Always
Rehearsals: Week 1 – Part 2
Harry’s POV
Saturday, 17th September
“Sorry.”
She didn’t need to say sorry. My fingers rubbed her shoulders gently in an effort to comfort her.
“There’s no need to apologise, angel.”
Her eyes snapped up to look at me and I could see her gaze was fraught with surprise. Without heels, she was a lot shorter than me so I had to look down a fair way down at her but her height didn’t detract from her beauty. There was a warmth in her shining chocolate-brown eyes and because all of her hair had been brought back in a long braid down her back, her face was more on show, her make-up just enough to make my heart beg me to kiss her. But I couldn’t because we were being filmed. She is an angel and that will be my name for her from now on. Just a vulnerable beautiful angel in need of guidance.
“This is harder than I ever could have imagined.” Kaylie said, rubbing her nose with her hand, her eyes dropping to the floor once again.
“Believe me, I know. But I wouldn’t have taken you through if I didn’t think you could handle it.” I replied as my hands journeyed down to hold her upper arms tenderly. I really should take my hands off her but it wasn’t possible for me. I longed to wind them around her waist and pull her up against my body, lean down and finally find out what her lips taste like. Kaylie’s brown eyes locked to my green ones again and she nodded. Even that simple move made me want her even more. But we had a rehearsal to continue.
“You ready to start again?” I asked.
“Yes, I am.” Kaylie nodded. I nodded in agreement and I reluctantly removed my hands from her arms. Her cheeks were a little flushed (Is that my doing?) and she adjusted the sleeves of her simple grey jumper. I turned away and walked back onto the stage; I heard her follow me. We returned to the piano and we picked up the lyric sheets. I saw her take a deep breath as her eyes scanned over the words on the paper, the same gold ring on her right hand shining against her fair skin.
“From the top, OK?” I suggested and Kaylie agreed with me. I signalled for the pianist to start the song from the beginning. I gestured for Kaylie to sing when the first notes of the tune began to echo around the large room.
For the next three hours, I helped the gorgeous 18-year-old with her singing, the way she would move during the performance, where she would stand and how she could tell a story through the lyrics, making everyone across the nation believe every word that came out of her mouth. I had wanted to kiss her throughout the entire rehearsal which only made being around her even harder for me. I had to be professional. I couldn’t even kiss her in the privacy of my dressing room, just in case there were any cameras or someone could knock and walk in, therefore catching us together. I couldn’t risk it, even though Kaylie was worth the risk.
At 5:32pm precisely, I decided to call it a day for Kaylie. She had done such a great job for her first rehearsal with me. I knew it was hard and she was nervous. It wouldn’t take just one or two rehearsals for her to get used to it. She would need time because this was all new to her. I knew exactly how she felt which worked in my favour because I could help her overcome those nerves and make her see how amazing she was. Give her self-confidence so she could believe in herself.
Once the cameras and microphones were gone, I asked Kaylie if I could have her phone. She looked surprised but handed it over to me, unlocked. Without hesitation, I put my number in her contacts and pressed her phone back into her soft palm. Her eyes were full of shock when she saw my name in her phone.
“Just in case you need to talk.” I explained. In return, she gave me her number and I loved seeing the name Kaylie in my contacts. Finally. I said in my head, biting back a smile.
Just like when she arrived, I opened my arms to her and I wrapped her petite body in my embrace, resting my cheek on top of her head. I held back the urge to press her a kiss to her head and closed my eyes, relishing the proximity between us. I smiled to myself when I felt Kaylie hide her face in my chest, her gentle arms locked around my back. I didn’t want to let her go. Each hug with her, I craved like it was a drug. I knew now.
I was addicted to Kaylie Walker.
I told her I would see her next week for another rehearsal as she let go of me, picking up her bag and saying goodbye. I watched her leave, walking off the stage and disappearing out of the door she had entered when she had arrived.
The entire stage and room was empty now apart from me. I bent over and rested my elbows on the piano, running my long fingers over my face. God, Kaylie, what are you doing to me? I was falling for her so hard and fast, more so than I had done with any other girl. They all seemed irrelevant now. If I’m addicted to her hugs, what’s going to happen when I kiss her for the first time…? I truthfully didn’t know what the outcome would be. And it frightened and excited me at the same time.
I sighed, finally knowing I was done for the day. Tomorrow’s rehearsal was going to be Alicia again then Melody. I will admit, I was more looking forward to working with Alicia than Melody. Alicia was much more…real? Mellow? I didn’t know what it was about Melody but I still gave her a place in my Top 3. At the photoshoot, she had given me countless seductive looks, clearly taking advantage of her body. She loved to show off her curves and her breasts and her clothes accommodated that. She was a beautiful young woman but I didn’t want her the way I wanted Kaylie.
