Niall’s view:
Seeing that was the worst thing ever, Justin and her playing and singing together, so happy. After I managed to get up, I headed downstairs to find Claire and instead there she is smiling and laughing with Justin who seemed to want her as more than a friend. I left out the front door and straight to my car. Hurt or not, I needed to leave. The drive was dangerous but I managed to get home without crashing. I parked sideways in the driveway and slammed the door once I was in the house. First he tells me I would love her and then he decides to love her instead. I mean I don’t even know her but what the heck, at least let me get to know her before you take her away. I haven’t spoken to her more than small words and I'm so protective over her. I need to shower and get cleaned up. What time is it? I looked around for my phone and go figure I didn’t have it. I went stumbling into the kitchen and looked at the microwave. It was three a.m. and the guys weren’t here. I paced for a moment, “you need to shower, Niall.” I thought. I went upstairs and started the shower up. I hopped in and the water still made my head tingle. I was hurt, I forgot about that. I tried to focus on the shower itself rather than how much pain I was in. I stepped out of the shower and tried to dress myself but the room was spinning right and left. I touched the back of my head and looked at my hand to see blood stained on my fingertips. Man, I must’ve gotten slammed. My eyes ached and my head felt like a 50 pound brick. I fell on my bed and carefully planted one arm in one hole of my sweatshirt and one leg in another. I was everywhere and the boys were going to be here any minute.
“Niall we’re home!” Louis yelled.
“Shut up, you idiot. He’s probably sleeping.” Liam hushed him.
“Liam!” I yelled stumbling all the way down the stairs to him.
“Or he’s not sleeping.” Liam said as I reached for a helping hand.
“Something’s happened.” Harry said setting down some bags.
“Help me.” I felt my head go numb and I collapsed in his arms.
“I got you.” Liam said holding on to me. He pointed to the other guys to go upstairs and leave us alone.
“What’s happened to you?” Louis said with concern on his face.
“Let’s get you to bed.” Liam walked me back to my room. Once we were out of ear shot from the other he asked me questions. “What did you do?” Liam was mad. He went into the bathroom and came back with a rag, trying to clean up some of the blood.
“I went with Justin to a party.” I winced at the pain shooting through my scalp.
“Niall, you’re hurt. What did you do?”
“I was walking around looking for Claire. Someone hit my head.” I was not remembering much.
“And then?” Liam pressed.
“I fell asleep?” Liam looked down and then stood up from the bed.
“Go sleep some more.” He pointed to my bed, then left. I lay down and heard Liam yelling from downstairs. My hearing had a ringing, so I couldn’t make out a lot of what he was saying. I soon fell asleep and felt like I was falling. I shuddered and saw the light shining through the window. I sat up fast then felt dizzy.
“Hey don’t move too fast. We don’t know how bad you were hurt last night.” Zayn said sitting on my bedside staring at me.
“What happened?” I asked.
“You were partying and someone hit you.” Zayn looked at me awkwardly. “We have to leave soon but we’re not sure if you should go.” He informed me.
“I'm going. I don’t want to miss anything.” I said standing up. I face planted the ground and Zayn came to help me. The door opened to show a concerned Harry.
“He just fell.” Zayn was confused.
“Liam!” Harry yelled. “He's up!” Harry yelled again. There were footsteps and soon everyone was in the room.
“Niall, how are you feeling?” Liam asked.
“Well, I mean good enough to work.” I really should stop lying to the lads.
“Why did you have to go to a Bieber party?” Louis asked.
“Do what?” I wasn’t really catching on yet.
“Go party, be stupid, and get hurt?” Louis asked.
“What?” Is that really what happened?
“You don’t remember.” Zayn whispered.
“I went to sleep.” I said.
“Niall, you went to Justin’s stupid party.” Harry corrected.
“And then you were kicked in the head.” Louis added. I was letting this all sink in.
“It wasn’t a Bieber party, I just went with him. It was a Biel party. But really guys, I feel fine, though.” I stood up again and this time tried my hardest not to fall. I didn’t want today to be about me, and I didn’t want Liam worried even though the worry was clear on his face.
“Everyone let’s let Niall get around. We leave in twenty minutes.” Liam said then left. Everyone followed slowly but Zayn.
“Want some help?” He asked.
“Yes, please.” I blushed. Zayn helped pick out my outfit and dress me. I needed someone to help me do a lot today but everyone was more apt to listen to Liam then me. Once that was over with, we walked together down the stairs. I wasn’t in any condition to do much alone.
