Always
Judges’ Houses: Part 4
Harry’s POV
Tuesday, 23rd August
“I’m sorry, Daisy.”
The dark auburn-haired girl looked heartbroken and it was all my doing. She was only 20 years old and had her life ahead of her but this was her dream and I had crushed simply in between my fingers. It was so hard to send people home, considering all the girls in my category had the potential to have amazing careers. But three of them, I felt would handle the pressure better during the live shows. And Daisy was not one of those three.
“T-T-Thank you for the opportunity, Harry. I really a-a-appreciate it.” She choked out and I leaned over to give her a hug. Daisy wrapped her weak arms around me and sobbed a little as I held her trembling body in my arms. She really was a sweet girl and it was sad to see her go but she would get somewhere. I know she would.
I watched Daisy leave the room, wiping her eyes as she disappeared out of the door. I was sitting on a white couch in the sun room on the second level of my house, the warm L.A. sunlight streaming in through the windows. I had already sent Jenna and Daisy home so there were four more girls I had to deliver my decision to. Guilt ripped at my heart when I sent the two previous girls home. To crush a person’s dream was a terrible feeling and it only made my job as a judge even more difficult. I breathed in deeply and rubbed my palms together, sighing as I ruffled up my long hair and pushed it back off my forehead. Next up was Kaylie.
Once again, her performance had really moved me. Something had tugged at my heart and when she began to cry, it took all of my strength to not get off the couch and embrace her. I was going to embrace her after filming had stopped but I didn’t want the other girls to see and assume Kaylie had an advantage because I had a soft spot for her. I mean, that was true, I truly cared about her but this wasn’t the right environment for a relationship to blossom. Not with almost every moment recorded with microphones and cameras.
As I waited for Kaylie to arrive, my mind flashed back to making my decision of who to have in my Top 3 with Niall.
It was evening now and the girls had gone back to their hotel. Niall and I had moved to a different sitting room, both of us seated on the comfortable couch. Before us was a coffee table and on it were six pictures. Portraits of my Top 6 Girls, all placed next to one another. My eyes scanned across the pictures, eyeing each girl for a few moments but my gaze lingered the most on Kaylie. And Niall saw that.
“Wow, you really like her.” He chuckled.
“Can you blame me?” I asked, raising an eyebrow at him. Niall sighed and gave me those innocent blue eyes but I knew exactly what he was thinking. No, he couldn’t blame me. Kaylie was a wonderful young girl with raw talent and simple beauty. What more could a man of my taste want?
I played with my bottom lip, tugging it with the fingers of my left hand, as I grappled with my heart and my head, trying to make the best decision, not just for me but for the girls too. I was glad I had Niall with me. In some instances, it was easier to have him here but in others, it only frustrated me because we would struggle on who to pick because we loved one contestant more than other. Having different opinions really didn’t help at all.
We discussed each performance from each of the girls’ extensively, weighing up the pros and the cons. I didn’t know how long we were sitting there. An hour? Two hours? Three hours? I had lost track of time. I finally understood what Simon had felt when he had taken us to Judges’ Houses. How hard it was to decide. I literally had people’s passions and dreams in my hands. And I knew this competition was only going to get harder for me.
After however long it was, Niall and I finally decided on my Top 3 Girls. We were happy with all three of them although Niall hadn’t been too sure on one of them but it was because of their vocal talent I had put them through. We will see how she copes. I said to myself in my head.
“So we’re done?” Niall asked me, leaning back on the couch.
“I think we are.” I nodded, gesturing to the portraits of my Top 3. I was happy with the outcome and I greatly looked forward to mentoring the three of them for the live shows. Now, tomorrow, I tell them. I said to myself in my head.
The sound of someone’s footsteps made me look up. I rubbed my palms together and smiled when Kaylie Walker walked into the room. (http://www.polyvore.com/kaylie_judges_houses_part/set?id=207070036) As always, she took my breath away, just by her natural beauty. I wondered how soft her hair would feel in my hands, how good her lips tasted if they were pressed against mine, how her skin would tingle beneath the touch of my fingertips. I shook those thoughts out of my head and stood up to welcome her with an embrace.
“Hi, Kaylie.”
