Time of Our Lives

*Dakota’s POV*

I’m not sure what motivated me to do it, but I bought the magazine. Kariann’s attempts to stop me didn’t work. I just had to get it. For something so… disgusting to happen… I wasn’t sure what to think. At first, when I learnt of the news, I was freaking out. Now it was in the middle of the night and I stared at the cover of the magazine, already memorizing the details that laid behind its cover.

I twirled my phone in my hand. I looked over at the adjoining couch, seeing Kariann fast asleep. Of course she would be. She was usually asleep by one o’clock at least. I looked through the contacts on the phone, seeing one name in particular.

Bonnie.

“Maybe she could help me with this…”

The phone rang. “Hello?” a soft, yet chirpy voice answered.

I wasn’t sure what it was. It wasn’t often I got upset over issues, but hearing my best friend’s voice, everything felt calmer. “Hey, isn’t it like five o’clock in the morning where you are?” She asked, confused.

“It’s actually three…” I said.

“No… I’m doing the math now. It should be five…”

“Well, to be honest, I’m not at home at the moment.” I said. From there, I explained everything to her. I started back to Ohio all the way to the first time the two of us talked during my first day with the boys.

“There’s no way.” Bonnie said in disbelief. “It’s one in a million chance.”

“Look on Twitter.” I said, “That should be proof enough.”

Bonnie and I talked some more as she got onto her computer for proof. “Holy shit, you weren’t lying. Is that Kariann?”

“Yep.” I answered, staring down at the magazine still.

“Holy… Dakota, why didn’t you tell me this sooner?”

“Please don’t be mad.” I said. “It was just so overwhelming and hard to believe. We’ve only been together for two weeks. We’re even going home next Sunday. I was going to tell you, but I wanted it to be a surprise.”

“Surprise, how?” She asked.

“I’m not sure. I was hoping to have you meet them personally.” I said, scratching my neck. “I know how much you like them: just like me and Kariann. Hell, you could’ve met them also if you was with us in Ohio instead of Australia. Oh, God, Bonnie, I’m seriously sorry.”

“Dakota! Jeez, calm down. I’m not mad at you. You sound like you’re about to cry. Is everything alright?”

“Have you read the news lately?” I asked, sniffing some, still staring at the magazine.

“About the guys? No, I’ve been quite busy lately… Here, I’ll look it up.” I could even hear her typing away on her computer. I waited quietly until she found it. “Oh no…”

I sniffed again, starting to feel my eyes well up. Now the news was starting to hit me. I almost cried telling Dad, but he managed to calm me down. Now with Bonnie, I was about to do it again. I needed to stop and get my act together, yet I couldn’t…

“Oh, God. Dakota, is that seriously you with Louis?”

“Yeah…”

“You didn’t…”

“No!” I practically screamed in the phone. “You know very well I’m not like that!”

“I was only joking, but I can see that you’re being serious about this. Okay, God… Damn, I’m not sure what to say. I’m still kind of shocked.”

I buried my face in my free hand before I heard Bonnie speak up again. “Okay. Listen to this, I’m looking around. The story is really popular, but there are extra stories. It seems Harry was able to explain on a talk show that the accusations were false and just a misunderstanding. It seems Louis just went after you after Liam confessed- Holy fucking shit, Dakota! Liam confessed to you! How come I’m only finding about this now?”

“Bonnie…” I begged.

“Okay, I’ll drill the details out later. Let’s see… okay, Liam confessed, you left and Louis went after you since he heard everything that was said. He only took you out for a milkshake to cheer you up. Nothing more, nothing less. It’s seems like a completely honest answer, though the media is having a hard time believing it. Wow, I can’t believe my best friend is hot news and people barely know who you are…”

“Is that it?” I asked.

“From what I can find, yes.” Bonnie said. “Dakota, I understand that you’re upset and worried, but don’t worry. Stuff like this happens all the time in the media. It’ll die down after a while, just keep a low profile… Well, I suppose that’s impossible since you’re hanging out with One Direction. Okay, okay… Oh, God.” Bonnie broke out, gasping some.

“What?” I asked.

“Dakota, promise me something.” Bonnie said, voice urgent and stern.

“What is it?” I sighed.

“Whatever you do… do not go on Twitter until I tell you. Actually, avoid all social networks if possible. Seriously, stay off the internet.”

I swallowed. It couldn’t be… “Is it that bad?”

“Very. Please, in all the years we have been friends… even if it’s been just eighth grade, please, as your best friend, take my advice. Do not go on anything. I’m doing this to protect you.”

My hand clenched into a fist. Just… how bad? “Bonnie… I’m going to go. I’m tired.”

A heavy sigh was heard. “Okay. Stay safe. I’ll stay in touch with the news and update you, okay?”

