Niall's view:
I woke up on my bed with a small accumulation of saliva under my cheek. I wiped my mouth and sat up. Looking at the time it was now four in the evening. I walked out of my room and found Louis and El in the kitchen making something. Liam and Zayn were watching TV.
“Did Harry come back yet?” I asked. They looked at me sympathetically knowing how I felt about this. “I'm going out.” I said and headed for the door.
“Wait, I'll come.” Zayn stood up.
“No, I'm going to see an old time friend.” I used Harry’s lame excuse.
“Niall, please don’t.” Liam groaned.
“I'll be fine. No reckless behavior, I got it.” I said. I knew Zayn didn’t want to come with me. He was only going to babysit me.
“Niall, I’m serious.” Liam groaned again. He felt bad; I was suckering him into this. After a moment of silence he spoke. “Fine, but Niall if you come home drunk or if you don’t even come home at all,” he stopped and breathed, “I'm just going to let everyone assume the worst.” Liam wasn’t very easy to crack but when he did it felt like winning the lottery.
“Ok.” I said brushing passed Zayn to get my car keys. I ran into my car and sped off before he had time to change his mind. I knew I was going to a liquor store but not to get drunk. I got on the bypass and started to go faster. I approached that eerie old town I went to last night. I pulled into the parking lot and got out of my car. I walked in and she immediately smiled.
“Hey.” She said no louder than a whisper.
“We need to talk.” I stated. She frowned and looked saddened. She came out from behind the counter and leaned back against it. “I don’t remember anything that happened when I was here last; I was hoping you could help me out.” I folded my arms. She looked nervous.
“We had some drinks.” She tried to sound confident but it just didn’t work for her personality.
“And what else?” I knew that couldn’t have been it.
“That’s it.” She said.
“Papers are saying I did other things.” I commented.
“You didn’t.” She said shrugging.
“You won't tell anyone?” I asked her. She shook her head sweetly. I just wrapped my arms around her. She hugged me back. We just stood in silence. “What's your name?” I asked.
“It's Sam.” She said breaking the hug that was overdue.
“Well Sam if you wouldn’t mind I would like to be your friend.” I said handing her my phone.
“I don’t mind at all.” She said typing her number in. I hadn’t remembered that this sort of exchange of name and numbers had already happened.
“I trust you with a lot here. I know you’re a fan so just don’t do me wrong.” I slightly scolded.
“I wouldn’t dream of it Niall.” She smiled. I was feeling good about being able to trust her. She did seem nice and I had a plan for her.
“Maybe after a bit you could meet the rest of the lads.” I said. That was a mistake because she started to fan girl.
“Oh my goodness, you would do that? You can do that? I love you so much!” She gushed.
“Hey, hey,” I said after a bit. “First I need to know that you are ok with being around people like us.” I said lowering her excitement.
“I can handle it.” She blushed embarrassed.
“I have to go because I promised Liam I would come home.” I said ending this encounter better than the last.
“Just remember to text me.” She laughed.
“Bye Sam.” I waved off and left feeling better about this situation. On my drive home I stopped for ice cream, just something simple. Walking in the door everyone was home, Harry too. I smiled until I saw him.
“Niall, can we talk?” He grunted after Liam kicked his leg.
“I'm tired. I think I'll just go to bed.” I ignored him completely.
“Niall, talk to him.” Zayn looked at me sternly.
“Good night Zayn.” I said harsh back. I walked up the stairs and locked my room door. Tomorrow is a free day and I was going to be stuck under the microscope of Louis, Zayn, and Liam. Harry was going to get to leave and hang out with Claire and Liam wouldn’t say anything against it.
“This is such bullcrap.” I whispered out loud. My anxiety has been completely replaced with anger and some depression. I got out my phone and texted Sam. I asked her if she would like to hang out tomorrow. As I waited for her response I brushed my teeth and changed. I was in the middle of putting on a fresh pair of Calvin Klein boxer briefs when my phone lit up. I stopped and looked at it to see, it was her saying she would love to. I texted her back and said what we were doing and where we would meet up. She quickly responded asking about paparazzi and if it was a good idea after what has been spread around. I told her to trust me. She replied with a smiley face. I left the conversation there and slid into bed. I plugged my phone into charge and then went to bed.
