Alexandra POV-

The clock ticked while I aimlessly stared at the cracked ceiling directly above me. Squinting my tawny eyes, it was evident that the chipped ceiling needed to be re-painted. Scattered, jagged lines traveled from one end to the next, looking as if the hotel room above could collapse and fall through at any given moment, crushing my entirety into billions of microscopic pieces. I winced at the sheer thought, imagining how painful the impact would be.

Sinking further down into the soft and familiar cushions, I was as snug as a bug. Ensuingly, I curled my legs up and nuzzled my head even deeper between the woolen blanket and white, feathery pillow. Releasing a sigh, I gradually closed my worn out eyelids in attempt to take a snooze on the couch.

I have to admit, the distinct grueling and aching that trailed across my body had definitely subsided and without realizing, a small smile crawled upon my face once I took notice. Just the fact that the current pain wasn’t as intense or torturing as before, made me feel a thousand times better already.

Time passed and I was nearly slipping into a steady dream and nice, consoling catnap, until a loud vibrating interfered, startling me.

Rolling my body over, I was now lying on my side. My tender arm extended towards the wide, glass coffee table positioned in front of me. Once I slid my palm back and forth along the smooth surface, my tiny fingers were able to snatch the small device that was causing all the ruckus. Folding my arm back, I brought my dingy phone into view.

Crossing my eyebrows, the bright light nearly blinded me. Blinking a few times, I was capable to adjust to the luminosity and scrolled my thumb along the damaged screen.

Instantaneously, the device unlocked and my eyes directed towards a blue box that had popped up straightaway. I skimmed the lettering, which basically stated that my phone had low battery. Only 20% remaining. Murmuring to myself, I made a mental note to charge my iPhone when I got the chance. Or when I had enough energy to break away from my lounging and relaxation time.

With my pointer finger, I dabbed the ‘OK’ button and was redirected to my home screen in a flash. Not daring to waste time or drain my surplus battery, I quickly tapped the app I desired and skimmed through my unread texts.

Once I spotted Sam’s contact name, I hastily clicked on the three unopened messages.

Sam: dont worry about not coming 2 ur first day at work, I understand. Look, I just want u to focus on putting ur life back together, alright? when ur ready 2 start making pizzas and serve cranky costumers with me, just let me know! xx

Sam: heyy love, wanna text me back so I know that you’re still breathing? (;

Sam: im trapped at work and was just thinking of u since you still haven’t responded. r u ok? have u gotten settled and found a place to stay yet? xx

I couldn’t refrain myself from grinning like an idiot, her reassurance had definitely lightened my mood. Typing up a rather short response to Samantha, I quickly shut my cellphone off afterwards, throwing it back on the table once it powered off.

Allowing my cluttered mind to wander, I was thankful to still have my employment, although the thought of saying goodbye and fleeing this five star hotel made my stomach churn. I didn’t exactly have a ‘game plan’ or strategy for when Liam kicks me out of his suite. Which most likely, will be tonight. Oh Crap.

On top of that, I need to figure out how I am possibly going to afford shelter, food, clothing, and actual water once I’m shoved back onto the precarious streets of London- a city in which I’m not too familiar with.

Dozens of potential outcomes were flying through my thoughts, resulting in a unpleasant migraine to arise, due to the stress and anxiety I brought upon myself. As an effect, my throat had now tightened and my frail body stiffened.

The calm, utter silence and peacefulness filling the air had now turned suffocating. Without warning, a warm putrid feeling rose in my throat, inducing myself to gag. I could barely comprehend what was happening, until a burning and tingling sensation was growing in the pit of my stomach, gradually escalating towards my mouth.

I found myself getting strangely dizzy and in response, gripped my forehead to stop the room from spinning. Unsatisfied, I twisted off the darkened couch, spiraling down onto the solid, hard floor as I landed on my hands and knees.

Ignoring the nonstop stinging that returned from my inept fall to the ground, I crawled over to the nearest bathroom urgently. As I hurried my way down the lanky hallway, I knew that what was about to happen next, was inevitable. Quickening my pace, I reached up towards the golden doorknob, pushing the hatch open with force. Shoving past the entrance, I hastily made my way over to the toilet, lifting up the seat cover desperately.

In that moment, I felt a sudden jerk in my stomach, and that’s when it happened. Coughing unwillingly, my entire breakfast came spewing out. Dipping my head further down, I continued to empty my queasy stomach.