“Alright. Love you, girl.” I said.

“G’night. Love you too, babe.”

We hung up and I laid back, staring at my phone. It was so tempting to just look. No, I promised Bonnie. I’ll have Kariann look later on and ask just how bad it was. It couldn’t be that bad, right? God, I hope not. I did feel a little better though. I haven’t talked to Bonnie in a few days and my life seemed a little better after hearing her.

I should’ve talked to her longer, ask how she was. I shouldn’t have made the call just about me. I should’ve asked about her family and if she’s made any jobs in the modelling world, something she’s been interested in for a while. I stuck my phone on its charger before throwing the covers over my head.

The first day of everything is always the hardest and slowest. Yesterday was that first day. Today, the second. I was feeling a lot better now knowing that the updated information Bonnie told me before seemed to clear up a lot of misunderstandings. I kept my promise of not checking out any social sites. I knew that I had to be stronger and ready. Now wasn’t the time. I needed to accept everything that was happening and learn to live with it.

There was only one way that I knew of that could help with that. I was creeping up the stairs. Louis was pulling what Harry did once before, locking himself onto his bed. This time we all knew why, so we were understanding. “Louis?” I called out as I peeked my head out.

His phone was over his head as he slid his finger on it. He paused for a moment before looking over at me. “Dakota?”

“It’s me.” I answered, walking toward him slowly.

I stood awkwardly with a hand on my elbow. Louis threw his phone on his chest, rubbing his face. Was he mad at me? I sure hope not, but I would understand either way. I put him in this mess. “I…” I started before taking a deep breath. “I’m really sorry about all of this.”

“It’s not your fault.” Louis said, sitting up and maneuvering to where his back was against the wall. “Seriously. If anything, it was all me. I should’ve known there would be pap around. The thought even crossed my mind when we were together, but I didn’t care. I was too worried about you… Shit, seriously Dakota, I’m so sorry to pull you into something you don’t need to be in.”

The sincerity of his voice made me want to just sit down and cry. I took a deep breath before walking over and taking a seat at the foot of his bed. Keeping my distance, that felt like the best solution to everything. I pulled my legs up to where I was sitting in Indian style. “Louis… I…” I started, not sure what to say.

I swallowed, feeling my throat going hallow. “What do we do?” I asked, looking up to look at him.

“We did all we could.” Louis said, fumbling with his phone. “There’s nothing left to do. We know the truth and we spoke it, it’s up to everybody else whether they believe it or not.”

I nodded, understanding. “It’s just… really hard to take in.”

I looked down at my hands, playing with my nails. If I didn’t ask now, I knew straight then I would start crying. I took a deep breath, looking up at Louis. He stared back, trying to read my expression. “I think…” I said. “Well… I was wondering…”

He cocked his head, wondering what I wanted. “What is it?”

“Can I… possibly talk to Eleanor?” I hesitated.

“I’ve already explained everything to her… why?” He asked, but otherwise going through his phone to find her number.

“I think it might help me.” I said. “Even still, I don’t think I could ever forgive myself if I don’t apologize to her myself. I don’t know her personally, but if I were to put myself in her position, I’d be really hurt and upset.”

Louis nodded, understanding. He handed his phone over. “Just press call. I’ll go downstairs.”

I waited until his shadow disappeared downstairs before I mustered the courage to press the call button on his phone. I held the phone to my ear, listening to the ringing. It took until the third ring before someone answered. “Louis?” a female British accent rang.

“Um…” I started. “This isn’t Louis, but…”

“Ah, Dakota, right?”

I was shocked. How in the world…? “How did you know?” The words escaped out from my mouth.

I could hear the laughter ring through the phone. “Oh, my, was I right? Louis has told me everything that’s going on. You don’t have to worry, I know everything is just a misunderstanding.”

“Wait, though.” I said. She was quiet so I continued. “I called to say I’m sorry. Even if everything was a misunderstanding, it must have upset you. I just want to properly apologize about everything I brought you and Louis into.”

I could hear her sigh through the phone. “Honestly, I don’t understand why the media would bring such a nice girl like you into a bad situation like this. Thank you for apologizing, though, but I must say I’m sorry too. You were brought into a situation that will be hard to get out of. I understand how hard it is. The mere fact that you have any contact with those boys makes everyone think they have the right to just blow you away with threats and accusations. All I can say is to stay strong. For yourself, the guys, Louis, and me. I don’t even know you, yet I’m already worried for your reputation. It’s hard to get it back, I know.”

I was at a loss of words. This was my first time talking to Eleanor, yet I wasn’t expecting her to be supporting me like this. “Thank you.” I said. “You have no idea how much your words mean to me.”