“Hi.” She mumbled into my chest, her warm arms wrapped around my torso. The feeling of her body in my hold made my heart pound just a little faster than normal. She moulded perfectly to my physique. It was like I was the glove and she was the hand. I knew we were on camera so I let her go and we both sat down on the couch, me moving my hand through my hair to push it back.
“So…ever since your audition, I was so impressed with your talent.” I began.
And your beauty.
“Your voice is unique and you know how to show emotion when you sing, you invite the audience into your mind.”
You invite me into your world every time, Kaylie.
“You did amazing in Bootcamp and I have noticed you’ve become quite good friends with Alicia.” I smiled at her.
And I can see you’re not fond of Melody.
“Yeah, we are close. I knew coming into this wouldn’t be easy so making friends with the girls has been fun. Alicia and I had just clicked and she’s really fun to be around. I’m glad I can experience this journey with her.” Kaylie said to me, her milk chocolate-coloured eyes sending a rush of warmth around my body. I had never been this captivated by a person’s eyes before. When she didn’t talk, I could read her mind through the emotions in her warm eyes. They were so beautiful and complimented her fair English skin.
“Having Alicia around, has it helped you with your self-confidence?” I asked.
“Yes, she’s been a catalyst for that.” Kaylie nodded. I was so in awe of her. She was so mature yet so innocent. Her voice held power and vulnerability which was a wonderful talent.
“Kaylie…I have seen you grow from your audition to now. Even though you perform power ballads, you always make each performance different and I believe each lyric you sing. And that’s what an artist does.”
Kaylie stared at me nervously and the look on her face killed me. She looked so worried but grateful at the same time. She was unsure of what was going to happen next. So I continued.
“Niall loved you.” I smiled and so did she. Her smile made my stomach flip, making the sparkle in her eyes. I was so attracted to this girl…it was unbelievable. If both of us weren’t on the show, I would have kissed her by now. Her lips were just made to be kissed, to be covered by another pair of lips.
Mine.
“He found your performance very moving, very emotional, and he thinks you have a great amount of potential. And I agree.” I said and Kaylie muttered “Thank you” softly. I sighed and locked my fingers together, my gaze soft as I looked at her.
“That being said…the music industry isn’t easy. It never is.” I said and Kaylie bit her lip, her fingers turning white because she was clutching them so tightly. I badly wanted to cover her hands with my own and press my lips to her skin, wherever she would allow me to. But I couldn’t. I wish I could but I couldn’t.
“You’re only 18, Kaylie. You’re so young and Niall and I wonder if you’ll be able to handle the pressure of performing in front of tens of thousands of people, releasing records all the while keeping sane and friendly.”
“I can. Please…I know I can.” Kaylie said, begging me with those sweet eyes of hers. She was so gorgeous, it took all my strength to not kiss her and feel her small hands card through my long curls. I wanted to feel her close to me and hold her in my arms but I was afraid if I did, I would never let her go.
“Kaylie…” I murmured, staring deep into her eyes, green meeting brown. I could see the beginnings of tears shining in her eyes and my lips parted, taking a relaxed breath. I had seen her cry before during this competition and it only made me want to embrace her more. I loved the way her name rolled off my tongue, like I had always meant to say it.
“Kaylie…I honestly believe that I can win with you.”
Her reaction was priceless. She covered her mouth with her hands and threw her head back on the back of the couch, her eyes wide and sparkling. I beamed and chuckled a little, reaching out my hand and placing it on her upper arm. I felt her skin shiver beneath my touch, so soft and smooth.
“Oh My God! Really…?” Kaylie gasped, her hands falling away from her mouth.
“Yes. I know I can take you to the end. But you’ve got to work very hard, Kaylie.” I declared.
“I will! Oh, I will! Thank you, Harry!” She cried and I shuffled closer to her, opening my other arm. She understood and leaned over, wrapping both of her arms around my neck. It felt so good to have her in my arms again, in my embrace, in my hold. I placed one of my hands in her silky hair while my other arm locked around her back, keeping her body to mine. She whispered “Thank you.” over and over again in my ear and I just smiled, saying “You’re welcome.”
It seemed like I had held her for an hour when in reality, it was only 20 seconds. It was too short a time to hug her but we were being filmed. Oh, Harry, why are you falling for one of your contestants, of all people? I didn’t know and I didn’t care. If I was falling for her, I was and I couldn’t force it or stop it. It was the way it was.
