Harry’s arms sleeping peacefully. He looked up at her and smiled. As cute as it was, Gray could of wrung her neck.
“Child, you are the death of me,” she mumbled. Gray quietly picked up Grace resting her sleeping head on her shoulder.
“Sorry Harry,” Gray spoke, feeling sheepish.
“Quite Alright.” Gray turned around and heading them all. The girls, minus Grace, waved and said goodbye. Gray held up the caboose down the hall, carrying Grace in her arms and her shoes hanging from her hands. Talk about a night to remember.
Liam continued to stare down the hall, staring at Gray.
“Liam?” Louis’ voice snapped him out of it causing him to town around. All four boys were staring at him. They all had the same goofy grins on their faces.
“Mate, why are you still standing there? Go!” Liam skidded down the hallway careful not to draw attention to himself.
“Gillian, Gillian, come here love,” he loudly whispered to her, making sure Gray didn’t hear him. Gillian came running over. Gray was busy having a conversation with Emily to notice.
“Love, do you want to come back tomorrow? Just you and your sisters,” Liam asked her. Gillian’s eyes lit up and she shook her head up and down wildly causing Liam to chuckle.
“Okay sweetie, take these home but don’t let Gray see til after you leave here, ok? What’s your last name so I can let them know you will be coming?”
“Gillian Elizabeth Russell. Can my mommy come? Her name is Gloria,” Gillian stated matter of factly. Liam laughed again.
“Sure my dear, bring your mum. Remember, don’t show Gray until later. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Gillian grabbed the backstage passes and caught up to Gray without Gray even noticing she was gone. She turned around to wave to Liam. He smiled, waved back and made his way back into the room with the other guys.
“Lads, she is coming back,” Liam yelled, smiling from ear to ear. They all cheered around him.
“Liam is a smitten kitten,” Zayn joked. Liam laughed, on the inside though, he agreed. Something about this random girl named Gray made him want to see her a lot more.
-----
Gray drove him barely able to keep her eyes open. After dropping off everyone except her sisters it was nearly 2 a.m.
“Hey Gray,” Gillian said groggily from the backseat.
“What’s up babe?” “I think Liam likes you,” Gillian giggled. Gray laughed and rolled her eyes in the front.
“Oh sweets, no. He was just being friendly, that is what he is told to do.”
“No, he does. He gave me these to come back tomorrow.” Gillian reached up to hand Gray the four passes. Gray was shocked.
“Gillian! Did he really give these to you, or did you steal them,” Gray shouted, careful to not wake Grace who was still sleeping from when she picked her up off Harry.
“No! Liam really gave them to me! He wants you to come back and be his girlfriend! Can we please go, please! He even said mom could go too!” Gillian wiggled in her spot with excitement. Gray couldn’t help but laugh. Why would he give them to her, and not Gray herself?
“Alright, we will see. First though, it’s bed time, I’ll wake you when we get home.”
Gillian laid her head back against the door. Gray sighed trying to figure out of this was a good idea. Yes, Liam was hot and very attractive. Gray? Well Gray was Gray. Getting all hopped up on some boy that she may not see past this weekend didn’t see like the smartest idea. Gray turned on the radio, trying to clear her thoughts away. It was far too late to be thinking, she could deal with that tomorrow.
----
Gray woke up with a stretch, and being able to smell coffee. MMM coffee. Immediately the thoughts of last night came flooding back making her smile and blush at the same time. She wondered if Gillian was right. Maybe Liam did want something to do with her, other than just a quick lay or a friend. Could a 8 year old be right though? At this point, she just didn’t want to care. Fun is what she wanted for tonight, just lots of fun, she will think more tomorrow.
“So I heard I’m stuck going to a concert tonight,” her mom joked. Gray gave her a lazy smile and beelined it to the coffee pot.
“I see Gillian told you the news.” She sat down at the breakfast bar. Her mom laughed.
“Indeed. What’s the deal with this?” Gray looked confused.
