Niall’s view:
“Niall it's time to go.” Liam called up stairs to me. I had locked myself in my room to play Uncharted 3 and eat. I didn’t even have to leave to pee. This was how we usually spent our days off but instead Liam decided to volunteer me to spend my extra hours in the studio. I fooled Liam with my little act in the cab last night. If I pretend I'm happy then no one will know how scared and unhappy I am. I'll admit it; it felt amazing crying in the cab. I did feel better besides the headache afterwards. “Niall, come down, we got to go!” He called again. He decided he would spend four consecutive hours in the studio with me. I'll admit another thing, pretending to be happy does actually make me feel happy; that or I'm just that great of an actor.
“I’m coming!” I yelled still playing my Play Station 3 game. I knew we had time to get there. I stopped my game and slid on my shoes. Besides that I was ready. I headed downstairs and found Liam waiting at the door. We headed out and got into the car. Liam was driving and I was just sitting silently.
“How do you feel?” He asked.
“Great!” I feel like throwing a fit and hitting someone. Ok, maybe not that but I do feel pretty crappy.
“That’s my Niall.” He smiled at me. This was almost too easy.
“How long am I recording for?” I asked him because I really want to just be in my room doing nothing.
“Since your voice isn’t as raw as yesterday you may only be here one to two hours. I said four yesterday just because I didn’t want our producers to throw a fit.” He chuckled.
“Good thinking.” I mumbled. Everyone throws fits about us, whether it is Simon because we didn’t get through everything in one day, or it's our publicist because we were seen hanging out with the wrong people. We pulled in and he got out. I took a minute to get out because I needed to sigh and take a breather. Once I got out Liam cocked a brow at my action. I shrugged for a response and we walked in. Liam was headed to the studio passed all the records on the wall from the people that signed here. I followed and started to do a scale so I could do my job, do it well, and be done.
“Here he is.” Liam shoved me in the booth and started to leave.
“Wait, where are you going?” I asked into the microphone. The producer pushed a button and I repeated myself.
“I'm going to bring us back some food and coffees.” He was always thinking of others. Sometimes it was so annoying because you just wanted him to think of himself but then again, what would we do without him? I nodded and he left.
“Ok Niall let’s start with the note you do after Zayn's C sharp.” He started to play the music in my ears and I listened for a while then started on my cue. I sang it and I sang it again, then again. He was satisfied after seven or seventeen takes. I was going to be here for a long time. Soon after we finished Midnight Memories we moved on to track two. He said we could get a fresh start so I'll be ahead of the others. We were just in the middle of track two when Liam got back. He was carrying large bags full of more bags. “I guess we can take a break.” Our producer said. I came out and Liam handed me a bag. I did the same as our producer and took the bag Liam was holding out to me. We ate in silence that stayed unbroken.
“How is it going?” Liam asked after a gulp.
“Great. Niall’s vocals are actually peaking.” Our producer said after a sip of pop.
“Maybe I should get bonked in the head more often.” I laughed and they didn’t. I guess the joke didn’t pass.
“How about we record the rest of the song?” Our producer was holding a burger and pushing buttons on the sound board. I stood up and headed back into the booth. Liam sat down and started to play with his phone. My mind was somewhere else and I needed to pretend to have it here. I sang what I needed too and Liam seemed so happy I was ok. He was smiling and kept taking pictures of me to tweet or Instagram. I even posed for a few. “Ok, Niall. Let’s call that good for today.” He said doing some mixing on the board.
“Thanks.” I took off the headset and set it on the microphone stand. When I walked out Liam wasn’t there anymore. I gave our producer a quizzical look.
“He's at the car.”
“Thanks.” I nodded to him again and left feeling better. I was ahead of the boys on recording and I didn’t have anything to do today. Maybe I could go out or not. I will most likely call Selena and see what she is doing. She is still in Brazil but I could at least talk to her. Liam was watching me. “Yes?” I asked him looking myself over too.
