Niall’s view:
“Harry’s here.” Louis said calmly.
“I'm gonna kill him!” I stood up and turned towards the door.
“Niall calm down.” Zayn said beside me. We had finished the tour around the studio, we ate, and we have been at the house since. Harry is going to need a great excuse.
“I'm home…” Harry announced then stopped realizing we all were watching him come in.
“Where have you been?” Liam asked casually.
“Yeah, I’d like to know the same thing!” I said out of place.
“I was with a friend.” He wasn’t denying it?
“Who’s this friend, Harry?” I asked pissed.
“What’s it to you?” Harry said hanging up his jacket.
“Who was it Harry?” I gritted my teeth and walked to him.
“What’s your problem?” Harry asked getting in my face.
“C’mon you guys.” Louis reasoned.
“It was her wasn’t it?” I was inches from him so I just whispered.
“Niall you freak her out. She knows you like her and she thinks it's weird you don’t know her and like her.” He whispered so only I would hear. That was it, the last straw.
“I HATE YOU!” I shoved him. Harry hit the door and stumbled to keep balance.
“What the heck!” Harry yelled as Liam did. Their tones were completely different though.
“Zayn get him!” Louis said. Louis held me and Liam was in the middle of us. Zayn constricted Harry back.
“You don’t know what you're talking about!” I screamed at him. I was red and enraged.
“Go ask her! Oh, wait you can't even talk to her!” Harry said spitefully.
“Zayn, take him out. Louis, take Niall to his room.” Liam took control of the situation. I was forced upstairs to my room and away from Harry. Louis put a hand on my shoulder that I forcefully pushed off and took deep breaths to calm myself.
“Niall, it's just a girl. He wouldn’t do that to you.” Louis was only defending him.
“Stop defending him.” I paced my room as Lou sat on the bed.
“I'm not just defending him because he’s my friend, you’re my friend too. I care about both of you and I'm not about to let you beat the crap out of each other to prove who is right or wrong. You just need to give us time to talk to him. I will figure out what happened and why he was with her.” Louis just rambled because he knows it has a calming effect on me. I just listen to him talk and then I'm calm. It's weird but it works with Zayn too.
“Thanks lad.” I lay on the bed and he stood. I was calm enough to stop pacing but still raged enough that if I saw Harry I’d kill him.
“Go to sleep. He’s here and we are going to figure this out. Tomorrow we have some studio things to do.” Louis was gone and the door was shut. I shut off the lamp and didn’t bother to take off any piece of clothing I had on. I didn’t even bother to get under the covers, it was one of those nights were I was just too exhausted and emotionally drained to care about comfort.
“Niall, it’s time to get up!” Someone banged on my door. I shuddered and looked around. This was going to be a long day. I fell off the bed and cuddled the carpet. I really just want to skip out on everything like Harry did; only I wouldn’t do it with someone he likes… a lot. “Niall, get up!” Someone else hollered.
“I'm up!” I grumbled.
“Louis!” Liam hollered.
“Zayn, ya need to get up!” I heard Harry.
“Niall, come on!” Louis called me. This was going to suck. Everyone needed something from someone and I just woke up. I opened my door to see the light shining in too bright. I squinted and looked both ways before entering the hall. Louis ran into my room and straight to my bathroom. I was still dressed in my clothes from yesterday and I was going to change, later. I headed down the stairs slowly and just looked around. I didn’t see Harry anywhere so that was nice. I grabbed a pudding cup and ate it fast so I could get ready.
“Harry and Zayn left.” Liam informed me.
“We thought driving separate today would be wise.” Louis added.
“Thanks.” I nodded in understanding.
“Also they are going to a different studio.” Liam popped his head back in then left. I looked at Louis for a confirmation.
“They went to the show studio to give Harry the tour he missed then they are going to the recording studio. We are going straight to the recording studio. Conner’s wants more of that song you wrote.”
“Well I need some time to finish the ending but I have another one we could start tracking.” I said.
“Go get other clothes on. You smell funny.” Louis was charming. I changed and sprayed a lot of cologne on just in case. The car ride was a blast. We were singing and screwing around. We stopped to get Conners and ourselves food before we started working. I had my guitar, so on the way there we were able to play and sing our songs acoustic rather than listening to the radio. It was something that made me feel whole for the moment. But despite the fuzzy feelings, I'm still missing something, someone.
“Here we go.” Louis sang his words as we arrived and he headed for the van doors.
“Here, I got it.” Liam smiled and opened the door for everyone. He grabbed my guitar while I got out then handed it back to me.
“So who is working on what?” Conners asked as we walked in.
“I'm going to be down the hall doing independent work.” Liam headed out.