“Are you ready to work?” I asked once I let her go.
“Yes. Yes, I am.” Kaylie smiled at me, those butterflies continuing to swarm around in my stomach. I couldn’t wait to mentor this girl. This is going to be fun!
I had picked my Top 3 Girls and I was pleased with my decision. Niall had helped me choose the three of them and I had thanked him for coming and being my guest judge; I don’t think I could have done it without him.
The door flung open, breaking me out of my thoughts, and the three girls quickly walked over to me, giggling and smiling. I opened my arm wide and they moved straight into them, holding all of them close. These were the girls I would get to know even more, on a personal level, for many more weeks. And I was so excited.
“Feeling good, ladies?” I laughed when I released them from my embrace.
“Yes, yes!” Kaylie grinned.
“Of course!” Alicia smiled widely.
“Absolutely, Harry.” Melody smirked, winking at me. Don’t judge me here, but yes, Melody was in my Top 3. Maybe doing the live shows would make her focus on performing rather than flirting with me. She did have an amazing voice and it would be a waste to discard it. I could see Kaylie was not happy in the slightest about Melody being here but she covered it with the happiness she felt, however, I could see it in her eyes. Don’t worry, Kaylie, I’m not interested in her. I’m only interested in you. But I couldn’t tell her that. Not yet.
“Let’s have a toast.” I said, handing each girl a glass of champagne. They all smiled when they held their glasses in their hands. Alicia stood in between Melody and Kaylie because I knew Kaylie wanted nothing to do with Melody. I would have to keep them apart during the live shows so a cat fight wouldn’t occur. I picked up my own glass and raised it in the air.
“Live Shows 2016, here we come!”
The girls cheered and we all clinked our glasses together. This was sure going to be an interesting and amazing experience, guiding these three girls through the live shows, picking out songs for them and helping them when they were in need of my guidance.
Be prepared, Harry. This isn’t going to be easy. I told myself, taking a sip of my champagne.
Tuesday, 23rd August
“I’m sorry, Daisy.”
The dark auburn-haired girl looked heartbroken and it was all my doing. She was only 20 years old and had her life ahead of her but this was her dream and I had crushed simply in between my fingers. It was so hard to send people home, considering all the girls in my category had the potential to have amazing careers. But three of them, I felt would handle the pressure better during the live shows. And Daisy was not one of those three.
“T-T-Thank you for the opportunity, Harry. I really a-a-appreciate it.” She choked out and I leaned over to give her a hug. Daisy wrapped her weak arms around me and sobbed a little as I held her trembling body in my arms. She really was a sweet girl and it was sad to see her go but she would get somewhere. I know she would.
I watched Daisy leave the room, wiping her eyes as she disappeared out of the door. I was sitting on a white couch in the sun room on the second level of my house, the warm L.A. sunlight streaming in through the windows. I had already sent Jenna and Daisy home so there were four more girls I had to deliver my decision to. Guilt ripped at my heart when I sent the two previous girls home. To crush a person’s dream was a terrible feeling and it only made my job as a judge even more difficult. I breathed in deeply and rubbed my palms together, sighing as I ruffled up my long hair and pushed it back off my forehead. Next up was Kaylie.
Once again, her performance had really moved me. Something had tugged at my heart and when she began to cry, it took all of my strength to not get off the couch and embrace her. I was going to embrace her after filming had stopped but I didn’t want the other girls to see and assume Kaylie had an advantage because I had a soft spot for her. I mean, that was true, I truly cared about her but this wasn’t the right environment for a relationship to blossom. Not with almost every moment recorded with microphones and cameras.
As I waited for Kaylie to arrive, my mind flashed back to making my decision of who to have in my Top 3 with Niall.
It was evening now and the girls had gone back to their hotel. Niall and I had moved to a different sitting room, both of us seated on the comfortable couch. Before us was a coffee table and on it were six pictures. Portraits of my Top 6 Girls, all placed next to one another. My eyes scanned across the pictures, eyeing each girl for a few moments but my gaze lingered the most on Kaylie. And Niall saw that.
“Wow, you really like her.” He chuckled.
“Can you blame me?” I asked, raising an eyebrow at him. Niall sighed and gave me those innocent blue eyes but I knew exactly what he was thinking. No, he couldn’t blame me. Kaylie was a wonderful young girl with raw talent and simple beauty. What more could a man of my taste want?