Kaylie was such a sweet girl and that drew me to her, like a moth to a flame. Her clothes at the photoshoot had made her look delectable. Those leather leggings clinging to her legs like a second skin and her high-collar top with a flowing brown vest, she had looked absolutely beautiful. Which is why I told her that on the day. I couldn’t have her there with me and not let her know how stunning she looked to me.
I didn’t realise I was thinking for so long. I checked the time and decided it was time for me to head home. On my way out, I let Simon know that I was leaving. I got into my car down in the carpark and when I drove out onto the street, I was welcomed with camera flashes and paparazzi crying out my name but I paid no attention to them, concentrating on joining the London traffic.
The drive home didn’t take long, about 20 minutes. I parked my car in my large garage and got out, slamming the door shut and locking it. As I walked up the steps into my lavish home, I took my phone out of my pocket and scrolled down my contact list until I reached the person I wanted to text.
To Kaylie: Great job today, angel. Remember, I am only a call or a text away if you need any help x
Should I put a kiss? No kiss? I fought with myself for about 10 seconds before deciding to send the text with the kiss. Why not? I smirked and pocketed my phone again, going into the kitchen to get myself some dinner because rehearsing since 8 in the morning had made me very hungry indeed.
I was in the middle of eating when my phone rang. Hmm, I wonder who that is. I reached across the empty dining table and looked at the screen. A closed-lip smile (I was chewing my food) came across my face when I saw who it was. I didn’t hesitate another second in answering it.
“Hello, Kaylie.” I said, holding my phone against my left ear.
Uh…hi, Harry. Am I…interrupting you? She sounded so…nervous, it was beautiful.
“No, I’m just eating my dinner.” I responded.
Oh, I can call you back when you’re done.
“I’ve almost finished anyway, don’t worry.” That was a lie. I had eaten half of my meal but to me, right now, talking to Kaylie gave me more pleasure than eating. I dropped my fork onto the plate and sat back, running my hand through my long curls.
“What can I do for you, angel?”
I heard her suck in a breath at the word “angel”. She likes it when I say it. I grinned to myself like a love-struck fool.
About my performance…
“Yes?”
Flashlight is also another personal song for me because I think of my grandmother when I hear it. She…was my light when she had been alive and even though she’s gone, she’s still my light in the darkness. I think the song really encompasses that feeling of a person guiding you through the darkness and I wanted to know if…thinking about my grandmother while singing the song during the live show is a good way of showing who I really am and how I feel about my grandmother’s passing?
I sat there in silence as I took in her every word. I was still surprised at how articulate she was for a person of her age. She was so mature in how she spoke but yet, she was shy and innocent. It was the perfect mixture and even just hearing her voice set my heart on fire. I sort of didn’t know how to respond and I looked at my half-eaten meal blankly.
“That’s very…deep, Kaylie.” I managed to say.
Is it too much? I could hear the apprehension in her gentle voice.
“No, because it’s deep, it’s beautiful. Your grandmother obviously meant a lot to you and she’s still a part of you. If she’s your flashlight, showcase that in your performance. Show everyone who you are, angel.”
I myself had lost my grandmother about two years ago so I understood the pain Kaylie was feeling with the death of her grandmother. Another aspect that was to my advantage. I knew Kaylie loved emotional ballads and Flashlight was that. I had also met Jessie a few times so it was an easy decision for me to choose that song for Kaylie.
OK…I really hope I am not bothering you…It’s just, you did text me saying you were only a call or a text away.
“I am, Kaylie. I am always here if you need any help. I am your mentor and it is my job to help you.” I said. But I want to do more than help you. I want to be more than your mentor. I want to be with you. I want to hold you in my arms, angel, and call you mine. Will you let me do that? I so badly wanted her to let me do all of those things. Her voice brought me back to reality.
Thank you, Harry. I’ll…let you go now.
“OK, angel. See you next week.”
Bye.
And the line cut off.
I placed my phone back down on the table and threw my head back, moving my hands over my face and through my hair. Everything about her, I wanted. Everything about her, I wished was mine. Can’t she be mine?
I couldn’t even finish my food. I had lost my appetite. The only thing on my mind was Kaylie. In truth, she never left my mind. She was always there. And that night, she was in my dreams and she let me call her mine. And she had said the same thing back to me.
You’re mine, Harry.
Saturday, 17th September
“Sorry.”