“You look better.” He smiled and patted me on the back.
“Well I feel better.” I smiled. It wasn’t too forced but to cheese it up I did have to force it some. I hated lying, especially to Liam, but they wouldn’t leave me alone otherwise.
“We can tell. The others are feeling really pumped about our show. How do you feel about it?” He glanced at me then to the road again.
“I feel pretty great. I just hope there isn’t too much talk about. I really don’t want to have problems because of a stupid reality TV show.” I sighed. There is always drama in this business and I'm done with it.
“I know. We really need a star that doesn’t play that way.” Liam read my mind.
“Someone who is down to earth and has something to keep her grounded.” I smiled thinking about the idea of having that something.
“We need someone who doesn’t take up drama like a game of win or lose.”
“I totally agree.” I said. We continued the car ride in silence. At home everything was the same old same old. Harry and Louis were doing something. Zayn was nowhere to be known. Liam headed into the office we had and I went straight to my room to lock the door and continue moping in the dark.
Claire’s view:
Today is the day I begin my quest. I'm going to achieve YouTube videos with Alana's help. She is going to start some crowds and get word out about me while I'm in the park downtown with my portable baby grand keyboard; another present from Justin and his crew. It's not totally effective but it's going to cause a stir in L.A. We came up with it over texting. My part of this is to be at the park and playing before noon. Her job was to tell people someone famous was at the park. It was a dumb idea but nonetheless we were the idiots doing it. She texted me and asked if I was up. I was making breakfast for Jessica so I stopped to respond and tell her in an hour I would be out there. She only sent a smiley face back. As I set the cooked eggs on a plate a sleepy Jessica came descending the stairs.
“Claire?” She asked rubbing her eyes.
“Yeah, I had to be up early because Alana and I are hanging out. I thought a certain pregnant lady would like some food.” I joked.
“Thank you.” She sat at the bar. I handed her the plate once her toast popped up. She smiled at the meal then did something surprising. She balled her hands and said grace aloud.
“What was that?” I asked making a small snack for the park.
“Justin inspired me to be a little more appreciative of what I have.” She said then took a bite. She smiled. I felt proud that I made something good. I'm not one to be a cook. I grabbed my snack and put it in my piano bag. “Are you playing with Justin too?” She asked pointing her fork to my bag.
“No.”
“Then why are you taking your piano bag?” She was acting odd.
“I’m going to play piano with Alana.” I said
“You,” She pointed at me and paused before continuing, “are going to play piano with Alana?” She asked.
“Yeah,” I said awkwardly. I headed to the fridge for water. I grabbed a few and stuck them in my bag.
“Okay then. I have to get an ultrasound today with Cathy so I assume I'll be out a bit. Here take this.” She handed me a key.
“Jessica, I shouldn’t take your key.” I tried handing it back.
“Honey that isn’t my key, it's yours.” She smirked.
“Ok. Thanks.” I stuck it in my bag as well. I headed to the door and left Jessica eating alone. I wanted to walk because I loved seeing the buildings of L.A. then the random small park in the middle. It was a contradiction to the entire city but it was a place a lot of people hung out at. I had set a list last night on my iPod of the songs I was going to play and practiced them a bit so I wouldn’t jump into this and just freestyle everything. As I walked past a Starbucks I smelled the freshly brewed coffee and took in a nice whiff. I past the tables they had set out on the side walk full of people in business. This was the city of business. I kept walking until someone came out of the door to Starbucks and hit me. “I'm so sorry.” I apologized. It was a nicely dressed man. He was taller than me but not by much. He sported nerdy glasses. He was holding a briefcase in one hand and a coffee in the other.
“I'm sorry.” He said not really paying much attention to me at first. “Wait a minute.” He said as I started to step away. I stopped and waited. “You're that dancer!” He exclaimed. “It’s Bethany, no, Brea, no.” He was having a hard time getting it out.
“Claire.” I said.
“Yeah, I have been trying to get a hold of one of your managers or someone that could do business with us.” He seemed very pleased to see me.