“With what?” Gloria gave her the mom look. Gray may be good at hiding her emotions, but Gloria knew she was lying.
“These boys, the one in particular that insists on seeing you.” Gray blushed.
“Your guess is as good as mine Mom. We went from leaving the concert, to being pulled to the back and meeting all of them.”
“I heard. And this Liam boy who felt the need to stand so close to you?” Gloria’s eyebrows shot up in curiosity.
“My god Gillian has a big mouth. Yes, Liam. He was very friendly and welcoming. I thanked him for letting all the girls go back. Oh, and he saw your text too, thanks for that.” Gloria snorted and choked on her coffee.
“I’ve always been told I had good timing. It’s been Gillian and Grace both all morning. We can go if you’d like.” Gloria’s eyes bored into her. If Gray said no, she’d crush her sisters. If she said yes, her mom would know why. Of course she wanted to see Liam, but getting flack from her mom didn’t sound ideal.
“Let’s go, why not?” Gray smiled trying to not let her mom catch on.
“Mmhmm, that’s what I thought.” Gloria left the room eyeing down Gray.
“What are you looking at mate?” Louis asked pulling the microphone away from his mouth.
“You see that girl,” Liam nudged with his head. Louie turned to peek.
“Yellow polka dress? The one pulling her shoes off?” Liam nodded with a goofy smile on his face.
“You best pull her back then mate, you smitten boy,” Louis said pushing him in the shoulder. He walked away leaving Liam in his thoughts while he stared at her.
------
“Alright girls, it’s time to go,” Gray said standing up to stretch. The six little girls stared back at her with doe eyed expressions. Even though it was fun, Gray couldn’t wait to drop them all off and change into some comfy clothes. She rounded them up and heading to the end of the aisle to walk up the countless stairs and back to the car.
“Excuse me miss.” Gray turned around and looked to see a security guard staring her down. Gray sighed and made a half attempt wave at him.
“I know, I know, I’ll put my shoes back on.” God, her feet hurt badly for this.
“No, that’s not it miss,” he explained, “You are requested backstage.” Gray looked at him like he had four eyes. Backstage? Girls like Gray don’t get requests like that often.
“You’re kidding,” she deadpanned.
“Afraid not miss.”
“Sorry there buddy, I have to decline. You see them,” Gray motioned to the groups of girls,” We are a package deal. So unless the head honcho back there was them all, it’s a no.” She sighed; this was being coming a pain. Grace, her 5 year old sister started whining below her.
“Gray, can’t we go?! I’m tired.” Little Grace gave out a big yawn. Gray kneeled down in front of her.
“I know baby,” Gray responded giving her a smile and rubbing her head. She started to group them all together again, and head up the stairs.
“Miss! You all are in.” She turned and looked at the grumpy security guard again. Who is back there losing their mind? Six adolescent girls at a backstage concert is never a good idea. As much as Gray wanted to say no, she knew it was a once in a lifetime opportunity for the girls she had. Plus, she could quite possibly be known as the best sister ever for the rest of her life. Gray squatted down again to look at all six starry eyed faces. “Ladies, who wants to go on an adventure?” All six girls erupted in screams.
--------
The grim security guard led them through the corridors of the arena before stopping in front of two large doors. Gray assuming the one and only band of One Direction was back there. Before they all went in Gray stopped, about to give her ‘Mom’ speech to them all.
“Alright girls, you have to be on your best behaviors now. No screaming like crazies, no yelling, and please god no crying. We have thirty minutes then we HAVE to go home. Grace, no taking others things and Gillian, try not to curse. The rest of you.. be nice! Got it?” The six girls nodded their heads enthuasticly in agreement. They were afraid to make to make any sudden moves that would make Gray change her mind. She nodded to the security guard, who opened the door and ushered them all in. There they were, the men of One Direction sitting in front of them. Gray’s body started to shake. Who does this?! Supermodels and singers, not simple girls from Illinois.
“Hello boys,” she said, trying to sound confident. Gray wasn’t sure if it worked, but the boys got up and came over to introduce themselves.