As tears prickled my eyes, the acidic taste lingering in my mouth caused the hurling to continue. I felt absolutely disgusted and wanted this all to stop, but I was too vulnerable and out of breath to make any sudden movements.

While I remained collapsed on the icy, tile floor, I hugged the sterling white toilet in agony. Releasing more chunks and remains of food, I shivered profusely. I was so lightheaded that I couldn’t bare my surroundings, but soon felt someone else’s presence when my hair was being pulled aside and tiny circles were being traced on my doubled over back.

Squeezing my eyes tightly, a few more sprinkles of tears slid down my blotchy cheeks while the mystery person attempted to lull me, which was actually becoming successful.

Whilst the unknown person stroked my hair and whispered sweet nothing’s in my ear, I got sick a few more times. Within a couple of minutes, I finally cooled down. By now, there wasn’t even anything left for my body to release.

Damn hangovers.

Sighing, I flushed away the dirty water and brought the toilet seat lid back down. Before I could turn around, two strong hands had lifted me up by the waist, instructing me stand. My legs were a bit wobbly, but once I was able to hold my ground, both grips had let go.

“Are you feeling alright?”

Spinning around, Harry’s hands were now placed on both of my shoulders. His sizable form towered over mine, while his perfectly aligned curls dangled above his forehead. Those enthralling, vibrant green eyes that were speckled with golden flakes were evidently searching for answers; his concern very visible.

Switching my gaze, I casted my head down, slightly embarrassed that someone had to see me so gross
and in such a state of weakness. Swallowing the lump in my throat, a nauseous feeling took over once again as I absorbed the icky aftertaste.

Muttering an unconvincing “yes”, I scooted past him and over towards the sink. Turning it on, I splashed some refreshing, cold water onto my face and rinsed my mouth while he stood there, observing my every move. Glancing up at the mirror, I could see in the reflection that Harry was leaning against the wall behind, a clear-cut pout crossing his face.

Twisting the knob with my scratched up hand, the running water came to a halt. Flipping around on my heels, I stood in front of Harry as his soft, jade eyes wandered every inch of my body, making me feel increasingly uncomfortable.

His pout had now transformed into an absolute frown while the look in his eyes altered and were now glum and dejected with dark, heavy bags underneath.

Pushing himself off the wall, he scuffed his feet over to me. Placing the palm of his hand on the side of my swollen and bruised face, he cupped my cheek.

“I’m so sorry,” he whispered, barely audible. Shaking his head in shame, his eyes were glazed over, tears ready to spill out.

“Don’t be sorry about this,” I said, gesturing towards the damage inflicted upon my discolored skin. Placing my hand on top of his larger one, I continued, "it isn’t anybody’s fault, especially not yours.”

And it was true.

He did absolutely nothing wrong and shouldn’t be beating himself up for something he couldn’t control.

Ripping his hand away from my touch, he shook his head again in disagreement. Muttering ‘no’ over and over to himself and shifting back and forth on his feet, he gripped his curly locks, tugging on them aggressively.

“Harry-” I began reaching towards him, but was cut off immediately.

“No. I shouldn’t have left you like that,” he groaned, slapping his forehead as if he did something so terribly stupid.

I opened my mouth to oppose, but he rambled on before I could manage,” That guy said he was your boyfriend, so I just… I just assumed. B-but I shouldn’t have. My god, look at your face! Look at what he did!”

His tone of voice raised and I found myself cautiously taking a few steps away from the angry popstar. I wasn’t used to this sort of reaction. In all honestly, I didn’t expect it. I mean, this has happened to me before..it’s nothing ‘new.’ Personally, I think he’s overreacting. But then again, Liam’s last words before he had went on his date rung in the back of my ears.

Harry doesn’t know anything involving my past. Which includes, the beatings etc.

Nor does he know that Jake wasn’t just a random stranger-He was my ex-boyfriend.

“Harry, don’t blame this on yourself. It could’ve happened to anyone,” I said, hopping on my tippy toes to fix his disheveled curls. Twirling them around my fingers and placing each one back into place, he looked down at the floor.

“But I was with you and we had been-”

Before he could finish his sentence, he briskly clamped his lips shut, forming a straight line. Lifting his gaze back up to my eyes, I tried to read the emotion hidden behind them, but couldn’t decipher what exactly he was feeling.

“Wait, do you remember last night?” his small, shaky voice questioned, almost as if he was afraid to hear the answer.

Once I had settled back down, flat on my feet, I shook my head hesitantly, “not exactly…” I trailed off.