I played with my bottom lip, tugging it with the fingers of my left hand, as I grappled with my heart and my head, trying to make the best decision, not just for me but for the girls too. I was glad I had Niall with me. In some instances, it was easier to have him here but in others, it only frustrated me because we would struggle on who to pick because we loved one contestant more than other. Having different opinions really didn’t help at all.
We discussed each performance from each of the girls’ extensively, weighing up the pros and the cons. I didn’t know how long we were sitting there. An hour? Two hours? Three hours? I had lost track of time. I finally understood what Simon had felt when he had taken us to Judges’ Houses. How hard it was to decide. I literally had people’s passions and dreams in my hands. And I knew this competition was only going to get harder for me.
After however long it was, Niall and I finally decided on my Top 3 Girls. We were happy with all three of them although Niall hadn’t been too sure on one of them but it was because of their vocal talent I had put them through. We will see how she copes. I said to myself in my head.
“So we’re done?” Niall asked me, leaning back on the couch.
“I think we are.” I nodded, gesturing to the portraits of my Top 3. I was happy with the outcome and I greatly looked forward to mentoring the three of them for the live shows. Now, tomorrow, I tell them. I said to myself in my head.
The sound of someone’s footsteps made me look up. I rubbed my palms together and smiled when Kaylie Walker walked into the room. (http://www.polyvore.com/kaylie_judges_houses_part/set?id=207070036) As always, she took my breath away, just by her natural beauty. I wondered how soft her hair would feel in my hands, how good her lips tasted if they were pressed against mine, how her skin would tingle beneath the touch of my fingertips. I shook those thoughts out of my head and stood up to welcome her with an embrace.
“Hi, Kaylie.”
“Hi.” She mumbled into my chest, her warm arms wrapped around my torso. The feeling of her body in my hold made my heart pound just a little faster than normal. She moulded perfectly to my physique. It was like I was the glove and she was the hand. I knew we were on camera so I let her go and we both sat down on the couch, me moving my hand through my hair to push it back.
“So…ever since your audition, I was so impressed with your talent.” I began.
And your beauty.
“Your voice is unique and you know how to show emotion when you sing, you invite the audience into your mind.”
You invite me into your world every time, Kaylie.
“You did amazing in Bootcamp and I have noticed you’ve become quite good friends with Alicia.” I smiled at her.
And I can see you’re not fond of Melody.
“Yeah, we are close. I knew coming into this wouldn’t be easy so making friends with the girls has been fun. Alicia and I had just clicked and she’s really fun to be around. I’m glad I can experience this journey with her.” Kaylie said to me, her milk chocolate-coloured eyes sending a rush of warmth around my body. I had never been this captivated by a person’s eyes before. When she didn’t talk, I could read her mind through the emotions in her warm eyes. They were so beautiful and complimented her fair English skin.
“Having Alicia around, has it helped you with your self-confidence?” I asked.
“Yes, she’s been a catalyst for that.” Kaylie nodded. I was so in awe of her. She was so mature yet so innocent. Her voice held power and vulnerability which was a wonderful talent.
“Kaylie…I have seen you grow from your audition to now. Even though you perform power ballads, you always make each performance different and I believe each lyric you sing. And that’s what an artist does.”
Kaylie stared at me nervously and the look on her face killed me. She looked so worried but grateful at the same time. She was unsure of what was going to happen next. So I continued.
“Niall loved you.” I smiled and so did she. Her smile made my stomach flip, making the sparkle in her eyes. I was so attracted to this girl…it was unbelievable. If both of us weren’t on the show, I would have kissed her by now. Her lips were just made to be kissed, to be covered by another pair of lips.
Mine.
“He found your performance very moving, very emotional, and he thinks you have a great amount of potential. And I agree.” I said and Kaylie muttered “Thank you” softly. I sighed and locked my fingers together, my gaze soft as I looked at her.
“That being said…the music industry isn’t easy. It never is.” I said and Kaylie bit her lip, her fingers turning white because she was clutching them so tightly. I badly wanted to cover her hands with my own and press my lips to her skin, wherever she would allow me to. But I couldn’t. I wish I could but I couldn’t.