“Hi, what’s your name,” Niall said, kneeling in front of Grace. That seemed to the be the green light for them all. Soon there were six young girls all over the room, bugging every guy. Well, except Liam. Gray didn’t realize it, but he was now standing closely next to her. She felt her phone buzz and pulled it out of her purse to check her message.
Mom: You are your way back? You still have your hearing??
Me: LOL, think you are SOO funny. Not yet, had a chance to go backstage, leaving soon. Mom: Oh boy. Did you score yourself a hottie?? You could use some lovin.
“Hi there.” Gray jumped at the voice causing her phone to plummet to the floor. Liam Payne smiled at her, bending down to pick up her phone.
“Tell your mum I say hello.” Gray’s face immediately turned to a bright red. Only her mom could get her into a pickle like this. She was afraid to open her mouth, at this point nothing may come out.
“I’m Liam,” he smiled to her. Oh god, don’t smile at her. Gray could barely contain it. In person who was adorable. Wait, better than that, he was HOT. Faces like his could get Gray into trouble.
“Hi, I’m Gray. I can’t think you guys enough for this. I’m going to be the best sister ever right now,” she laughed, trying to keep her composure.
“Oh, you have sisters? All of them?” Liam’s eyes were wide.
“God no, I’d lose my mind, just two.” She pointed to little Grace who seemed to find a comfortable spot on Harry’s lap and eight year old Gillian who seemed to be laughing at something Niall said.
“How did you get stuck on child duty,” he asked, playfully smirking at her. She looked at him and smiled.
“Not sure to be honest.”
“Well, I’m glad it was you,” he whispered close to her head so the rest wouldn’t hear. His voice traveled through her body, causing her to get goosebumps.
Oh shit.
She shuffled around on her feet dude to both his voice, and her horrible shoes cutting of the circulation.
“You alright,” he asked, moving closer to her. There had to be only centimeters between their bodies. He smelled of vanilla and a forest, the scent was heavenly to Gray.
“My feet hurt, this shoes suck.” Gray grabbed his arm for balancing and grabbed the slingback heels off her feet. Where did this sense of confidence come? She was grabbing his arm like she owned it. This wasn’t Grays still. She is the calm, quiet yet strong one. Not some girl who just does what she pleases without thinking first. Well, until now. She was inches shorter than him now.
“Better?” He gleamed to her. Gray matched his smile back.
“Much.”
All the girls made their rounds, getting pictures and autographs with the boys by the time Gray started to round them up.
“Alright ladies, time to leave. Emily’s dad is looking for her, “Gray piped up through the room. The girls groaned, and reluctantly joined her by the door.
“Ok, 1, 2,3, 4, 5… I’m missing someone,” Gray looked around to find Grace. Harry cleared his throat to get Gray’s attention. Grace was curled up in Harry’s arms sleeping peacefully. He looked up at her and smiled. As cute as it was, Gray could of wrung her neck.
“Child, you are the death of me,” she mumbled. Gray quietly picked up Grace resting her sleeping head on her shoulder.
“Sorry Harry,” Gray spoke, feeling sheepish.
“Quite Alright.” Gray turned around and heading them all. The girls, minus Grace, waved and said goodbye. Gray held up the caboose down the hall, carrying Grace in her arms and her shoes hanging from her hands. Talk about a night to remember.
Liam continued to stare down the hall, staring at Gray.
“Liam?” Louis’ voice snapped him out of it causing him to town around. All four boys were staring at him. They all had the same goofy grins on their faces.
“Mate, why are you still standing there? Go!” Liam skidded down the hallway careful not to draw attention to himself.
“Gillian, Gillian, come here love,” he loudly whispered to her, making sure Gray didn’t hear him. Gillian came running over. Gray was busy having a conversation with Emily to notice.
“Love, do you want to come back tomorrow? Just you and your sisters,” Liam asked her. Gillian’s eyes lit up and she shook her head up and down wildly causing Liam to chuckle.