“I wouldn’t mind just chilling out in here and hearing more of that song.” Louis said winking at me.
“It's settled, Niall in the booth.” Conners ordered. I took the guitar in and put the head phones around my neck. “I played with this last night and came up with a nice sound. It's less acoustic but still a slower melody. What do you think?” He played the track and it was nothing I thought it would be; I loved it.
“That’s great! I know this new album is going to need a few upbeat songs and that’s why I didn’t want to play this one on guitar.” I said.
“Yeah that’s it.” Louis mouthed from behind Conners.
“So, we need some more of the chorus. Pick it up from ‘Don’t forget where you belong’.” Conners played with dials and buttons. I sang from there. I sang everybody’s parts, which is definitely weird singing by myself. I stopped. “Is something wrong?” Conners checked things.
“No, I just think Louis should get in here with me.” I smiled through the glass and Louis got up and walked in. He plugged in a spare headset and started to add little things in the back and since I had the words written out he chose a verse to sing. We were almost done when Harry came in to interrupt.
“Hold on, a minute guys.” Conners said getting out of his chair. He accompanied Harry in the hall.
“What do you think that’s about?”
“I don’t even care.” I muttered. I cared, I knew I did, Louis probably knew I wanted to know, but for now I'm going to pretend I don’t care.
“So how long did it take you to write this song?” Louis changed subjects.
“I started it a long time ago. I had the music just not the right words. After seeing her, I just, it all made sense. I knew what words were missing and I finally understood why.” I was being a sap. It really did happen like that though. After seeing her play the piano and trying to talk to her without her even acknowledging me I knew what I wanted this song to say.
“Well it's really brilliant.” Louis said leaving the booth. He opened the door and I saw Harry take a glance at me before it shut completely. Louis came in with Liam and Conners.
“What's going on?” I said into the mic.
“I'm going to help Harry record something and Liam is going to produce this. He knows what it sounds like so you are in good hands.” Conners left the room.
“So just pick it up where you two left off.” Liam sat in Conners chair. Louis rejoined me and we continued on his verse. Boy was I dying to know what Harry had that was so important Conners had to be there.
“Let’s go see how Harry is doing.” Liam said. “I feel we have enough for this track.” Liam was first to leave the room.
“I'll stay with you if you want.” Louis looked at me.
“Actually I'll be fine.” This was going to be hard but I need to know what he is singing. I want to know what was so important he needed Conners for it. Right now is my chance to find out. We slid in the back and Harry and Zayn were in the booth together. Conners was flipping dials like he's supposed to and we were able to hear them.
“I figured it out, saw the mistakes of up and down, meet in the middle there’s always room for common ground.” Zayn sang.
“You and I, we don’t want to be like them, we can make it till the end, nothing can come between, you and I, not even the gods above can separate the two of us.” Harry wasn’t singing just any song. It was a song for her. He wrote a song about her. I'm gonna kill him. Louis rested a hand on my back knowing I was beyond pissed.
“You don’t know.” Louis whispered to me. He knew what I was thinking. Liam must have known too because he leaned forward to look at me. My face had an expression less feel too it but underneath I was about to explode. The words he was singing were to her and I just couldn’t believe it.
“I'm going to step out.” I whispered to them. I left and walked down the hall to the exit door. Once I felt the cooler air hit me I felt a bit better. Being in the studio with Harry singing about the girl I like and having everyone's eyes on me made me feel hot. I needed to breathe.
“Niall, Niall! Over here, Niall!” A crowd of paps formed. I waved to be polite and acted like nothing was wrong. I walked to the back of the building so I wouldn’t be in their view. I took a couple deep breathes and was about to calm down when some of the paps made it over the fencing.
“Niall is it true you got in a fight at a party?” A woman shoved a microphone in my face.
“Niall did you know Harry has been romantically involved with Claire Chasez?” A man asked with a small notebook and pen.
“Are you recording your new album?” Another person screamed from the back of the crowd. Everyone was closing in on me and I couldn’t breathe. None of the questions being asked had anything to do with each other and I was stuck in the middle.
“Leave me alone.” I mumbled. “Go away.” I yelled after another question was asked.
“Niall do you know why Harry was seen leaving Claire’s house late afternoon yesterday?” Someone asked me.
“Leave me alone!” I threw my hand at someone hoping they would get the message. I hit something hard and realized what I had done.
“Niall what's been going on with you lately?” Someone asked. They didn’t have to yell because everyone went silent after I hit one of the paps. They gave me some space but not enough. I shoved through them and didn’t answer one single question thrown at me. I was so suffocated here, I needed to leave. I went back into the studio and walked into the room everyone was in.
“I have to go.” I whispered to the guys sitting on the couch.