“We need to be going, like now.” Liam said getting keys. Everyone followed him out me bringing up the rear. Once in the car I knew this was going to be a harder day than I thought. Liam drove considerate of me but I could tell he wasn’t happy about my decision to party. He even told me no partying and I lied to him straight. We arrived at the usual conference center and headed inside from the screaming fans. I don’t understand how they know where we are at and when we are there. Once inside everything was business. Paul and Simon led us to the room and sat us down. I made sure to always be behind everyone so they couldn’t see my head. We sat in spinny office chairs while we waited for the people to show. Different conference people joined us in the room and opened up briefcases.
“So boys, we have some edges that need to be smoothed over.”
“Let’s take a look at the show dates.” Papers were passed around to us and we looked at them. I didn’t understand the lines, words, or colors. Everything was coded and I was confused. The other boys were flipping pages and following along perfectly, even Harry. I looked at Liam and he nodded. I knew he was going to help me later on.
“Have we thought about if we want it to be just singing or for all talents?” Someone asked looking at me.
“Well…” I didn’t want to say anything wrong.
“Yes, just singing. It's what we know and we would feel out of place judging someone that is doing something we don’t understand, like dancing.” Liam said looking at me. Claire can't be on the show now, not like she was going to be anyway. I felt my heart sink in disappointment. I guess that’s another faded hope.
“Well then boys most of our edges are smooth. The only thing left is to start the shooting process. But you cheeky lads are perfect in front of the camera so no worries there.” The lady in the pants suit was being flirtatious. Simon rushed them out and looked at us.
“Are you boys ready to start this?” He asked with a big, long sigh.
“I thought it was going to be a lot more work.” Louis put his feet on the table.
“What about you guys?” Simon asked us.
“I want to check out this filming studio.” Zayn stood up.
“I want to sleep.” I half-heartedly laughed.
“We will have time for that later. Right now it's, 10:00.” He looked at his watch. “We need to get lunch and head to the recording studio. You need to record some of the backing vocals during Midnight Memories. It sounds a little raw right now.” Simon motioned to the door and we all followed his instructions, stopping off at different fast food places to order lunch for later, and then parking it at the studio. We had thirty minutes before lunch so our recorders and producers took Zayn into the studio while the rest of us waited outside to listen and wait our turn. It took forever for Zayn to get this one note on perfect pitch so we started to eat and then one by one we were plucked away to sing. It was my turn and I haven’t said much nor have I sung, plus the banged up head, this would be interesting.
“Niall, we need you to do some scales. Start at a C and work your way up naturally.” I opened my mouth but nothing but squeaks and cracks came out. “Try again.” He said then took his finger off the button. Liam said something to him and he clicked the button to speak. “Niall, come out and drink some water. Harry, it’s your turn.” I don’t think I was supposed to hear the last part. Harry passed me going into the studio and frowned. Everyone was mad at me. I was so stupid. I managed to nod off for a second then come back.
“We are done, except Niall. Everyone can go but we really need his vocals.”
“Today isn’t the right time or day. How about we plan on his day off for him to come in here and spend at least four hours vocalizing.” Someone was offering up my free day.
“Sure. We might be able to pull it together then.” Our producer and Liam walked back in the room. All the other boys were gone.
“Niall, it's time to go. The others left but tomorrow you and I have some work to do.” Liam said lifting me out of the bean bag chair.
“Ok.” I said in a sleepy tone. Liam helped me walk out of the studio without saying goodbye to the recorder. There was no one outside; probably thinking we left with the boys.
“I can't believe this. Niall you haven’t even talked her. Now you’re partying again.” Liam started going off in sweet tones when we were in the cab. He told the driver which hotel and we took off.
“You, don’t get it.” I mumbled.
“Oh, I do. You like her and don’t even know her. You always do this. First it’s Barbara and now this girl. Niall you have to get to know them to like them.” Liam was pissing me off.
“Liam, shut up. It's not how you freaking think so stop assuming you know why I do the things I do, because you don’t.” I yelled. The driver was probably getting a kick out of this.
“Niall, this always happens. You get head over heels for someone you don’t even know. You have done this before whether you will admit it or not.” Liam crossed his arms.
“You don’t know.” I said bitter.
“Then let me help you. Tell me what the problem is this time so I, we can help you.” He wasn’t yelling but pleading. I didn’t say anything. “Is it the anxiety? We will call everything off and give you time. Is that what you need?” Liam continued.
“I'm scared.” I mumbled.
“What are you so scared of?!” He was still fuming and realized the temperament he said that in. “Sorry, of what?” He softened his tone and body to become sweet again.