“You’re only 18, Kaylie. You’re so young and Niall and I wonder if you’ll be able to handle the pressure of performing in front of tens of thousands of people, releasing records all the while keeping sane and friendly.”
“I can. Please…I know I can.” Kaylie said, begging me with those sweet eyes of hers. She was so gorgeous, it took all my strength to not kiss her and feel her small hands card through my long curls. I wanted to feel her close to me and hold her in my arms but I was afraid if I did, I would never let her go.
“Kaylie…” I murmured, staring deep into her eyes, green meeting brown. I could see the beginnings of tears shining in her eyes and my lips parted, taking a relaxed breath. I had seen her cry before during this competition and it only made me want to embrace her more. I loved the way her name rolled off my tongue, like I had always meant to say it.
“Kaylie…I honestly believe that I can win with you.”
Her reaction was priceless. She covered her mouth with her hands and threw her head back on the back of the couch, her eyes wide and sparkling. I beamed and chuckled a little, reaching out my hand and placing it on her upper arm. I felt her skin shiver beneath my touch, so soft and smooth.
“Oh My God! Really…?” Kaylie gasped, her hands falling away from her mouth.
“Yes. I know I can take you to the end. But you’ve got to work very hard, Kaylie.” I declared.
“I will! Oh, I will! Thank you, Harry!” She cried and I shuffled closer to her, opening my other arm. She understood and leaned over, wrapping both of her arms around my neck. It felt so good to have her in my arms again, in my embrace, in my hold. I placed one of my hands in her silky hair while my other arm locked around her back, keeping her body to mine. She whispered “Thank you.” over and over again in my ear and I just smiled, saying “You’re welcome.”
It seemed like I had held her for an hour when in reality, it was only 20 seconds. It was too short a time to hug her but we were being filmed. Oh, Harry, why are you falling for one of your contestants, of all people? I didn’t know and I didn’t care. If I was falling for her, I was and I couldn’t force it or stop it. It was the way it was.
“Are you ready to work?” I asked once I let her go.
“Yes. Yes, I am.” Kaylie smiled at me, those butterflies continuing to swarm around in my stomach. I couldn’t wait to mentor this girl. This is going to be fun!
I had picked my Top 3 Girls and I was pleased with my decision. Niall had helped me choose the three of them and I had thanked him for coming and being my guest judge; I don’t think I could have done it without him.
The door flung open, breaking me out of my thoughts, and the three girls quickly walked over to me, giggling and smiling. I opened my arm wide and they moved straight into them, holding all of them close. These were the girls I would get to know even more, on a personal level, for many more weeks. And I was so excited.
“Feeling good, ladies?” I laughed when I released them from my embrace.
“Yes, yes!” Kaylie grinned.
“Of course!” Alicia smiled widely.
“Absolutely, Harry.” Melody smirked, winking at me. Don’t judge me here, but yes, Melody was in my Top 3. Maybe doing the live shows would make her focus on performing rather than flirting with me. She did have an amazing voice and it would be a waste to discard it. I could see Kaylie was not happy in the slightest about Melody being here but she covered it with the happiness she felt, however, I could see it in her eyes. Don’t worry, Kaylie, I’m not interested in her. I’m only interested in you. But I couldn’t tell her that. Not yet.
“Let’s have a toast.” I said, handing each girl a glass of champagne. They all smiled when they held their glasses in their hands. Alicia stood in between Melody and Kaylie because I knew Kaylie wanted nothing to do with Melody. I would have to keep them apart during the live shows so a cat fight wouldn’t occur. I picked up my own glass and raised it in the air.
“Live Shows 2016, here we come!”
The girls cheered and we all clinked our glasses together. This was sure going to be an interesting and amazing experience, guiding these three girls through the live shows, picking out songs for them and helping them when they were in need of my guidance.
Be prepared, Harry. This isn’t going to be easy. I told myself, taking a sip of my champagne.
Notes
Guys, my mother and I have been dancing to Stockholm Syndrome for the past half-an-hour (and it’s only 10AM)! That prevented me for updating because my mother just wanted me to dance with her, lol! I freaking love her to pieces and I’m so grateful to call her my amazing mother :D Great way to start off my free time! Anywhoo, thoughts on this chapter, my darlings?
blankspace1 xx
We’re dying for an update here. I love it. <3
11/19/17