Claire’s view:
I'm not an average girl. I mean this was bound to happen, but this soon seemed to be a bit much. I’ve always wanted to do this so I'm doing it.
Niall’s view:
Sitting with the boys was a blast. Walking the carpet in here was insane. Seeing everyone watching us was cool. I talked to fans and signed a few things but then we had to go because other stars were arriving. I was so pumped to be here I almost didn’t want to leave but Louis pushed me along.
“Stop pouting you baby.” Louis nudged me.
“What?” I said not paying attention to him.
“Leave him along Louis.” Liam said.
“Can you believe we are at our second VMA’s?” Harry questioned while looking around as we walked to our seats. I didn’t care if we got close seats or anything but just the pure feeling of being in the same room as everyone we have ever idolized made me giddy.
“Here we are.” Liam pointed to five empty seats in a row. We slid in one by one and sat down. There were multiple stages and several fans were around them waiting to see who would perform on them. We were presenting the first award of the night which was a big honor. No one was seated around us so we must have been decently early. “I heard Justin Timberlake is making his name again here!” Liam said excited.
“I can’t wait to see it, mate!” I said enthusiastic for him. He was always one of those fans, but no one else would share his excitement so I felt bad. “Do you know any songs he’s going to sing?” I tried to start a nice conversation so he could fan girl and get it out.
“He has to sing Mirror because it’s new and I'm hoping he does some throwback songs like Cry Me a River and Senorita.” He was gushing again. Louis and Harry managed to start up a conversation with Rihanna who was sitting directly in front of them. Zayn was sitting on his phone probably doing nothing just trying to look busy and then Liam and I were having our ‘moment’.
“I can’t wait to see hear his singing.” I smiled.
“Is that –” Liam started but I was already on alert to find him.
“Justin! Justin Bieber!” I yelled. He looked over here and waved.
“He waved to you.” Liam smiled the same uninterested smile I had given him a minute ago.
“So?” I sat down and tried to play it cool.
“Huh.” Liam smirked and looked away knowing I was dying inside.
“Boys we are almost ready to begin. Please follow me.” I looked up to see a woman in all black with a headset talking to us. I looked around and saw that every seat that was once empty was now full. It was time.
Claire’s view:
“Are you nervous?” Justin asked me.
“The fact you have to ask means I am.” I shot harshly.
“Hey, I wouldn’t have picked you to be my feature if I didn’t think you were ready. Think of all the hard rehearsals we went through for this. You have been on this stage for weeks.” Justin wrapped me in a hug.
“Just now there are people, famous people.” I sighed heavily.
“I'm famous.” Justin winked at me.
“Timberlake, it’s not the time for jokes. Besides you’re more like family.” I said rolling my eyes.
“But no one knows that.” He smiled and sat on the couch and flipped on the VMA’s. I sat next to him and tried to relax. My debut on television as the main act, can life really get this bizarre this fast? “Why don’t you want people to know?” He asked as the lights on the TV flashed meaning the show that was outside our room was starting.
“I want to have my own name. I want to be famous off my talent not who I know personally.” I smiled at the thought that this was it.
“Well you're gonna do great.” Justin hugged me again and went into the bathroom to start getting ready just to be early. I sat on the couch watching One Direction present an award. They were getting booed which bugged me. Even if you don’t like them you should still respect them.
Niall’s view:
“Selena Gomez, Come and Get It!!” We all screamed in unison. The song played in the speakers and she walked up smiling. She took the award and kissed us all on the cheek with gratitude. We stepped back to allow her to have her moment and thank everyone. Once she was done we all walked back down the stage together and talked about her win. She was so polite and sweet it was hard to think she wasn’t with Justin anymore.
“Thanks guys.” She smiled and hugged us once more back stage. We were escorted out to our seats again to watch the rest of the show. She was pulled a different way than us and so we had to just wave goodbye and let that be enough. Once we were back out on the floor in our seats we sat and watched everyone go through small performances and receive awards. We were told ahead of time what awards we got so we could be ready for speeches and such.
“And the winner is, One Direction!”
“We won!” Louis said smiling looking at all of us. We walked down the long aisle and up the stairs to the main stage. With all the stages and people blocking places the large arena became a labyrinth.
“We want to thank all the fans, our directors and producers, and our families for being there through everything. We wouldn’t have anything we have or be anything we are right now if it wasn’t for any of you! Thank you.” Louis spoke clearly for us because none of us had the composure too. We walked off the stage we had been on only seconds ago to present and then we were offered drinks and food. I grabbed flavored water and some cheese while the other boys passed by.
“I'm glad I did it with you boys. If I was on this ride with someone else it wouldn’t be the same.” Liam was getting emotional.