Claire’s view:
Harry left after hours of playing. I honestly can say I don’t think my hands have ever hurt this much from just playing the piano. I was in a cold shower and couldn’t stop thinking about Harry. He is so sweet, just too old. Maybe I could ask Jessica for advice. She would only tell me what I already know and that won't help. As I did my hair I contemplated if I should see if he wants to date. Would it be a good idea to start dating an international pop star? Would he even say yes? This is too much in two months, and to top it off I'm going to be going on that stupid talent show Justin is throwing me on in two days. I haven’t practiced any new songs for the audition, but my hands were cramping too bad to think of one now. I grabbed a blanket and huddled on the couch that smelled a lot like Harry. I was watching Ellen® on TV when the front door opened and there was a bunch of clatter. I got up and walked to the door to hold it open. There were a few paps outside that must have followed him from the airport.
“Thank you.” Justin smiled.
“How was the studio trip?” I asked him acting chill. I was really excited to see him. I'm glad he finalized everything with my grandma and I missed him as a person, my uncle.
“Great. How was the house?” He asked looking around like a paranoid parent.
“Everything is fine here. Have you talked to Jessica?” I asked.
“Not that much but I managed to leave her a voicemail. I came back today so I could be there for your audition.” He smiled and sorted his bags out. There were only three bags but most famous people pack heavy for longer trips.
“Thanks. I was hoping my grandma would be here for it but unless she gets on the plane now she won't make it.” I shrugged it off. “But I'm glad I'll have Jessica and you.” I smiled.
“We are so ready to help you through this. We are going to vote like crazy for you.” I smiled at his enthusiasm.
“Want me to make you something?” I asked walking away to the kitchen.
“No, I think I'm just going to sleep. I'll see you tomorrow.” He half smiled. I nodded and went to the kitchen to make myself a snack. Two eggs over toast was a bit more than a snack but I could use the protein. I ate by myself and then headed upstairs to sleep the rest of the day and hopefully night. I checked on Justin, who was already passed out half on the bed half not. I helped him on the rest of the way and then shut the door as I left. I went to my room and lay on the bed staring at the ceiling. There was nothing to do. I had no friends I could hang out with. Well there is always Lu, but she is sick, Alana, who is probably busy with Ryan. Justin, but Selena wouldn’t like it. Harry, but he just left. Boredom is so inevitable in L.A. Niall… what am I thinking? Why does he always come to mind? Apparently he was going to stick there because when I fell asleep I dreamt of him, again. Except this time it was a weird dream, me and him sitting on the beach. He sang to me in a soothing voice. He was playing guitar and I was staring into those blue eyes again, suddenly the ground started to shake and broke. It was an earthquake, Niall slipped into the crack and just as I reached out to grab him I woke up.
“Hey sunshine we have work to do.” Justin shook me, well that makes sense.
“What time is it?” I asked groggily.
“It's tomorrow.” He chuckled.
“Did I sleep late?” I said sitting up.
“It’s noon Claire, you tell me.” He patted my leg and then moved to be sitting next to me and not crouched in front of me.
“Don’t you have work today?” I asked curious.
“Today and every other day of my life, what else is new?” He rolled his eyes. After a moment of silence he spoke, “Better get ready today. Jessica is going to be coming back and we are all going to hang out, bond and crap.” He said.
“Jessica's coming back?” I asked higher pitched than I thought. I guess he was going to find out he is a father.
“Yeah, are you excited?” He said asking.
“Yeah, I like hanging out with her.” I made up fast.
“I'm glad to hear you guys get along.” Justin smiled warmly. Everyone's lives were so happy right now it was almost impossible to picture anything differently.
“I'm going to get ready for the day.” I went up to my room and started to pick through clothes.
“When you're done Jessica is in L.A. and is going to just meet us at the Local Park.” He said through my door. I opened it after throwing on the last piece of my outfit. I was wearing blue jean shorts with a loose creamy top and a pair of brown combat boots. I threw my wavy hair into a bun and called it good.
“Let’s go.” I smiled.
“Just go to the car and wait.” He walked to his room and shut the door. I went down stairs and grabbed my one shoulder bag off the kitchen counter. I retraced some of my steps to the front door and went to the limo that waited. I slid in, waiting to be joined by Justin.
“Ms. Elizabeth how is your afternoon?” The driver asked.
“I’m doing good and yours?” I asked.
“Just fine myself, just fine.” He replied.
“Driver, I need Local Park.” Justin said as he got in.
“We’re off.” He said driving us to our destination.
“Justin, how long has it been since you have seen Jessica?” I asked him as we neared the park.
“Way too long.” He sighed.
“Ok.” I smiled. I was ready for his face. When we pulled up we got out and everyone stared. It's not every day Justin Timberlake and a random person appear at the local park. We looked around for Jessica and spotted her on a bench. When we walked over she didn’t move. Justin went in to kiss her and she accepted it.
