Chapter Four
It was midnight Wednesday morning and I was aboard a plan accompanied by Katie. She gripped the armrest nervously.
"I don't know why I fly so much when I don't like it," she commented.
"You're stupid," I suggested. Katie rolled her eyes and continued to slowly rock with nerves. I reached for my cell phone and powered it off. My battery tended to die quickly. The "buckle your seatbelts" sign lit up. Katie's hands were shaking ridiculously. "Are you okay? You've never been this nervous before."
"Pretty sure it's a combination of flying and seeing Niall," she answered firmly. I watched her carefully for any signs of sickness during takeoff, but she managed to mellow out some. We had a fourteen-hour flight ahead of us so I figured it was a good idea to get comfortable.
Halfway through the flight Katie gasped and turned to me, "You know what would suck?" I looked at her questioningly. "If Harry's fans are waiting for you at the airport, but they probably aren't. Things have cooled down some." She was right about things cooling off. I no longer received daily death threats, more like weekly ones. My follower count was still rising on Twitter, but that didn't bother me. Tabloids seemed to completely ignore me now, which I did not mind. Things were a lot better.
So I thought they were. I cursed under breath as we exited the airport being led by a security guard. It was nine o'clock in the morning. Katie was right this did suck. I just didn't understand why me flying to see Harry was such a big deal. They screamed for my attention, but I kept my head down and feet moving forward.
"I hope they don't post these pictures," Katie groaned looking down at her black vintage tee and denim skinny jeans. "I look awful," she complained tugging at her freshly trimmed, shoulder length, brunette hair.
"Look at me," I waved at hand at myself. I was wearing faded mid-thigh length shorts and a purple razor back tank from Rue 21 with graphic Converse. An elastic headband was holding back my shoulder length, dark brown, and curly hair.
"You look okay," Katie shrugged. She wasn't one to hurt people's feelings, but I knew her tails. "At least we slept on the plane." She was chipper as the security guard opened the door of the black SUV. She climbed in first stopping mid-step.
"Katie," I groaned pushing past her. The backseat wasn't empty however. There was a bouquet of flowers, a small and plush teddy bear, and a card. I climbed inside and picked up the card to read.
Consider this phase one of me making up for missing your birthday. –Love Harry
"He deserves husband of the year and you guys aren't even married yet," Katie laughed finally climbing inside. I simply nodded in agreement. Her words were similar to her response last year when Harry introduced me to his sister Gemma and then turned us loose with his credit card for my birthday. Katie had called him boyfriend of the year and we definitely hadn't defined the relationship.
When we arrived at the hotel and checked into our rooms, the boys were at rehearsal. I would be sharing a room with Harry, of course, and Katie had her own room close by. I entered the hotel room and instantly dropped my black designer bag on the floor of the first room, which was set-up something like a living room. There was a small peach sofa, television, and cherry wood coffee table. I walked to the opened door straight ahead where the comfy looking bed was located. Harry's black suitcase was sprawled in the middle of the floor, unzipped, and bursting with clothes. I sighed as I picked up the mess. Sometimes the boy could be a total slob.
After finally straightening the place up, I bent over my own suitcase intent on showering and changing clothes. The door opened and I heard several familiar voices.
"America," Zayn's voice ranged in my ears. I turned quickly to look back at him. He stood there arms outstretched with a goofy grin on his face. "Vas happening?"
I laughed, "Hey Zayn." I looked behind him where Liam, Louis, and Harry stood. "Hey Lou, Liam."
"No special hello for me?" Harry asked pushing past Zayn to kiss my cheek.
"No one wants to see your hello," Louis commented causing my face to heat up and Liam to shake his head.
"We're going to get lunch. Are you coming?" Liam asked.
I grimaced, "Uh I'm pretty tired."
"You can sleep later," Louis said grabbing my hand.
"Let's go America," Zayn grabbed my arm and pulled me forward.
"Guys let her sleep," Liam ordered them, but they ignored him. Daddy Direction wasn't always in control.
I looked back at Harry for assistance but he seemed to be going along with it. You would think that by now I'd be use to this.
"Okay America you choose," Zayn decided. "Where do you want to go?"
"To sleep," I mumbled with a small frown. Louis pulled his sassy smirk while Zayn shook his head. Harry chuckled, but still hadn't rescued me from his insane friends. "Come on guy we can grab something to eat together after the concert tonight." I was basically begging.
"That sounds like a fair trade," Liam agreed. "Plus we'll have more time to talk."
"It's not that I don't care about you being tired," Louis informed me. "It's just that if you stay behind that means Harry will stay behind then I'll be stuck with these two."
"Harry's not going to…" I trailed off realizing he was right. I sighed heavily, "Fine." Liam chuckled as I gave in. Louis and Zayn released me starting a new discussion. Liam followed them. Harry took a hold of my hand and led me forward. "By the way, you were no help."
"What?" he asked confused. I nodded towards the other three, "I knew you were going to give in." I rolled my eyes, "You're a pushover love and they know it."
"Hmmm, that must be why I agreed to marrying you." I pretended to think as Harry opened the car door.
He clutched at his heart, "Ow that hurt." I shrugged my shoulders and climbed in. It didn't occur to me until we reached the fast-food joint that two people were missing.
"Um guys where's Niall and Katie?"
"Somewhere together I'm assuming," Louis answered. There was ninety-nine point nine percent chance that he was right. Niall and Katie had been attached at the hip since they met. Sometimes they were worse than Harry and me. "Are those two a couple?"