“You need to record your part of the song.” Liam informed.
“I need to go.” I said a lot harsher.
“Ok.” Louis said walking out with me.
“You don’t have to come.” I frankly didn’t want him to come.
“Niall I know you, you are going to do something stupid and then regret it. I'm going to help you from regretting even more things.” Louis patted my back but I moved away from him.
“I hate this place! I hate how everyone has to watch over me! I hate how I can't be alone, like what the heck did I do to deserve a babysitter?” I yelled at him. I continued to walk down the corridor and he was left behind. I didn’t bother to look back because I knew he had a shocked expression on his face. I heard a door open behind me, knowing it was the other lads, I still continued on my path to the cars. I was thrown back into the swarm of photographers and flashing questions when I was headed to the car. I guess none of them learned their lesson after I hit one of them. Once I got to the van I slid in and peeled out not being careful of anyone behind me.
I was on open road and didn’t really have any place in mind of where to go. I was too tired of all the crap everyone’s been putting me through. I drove through one red light then stopped at all the others. Louis was right I do make stupid decisions when I'm angry. I passed some cars with teenage girls in them and they were following me instead of going about their regular routines. I pulled onto the bypass and continued on my way gathering speed. I was hauling everything I had in me to get faster and faster. The faster I got the better I felt. Soon I saw an exit and I took it. I followed it down and drove on a road that wasn’t marked. I slowed down and suddenly felt at peace. I was in an eerie town with rundown buildings and darkened faces. I felt like no one would know me here. I parked the van in a lot and looked at the time on the town’s biggest clock. It was rusty and I was surprised it still worked. Everything about this place was giving me the creeps.
As I sat in this parking lot someone approached my window and tapped it a few times. I hesitated to roll it down after seeing her appearance. She was shaggy and looked as if to be high. Her teeth a slicked yellow and her hair ratted to the ends. “Hey doll. What you want?” She asked in the window.
“Oh, no I'm just thinking, I’m not…” She scoffed before blowing me a kiss and walking away. I was not about to stay in this lot. I put the van in drive and left a few lights down where the town improved, but not by much. I shivered thinking of the way she talked to me. It was gross. I found a nice looking liquor shop and parked there. I walked in and the woman at the counter didn’t even acknowledge me. I grabbed some sgurneych off the shelf and went to the cashier.
“Can I see your I.D.?” She said. I handed her my I.D. and she looked at me then the card, me then the card, me, card. “You're not old enough.” She said handing the card back.
“I'm Niall Horan, from One Direction. I don’t need to be old enough.” I informed her and slapped a fifty dollar bill on the counter. The bottle only cost twenty but I was ready to feed my problems.
“Sir, I know who you are. I just don’t think I should sell it to someone underage.” She looked sympathetic.
“How about I buy it, we share it, and then we pretend this never happened.” I winked at her.
“I guess I could close up early.” She looked innocent and shocked.
“Yeah, how about that?” I smirked at her. She came out from behind the counter and closed the shop up. She turned and nodded me towards the back rooms. She opened the bottle and poured some shots. “I'm drinking full tonight.” I said grabbing the bottle back. She took the shots and I swigged the bottle.
“So what makes Niall Horan from One Direction so low he has to come and get drunk to forget about his problems?” She had pale green eyes and dark brown curly hair. She was really attractive. The freckles on her nose just branched out to her cheekbones and complimented her eyes.
“All of the fame, the people, the places, my life.” I swished the bottled around in circles.
“Well, you didn’t come here to talk did you?” She looked at me. I gave her a rude expression. “No! Not like that. I figured you needed someone to cheer you up, take your mind off of things.”
“I have that right here.” I said drinking the sgurneych and slapping the grit around my mouth to the bottom of the throat.
“That’s fine.” She smiled and handed me her shot glasses. “So who is she?” She asked with a broken smile.
“What do you mean?” I wasn’t feeling the buzz yet. Nothing was hitting this Irishman's head, stomach, or heart.
“The girl you love.” She replied like it was the most obvious thing ever.
“There isn’t one.” I said bitter.
“There has to be. You're here drinking with some girl you just met and want me to believe you aren’t heartbroken?” She was completely right, which hurt.
“Look, it's not important.” I said taking three large gulps from the shared bottle.
“Niall, I look up to you. I like your band and music. I want you to know that your fans are here.” She was a fan, great. She took out a piece of paper and scribbled her number on it. “This is for you, in case you need a chat sometime, just text me.” She seemed genuine but I was too out of it to care.
“Look, I'm glad you like me and you're very nice but I really shouldn’t be here.” I said standing up from the desk we were sitting on. I took the paper just to be nice, it said Sam.