“Everything, I’m scared of everything.” I mumbled again.
“Niall, I, we can't protect you from everything.” Liam sighed now frustrated.
“I know. I just want to put it off. Can we pretend nothing is wrong? Can you not tell anyone? This is why I didn’t tell anyone.” I found my voice.
“Niall,” He sighed again. He took me under his arm and I cried. I tried harder than ever to keep it under control. I actually felt that with every scared tear leaving my body I started to understand that I need to be strong and hold myself up. I leaned up and Liam looked at me. “What?” He questioned my look.
“You’re always so helpful.” I smiled and sat up on my own. I looked outside and realized we were close to the hotel.
“Thanks. I'm just concerned about you more than you know.” He smiled at me.
“I know. And I want to thank you for always being there, even when I push you away.” I smiled a real smile. Now if only I could get the others off my back about ‘feeling well’.
Claire’s view:
“And, one, two, three,” I said playing something simple. “And, one, two, three,” I repeated listening to everyone. “Good, Joey I think you’re playing the G sharp in measure 3 as a G natural. I know it sounds gross to you but you have to do it.”
“Are we done yet?” Justin whined.
“What time is it?” I asked looking around for a clock.
“It's 2:00.” Justin quickly responded.
“Yeah it's a day. Great job everyone. I assume you don’t practice at home but if you do, great.” I made a weird face at my instructive tone. I'm really not a song writer, I just play well.
“Claire, could I talk to you in private?” Justin asked me across the room.
“Yeah,” I held up a finger to indicate I want some time. I packed my bag then headed over to him. “What's up?” I asked oblivious to the next thing to happen.
“I want her back.” He said.
“Who do you want back, Selena?” I asked stupidly.
“Yeah, I don’t like the idea of her being with Horan. I don’t like it one bit.” He was pleading for my help through his words.
“So start talking to her about it.” I said it like he should have already known this, when in reality he should have.
“I need you to flirt with Horan. He needs to get away from her in order for me to be able to talk to her.”
“Justin, I will not play with this kid’s emotions. He could be a really nice person and I'm not going to hurt him for you to get someone back.” I stuck up my nose to that.
“Claire, I know he is nice. Just go with it for a bit.” Justin begged.
“Look, I'll help you get her back but not at the expense of others.” I said and started to walk to the door.
“Wait.”
“What?” I had stuff to do and I needed to get it done before I hang out with Alana tonight. She happened to leave that day at the park because she got a call from her parents saying she needed to come home. We made up and I now have three friends, Lu, Justin, and her. She can't know about Justin though because she happens to be a ‘belieber’. I don’t mind impressing her with other things though. I have told her countless things about what Lou and I do; besides she’s Justin's back up guitarist.
“Can I date you?” Justin threw it out there like vomit.
“What?” I laughed it off but for fear of him being serious I stopped.
“Can I date you to make her jealous?” He said.
“Justin, think about your fans and mine.” I reasoned. “It's not logical.” I sighed.
“I guess not.” He frowned.
“Just talk to her. Better yet I bet Horan would if you asked him.” I smiled and pushed the door open with my back. Justin gave me a weak smile and then I was out of there. He seemed to be really strung out on this. I walked home and enjoyed the breeze that was shaking the tree tops. A few people saw me and asked for an autograph, which was new, but I politely scribbled my name on something. I smiled at the fact my name was getting out there.
“Hey look, it’s Brooklyn!” Someone yelled my name wrong.
“Hi there,” I said awkwardly.
“Could you play for us?” One girl asked, holding out a portable keyboard.
“I have a lot to do.” I felt guilty not being able to meet their demands but I really had to call my grandma and Justin before he thinks I died and before she actually does die.
“Just show us something small. Please. We’ve been trying to find you for ages.” The girl that said my name wrong smiled.
“What's a few minutes gonna hurt?” I shrugged it off and set down my bag on some bench. One girl pulled out her phone. I pulled some music and small keyboard out of my bag that I was just using for Justin’s practice and started to add in some cool stuff. They laughed and cheered me on. Once I was done they lowered their phones and thanked me. I grabbed my stuff and politely exited the situation. I jogged to my new home now since I wasted time. Once inside Jessica looked at me from the kitchen. I ran upstairs paying her no attention and grabbed my phone from the charger I leave it on. I dialed up grandma and she answered right away.
“I wondered when I would hear from my famous little girl.” She was sounding thinner and thinner every day.
“I miss talking to you.” That was the only thing that came to mind.
