Torture

Ripping off a fake mustache was not something I wanted to experience again.

I will tell you straight, that it hurts like a bitch. Like an ugly blonde 'Regina-George' bitch. Therefore, meaning a very-fucking-much lot.

But we had to rip them off at one point or the other, right?

After we took our disguises off--well, not totally, but the uncomfortable parts--we turned to the curious eyes of Alex. Or at least that was what Liam called her.

Liam nodded and offered he a smile. "Thanks, they really were uncomfortable. And B-T-W, your voice is truly splendid."

B-T-W, seriously? What were we, sixteen-year-old hormonal girls who texted their 'girlfriends' 24/7? Count me out!

Harry piped up. "Yeah, you were great! I still don't get how that other girl won..."

Just then, Ray-Ray Greene stepped out. Us guys all huddled, so that she wouldn't look at our faces. We started talking about irrelevant topics like biscuits and tea. You know, typical Brits on a typical sidewalk, in the typical US!

"And it was sooo easy to just slip in those extra votes!" said a nasally voice.

"I know right! No wonder you were a shoe-in, Rachel. It was so smart of you to think of that!" said a squeaky voice. Reminded me of rubber tires being rubbed together.

"Shut up guys! I'm just naturally gifted. There's no point in wanting to match up to my genius-ness!" said 'Rachel'.

"Is that even a word, Ray?" said voice no. 1, AKA nasal voice.

"Shut up, Jenni. I don't care. It probably is, and if it isn't, then I just made a new word. Kay?" Rachel said.

I saw Jenni nod her head from the corner of my eye. Regina George all over again, that's for sure.

After the trio of pink (it almost blinded my eyes) left, we un-huddled (is that a word?). I looked around, wondering where Alex was. I saw her walking down the street. I ran to catch up.

I was out of breath by the time I caught up with her. "Damn you walk fast!"

"Well, I'll keep that in mind when a rapist attacks me, or something like that," was her short reply.

"What's wrong?" I asked, sensing her distress.

She looked at me, unblinkingly. She just shook her head. "It's just, I bet the only reason they cheated was to get the $100 cash prize. Some people really love music, or might really need the money. She just ruined their chance at getting that. And she cheated. Not to mention her lying two-faced bitches who follow her like lost puppies...."

I let out a breath. "You gonna do anything about it?"

"Nah. Better leave it at that. Knowing her, she'll turn it on me and then I won't get my paycheck."

"Paycheck?" I asked. Now I was confused. Did she work for her?!

"I work at the cafe you just came out of. My boss listens to customers. Especially those who are feminine. And who have big female parts..."

"Pervert much?"

"I know right!" she exclaims, chuckling. I joined in her chuckling.

"So, what is One Direction doing in Rosemary?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. She hiked her guitar case higher onto her shoulder.

"Do you want help with that?" I asked, holding out my hand. She shook her head, say no. I insisted, and after protesting for some time, she agreed. I brought the case onto my shoulder, adjusting the weight.

"You didn't answer my question from before," she pointed out.

I sighed. One person couldn't hurt, right? "Well, I'll let you in on a secret, just don't tell anyone, okay?"

"Swear!"

I cracked a grin. "Well, you know the Little Mix contest? Perrie got Zayn to agree to look for possible recruits. We were video-taping the acts just now, so we can send them to her and the rest of Little Mix."

"Oh. That's cool! Let me guess. Zayn was so whipped that he agreed and the rest of you guys had to follow because of Zayn?" she said, smirking.

"Spot-on! How did you do that?!" I said, looking at her. That was accurately on-spot.

She shrugged. "I am good at reading situations...Here's my stop."

I looked up to see a homy little apartment complex. She gestured to give her back her case. I shook my head.

"A gentleman walks the lady all the way to her door and makes sure she gets there safely."

She chuckled at this. "How about this? I'll walk to my flat by myself this time. And if we, by any chance, you can pretend to be a gentleman with me."

"Pretend? *Huff* As if! I am a true gentleman!" I said, holding a hand to my heart.

She rolls her eyes. "Just give me case, and say goodnight."

"On one condition."

She looked confused. "What?"

"I'll give you your case if you give me your number."

She looked shocked. And surprised. I probably came off as a creep. Did I come off too strong? Too fast?

"Uh, sure. One sec.." She started rummaging for a piece of paper in her pockets. Once she wrote her digits down, I handed her the guitar case and took her number.

"I'll text you, love!" I said, a little too enthusiastically. However, under the street light, I could see her blush.

"Whatever, dork. Just tell your band-mates that they are horrible at spying," she said, shaking her head with a smile. She glanced behind us, waving at the four 'random strangers' who were inspecting a nearby bush. Amateurs!

They chuckled nervously and waved goodbye.

We all headed back to our own flat, while I was bombarded with cheeky comments from the four random strangers, AKA my band-mates.

~`~`~`~`~`~

It was finally October 1st. Today was the day that Little Mix announced the winner. They wouldn't tell us the person. Although we were allowed to sit backstage and see it live!

I was on my phone, texting Alex. We've been doing that lately, and talking. It was fun. We talked with almost no boundaries.

"And the fifth member of Little Mix, is...."

"Rachel Greene from Rosemary!"

What?!

"Now, we cannot send a video of her without her permission. But Rachel, if you heard that, expect a call from Little Mix. Congrads, and have a nice night ladies and gentleman!"

What the fuck just happened?

Notes