“Oh, trust me, I think I do. Don’t let the media let you down, girl. As long as you and the people you care about know the truth, everything will fall into place. There’s no stopping those who will judge you, but don’t let that slow you down. If anything, be the girl that says ‘fuck you, world, I know who I am and I won’t let you change me.’ If that makes any sense. Sorry, I’m bad with my wording.”

I smiled, chuckling some. “Hey, I got a laugh out of you, at least I’m good for something. Since you’re on Louis’s phone, why don’t you put my number in your phone? If you ever need to talk to me, just give me a ring. Actually, can I have your number? I would much rather have that than anything right now…”

I gave it to her. “Alright, I’ll text you whatever I can. Just remember, if Louis can’t cheer you up, give me a call. I don’t care at what time. Louis’s friend is my friend. We’re in this together, girl.”

I was still at a loss for words. I thanked her. We hung up and I found myself smiling. I was standing by now, ready to head downstairs to join the others. Okay, so as long as the people I cared about and I know the truth, nothing else should matter. I was putting Eleanor’s number in my phone, feeling better about myself until I saw the screen on my phone light up.

Oh, no. I thought. Mom…

I swallowed, answering it. “Hello?”

“Dakota Ann Duff. Do you have any idea how upset I am over you? Do you? Answer me!”

I shut my eyes tightly, squeezing my phone. “I don’t understand…”

“Don’t understand? Don’t understand? O-oh… Right here in front of me is a magazine that came out yesterday. I couldn’t go through work today without my co-workers coming up to me asking if the girl in that picture was my daughter. Of course I said no, I mean, come on. But I saw it, the picture of you on stage, clear as day with that… man from that boy band. Not only that, but after I called your father to clarify things, upon finding out about you being on a cover of a magazine, but you were also touring across the states with four other boys beside this Lewis boy. Don’t you know how distressed I am?”

I clenched my jaw, swallowing a lump on my throat. As long as you and everyone you care about know the truth… “Mom, whatever you read in that magazine, it’s not true.”

“I’m not sure what I’m supposed to believe anymore, Dakota. I only just found out my only daughter has been away from home for a whole week and upon that finding out she may be having an affair with a man.”

“So I may have failed to tell you about me touring.” I admitted. “But you should know you and Dad raised me well enough not be like that.”

“I don’t know. I don’t think I can bring myself to trust you anymore. You know what, don’t even bother trying to explain. This magazine explains to me well enough just what kind of girl you are now. You don’t even confide with your mother about your actions of being with five guys, you mess around, and now I have no reason to ever trust you or even speak to you again. Goodbye, Dakota.”

“Wait-“ My voice cracked. Too late, the line beeped, my mother’s last words still ringing in my head.

“Dakota…?” I heard a British accent ask as he came up the steps.

“Louis…?” My voice squeaked, not sounding at all like myself. He was at the threshold, staring right at me, watching the tears freely fall down my face.

I never seen someone move so quick through my tear-filled eyes. He was right there, bringing me into a very tight embrace. “What…?” He started.

I clutched the side of his shirt. “My… mom…” I managed to say in between sobs. “She… just…”

I couldn’t finish. The mere thought pained me too much.

*Louis’s POV*

“She… just…” I heard, her hands clutching my shirt tightly as her tears started to wet my shirt.

Her mother? Oh, man. I almost forgotten. The whole reason why Dakota didn’t want the publicity to be revealed. Her mother was sure to judge. The news about us wasn’t going to help either. I held her tighter, putting my face down in her shoulder. Every word that was spoken to Liam about her thoughts about her mother came to my mind.

How could I have forgotten? I felt my chest tighten in pain just thinking about what could have happened. “What…?” A new voice spoke up.

Dakota was sobbing so hard she barely heard whoever showed up. I turned my head, seeing Liam standing at the threshold. His eyes went down to the crying figure. He walked over quickly, looking at me, “What happened?”

I swallowed, staring into his brown eyes. “I… Her mother.”

His eyes widened, bringing a hand up to his mouth. “Oh, no… Shoot, Dakota…”

He wrapped an arm around her waist whereas her head was still on my shoulder. Liam was whispering into her ear and I couldn’t do anything but continue to hold her close and rest my cheek on the side of her head. Liam had his arm around my shoulder as he spoke to her, feeling him squeeze every so often.

I heard every word he said. Seriously, that guy had a way with his words. Dakota slowly stopped crying and nodded into my shoulder, taking in what he was saying. Liam was basically telling her not to worry, that it may seem bad now, but we’ll all do something to help her out.

Seriously, how can everything just keep going from bad to worse? I felt so bad for Dakota, and I knew it was my fault too. I seriously should have kept my eyes open for paparazzi and now look at where we were. Dakota’s mother could have said God knows what to her, causing her to feel like the worst human being in the world. I hope she doesn’t go on Twitter for a while. If she did, it’ll just get worse from here.