She didn’t need to say sorry. My fingers rubbed her shoulders gently in an effort to comfort her.
“There’s no need to apologise, angel.”
Her eyes snapped up to look at me and I could see her gaze was fraught with surprise. Without heels, she was a lot shorter than me so I had to look down a fair way down at her but her height didn’t detract from her beauty. There was a warmth in her shining chocolate-brown eyes and because all of her hair had been brought back in a long braid down her back, her face was more on show, her make-up just enough to make my heart beg me to kiss her. But I couldn’t because we were being filmed. She is an angel and that will be my name for her from now on. Just a vulnerable beautiful angel in need of guidance.
“This is harder than I ever could have imagined.” Kaylie said, rubbing her nose with her hand, her eyes dropping to the floor once again.
“Believe me, I know. But I wouldn’t have taken you through if I didn’t think you could handle it.” I replied as my hands journeyed down to hold her upper arms tenderly. I really should take my hands off her but it wasn’t possible for me. I longed to wind them around her waist and pull her up against my body, lean down and finally find out what her lips taste like. Kaylie’s brown eyes locked to my green ones again and she nodded. Even that simple move made me want her even more. But we had a rehearsal to continue.
“You ready to start again?” I asked.
“Yes, I am.” Kaylie nodded. I nodded in agreement and I reluctantly removed my hands from her arms. Her cheeks were a little flushed (Is that my doing?) and she adjusted the sleeves of her simple grey jumper. I turned away and walked back onto the stage; I heard her follow me. We returned to the piano and we picked up the lyric sheets. I saw her take a deep breath as her eyes scanned over the words on the paper, the same gold ring on her right hand shining against her fair skin.
“From the top, OK?” I suggested and Kaylie agreed with me. I signalled for the pianist to start the song from the beginning. I gestured for Kaylie to sing when the first notes of the tune began to echo around the large room.
For the next three hours, I helped the gorgeous 18-year-old with her singing, the way she would move during the performance, where she would stand and how she could tell a story through the lyrics, making everyone across the nation believe every word that came out of her mouth. I had wanted to kiss her throughout the entire rehearsal which only made being around her even harder for me. I had to be professional. I couldn’t even kiss her in the privacy of my dressing room, just in case there were any cameras or someone could knock and walk in, therefore catching us together. I couldn’t risk it, even though Kaylie was worth the risk.
At 5:32pm precisely, I decided to call it a day for Kaylie. She had done such a great job for her first rehearsal with me. I knew it was hard and she was nervous. It wouldn’t take just one or two rehearsals for her to get used to it. She would need time because this was all new to her. I knew exactly how she felt which worked in my favour because I could help her overcome those nerves and make her see how amazing she was. Give her self-confidence so she could believe in herself.
Once the cameras and microphones were gone, I asked Kaylie if I could have her phone. She looked surprised but handed it over to me, unlocked. Without hesitation, I put my number in her contacts and pressed her phone back into her soft palm. Her eyes were full of shock when she saw my name in her phone.
“Just in case you need to talk.” I explained. In return, she gave me her number and I loved seeing the name Kaylie in my contacts. Finally. I said in my head, biting back a smile.
Just like when she arrived, I opened my arms to her and I wrapped her petite body in my embrace, resting my cheek on top of her head. I held back the urge to press her a kiss to her head and closed my eyes, relishing the proximity between us. I smiled to myself when I felt Kaylie hide her face in my chest, her gentle arms locked around my back. I didn’t want to let her go. Each hug with her, I craved like it was a drug. I knew now.
I was addicted to Kaylie Walker.
I told her I would see her next week for another rehearsal as she let go of me, picking up her bag and saying goodbye. I watched her leave, walking off the stage and disappearing out of the door she had entered when she had arrived.
The entire stage and room was empty now apart from me. I bent over and rested my elbows on the piano, running my long fingers over my face. God, Kaylie, what are you doing to me? I was falling for her so hard and fast, more so than I had done with any other girl. They all seemed irrelevant now. If I’m addicted to her hugs, what’s going to happen when I kiss her for the first time…? I truthfully didn’t know what the outcome would be. And it frightened and excited me at the same time.
I sighed, finally knowing I was done for the day. Tomorrow’s rehearsal was going to be Alicia again then Melody. I will admit, I was more looking forward to working with Alicia than Melody. Alicia was much more…real? Mellow? I didn’t know what it was about Melody but I still gave her a place in my Top 3. At the photoshoot, she had given me countless seductive looks, clearly taking advantage of her body. She loved to show off her curves and her breasts and her clothes accommodated that. She was a beautiful young woman but I didn’t want her the way I wanted Kaylie.