Biting his bottom lip harshly, Harry turned his head to the side, trying to compose himself. Taking in a loud, heavy breath, he shifted back to look at me. All he said was a simple, “Oh,” before he hurriedly changed the subject.

“Well, lets get you some water and have you rest,” he said plainly, before picking me up with ease and carrying me all the way back to the living area.

After gently placing me down on the mushy cushions of the couch I have grown to love, he was out of my sight in a jiffy.

Plopping my head back, I stared blankly at the split, cracked ceiling once again, until moments later, a glass cup was placed in the palm of my hands; filled to the brim.

“Drink this.”

I nodded and pulled myself up, sitting criss cross on the couch with the cold beverage in my hold. Parting
my lips on the edge of the glass, I swallowed the liquid down in satisfaction.

The support of the couch had dipped down, Harry deciding to sit beside me, mimicking the way I was positioned; like a pretzel.

I smirked to myself; he looked like a little kindergartner ready to play duck duck goose. im not even kidding.

Anyways, I continued to sip the icy drink silently.

Soon enough, there wasn’t even a drop of water left so, I handed the empty cup back to Harry. He
inconsequentially grabbed it and placed it directly on top of the coffee table, not bothering to make his way back to the mini hotel kitchen.

Facing back to meet eye to eye, he patted his lap with a small smile rested on his lips, signaling me to come over. Raising one eye questionably, I stifled a laugh and obliged, crawling on top of him as his arms cradled my sides.

Harry rested his chin on my shoulder, his chocolate curls tickling my neck.

“How are you feeling?” he asked, clearly still uneasy about the actions that have taken place in the last 24 hours.

“I’m alright. I just don’t want to talk about it,” I mumbled, biting my nails a bit anxiously. “Wait, I have a question.”

“Shoot,” he said as his lofty fingers toyed with my hair, attempting to braid it, but failing miserably.

Rolling my head back, I laughed before angling my neck so I could face him. ” How long are you guys staying here?” I asked, trying to mentally prepare myself for whatever the answer may be.

Swiping away some curls that had fallen in front of his eyes, he let out out a deep chuckle. “Well we’re only staying in this hotel for about five more days.”

My heart sunk. That’s so soon.

“But we’ll be staying in London for about two months or so. We’re kinda on a break before our tour. Well, not exactly, but we just have photo shoots, interviews and all that. Not too much traveling or concerts, so to speak,” he explained, while I just nodded, trying to absorb the information being thrown at me.

I guess my silence had urged him to continue,” We’re only staying here until our house is ready. We bought one big flat for the five of us to stay in. It’s really nice, but were just waiting for all of our bags, boxes and furniture to be delivered.”

“Ohh boy, a flat full of five crazy boys sounds like a big disaster waiting to happen,” I joked, while we both laughed together, enjoying each others presence. It wasn’t awkward, it was actually kinda delightful to just sit and chat with a friend.

I was finally understanding how their celebrity life seemed to work. Well, sorta.

“Hey that’s-”

He was about to retort to my silly comment until we were interrupted by a loud ringing. Groaning, Harry reached towards the pocket of his dark jeans and pulled out his cellphone; his face instantly paling . Curious to see who was calling, I peeked over at the screen. Written in giant, block lettering was..

MANAGEMENT.

what’s management? who the hell is management? and why does he look so scared?

Notes

omg okay so please dont hate me for not updating in awhile. i feel so bad and i hope you dont hate this chapter but it has a cliffhanger ;) ughhh. i have legit spent every second of my life studying for finals. BUT NOW ITS SUMMER! YAY SO IM GONNA BE UPDATING PRACTICALLY LIKE EVERYDAY AND YEAH IM SORRY FOR NOT UPDATING PLS FORGIVE ME?

ANYWHO....SO WHY DO YOU THINK MANAGEMENT CALLED HARRY? ASDFRGTHYJKL.

PLEASE VOTE! IM REALLY HOPING TO GET TO 50 VOTES :) AND LETS KEEP THIS STORY A 10/10 IGHT GIRLIES? BTW YOUR COMMENTS MAKE ME SO HAPPY SO PLEASE KEEP SENDING THEM AND SORRY FOR WRITING IN CAPSLOCK IDK WHY I AM. i love you all.

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(oh yeah, so i started this new fanfic called Rise Above It and I might not actually continue to write it. i only wrote like one chapter and i think it sucks. so if you check it out, tell me if you think i should go through with it or not..cause i have alolt of fanfic ideas...so i wont be hurt if im told not to write this one! ill be writing many more this summer..hopefully!)