Dakota has stopped crying, thankfully. She was reaching up, rubbing her nose and under her eyes. Liam and I quietly looked at her, waiting for her to say anything. “God, I’m a mess…” Dakota laughed, but with no enthusiasm. She sniffed as she threw her phone behind her and onto my bed. “My mom pretty much just disowned me because of what’s on that magazine. Well, at least Eleanor doesn’t hate me…”

Liam and I looked at each other, exchanging sad looks. Dakota took a deep breath, letting it out. She looked between the two of us. “Thanks for being here for me. I think I’ll be fine. You have a concert here in a few hours anyways.”

“Are you sure?” Liam asked.

“I don’t believe you.” I added, looking down at her red-rimmed eyes.

She sniffed, wiping her nose again. “Seriously… actually, you want to hear something? I was talking to Eleanor. She did most of the talking, but she was so supportive of me. There was one thing that she told me that as long as I and everybody that I cared about knew the truth, nothing else should matter. That’s what I’m going to think about now. As long as you guys know the truth, I can care less about everything else.”

“But…” I started.

“Your mum…” Liam agreed upon with me.

Dakota took a deep breath, letting it out. “She called me a liar and accused me of messing around with a boy. At least upon her confrontation, I tried to explain. Just as you said, Louis, people will either believe it or not. It was up to her, she chose to believe the media over my word. There’s nothing I can do about it. Actually, I’m kind of glad. All these years of holding in my anger and hate for her, she expressed it out for me.”

No… I thought to myself. She’s in pain. She didn’t want her mother to let her go like that. Why is she lying like this? She still loves her mother, no matter what-

“Seriously, though. You guys have a concert tonight. I’m definitely tagging along. I think it would be good to get my mind off of everything.”

She smiled as she took a step back from the two of us, offering a small smile as she turned around to pick up her phone as well as my own. She handed me mine. “Thanks for letting me use it.” She walked between Liam and I, heading out of the door downstairs.

“Shit…” Liam muttered, rubbing his hand over his head.

“She was lying.” I spat in annoyance.

Liam looked at me. “Lying? About what?”

“About how happy she was for her mother disowning her. That was why she was crying in the first place. It was because of that bitch!”

I threw my phone on my bed out of anger. “Louis! Please, calm down. This… We’ll have to figure out something for her. Right now, let’s just respect her space.”

“I can’t help it.” My voice cracked, moving to sit on my bed, rubbing my face in my hands. “Just thinking about it pisses me the fuck off.”

Liam sat down next to me, putting a supporting arm over my shoulder. “I’m sorry, Lou. But… do you know? About her mother?”

I nodded with my face still buried in my hands. “Did she…?”

“I overheard the two of you talking.” I explained. “I heard everything. Even her crying. It was because of that I wanted to help her open herself up, so I forced her on stage. I just wanted to give her the strength to open up and be herself, not discourage her and make her life miserable…”

“It’s not your fault, Lou.” Liam said. “Just remember that. What you did gave her strength. What you’re doing to help her now is giving her strength. What you’re doing for her is a lot more than I could ever do. Stay by her side, okay? I think compared to all of us, you’re the only one who may be able to give her the strength she needs to get past this.”

Seriously? I looked at Liam staring me down with his dead set eyes. If I was the one giving her strength, I needed to muster the courage to help her out. I had to get my act together. For me to be able to encourage and support her through this, I needed to find the strength in me to do so. I couldn’t just stand around and mope over everything. I had to take a stand and make up for everything. There was no way I could just leave everything to fall as it was.

I nodded to myself before standing. “Alright. I think I can handle that much.”

Liam give me one of his angelic smiles before standing. I started to walk but Liam stopped me in my tracks. “You know…” He started.

“What?” I urged.

“I’m jealous.” He said. “I wish it was me that could be able to help her besides you.”

I gave him a sad smile. “Mate, don’t you worry about that. You’ve helped her in ways only you could. Not just with Kota, but with all of us. There are some things only some of us can help each other with. Gah, listen to me. I sound like some kind of sappy poet. Yuck…”

Liam laughed, slapping me on the shoulder. “Come on. Everyone’s waiting.”

We made our way down. Dakota was sitting next to Kariann, talking to her. Would she tell her what happened between she and her mother? Perhaps she wanted to wait so she could patch things up. I wasn’t sure. I had no choice but to just support her in the best way I can. Both Eleanor and I. With all of this drama going on, I kind of missed her.

Just three more weeks, I told myself. Three more weeks and you can go home. But for now, I had other things to do. Home would just have to wait.