“She’s really stupid for not wanting you.” Sam called after me.
“She doesn’t know me Sam.” I said walking back to her.
“I don’t either.” She smiled at me. Then it happened. I guess the alcohol covered side of me took over because I broke out in long sobs. The girl sat there probably confused at what to do. I took the bottle of alcohol and chucked it at the ground, glass splattering everywhere.
“HE DOESN’T DESERVE HER!” I was screaming out, rage, agony, my whole life had been turned upside down and inside out within a week or so, and the biggest cause was Harry. That was the last thing that Sam heard. I left without another word.
Claire’s view:
It was morning and I had very few things to do today. Harry was busy; he said something about finding a missing person. I wished him luck and then left him to work. Alana was busy with school work. I didn’t even think about school when I moved here because I was too busy thinking about being famous. Obviously Jessica was too busy with her baby because she didn’t seem to care I wasn’t being educated and Justin was too busy to think about it either because he hasn’t got me enrolled or anything. I wasn’t going to complain about it one bit because I was able to spend time at the house doing whatever I wanted and I loved it. I was currently playing the piano downstairs and then I worked out in the exercise room downstairs. The music was so loud I almost didn’t hear the doorbell ring. I wiped off my forehead with the towel and called it good enough. I opened the door and was met with flashes and questions.
“Are you dating Harry Styles or Justin Bieber?”
“What is your relation to Justin Timberlake?”
“Has Harry Styles shagged you yet?”
“Are you and Justin Bieber fighting because of Harry Styles?” I tried to shut the door but a few of them pushed in the door and bombarded my house.
“Excuse me, what’s your problem?” I yelled.
“Would you give us a tour of your house?” One asked almost innocently.
“No!” I shouted like it was the obvious answer.
“Claire, how long have you been playing piano?” One of them on the other side of the door shouted through. I sighed.
“I’ve been playing since I was seven.” I opened the door then slammed it shut again before any of them could get in.
“Would you answer questions for us?” The ones inside seemed to be a lot more calm than the ones outside.
“Look I don’t know how the whole paps thing works but I don’t appreciate you guys ransacking my house and coming in without permission.” I felt like the adult here.
“Ms. Chasez, we are sorry.”
“We just need a good story.” Another one said. They all looked pathetic and I felt bad denying them.
“The patio is out that way. I'll get some drinks.” I was just about to leave when I stopped and looked at them. “Get rid of them,” I pointed to the door. “Do it now!” I said harsh. They were like sitting ducks confused as what to do. There were only three paps that made it in the house so I could handle this. One of them shooed the others away and I got some beers for the men and a pitcher of lemonade for me and the only girl. I came out and they were sat at the table with paper, pens, and one guy holding a small video camera. I sat on the opposite end as them and shifted feeling the tension.
“Are you dating Harry Styles or Justin Bieber?” One asked. All the paps tensed waiting for my answer.
“Neither.”
“Then what is your relationship to them?” The girl asked the follow up question.
“I'm teaching Justin Bieber’s musicians and dancers about the art and emotion of music and working on some songs and Harry is just a close friend.” I replied tense.
“Your relationship with Justin Timberlake has sparked quite a few questions. Who is he to you, why were you a feature on his debut on the VMA’s, where is he now?” The woman asked.
“He is, for lack of better word, my uncle. I am an up and coming musician and want to make a name for myself in the business like the rest of my family. That’s classified.” I answered. There are some things I just didn’t want them to know, Justin’s location being one of them.
“Is this you and Justin Bieber kissing?” They showed the same picture that has gotten my name out more than my dancing.
“No.”
“But it's in your kitchen, yes?”
“Yes, it was two of our friends. Ryan and Alana, they wanted time alone and we caught them kissing.”
“Explain this.” They showed pictures of Justin Bieber flying out of my house enraged and running towards the photographer.
“He was mad they followed him and Ryan to my house.” I shrugged. It was believable.
“Has Harry shagged you?” One of them bluntly asked.
“What does that even mean?” I shot out. I knew what it meant. It was UK slang for having sex. We have not and I know we won't but what is that to them?
“Have you two been in bed together?” One asked. They all leaned in anticipating my answer. Technically it was a couch and even then nothing happened. We only kissed and that wasn’t on a couch or a bed.
“No. Is that all you are worried about?” I asked them. They looked disappointed at my answer.
“We wanted to know if you were together.” One said.
“Just because we hang out together doesn’t mean we are together, together. Also it doesn’t mean we have sex. He is just a really great friend. He is something more than a toy and the sooner you see that the better.” I said standing up. “Now leave.” I said harsh. They stood up and were silent. I escorted them to the front door as they took pictures of my house. Weird people they are. I shut the door and breathed. I was swarmed by paparazzi and personally think I handled it well. I went back to the studio to clean up and put things away. I checked my phone and had missed calls from Harry. The doorbell rang again. I took a rhythm going down the stairs fast and stopped right before hitting the door.