“I don’t have a manager; I do my own business as of now.” I smiled.
“Well since we are talking would you have a number I could reach you on. I think we are going to need some musicians for upcoming events and you are at the top of our list.” He set his coffee down on a table and took out a small planner.
“Here is my phone number.” I said the number as he copied it down. I was getting out enough that people were looking for me. Maybe a manager wasn’t a bad idea at this point.
“We will have our label contact you soon. I'm so glad I bumped into you Ms. Elizabeth.” He was official. I hate official crap. Manager just became a bad idea.
“Thank you.” I smiled and walked off in the direction I needed to go. I looked at the time on my phone and was late. Crap. I started running down the streets of L.A. fast so I could get to the park on time. There were a lot of people here so I picked a spot in the grass and started warming my fingers up on the piano. Some people stared but didn’t stop to record me. I warmed up my hands just as Alana texted me and asked if it was working. I ignored her and started to play a little. I wanted to save my biggest songs for more people. A small crowd was there and a few people dropped money by me. I wasn’t doing this for money but I'll take a twenty. I smiled at the person and they nodded. Most people watched until I noticed a camera out. Thank god. It was starting to go as planned. I wasn’t getting nervous, but so I didn’t start to, I took off my extra-large jacket. I was wearing jean shorts with a summery green top. Dressy outfits are sort of my signature thing. JC raised me in a place close to some famous people, so dressing nice was a given. Most my friends weren’t the nicest kids. I knew what to do and what not but I did end up in a preppy group. Not the kind that are straight up snobs but more of a professional music, we’re the greatest kind of crew. We had late nights together and became a family. This is where most of my piano background comes from. JC noticed I took interest in the piano and then threw me into lessons and took me to band rehearsal with him. That’s a tiny bit of my musical background. Then we moved and I left everything behind, piano included. When I found out my grandma was ill I figured out how short life was and decided I was going to do what I wanted, play piano. My grandma encouraged me to play and paid for lessons and soon enough everything I had learned before was right there in my blood again.
“Claire!” Someone screamed. I stopped and flicked a piece of my hair out of my face and saw Alana. I waved and continued to play for the larger crowd. This was the type of crowd I wanted. Since it was larger I busted out the big songs. As I did them people clapped and cheered. My iPod was in front of me with the list of songs I’d chosen. The big song, Cry Me a River, by Michael Bublé, I’d never got the hang of the song, so some improvising might be needed. I wanted singers; it would make it so much easier, hearing the words.
“I need some volunteers for this one.” I said taking a sip of water. No one came up so I picked some people. I made sure to pick an older male and a couple of little kids. As I continued to play, I showed them the lyrics on a sheet of paper. I looked at everyone watching and noticed several cameras now. As the verses were getting more emotional I played harder and louder and then let my volunteers have the floor with the only part they knew. Everyone cheered for the people they knew. This was going better than I thought. The song was over.
“Let’s have a lovely hand for our picked volunteers.” I said motioning to them.
“Can I get a picture with you?” Someone asked loudly from the back of the enclosing circle.
“Sure.” I smiled. That was a mistake. Everyone then started to close in on me and want their pictures. Most people wanted an autograph of some sort. I was feeling claustrophobic and tried to be polite but I couldn’t breathe.
“Hey! Back up!” Alana screamed and everything got silent. “You need to back up. Claire is a busy girl but I promise if you form a line she will get to everyone.” Alana hollered. Everyone stepped back from me and I continued to sign things such as water bottles and phones as Alana watched people carefully.
“Aren't you dating Justin Bieber?” Someone asked. I blushed and everyone ‘awed’.
“No, we are just great friends.” Alana looked at me. I couldn’t tell what her expression meant though. It was definitely one of confusion and something else but I couldn’t tell if she was pissed or happy.
“But you were seen holding hands and at lunch.” Better question is how come Alana hasn’t seen this if she loves him so much?