“Well, I saw your videos on YouTube. That’s one way to get your name out there.” What was she talking about? While holding the phone and listening to her talk about grandpa I grabbed the new laptop in my room. I never had my own because Dad said I didn’t need one even though I begged. Justin on the other hand thought it was necessary that I have one and bought me one that has a built in camera so he may Skype me. I turned it on and logged on to YouTube.
“That’s great grandma. When do I get to come and visit you?” I asked her. I typed my name into the search box and up came a bunch of videos, mostly from the day in the music studio. Sure enough the one that was taken not even thirty minutes ago was in the lineup. I clicked one and turned the sound down. I noticed my hair was hanging in my face, getting in the way, which would have to be taken care of. I watched them as my grandma talked and talked. I was listening and watching at the same time only because every word that slips out of her mouth matters to me.
“I love when we talk. Justin had a brilliant idea. He was thinking I could come and stay with you.” That caught my attention.
“What?” I asked shutting the laptop.
“He says he knows you didn’t want to leave me and that it would be easier for you if you had someone around you that you wanted around you.” She chuckled.
“He said that?” I was in shock. Justin knew I didn’t want to do this stupid move. I threw out the option of living with my mum but she wasn’t in the picture to begin with, grandma is too ill to be able to take care of me, and grandpa is so busy watching grandma he can't watch me either. I had no other choice. Justin told me he would help me when I needed it and he would be there when I wanted it; he said he would give me everything I asked for if I just made this an easy stay. He said he never wanted to see this happen and he feels bad so he was going to help me with anything and everything I needed. I told him one thing, I want to be famous but with my own name. He chuckled and said ‘kid, you got it.’
“He wants to ask the doctors if it would be logically ok to move me into the mansion so I am there with you. He cares about you and all you do is reject him. He's trying to look out for you.” She said. She started to cough and I waited to speak.
“Yes, I want you here! I need you grandma. I need to hear the funny stories about dad.”
“Oh I got one.” She was smiling. I couldn’t see her but I just knew. “When you were very little he had this diaper fiasco. He wanted to buy you the best diapers and he didn’t know which ones were so he would sit in an isle of the store and read every detail of the brand to know which one is the best. Just when he thought he found the best ones someone asked him if he needed help and it started all over again. Your father was so careful not to lose you he would hold you everywhere you two went. You were the best thing that happened to him.” She sounded choked up.
“I know. I miss him.” I said feeling tears.
“Hey, on a better note we will know in two weeks or less if Justin is able to move me to house care.” She tried to cheer me up but once I was in one of those moods there was no going back.
“I can't wait.” I said holding back more tears.
“Honey, don’t cry. If he had the choice to leave you he wouldn’t have. You grew up by his side. I'm sure he is just as lost as you are.”
“Grandma, you're not helping.” I chuckled through the sobs.
“Maybe you need to find another male figure to attach yourself to. I'm not saying just anyone. I feel you need someone that is just like your father, someone who is ambitious, outgoing, caring, and over protective.” She had her own little laugh at the last part but I didn’t because she's right. I need someone who will fill the love I had for my father.
“Grandma, I have to go. I'm so sorry I would love to stay and talk but I need to call someone important to me.” I smiled even though she couldn’t see it.
“Don’t worry, you know me, I'll call you and leave you a voicemail anyway.” She coughed.
“I love you.” I hate saying goodbye, so we don’t.
“I love you too sweetie.” She was humble in her voice and her heart. The phone clicked and she was gone. I dialed the one person I knew I needed to talk to right now.
“Hey.” He said.
“Justin, when are you getting home?” I was almost in tears hearing his gruff husky voice.
“Claire is something wrong?” He asked sounding more alert.
“I miss you.”
“You miss your dad don’t you?” He knew it wasn’t him.
“Yes.” I broke down. I cried and he didn’t say a word. After five minutes of my sobs and his silence, I calmed down and he spoke.
“I know we can't change the past but we can only make our future better. You need to take this passion and pain and turn it into something. I as a singer turn it into a song. You need to turn it into piano music, tell your story. Tell everyone what has happened in the past month and what has been taken away from you. Claire you are stronger than you think when you apply your emotions to your work. I'm on tour so it could be months before I get a break but I will do everything I can to switch some dates around so I'm able to see you and Jessica.” He spoke with such a kindness.
“Thank you.” I took in his every word with consideration. He knew what to say to me when I was like this because sometimes he was there and not my father. That’s why he was the next best to take care of me.