“Hell-oh…” I said seeing Harry, Zayn, and two other people who I didn’t know.
“Look we need to ask you something.” Zayn said. I hung out with him once because we ran into each other. It was quite funny how he knew Harry and we started talking about that. He is the only guy I have talked to that hasn’t kissed me. Thanks Zayn.
“Come in.” I opened the door for them.
“I know you don’t know him personally but have you seen Niall lately?” Harry asked me.
“No, I haven’t seen Niall. I might have accidentally hit him, and I saw him Bieber’s studio once but I don’t know him or where he is.” I shrugged.
“So, that’s it.” A medium height one with suspenders said.
“I guess we’re going to have to wait.” Harry sighed.
“Wait Niall is who you have been looking for?” I asked shocked. Why I was shocked, I couldn’t tell you. I just seemed to be considered, for no reason, I don’t know.
“Yeah, he and I got in a fight and he hasn’t forgiven me. I don’t blame him, but right now we have a lot we have going on tomorrow and the last thing we need is Niall missing.” Harry said hugging me. I reacted quickly by wrapping myself around him.
“Harry, you'll find him. I don’t know him but I'm sure he will forgive you.”
“Yeah, I’m sure.” Suspenders retorted, scoffing. I glared at him. I'm already not a fan of his.
“Can I stay with you tonight to clear my head?” Harry asked me breaking the hug.
“Uh…” The buff one that hasn’t spoken this entire time interjected a syllable.
“Yes.” I said not liking him either. Harry needed space and if staying here could give him that then he was welcome anytime.
“Thank you.” Harry muttered.
“Harry you should stay back at the house.” The buff one spoke words.
“I'm staying her so when Niall comes home he doesn’t have to worry about me. I'll be at the studio tomorrow, on time.” Harry said reasoning with the buffer one.
“Ok, well I'm going to keep looking for him.” Suspenders said.
“I am too, mate.” Zayn sighed and headed for the door.
“Louis, Zayn, if you find him, tell him I'm staying at Josh’s.” Harry hollered after them.
“Kay got it.” They replied off beat. The buff one looked at me then Harry and then me again.
“I swear to god Harry if you are not at that studio in the morning you are going to hear it. Not just from me but management.” His tone was lying. He wasn’t just mad about Harry being late. There was more to it.
“I get it Liam.” Harry gave him two thumbs up.
“Bye Claire.” Liam nodded my way. I whispered bye so quiet I might as well have just mouthed it.
“I'll get you clothes.” I said as they left. Harry plopped on the couch. As I walked upstairs to Justin’s room I looked back to see Harry with his hands in his hair. He looked like a puddle of emotions. I grabbed some fleece, flannel, pajama pants for him. I knew he liked sleeping with minimal clothes on so I didn’t grab anything for a shirt. “Here.” I handed them to him. He looked up at me with red eyes. “Harry it will be ok.” I soothed.
“What if he doesn’t come home? He is known to do the stupidest stuff when he is under pressure.” Harry put his hands in his hair and tugged slightly.
“Harry, he is fine. I don’t know him but it sounds like he just needed time away.” Harry stopped moving. He slowly lifted his head to look at me.
“You're brilliant!” He kissed my forehead.
“Thanks.” I said sarcastic. I didn’t know what I said right, but whew.
“Get shoes on, we are getting Niall!” Harry stood up.
“Ok.” I smiled. I grabbed a pair of converse that were at the door and slipped them on. I wasn’t dressed for the outside weather but I wanted to be there for Harry so I up and left. He went to open my door for the car but I beat him to it. “Go Styles.” I commanded.
“Ok.” He sprang to the other side of the car and started the engine fast. We were rolling super-fast. “Why didn’t we think about that?” Harry said like it was so stupid of them.
“Think about what?” I asked not knowing how I helped.
“This entire time we have been looking around L.A. when in all honesty he probably isn’t even here. He most likely left!” Harry smiled at the open road. I shivered and tried to make it look normal but it didn’t go unnoticed by Harry as he flipped on some heat. I nodded as a simple gesture to be a ‘thank you’. “I have some sweatshirts back there if you want one.” Harry pointed to the back seat.
“I'm good.” Lie.
“No seriously.” He stretched back and got me one and managed to drive at the same time. There weren’t many cars on the road but it was still scary he was doing that. He handed me the sweatshirt and I slipped it on. Between that and the heat, wearing shorts didn’t really bother me anymore. I nodded again.