“C’mere.” Louis pulled us into a group hug. We all squished each other and then stopped because the same woman with the black outfit and headset told us we needed to keep moving along. Back at the same seats we all talked and enjoyed our time together until Liam demanded we were alert when Justin Timberlake was on.
Claire’s view:
“You ready?” Justin smiled down at me. He wasn’t too much taller than me but enough to notice.
“No.” I smiled at him.
“Ok, you're just going to stand here and I'll cue you on. Once you’re on its all you. Do what you want. You know the song and you know I'll help you get through it.” He winked and walked out to the dark stage. The lights flashed on him and the soundtrack started. He turned around and sang like he used to in *NSYNC. Everyone cheered and loved him. I was ready to be what I wanted to be. I knew I was chosen for this for a reason but sometimes it seems a little too real to actually be real. He was singing and then the transition was coming up. This was it.
Niall’s view:
“Do you know what song this is?” Liam practically screamed at me.
“No.” I said honest. We were all standing for him and swaying back and forth a little bit to look cool.
“Senorita, Niall!”
“Erm, Liam, are you ok?” I asked looking at him strangely.
“Niall, the song is Senorita.” Liam made himself clearer.
“Oh, well I'm glad he’s doing it.” I smiled at Liam doing his little dancing and fangirling. Louis, Harry and Zayn were all watching contently.
“So I get two features in this performance so here is my first one. Everyone please welcome Claire Elizabeth Chasez!” Justin said into his mic. A short blonde came out and curtsied a little then sat down at a glimmering black Grand Piano at the top right of the stage. She had her blonde hair in a ponytail with a few pieces sticking out here and there. Justin passed the mic to someone and stood off to the side backstage as the girl began to play. Soon the lights were shining on her as the piano became louder and clearer. I smiled at the recognition of the song. It was ‘Already Home’, by A Great Big World. This just happens to be one of my favorites. She was wearing a green dress, my favorite color. It looked like a dressy shirt turned into a dress. Her hands moved gracefully but filled the room with emotion. She was really getting into it, her body swaying and dipping, moved by the music, just as a true musician should be. I was purely mesmerized.
“I think Niall has a crush.” Harry joked.
“She is… amazing.” Zayn said looking at her the same way I was.
“I'm just jealous because she’s playing the piano for Justin Timberlake, THE Justin Timberlake.” Liam busted out.
“I don’t like her guys, I don’t even know her.” I said looking away from her to look at them seriously.
“You seem to be a little head over heels.” Louis poked me.
“You guys, look at her playing, she’s a great pianist.” I motioned to her. They laughed and I had a feeling this wasn’t going to end well.
“Yeah, she’s totally not hot or anything.” Zayn said sarcastically. They all cracked jokes as I watched her play piano. Where has she been hiding? I mean someone that’s that great of a pianist should be famous. She is amazing. Once she was done Justin hugged her, Liam pouted, and she walked off stage. Justin continued to perform by himself but I couldn’t stop thinking about her. What was her name again, Clara, Kelly? I need to congratulate her. Justin finished and we took a twenty minute intermission so other acts could get around. Most celebrities stayed in their seats waiting for the next half of the show because if everyone went out into the large lobby it would be too packed. Us being us we decided to be those people that didn’t need to leave but wanted too.
“Liam?” We all heard and turned to see Jessica Biel waving him down. With no words said, Liam was gone and off in wonderland talking about Timberlake.
“Hey I see El!” Louis was gone.
“There’s Little Mix.” Zayn left.
“And then there were two.” Harry smiled at me.
“Actually…” I felt bad ditching him but I needed to get back stage.
“Really…” Harry whined.
“I'm sorry but I need to –” Stop talking before I say something about her.
“Tell her you love her?” Harry winked.
“No, I just want to say she did an amazing job.”
“Sure… well go have fun.” He winked again and walked away. I walked to the door that would lead me to the back stage area and was stopped.
“You need certification beyond this point.”
“I'm a friend of, uh, I know –”
“Hey Niall, what’s up?” Justin asked walking up to me.
“I know Justin Bieber.” I stuttered out. The bouncer unhooked the rope and let me into the area I wasn’t permitted in.
“What are you doing back here?” Justin asked.
“I wanted to congratulate some friends.” I felt so out of place being here.
“Well, have fun. I need to get going so here, take my pass.” He said. He handed me the laminated paper clipped to a lanyard.
“Hey thanks!” I said taking it.
“I'll see you around yeah?” He asked me. I nodded. I still haven’t gotten used to seeing my idol, talking to my favorite celebrity, or breathing the same air as a famous singer. As he left I let out a sigh of relief I didn’t know I was holding in. I wasn’t supposed to be here which was ironic because I'm Niall freaking Horan. Even famous people can't get into certain areas.
“Niall Horan?” I turned to see a close friend, Ed Sheeran.