“I promise something is going to happen and it's going to make everything a little easier. Someone is going to help fill your heart up and make you happy. Fame is going to be the perfect outlet for you. Claire you are a beautiful piano player and you are an amazing young lady. Those two things together make a threat. You are more than you think. Be strong and get up. No one is going to be able to replace your father. I won’t even try, but someone is going to help you come to terms when you are ready to accept that he is gone. That could be me but –”
“Justin, I get it. Thank you.” I was over crying and ready to get over some things. First off YouTube wasn’t a bad place to get myself out there.
“I love you.” He said.
“Yeah…”
“That was too soon wasn’t it?” He asked.
“Maybe, just a little bit.” I giggled.
“I'll talk to you later.” He said and hung up. Justin number one was going to need to help me out. I'll call him later. I walked down to the kitchen and Jessica noticed me right away.
“You ok?” She was alert.
“Yeah, I just needed to call some people.” I smiled and wiped my eyes to make sure there weren’t any tears left.
“Do you want to help me make dinner?” She asked. She sounded eager to have my help.
“Sure!” I smiled. I might as well listen to grandma and start to let people in to make my stay here pleasant.
“Ok, if you want you can chop up these and I'll make the brownies.” She handed me a giant butcher knife. She started to mix a bunch of things into a bowl. “So Justin,” She said.
“Which one are you talking about?” I looked at her.
“Bieber…”
“Nope, not what you're thinking, he wants Selena back.” I said already defending myself.
“Oh that’s a bummer. I like that kid. I'm sure Justin would have loved to come home to see that you two were together. He's quite the talent.” She winked at me then laughed at her gossiping.
“And he's also just a friend. I'm helping him get back with Selena and I'm teaching his musician’s team how to feel music and just overall play better. There really isn’t anything special. He is more like a brother.” I said looking back at her again.
“I heard that’s what Selena said too.” Jessica was a catch. I laughed so much I had to set down the knife. She didn’t get what was so funny but I did; it was true.
“Jessica, you’re hilarious.” I gave her a smile.
“I have been told.” She chuckled. This was nice, her and I cooking around the abnormally large kitchen and joking about girl things. I never had a mum. Closest thing was my grandma and I knew it wasn’t the same thing. Jessica was young and beautiful. This baby girl or baby boy they have is going to be extremely lucky. “We are making a lot of food for two people so if you have any friends you would want to bring over then call them up. The dining room seats six.” She said taking something to the oven.
“Thanks.” I grabbed my phone out and texted Justin to come over with two friends. He texted back saying he was on his way and his friends were too. I typed out Alana's message but then realized if Justin was coming she couldn’t. I deleted it and left it up to Justin and his two friends to be enough. Jessica was on the phone so I took out the pan from the oven. She spoke softly and left the room. As she was leaving the doorbell rang and I knew who it was so to be a decent host I answered. Justin was there with some flowers along with Lou and someone I had never met. “Hey come on in. Justin you know where the vases are in the kitchen, Lou you can sit at the table along with…”
“Jake.” He smiled. He was one of those characters. He looked squeaky clean and was wearing nice clothes. His hair was blonde and shaggy. He was like a nice dressed surfer. He joined Lou in the dining room as where I joined Justin in the kitchen. The roses were in a vase when I walked in.
“So thanks for coming tonight.” I smiled.
“Yeah, I love hanging out with you.” He said and put the roses on the table. Jessica came back from her phone conversation and jumped when she saw Justin.
“Hey Bieber, it's nice to know you could come.” She smiled at him and started to make up plates.
“Biel, it's nice to know you still cook.” Justin made a joke I didn’t understand and then they both laughed hysterically. It's an inside joke. Jessica was holding two plates in one hand and then motioned for me to get the rest. I got two plates and Justin grabbed the remaining one. We walked out to the dining room and I sat down my two plates for Lou and Jake. Jessica sat two for her and Justin. Justin sat down his one plate for me. Jessica started to eat without any hesitation while we looked at her.
“What?” She asked with a mouthful.
“Don’t you say grace?” Justin asked.
“Well… no, but we can.” Jessica said with a smile.
“Well I don’t want to bring you out of your comfort zone.” Justin shrugged.
“No, you are our guest, we can say grace.” Jessica smiled courteously.
“We don’t have to I just do, if you don’t mind.” Justin made a ball with his fists and started to mumble things. I always said my own prayer before a meal. JC never really cared about what religious path I took. I mean he was Christian but he never pressed it on me. He wanted me to be my own person, and that’s what I'm going to do. Justin was done and then started to eat along with everyone else. We had great conversations about tours, dancing, friends, and family. Tonight was one night I would leave just the way it was.

Notes