“So what do we do if we find him?” I asked.
“What do you mean?” Harry turned on the bypass.
“He hates you and doesn’t know me. There is no way he is going to come back with us.” It was pretty obvious Harry didn’t think it through.
“If that happens we call the rest of the guys.” He said handing me his phone.
“What's this for?” I asked fiddling with it.
“If we find him I won't be thinking straight. I need you to be the brains here.” He chuckled.
“What was that chuckle for? Am I not the brains out of the two of us already?” I shot back.
“Ouch. Calm down. I was laughing at my stupidity.” He smiled.
“Oh.” I went to unlock his phone and there was a pass code. “How am I able to be the brains if I can't call anybody?” I showed him the screen.
“It's your name.” He said blushing. I typed in my name and I sure enough saw his background appear.
“Why on earth…” I stopped there giving him room to explain.
“Management uses our stuff and I knew they wouldn’t guess that, same with the guys.” He was blushing and not looking at me.
“Huh.” I huffed. I invaded his privacy by going through his phone. “Watch the road Styles!” I yelled as he leaned over to see what I was doing.
“No text messages.”
“Yeah, yeah, I got it.” I giggled and I clicked his and Niall’s texts. I was reading them when Harry stopped the car. I looked up to see a red light.
“You're looking at my messages aren’t you?” Harry called me out and tried to take his phone. I pushed the home button.
“Drive, Harry!” I commanded.
“Claire, would you stop please?” He whined. We were in a creepy town and he was going slow, making it that much creepier.
“Why are you going slowly?” I asked.
“I’m going slowly because I don’t want to miss him if he's here. It's the first town out of L.A.” Harry informed. I was going through pictures now and getting to know Harry a lot more. There were the pictures of him and the guys doing dumb things, there were pictures of him drunk off his rocker and dancing, then there were the cute little things like him and his mum.
“What are your parents like?” I asked him.
“They’re divorced and far away from each other.” He sounded bitter.
“Oh.” I said.
“What about you? I mean I know about your father, what about your mother?” He asked glancing at me.
“She was a good friend of my dad’s that’s why they decided to be each other’s first. He told me a lot about her but I was never allowed to meet her. Maybe that’s why I'm so lonely.” I joked. Truth is it wasn’t a joke. I'm always lonely even when I have the best people around me.
“What did he tell you about her?” He smiled.
“She was bleached blonde, short, and I'm the spitting image of her.” Harry chuckled. “She was ambitious and loved seeing me on weekends when I was just a baby but couldn’t take me half the time. JC got custody because he was more of a stable parent and home.” I held up my hands making that seem idiotic.
“Why hasn’t your mum come forward and tried to be your guardian since his death?” Harry always got to business with his questions.
“I don’t really know. I tell myself it's because she doesn’t know how to say she is my absent mother but sometimes I wonder if she is even alive as well.” I shrugged.
“And Justin Timberlake came into this, how?”
“Justin and JC have always been close. It was put in JC’s will that I was to go to Justin. I wouldn’t have it any other way because he really is the perfect person to take care of me.” As soon as I finished Harry stopped abruptly. “What?” I asked urgent.
“That’s our van.” He said pointing to a white plain van.
“Harry you have done lost your mind. That could be any van with a rapist in it.” I said.
“No, I'm sure it's ours.” Harry was contemplating.
“Look, I'll go.” I said getting out.
“Claire, Claire, get your butt back here!” He whisper yelled.
“Shh, be quite.” I held my finger to my lips. Harry looked nervous. I was nervous but I wasn’t going to let that stop me. I walked up hesitantly and glanced back to see Harry still there. He got unbuckled and opened his door. I knocked a few times on the van’s door and waited. Nothing happened. I turned to walk away.
“Claire!” Harry yelled as I felt arms around me. I kicked and screamed but it was perfectly muffled due to the hand on my mouth. I was in the van’s back part. There was a mattress and we were on it.
“Have you come to kill me?” The guy asked. I smelled alcohol and heard Harry pounding on the door. He went to the other doors on the van.
“Come out here!” Harry yelled. “I'll kill you.” He yelled.
“So you did come here to kill me.” The voice was slurred but I knew who it was. He had me pinned down and was large compared to my tiny frame. I wasn’t in danger.
“Harry!” I yelled.
“Claire I'll get you!” Harry yelled.
“I'm fine!” I said.
“Are you insane!?” He yelled back.
“It's Niall.” I said calmly. Niall handcuffed me to something and went to the driver’s seat. Harry was at that window and still pounding.
“Niall listen. I know you are mad but can we talk?” Harry reasoned. Niall just glared at him. He was drunk, absolutely trashed.