Kaylie was such a sweet girl and that drew me to her, like a moth to a flame. Her clothes at the photoshoot had made her look delectable. Those leather leggings clinging to her legs like a second skin and her high-collar top with a flowing brown vest, she had looked absolutely beautiful. Which is why I told her that on the day. I couldn’t have her there with me and not let her know how stunning she looked to me.
I didn’t realise I was thinking for so long. I checked the time and decided it was time for me to head home. On my way out, I let Simon know that I was leaving. I got into my car down in the carpark and when I drove out onto the street, I was welcomed with camera flashes and paparazzi crying out my name but I paid no attention to them, concentrating on joining the London traffic.
The drive home didn’t take long, about 20 minutes. I parked my car in my large garage and got out, slamming the door shut and locking it. As I walked up the steps into my lavish home, I took my phone out of my pocket and scrolled down my contact list until I reached the person I wanted to text.
To Kaylie: Great job today, angel. Remember, I am only a call or a text away if you need any help x
Should I put a kiss? No kiss? I fought with myself for about 10 seconds before deciding to send the text with the kiss. Why not? I smirked and pocketed my phone again, going into the kitchen to get myself some dinner because rehearsing since 8 in the morning had made me very hungry indeed.
I was in the middle of eating when my phone rang. Hmm, I wonder who that is. I reached across the empty dining table and looked at the screen. A closed-lip smile (I was chewing my food) came across my face when I saw who it was. I didn’t hesitate another second in answering it.
“Hello, Kaylie.” I said, holding my phone against my left ear.
Uh…hi, Harry. Am I…interrupting you? She sounded so…nervous, it was beautiful.
“No, I’m just eating my dinner.” I responded.
Oh, I can call you back when you’re done.
“I’ve almost finished anyway, don’t worry.” That was a lie. I had eaten half of my meal but to me, right now, talking to Kaylie gave me more pleasure than eating. I dropped my fork onto the plate and sat back, running my hand through my long curls.
“What can I do for you, angel?”
I heard her suck in a breath at the word “angel”. She likes it when I say it. I grinned to myself like a love-struck fool.
About my performance…
“Yes?”
Flashlight is also another personal song for me because I think of my grandmother when I hear it. She…was my light when she had been alive and even though she’s gone, she’s still my light in the darkness. I think the song really encompasses that feeling of a person guiding you through the darkness and I wanted to know if…thinking about my grandmother while singing the song during the live show is a good way of showing who I really am and how I feel about my grandmother’s passing?
I sat there in silence as I took in her every word. I was still surprised at how articulate she was for a person of her age. She was so mature in how she spoke but yet, she was shy and innocent. It was the perfect mixture and even just hearing her voice set my heart on fire. I sort of didn’t know how to respond and I looked at my half-eaten meal blankly.
“That’s very…deep, Kaylie.” I managed to say.
Is it too much? I could hear the apprehension in her gentle voice.
“No, because it’s deep, it’s beautiful. Your grandmother obviously meant a lot to you and she’s still a part of you. If she’s your flashlight, showcase that in your performance. Show everyone who you are, angel.”
I myself had lost my grandmother about two years ago so I understood the pain Kaylie was feeling with the death of her grandmother. Another aspect that was to my advantage. I knew Kaylie loved emotional ballads and Flashlight was that. I had also met Jessie a few times so it was an easy decision for me to choose that song for Kaylie.
OK…I really hope I am not bothering you…It’s just, you did text me saying you were only a call or a text away.
“I am, Kaylie. I am always here if you need any help. I am your mentor and it is my job to help you.” I said. But I want to do more than help you. I want to be more than your mentor. I want to be with you. I want to hold you in my arms, angel, and call you mine. Will you let me do that? I so badly wanted her to let me do all of those things. Her voice brought me back to reality.
Thank you, Harry. I’ll…let you go now.
“OK, angel. See you next week.”
Bye.
And the line cut off.
I placed my phone back down on the table and threw my head back, moving my hands over my face and through my hair. Everything about her, I wanted. Everything about her, I wished was mine. Can’t she be mine?
I couldn’t even finish my food. I had lost my appetite. The only thing on my mind was Kaylie. In truth, she never left my mind. She was always there. And that night, she was in my dreams and she let me call her mine. And she had said the same thing back to me.
You’re mine, Harry.
Notes
This isn’t my best chapter but I just felt like updating :) Any thoughts or comments are much appreciated!
blankspace1 xx
We’re dying for an update here. I love it. <3
11/19/17