“I'm teaching his musicians since they’re newer; they don’t have a lot of experience. Emotion is the key; they just needed some help with it.” I smiled and people started to rush me again. I continued doing this for about an hour and then I was actually getting tired. I can play for hours but when it comes to signing and talking and taking pictures I was getting exhausted. Alana was sitting at the bench by my things. She didn’t leave which was nice but something made me think she was pissed. I couldn’t tell her though, I just couldn’t. I finished with that last people and walked over to Alana.
“I can't believe you didn’t think to tell me.” She said standing up.
“Look, he is a normal guy. I didn’t want you to treat him or me any different just because.”
“I know I love him but you didn’t think I would find out?” She asked calmly.
“I want to know what took so long.” I joked.
“I love him. I don’t stalk him.” She sighed.
“How about I make it up to you?” I asked grabbing my bag and swinging it over my shoulder.
“Do I get to meet Justin Bieber?” She squealed. She was over it I guess.
“Not right away. I need to give it time because I don’t want him to think I'm using him.”
“That’s perfectly understandable.” She was trying to conceal her excitement
“Let’s go back to my place and have a YouTube day.” I smiled. She walked with me back to my house, asking me question after question.
“What’s his favorite food?”
“I don’t know everything.” I said. I looked at my phone to see a text from Justin Bieber himself. I answered his question and he sent a smiley face. We managed to make it to the gate without her freaking out about Justin Bieber. That was a decent sign. “Lou is his pianist.” I guess I could tell her now.
“So I hung out with two of Justin Bieber’s band members?” She ranted and raved about that for a while.
“Just let it go.” I sighed unlocking the gate. We walked the never ending driveway and made it to the front. There was a car I didn’t recognize and another one I did in the circle drive.
“Who is here?” She asked.
“I'm not entirely sure.” That was the truth. I knew one care but not both.
“Let’s find out.” She opened the door.
“Claire, Jessica was leaving as I came in. She said I could stay and wait for you.” Justin came around the corner and then it happened. It happened so fast I couldn’t even compel myself to stop it. “Claire, get her off me!” Justin yelled from the floor. Alana managed to tackle him to the ground and start hugging him.
“Alana!” I yelled very disappointed. I guess not everyone acts when they meet celebrities. I left the door opened and ran to help Justin. She was hard to get off at first but then she was calm like the ocean after a storm. It was new to me and Justin seemed phased. “What the heck is the matter with you?” I yelled mad.
“I'm sorry. It was just the initial instinct of seeing him so close and he’s so hot!” She was pouring her heart out right in front of him.
“You can't just do that to people! He is a normal guy!” I shouted.
“What's going on in here?” Another guy came around the corner.
“She attacked me.” Justin sighed used to it.
“Dude your lip is bleeding.” The guy said. Justin raised his fingers to his lip and lowered them again to see red stain on them.
“Justin I'm so sorry.” I pleaded for forgiveness when it should be Alana.
“Hey don’t worry about it. Where is the bathroom?”
“It's upstairs. I'll just clean it in the kitchen.” I said grabbing his arm and leading him away. “Alana, stay here and calm down.” I was so mad at her.
“Hi I'm –”
“Ryan.” She finished in awe. I only heard that much because I was in the kitchen and away from them. Justin sat on the counter holding a cloth with cold water to his lips.
“I can't believe she did that!” I was infuriated.
“Sadly enough I'm used to it. Claire, you better get used to it too.” He warned me.
“I mean she isn’t the greatest friend but she won’t attack me.” I said getting a bandage around.
“Not just her, other people are going to treat you different. You're not there yet but it's going to happen.” He said staring into my eyes. I broke the stare to fix the bandage up more and then lowered his hand holding the cloth. “Thank you.” He smiled then winced. I cleaned up the water with a dry towel so the bandage would stick properly. “OW.” He winced as I stuck the bandage on.
“Sorry.” I whispered since I was close to his face staring into his eyes. “Don’t do it.” I thought. “Claire Elizabeth, don’t do it.”
