She's Not Afraid

Chapter One

I woke up early the morning of the contest. We were to suppose to meet a magazine representative at the arena. I climbed out of my wrought-iron bed and padded my way into the carpeted hall. I opened the door directly across from me where Megan was sprawled out fast asleep. Her long blonde hair covered her face. She was so excited that she saw the sun rise.

“Meg,” I pushed her shoulder gently. She didn’t move an inch, “Meggy wake up.” I pushed her harder and got nothing. “Meg,” I called continuing to push her. “Meggy,” she swatted me. “Megan Aurora Holmes wake up!”

Megan sat up flustered, “What?” she demanded. There was a print on her left check from sleeping on her arm.

“Today’s the day of the contest,” I shrugged my tiny shoulders and tried to smile innocently.

Megan rolled her hazel eyes and threw a pillow at my smiling yellow face. Not actually yellow, but biracial skin tone yellow by the way.

“You are annoying Brea,” she informed me pulling the covers over her head.

“You’re the one who agreed to come with me,” I reminded her walking out of the room and back into mine. I opened the pocket doors of my closet and searched for something to wear. I knew that Harry wasn’t too fond of girls who tried too hard to get their attention. Sure I had the build to pretty much wear anything, but I didn’t like to show more skin than my chiseled legs, unless I was in a bikini at the beach of course.

“That’s what you’re wearing?” Megan asked as I stepped out of the washroom dressed in the purple high-waist shorts, white t-shirt with silver graphics, and black Supras.

“It’s cute,” I said taking in her neon green pencil skirt, black sheer button down blouse, and black gladiator sandals. She had straightened her hair and fishtail braided it. “Plus it’s slightly chilly year round her so I won’t be too cold.” Megan shrugged her shoulders and sat on my lavender floral comforted bed. She wasn’t much of a conventional person.

“You also won’t catch Harry’s attention and I know you’re dying for a chance to become a potential Mrs. Styles,” Megan shrugged looking at her reflection in my vanity dresser. “I, however, will be satisfied with a hot bodyguard to past the time.” Megan had a boyfriend back in the States.

Thirty more minutes and we were in the silver Volkswagen headed towards the arena. Apparently we were scheduled to arrive during the boys’ rehearsal. After approving of each others appearance we headed towards the side entrance where a ginger woman in denim flare jeans and a quarter sleeve t-shirt waited. Her wavy hair was parted down the middle and she wore black stylish prescription glasses.

“Hello, I’m Marabelle. You must be the contestant winner and friend.” The magazine representative introduced herself.

I shook her extended hand, “Hi, I’m Brea and this is my friend Megan.” Megan waved stiffly. She was most likely judging Marabelle by her appearance alone.

Marabelle smiled, “Well if you would follow me and we could get you introduced to One Direction.” Her accent was thick, but it wasn’t hard to understand her. She was most likely from Wales.

We entered the building which was poorly lit compared to the outdoors. Music could be heard from nearby as Marabelle led us straight ahead. She opened a door that was labeled STAGE. We stopped in the alcove as the music for Live While We’re Young ended. We all applauded as a member of Modest Management appeared.

“Boys this is Marabelle from Teen Today magazine,” the management member announced. “She’ll be in charge of the contest activities today.”

“The one where the fans get to spend a day with us?” Harry asked. He wore a dark gray t-shirt, skinny jeans, and Chuck Taylor Converse.

Marabelle nodded and stepped forward, “Well as you know I’m Marabelle an editorial executive at Teen Today.” She looked back at us, “These are the contest winners Brea and Megan.”

“Hello there I’m Louis.” He was the first one to step forward. “Which one are you?” he asked looking at me.

“Brea,” I answered not at all shy. Celebrities didn't leave me awestruck. Maybe because living in LA and attending a prestigious private school I was use to seeing them.

“Brea? That’s a unique name.” Niall smiled showing his braces clad teeth. “And you are?” he looked at Megan who was standing quietly.

“I’m Megan,” she answered glad to be receiving some attention.

Liam stepped forward, “You’re both American. How did you win a contest in a British magazine?”

“Oh, my family and I have dual-citizenship so we travel back and forth a lot.” I explained.

“That’s cool,” Zayn commented. “I’m Zayn by the way.” He informed us.

Marabelle cleared her throat, “I trust that it’s safe to leave these ladies in your care. I’ll let you all get acquainted on your own and return before the show.” She politely said goodbye and made her exit.

“Well ladies,” Harry said picking up a water bottle, “we were just about to go for lunch. Care to join us?” he asked offering me his arm.

“Oh boy would she,” Megan muttered loud enough for all of us to hear. I shot her a glare.

“What was that?” Louis asked as we all walked towards the exit.

“Megan’s still jet lagged. She says a lot of things that doesn’t make sense.” I covered quickly. There was no way I would be embarrassed. Zayn and Niall exchanged a look. They clearly hadn’t bought my cover.