“Niall, talk to him.” I said trying to get the handcuff off. Niall peeled out of the lot and sped off. He was swerving and couldn’t drive a straight line. He was too drunk for this. Harry must have been behind us because he honked. “Niall, we are not trying to kill you!” I yelled at him. He stopped and I heard a car door. Niall came back to me and just stared at me. I felt butterflies in my stomach… wait what? Why did I feel butterflies? I just stared into his crystal blue eyes, and for some reason I wasn’t the least bit scared. He sighed and undid the hand cuff but didn’t unlock the van door. When I reached for it he got in the way. “Niall we are not here to hurt you.” I reasoned. This guy was drunk and fighting to save his life from his friends that came to take him back home. He opened the door and before I could say anything Harry had me in his arms. I held him for a second then let him go so he could take care of Niall.
“Niall you need to come home.” Harry smiled at me then glared at Niall. “Can you drive?” Harry asked.
“No.” I shook my head.
“Ok, we will leave the van here then. Get in the car.” Harry commanded. Niall didn’t protest and I didn’t have a reason to. I got in the car and watched them talk. I called Zayn to tell him the news.
“We have him.” I said shaking.
“Thank god!” He said and the phone shuffled.
“Is he ok?” I think Liam asked.
“He’s wasted. He was in the van. He tried kidnapping me, swearing Harry and I were trying to kill him. Then he let me go.” I said.
“Are you ok? Did he hurt you?”
“No, but it's a good thing Harry was here.” I sighed.
“Where are you at?” Liam asked.
“We’re in some rundown town. He went to the first town out of L.A.” I informed him. There was a silence so I assumed he was telling the other guys.
“You guys are coming home yeah?” Zayn asked.
“Right about now.” I said.
“Ok, we can talk about it when you are home.” Zayn said.
“Bye Zayn.” I said.
“Bye.”
“Claire, could you get in the back. I want Niall in front so he can be watched.” Harry said.
“Sure.” I got out and sat in the back. The entire car ride home no one spoke. Harry drove and Niall stared at me through the rearview mirror. If I looked away and back he was still staring. He was a freak, give or take he was drunk. We neared the quaint yellow house and Harry looked back at me. Niall took this as an invitation to stare at me directly by turning.
“Do you want to come in?” He asked.
“Should I?” I asked in response.
“I think the guys are going to want to talk to you.” Harry scratched the nape of his neck.
“Ok then.” I got out. Niall was on the same side as me so he tried to walk straight and used the car to help him. Once the car was out of his way he stumbled. I latched onto him and helped him walk. Harry got the door unlocked and open. Once inside, Liam took Niall, the suspenders guy took Harry, and Zayn took me outback.
“What happened?” He asked hugging me.
“Uh, I assume you are talking about the fake kidnapping?” I cocked my head. He shook his head.
“He pinned me on a mattress in the back of the van. Which is weird, I don’t get why you have one of those back there. I could smell alcohol when he talked in his accent so I knew it wasn’t any creeper. He handcuffed me and started to drive. He stopped somewhere and Harry was there. I was like, being raped…”
“He did what?” Zayn screamed for everyone blocks away to hear.
“…by his eyes.” I said finishing my sentence. He settled down. “And then he opened the door. I can say it was quite an experience.” I chuckled.
“You're not going to like tell press or anything, are you?” He looked nervous.
“Why would I do that?” I questioned.
“You were basically kidnapped by a drunken member of One Direction.” He scratched his head.
“Well I have no reason to tell people.” I said shifting my weight from one foot to the other.
“Ok. We really need you to just keep this between us. We are sorry he did that and put you in danger but god only knows what else he did since he was drunk.” Zayn ran a hand over his face.
“Don’t sweat it. I'm just glad you guys found him. He needs help.”
“You have no idea.” Zayn said wrapping an arm around my tiny shoulder. “You smell funny.” He said as we walked inside.
“I had just gotten done working out when everyone ambushed me. There wasn’t time for a shower.” I chuckled. We made it inside where Harry and the suspender kid were. Niall and Liam were missing from the picture.
“Are you ok? I swear when he sobers up I'll kill him!” Harry rushed to my side.
“I'm fine.” I chuckled.
“Claire we need to know that you won't –”
“I won't.” I said with barely a smile.
“You can't mention this to anyone.” The suspender boy said harsh.
“Look I don’t want a scandal. I'm glad you found him. I'll go now.”
“Hey I'm still staying over so I'll drive you.” Harry said grabbing keys. I nodded in agreement and followed. He shut the door behind him and started up the car. “You're not going to say anything, are you?” He asked in the car.
“Harry, I'm friends with you and Zayn. I don’t know Niall so he could be a pretty nice person, when he's not drunk. It's not a big deal.” I shrugged.