“It's ok.” He whispered too. He held my forearms and guided them to lie around his neck.
“Justin.” I whispered sadly. He didn’t want this because he liked me. He wanted it because he missed Selena. I didn’t want this because I wanted fame and my own name to go with it.
“Just one kiss, please.” He then slowly but surely moved his big injured lips to mine. I could tell it hurt him but he didn’t stop; I didn’t have the strength too. Our lips moved slowly but we didn’t move our positions. I didn’t feel this way for him and he didn’t feel this way for me.
“Justin, stop!” Ryan yelled at us. He was pointing outside where in the bushes was someone with a camera.
“Crap!” Justin ran out the kitchen door to stop the guy but he was long gone by the time Justin was where he was originally at. As Justin walked back inside I looked at both of them.
“You're kidding me right?” I asked them.
“Claire, I'm sorry. I didn’t know he was there.” Justin apologized.
“This will ruin everything!” I sat down and ran my fingers through my hair.
“We can fix this.” Ryan said.
“First we need to see what stories they come up with. Claire, this has happened before.” Justin rubbed my back.
“Good to know you kiss girls all the time.” I said distressed.
“I promise I'll fix this. We won’t let anyone believe that was us.” Justin stopped rubbing my back and pulled out his phone. “I'm going to make some calls.” He left the room and Alana entered.
“Was he a good kisser?” She asked. Everyone laughed. She lightened the mood dramatically. I hugged her and whispered to her, “You have no idea” and stopped our hug. I'll admit it I don’t feel that way for him but by golly those lips. I'm also considerably a bit young for him since he's 19. Ryan was on his phone as well probably talking to more people and soon mine buzzed. I picked up the call and heard an unfamiliar voice.
“Hello this is Modest! Management, are we speaking with Claire Elizabeth?” They asked.
“Yes this is her.” I held up a finger and left to sit outside on the patio.
“We are calling to inform you of an audition we would like to see you attend tomorrow. It will be held at the dance studio ‘Beats’ on Fifth and Main Street. The audition times are 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. If those times do not work for you please contact us at this number and set up an alternate date and time for auditioning. Do you have any questions?” The lady threw information at me and expected me to get all of it.
“May I ask what this is for?” I chuckled a bit.
“We need some key boarders for an upcoming tour. We need the best for hard day and night performances.” She sounded like she was seriously reading the information off of a sheet.
“I'll attend the 7:00 p.m. audition.” I was trying to conceal my excitement.
“We can't wait to see you there. Make sure to have your sheet music handy, we’ll need to see it.” She then hung up. What just happened? I went flying back into the house like a bat out of a cave and ran right to Justin. He was just ending the call when I flew into his arms.
“What?” He asked hugging me back.
“I have an audition for a tour!” I squealed right into his face.
“You're already taking off!” He jumped up and down with me. Ryan and Alana entered the room and joined the excitement too.
“We should celebrate!” Ryan didn’t even know me but he was sharing his enthusiasm with me.
“We can't go out though.” I downed everyone's mood.
“Why is that?” Alana sounded snappy.
“Because Justin kissed me and everyone thinks we are together already I think it's better if we just stay in.” I smiled heartedly.
“Look just because people assume things doesn’t mean they’re true. I give it a week until those pictures of us kissing hit the internet or papers.” Justin shrugged it off.
“I guess another lunch date won't be so bad.” I trust Justin and if he says it's going to be hard then I believe it's going to be hard, if he says it's going to be easy than I think it's safe to assume it's going to be easy. We all made sure everything in the house was clean and checked ourselves over. I changed into some casual clothes and cleaned my sweat off with a wash cloth then grabbed a jacket. We left and I locked the door with my house key. That was a new feeling for me, and then we got into Justin’s car because it was big enough to fit us all. He drove off and my nerves sky rocketed despite what Justin, Ryan, or Alana said. This was a bad idea.

Notes