“I believe we’re out of the loop boys,” Zayn announced eying me and Megan suspiciously.

“I say that we change that,” Liam said walking past us and reaching the door as Harry released my arm. Liam smiled at me and I couldn’t help but smile back as I exited the building.

“I say we go to Nandos,” Niall suggested.

“I say we let the ladies pick mates,” Louis patted his shoulder. Niall nodded in agreement. I noticed we were already walking and there was a local restaurant nearby that my mom and I went to often. I pointed it out quickly.

“I’ve never been there,” Harry admitted.

“According to Brea it’s to die for,” Megan drawled mocking me.

Zayn chuckled, “You’re funny.” Megan shrugged flirtatiously.

“Um lads I think we better decide soon,” Niall announced spotting a pap across the road. We all agreed on the small restaurant and headed there. The waitress led us to a table for eight. Liam pulled out my chair. My face must have been blood red because Megan smirked knowingly at me. Harry was sitting on my left. Across from me Megan sat between Zayn and Louis. She would instantly click with the two-fifths of 1D that were taken.

We stayed at the restaurant for two hours, eating, talking, and laughing. At some point Zayn thought it would be cool to throw a crumpled napkin at Niall who jumped and knocked over Liam’s glass of water, which nearly landed in my lap, but Harry pulled me away in time.

“Nice move Malik,” Louis rolled his eyes.

“Guys calm down,” Liam ordered as the hostess shot daggers at our table.

“Maybe we should go before something else is spilled,” Megan suggested. We all nodded and stood to leave. The bill had been paid several minutes ago, but we were still sitting there.

“Let’s go to the park,” Niall pointed to the inviting field across the road from us.

“To the park!” Louis led the way as if we were a charging cavalry. We headed across the street without using a crosswalk. My phone vibrated and like an idiot I looked down to check it.

“You’re going to get run over,” Liam chuckled grabbing my hand and pulling me forward, which allowed an angry driver by. Niall was chasing after Zayn for some unknown reason. Louis was watching a couple snog sloppily. Megan was standing beside him shaking her head with disgust.

“Look what I got,” Harry said waving my cell phone in the air. I lunged for it, but he jumped back holding it higher. “I can’t quite see the wallpaper.” He said bringing it to his line of vision. I stopped trying instantly. My phone had a maze lock that was impenetrable. “Hmm,” Harry scratched his curly head in confusion. “It’s locked.”

“Let me try mate,” Liam said reaching for the phone. I watched them with folded arms. He ran his finger across the lock pad with no luck. “Give us a hint,” he looked at me.

“Nope,” I shook my head. Harry’s green eyes squinted as he looked at me. “What?” I asked subconsciously.

“Megan is Brea ticklish?” Harry asked suddenly. Megan was no longer watching the couple. She looked at my eyes and smiled wide. Before I had the chance to run, Harry had an arm wrapped around my waist and the other headed straight for my stomach. “How do we unlock your phone?”

“I’m not telling,” I stated firmly.

“I think she needs an incentive,” Louis taunted. Liam nodded in agreement causing Harry to actually tickle me and I was extremely ticklish. Just one second and I squirmed and squealed.

“Now will you tell us what we want to know?” Liam asked kindly. How ironic was that? They were torturing me in the middle of park and he was being kind.

I shook my head, “I don’t crack that easily.” I said and regretted it as Harry’s eyebrows rose. “Wait! It’s 1D.” I admitted and sighed with relief when Harry released me.

“That was easy,” Zayn laughed rejoining the group. “Let’s see what we have here.”

“We have the same background,” Niall smiled at me.

“How about music?” Harry questioned as Liam scrolled through my Android.

“Little Mix? Great choice,” Zayn gave me a thumb up.

Megan smiled, “Jade is so Brea’s spirit animal.” I looked at her in wonder shaking my head. She made no sense sometimes.

“Hey look boys she has both of our albums on here,” Liam announced. “With the bonus tracks.” He looked over at me as Harry took over the scrolling. Suddenly they all winced.

“The Wanted?” Louis spat. “Bad choice,” he shook his head.

“Are you guys done?” I asked fearing they’d discover something else.

Harry smiled, “Twitter?”

“Oh no,” I muttered.

Megan perked up, “Look at her tweets!” Whose side was she on anyways?

“Okay guys she turning colors,” Liam said putting his arm around my shoulder. Zayn, Niall, and Louis backed away, but Harry kept a hold of my phone. At least he was no longer scrolling through it.

Right before One Direction went on stage, Liam handed me my cell phone. I found it odd seeing as how I remembered Harry being the last one with it. I realized my message app was open and looked down in curiosity. There were two sent messages from contacts I knew had not been there before; Liam Payne and Harry Styles.