“What's up Ed?” I asked pushing around people to move to him.
“Nothing I'm just about to present.” He smiled.
“It’s easy just remember it’s a tough crowd tonight.”
“I heard them boo you guys. Sorry about that. It was horrible.”
“You can't please them all.” I shrugged.
“Did you see that pianist? I want my manager to see if she is looking for a tour to join and what not. I want to have her play for my team.” Go figure. I'm pretty sure everyone wants her to be something to them. I mean Zayn even wants her but yet everyone picks on me about it.
“Yeah, actually I was looking for her. Have you seen her?”
“No, she’s close to Timberlake though, if you find him and I'm sure you will find her.” He tipped me.
“Thanks.” I said and started to walk off.
“Horan,” Ed called after me.
“Yeah, what’s up?” I turned around.
“Don’t even think about it.” He said and walked away. Don’t think about what? I mean it’s not like I'm going to fall for her. I don’t even know her. As I convince myself I don’t like her I see her walking into a room.
Claire’s view:
“Thank you.” I said graciously. I was getting compliments everywhere and all I wanted to do was call my grandparents. I knew they were watching and they have seen me play piano before but this was obviously a bigger deal.
“Justin I'm going to go back to the room.” I said to him.
“Ok, I'll be in there in a minute.” He smiled and turned and started to talk to more people I didn’t care to know. I walked away and into my room. I passed a lot of people but without Justin by my side none of them knew me. I shut the door and flopped down on the couch. I was glad to be alone. I mean I like the attention and I want the fame but I want to stay grounded. There is one person that helps me do that. I picked my phone out of my pocket and called her after a half ring she picked up.
“You my darling are amazing. Everyone is talking about you.” She said in her small voice.
“Did grandpa like it?” I asked smiling widely.
“He loves watching and hearing you play, you know that.” She laughed a petite laugh and then coughed.
“Did you like it?” I asked wanting to cry.
“I loved it.” She sniffled and I lost my control.
“I miss you already.” I whimpered as I talked. There was a knock on the door so I cleared my tear streaked face with my sleeve from my jacket. “Hold on grandma, someone is at my room.” I muted the phone and opened the door. “Yes?” I asked.
“Hey, I just want to say you did –” I stopped when he looked at me. He had sweet blue eyes and red tinted cheeks. He was dressed nice for the occasion. His jeans were black and he was wearing a black t-shirt under a slender fit red jacket. His shoes were Nike high tops. He was cute. He was taller than me but that’s not really hard to achieve. “Is now a bad time?” He asked, noticing my puffy eyes and red face
“Yeah, it is kind of.” I mumbled looking down at the phone in my hand.
“You did a great job.” He smiled and looked at me for a bit before walking away. I shut the door and continued to talk to my Nan. She was talking about Justin and her favorite songs he did. I let her talk the most, and me very little because I missed her voice. She was talking and I had a hard time processing what she was saying because I would think about him and then zone back to her, then to him again finally realizing who was just at my door. It was Niall from One Direction; I froze in thought before going back to my Nan.
“I need to get some rest sweetie.” She coughed again and then sighed.
“I love you.”
“I love you, my little girl.” She said and I didn't want to hang up so she did the honors. There was another knock on the door and in came Justin.
“Hey, are you up for an after party or just ready to crash?” He asked while packing some things in a bag.
“I want to go home.” I said with more tears inching at my eyes.
“Your home is with me now. I promise I will let you take a trip back home but first you should sleep.” He cuddled up to me and we walked out of the room like that. He was holding my bags and a few of his things while escorting me to a back door. There were large men in all black following us, watching us, and once we got outside they were all around us. We stepped into a large 2014 Blazer and met up with Jessica. The driver already knew where he was going so he sped off and pulled up the driveway. I was ready to see my room and my new home. I was ready to see where I would be making my name.
“When will you be ready for the after party?” Jessica asked me. I went to speak but Justin was already talking for me.
“She’s getting dropped off and then we’re going. She wants to rest.”
“What time will you both be home?” I asked them.
“Late.” Justin said.
“Knowing Justin we won’t be home until five in the morning.” Jessica joked around but Justin gave me that look saying she was right. I nodded and got out of the car. Justin walked me into the mansion and I set my bags down. He was about to close the door when I stopped him.
“Which room is mine?”
“Pick anyone you want.” He smiled and left. I was alone. I looked around the house, just with my eyes, until I found a bathroom close to the foyer. I showered, slipped on some comfortable pajamas, and went to sleep on the couch. I decided looking for a bedroom could wait until my head was clear. As I closed my eyes and felt the sleep rolling in I dreamt about my performance all over again, except this time is wasn’t Justin who was singing, it was Niall. I woke and fell asleep again, wondering what that could mean.

Notes