“Okay sweetie, take these home but don’t let Gray see til after you leave here, ok? What’s your last name so I can let them know you will be coming?”
“Gillian Elizabeth Russell. Can my mommy come? Her name is Gloria,” Gillian stated matter of factly. Liam laughed again.
“Sure my dear, bring your mum. Remember, don’t show Gray until later. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Gillian grabbed the backstage passes and caught up to Gray without Gray even noticing she was gone. She turned around to wave to Liam. He smiled, waved back and made his way back into the room with the other guys.
“Lads, she is coming back,” Liam yelled, smiling from ear to ear. They all cheered around him.
“Liam is a smitten kitten,” Zayn joked. Liam laughed, on the inside though, he agreed. Something about this random girl named Gray made him want to see her a lot more.
-----
Gray drove him barely able to keep her eyes open. After dropping off everyone except her sisters it was nearly 2 a.m.
“Hey Gray,” Gillian said groggily from the backseat.
“What’s up babe?” “I think Liam likes you,” Gillian giggled. Gray laughed and rolled her eyes in the front.
“Oh sweets, no. He was just being friendly, that is what he is told to do.”
“No, he does. He gave me these to come back tomorrow.” Gillian reached up to hand Gray the four passes. Gray was shocked.
“Gillian! Did he really give these to you, or did you steal them,” Gray shouted, careful to not wake Grace who was still sleeping from when she picked her up off Harry.
“No! Liam really gave them to me! He wants you to come back and be his girlfriend! Can we please go, please! He even said mom could go too!” Gillian wiggled in her spot with excitement. Gray couldn’t help but laugh. Why would he give them to her, and not Gray herself?
“Alright, we will see. First though, it’s bed time, I’ll wake you when we get home.”
Gillian laid her head back against the door. Gray sighed trying to figure out of this was a good idea. Yes, Liam was hot and very attractive. Gray? Well Gray was Gray. Getting all hopped up on some boy that she may not see past this weekend didn’t see like the smartest idea. Gray turned on the radio, trying to clear her thoughts away. It was far too late to be thinking, she could deal with that tomorrow.
----
Gray woke up with a stretch, and being able to smell coffee. MMM coffee. Immediately the thoughts of last night came flooding back making her smile and blush at the same time. She wondered if Gillian was right. Maybe Liam did want something to do with her, other than just a quick lay or a friend. Could a 8 year old be right though? At this point, she just didn’t want to care. Fun is what she wanted for tonight, just lots of fun, she will think more tomorrow.
“So I heard I’m stuck going to a concert tonight,” her mom joked. Gray gave her a lazy smile and beelined it to the coffee pot.
“I see Gillian told you the news.” She sat down at the breakfast bar. Her mom laughed.
“Indeed. What’s the deal with this?” Gray looked confused.
“With what?” Gloria gave her the mom look. Gray may be good at hiding her emotions, but Gloria knew she was lying.
“These boys, the one in particular that insists on seeing you.” Gray blushed.
“Your guess is as good as mine Mom. We went from leaving the concert, to being pulled to the back and meeting all of them.”
“I heard. And this Liam boy who felt the need to stand so close to you?” Gloria’s eyebrows shot up in curiosity.
“My god Gillian has a big mouth. Yes, Liam. He was very friendly and welcoming. I thanked him for letting all the girls go back. Oh, and he saw your text too, thanks for that.” Gloria snorted and choked on her coffee.
“I’ve always been told I had good timing. It’s been Gillian and Grace both all morning. We can go if you’d like.” Gloria’s eyes bored into her. If Gray said no, she’d crush her sisters. If she said yes, her mom would know why. Of course she wanted to see Liam, but getting flack from her mom didn’t sound ideal.
“Let’s go, why not?” Gray smiled trying to not let her mom catch on.
“Mmhmm, that’s what I thought.” Gloria left the room eyeing down Gray.
I LOVE THISSSSSSSS
5/18/14