“Have you talked to press lately?” He asked me.
“Why?” I sounded worried.
“Well some magazines have been saying we are like, friends, with, I don’t know, benefits.” He said looking at me ashamed.
“What? Why?”
“They say they got an exclusive interview with you at your house and you said we’ve had sex.” He explained.
“That’s out of context!” I shot back.
“So you did say it?” He was being skeptical.
“Harry I said we are good friends but that doesn’t mean we have sex. I'm sixteen. I have better things to do than lose my virginity!” I gave information I wasn’t meaning to.
“I didn’t need to know that.” He said covering his face with his hand. He left a small slot for his vision so he could still drive.
“I'm sorry. Harry, don’t tell anyone.” I said turning to look at him.
“Let’s just stop. Stop there.” He said pulling up to my drive. I hopped out and punched the code in. As the gates opened I got back in. He drove up the drive slowly.
“Erm… you can park over there.” I said pointing to a canopy cover. He parked under it and got out. I slid out and shut the door smoothly.
“Why don’t you let me get the door for you?” He asked.
“First off, it would look very relationship-y to any paparazzi. Second off, why should I let a man do what I can do for myself?” He seemed to be in thought at that.
“You are so different.” He smirked at me. I unlocked the door and dismantled the alarm system. “And apparently you’re guarded too.” He chuckled.
“It's Justin I swear.” I held up my hands in mock defense.
“I'm tired.” Harry yawned and stretched out. He was not attractive when he yawned but when he stretched his shirt came up just enough to show some of his V-lines and I almost died. I stopped looking at him long enough to take off my converse. I was in some shorts and a t-shirt so I had yet to shower and change.
“I'm going to shower and change then I'll meet you on the couch.” I left. I liked leaving him buzzing. I could tell that statement and wink left him teased. I showered off my body and just conditioned my hair. I might be falling for him. He is charming, caring, attractive, and most importantly someone I know I can trust. I combed my hair through and shook it like a dog then flung on my pajama pants and a tank top. I don’t like sleeping in clothes either but if Harry is going to want to cuddle I think we should both have some coverage. I plugged my phone into the charger and walked down stairs to the kitchen. Harry was making himself at home. “Make yourself at home.” I chuckled. He turned around and shut the fridge.
“I just wanted to see if you had any fruit.” He was a strange one.
“There are strawberries in the blue bowl.” I said getting some plates out.
“We won't need those. Just go and put in a movie, any movie.” He smiled and set the bowl on the island. I left eyeing him carefully. I didn’t give any care in the world as to what movie we watched so I just popped in Finding Nemo. I waited on the couch for a minute or so and Harry came out shirtless, pajama pants on, and holding a bowl.
“Harry.” I scooted over to him after he sat down. I leaned under his arm and he scrunched me into him.
“Here.” He held a strawberry to my lips. I bit into it. He watched me carefully as I did this. He had a glint of orneriness in his eyes watching me.
“It’s your turn.” I grinned taking a strawberry and doing the same. He let his lips brush my fingertips. I got goose bumps feeling his lips on my skin.
“It’s back to you.” He whispered. He shifted and got closer to me. He set the bowl down and grabbed one strawberry he put one end of the strawberry in his mouth and looked at my lips. He moved closer to me and I bit it, he came close and kissed my lips tenderly.
“I'm sorry.” He apologized.
“Don’t be.” I bit my lip.
“That was kind of weird for me.” He sounded raspy.
“Yeah, me too...” I whispered. “We should go to bed.” I said. It was getting late and I was getting tired.
“Are we sleeping on the couch?” He asked.
“I think we can go to my bed.” I said standing up.
“Here.” Harry whisked me up bridal style and walked us up to my room. He swiftly opened the door and dropped me on my bed.
“Harry.” I giggled.
“Let’s get to bed now. I have a busy day tomorrow.” He shut off the light and I felt the bed shift after a few seconds. He didn’t hesitate to take my small frame and shape himself around me.
“Harry?” I asked.
“Claire?” He said right in my ear.
“Do you want to date me?” I asked. I didn’t really mean it as a ‘will you go out with me’ but as in general would he ever go out with me.
“Are you asking me out?” He sounded shocked.
“No, I just want to know if you ever would date me.” I told him.
“If given the chance without any complications, yes, I would.” He squeezed me tight. I squeezed his arms that were around my stomach. “Goodnight love.”
“Goodnight Harry.” I sighed. As I drifted into a deep sleep I expected to dream of Harry, but as soon as I went unconscious a pair of piercing blue eyes stared into mine, they weren’t just any eyes either, they were Nialls.

Notes