“I missed you.” Justin said.
“Before you say anything else, I have something to tell you.” She stood up and his eyes immediately scanned her double sized belly.
“Jess, what’s..?”
“We’re having a baby.” She said excited. I could tell she was nervous though. Justin laughed and hugged her tightly.
“Why didn’t you tell me? I wouldn’t have left.” He said not letting her go.
“I didn’t want you to postpone your job for this. I have been getting taken care of by several people including a top notch Claire.” She winked at me.
“You knew about this?” He asked through gleaming tears.
“It's possible.” I smiled. With a swift movement I was being pulled into their hug.
“I love you guys so much.” Justin was really crying. People still stared and some took pictures or videos.
“Justin, I didn’t expect you to be so happy.” Jessica beamed.
“Why wouldn’t I be? I'm going to be a father.” He wouldn’t stop the tears or the smile on his face.
“I just thought with the tour and everything, it wasn’t going to work out.” As soon as Jessica said that he stopped.
“I have to cancel it.” He said serious.
“No, Justin. I don’t want that.” She fought.
“But I can't be an absent father.” He said dropping his arms.
“You won't be. I promise I will keep you updated but this is your back again tour. I can't have you cancel something so important to you.” She smiled and rested a hand on his shoulder. My head swiveled back and forth as they spoke.
“And you don’t think our child is important to me?” He almost looked mad.
“No, I know this is going to mean a lot but you are making a comeback. That’s not something you just cancel.” She said harsh.
“For a family I would.” That put me on his side.
“Your fans are your family.” I was back on her side. This was confusing.
“I thought we were going to have a nice day out?” I interjected. I knew if I didn’t step in they would eat each other alive.
“We are. I feel like spoiling the two most important people to me, and soon a third.” He patted her belly and Jessica smiled again.
“So what are we going to do?” Jessica asked. Everyone seemed happy again.
“I wanted to walk on the boulevard and go into shops. But now I'm not sure someone should walk that much.” He said looking at her large belly.
“Exercise is good.” She smiled and grabbed Justin’s hand. They started to walk and I trailed behind them pretty much wishing I wasn’t alone. “Tomorrow is your big day.” Jessica smiled back at me.
“I know!” I looked up and smiled back.
“Are you nervous?” She asked bring me into conversation.
“No.” I said.
“You should be.” Justin smirked.
“Why’s that?” I asked.
“People usually do better with nerves.” He shrugged. He seemed uncomfortable with this conversation.
“I'll keep that in mind.” I smiled. We walked into a shop and looked around. Jessica looked for baby things and few for herself. Justin was thinking about tour outfits as where I wanted a new piano dress. By piano dress I don’t mean something fancy schmancy, but rather a dress like the one I wore at the VMA’s. I need something bright that I can match with. Plus, it would help me feel more confident in my audition. New dress equals better piano playing, which may or may not be why I have a million dresses. As I walked around the store I noticed people walking by the window and pointing. Some girls came into the store and as I looked around I saw them behind me. I continued to look as I heard the whooshing sound of whispers. I turned around and they made it look like they were looking at some trinkets on a display case.
“Claire, are you ready to go?” Justin came around the corner and the girls shrieked.
“Yep, I’m coming.” I said walking with him. We walked into the next store and as I found a guys t-shirt I liked, I heard a camera shutter. I turned around and saw the same girls giggling and looking at a shirt none of them were going to buy. “Do you guys–”
“Oh my god…” One of them let out.
“You're talking to us.” One smiled and bit her lip.
“Do you guys need something?” I asked.
“We need, want, could we get a, you look so much younger up close.” One of the girls stuttered. There were three girls huddling around me. I glanced around the store and saw Justin smiling at the situation.
“Here.” I took the sharpie present and signed the paper she had.
“Wait, could I get a picture?” One of the other girls asked.
“Sure.” I got close to her and she took the selfie. “Is there anything else?” I asked.
“No, thank you!” They shrieked and left. Justin came up to me.
“How did that go?” He was smirking.
“I really don’t like it.” I said looking at him curious.
“You’ll get used to it.” He wrapped an arm around me and walked me to Jess. “How does some lunch sound?” He wasn’t looking at her eyes but her belly. I'm sure she could tell just as much as I, that he was still in shock over it.
“That would be nice.” The happy couple hooked hands and started to walk ahead of me. I was getting annoyed with being alone. I mean it is one thing to be alone and happy but I really wanted someone, preferably Harry. I shot him a text.

Notes