"They haven't actually DTR yet," I answered.
"What?" Zayn and Louis asked simultaneously.
"I didn't get it at first either," Harry assured them.
I sighed, "DTR meaning to define the relationship. You know the talk you have when you're clarifying if there is an actual relationship or if you're just friends who are too close for your own good."
"Did you two have a talk like that?" Zayn asked sounding intrigued.
I looked at Harry as he shrugged, "Not really," I frowned. "Harry isn't very romantic."
"You just keep hitting where it hurts," Harry said while clutching his chest once again.
I shrugged, "Well saying 'I think you want to be my girlfriend' does not a romantic gesture make." Zayn and Louis burst into laughter.
"You're mean when you're sleepy," Harry grumbled. He was right. When I was suffering from a lack of sleep I was not the most pleasant person to be around.
"You have to spend the rest of your life with that," Louis made a facial expression that could only be described as sass.
Liam chuckled, "I tried to take his place, but apparently he loves her too much." He said as I laid my head on Harry's shoulder leaning into his side.
"We can trade now," Harry offered causing the guys to laugh.
"Ha ha ha ha," I pretended to laugh with a straight face before flipping him off and closing my eyes drifting off to sleep.
After the concert that night we went directly to the hotel. I changed into my pajama clothes and basically jumped in bed. Harry chuckled as he seductively removed his shirt distracting me momentarily from my lack of sleep.
"Nuh uh," I shook my head as he approached the bed. He stopped and looked at me curiously, "Not going to happen tonight sir." He shrugged and cut off the light.
I woke up in the morning to a soft kiss on my forehead. I sighed refusing to open my eyes.
"It's time to wake up," Harry gently pushed my side. "We have to go to the next city."
I groaned, "Five more minutes." But I knew that was impossible. Management did not budge on the schedule, so I pushed back the covers and got out of bed. Within twenty minutes I was showered, dressed, and ready to check out. Of course I had on a pair of skinny jeans, plain black V-neck, and my favorite graphic Converse. It wasn't until Harry and I joined everyone else outside that I realized the weird wardrobe similarity.
"Whoa you two match," Katie pointed out causing me to look over at Harry who was also wearing skinny jeans, Converse, and a plain black V-neck. "That's either really cute or extremely creepy. I'm not sure yet."
"This is weird," Harry commented pulling his gray beanie onto his head.
Zayn looked at us and shook his head, "You two are weird."
"What are you talking about?" Louis asked. "Harry is dressed completely different. Just look at his hair." He shook his head and climbed on the tour bus after Zayn and Liam. I followed and was immediately pulled to a corner by Katie.
"What the-," I started. She shushed me and looked around to make sure none of the buys were paying attention.
"Niall totally kissed me last night," she hissed. My eyes widened in surprise. "It was out of the blue. We were walking and then he stopped, grabbed my face, and planted one on me."
"Oh that's cool," I shrugged trying to walk away.
"Cool?" Katie asked grabbing my arm. "It was the most magical moment of my life," she said in a highly creepy voice. I laughed with fear and pulled myself away. Thankfully Harry was entering the bus and pulled me towards the red built-in sectional. Katie sat down a few places away. Her face became bright red hen Niall made his entrance. He looked at her and smiled secretively, but didn't see by her.
We had been driving for almost thirty minutes. Katie and Niall were avoiding each other at all cost. When Louis asked where they disappeared to the night before both of their faces reddened and they looked away.
"Wait," Liam sat up from his seat at the small dining table. "What happened there?"
"Nothing," they said too quickly.
"Something happened," Harry looked between their faces.
"Oh just tell them," I rolled my eyes scrolling through my phone.
Louis looked at me momentarily, "Tell us what?"
Zayn frowned, "What don't I know?"
Liam folded him arms, "Niall do tell."
Louis gasped, "You kissed," he accused knowingly. I stifled a laugh. Harry glanced at me. I nodded answering his silent question and a goofy smile came across his face.
"You're right Louis that must be it," Liam agreed.
"Oh man," Zayn commented as Niall started to speak, but they didn't give him a chance. After several minutes of the boys hassling the awkward pair I stepped in to their rescue.
"Okay guys leave them alone," I said putting away my phone.
"We're not done discussing this," Louis pointed at Niall sternly.
"Look at those two. I swear I have to start bringing Perrie with me." Zayn said looking at Harry and me. We were sitting in corner seat taking pictures on both of our phones. I pulled mine down to my view after our tenth picture to look through them. As I scrolled I came across one where Harry kissed my cheek. It was cute so I uploaded it to Instagram. While searching for more pictures to upload my phone beeped signaling that I had a text message.
Mom: Rosa wants to video chat with you.
My laptop was on the bus. I stood to retrieve it and headed to the back where the bunks were after showing Harry the text. Within five minutes Rosa and I were logged onto Google Chat.
"Justice," she greeted me. "I'm so glad I caught you at a good hour and I hope you're enjoying your trip. We need to discuss location. Now I know that you two want to have this event in the States so your family can come, but where exactly. I'm thinking Huntsville, Madison, or Birmingham. Even Atlanta is a good option."
"Oh," I didn't know how to respond. "Well, um, hold on Rosa let me get Harry." I left the laptop where I had it sitting in a bunk and walked to the front of the bus. Harry was nodding off. I tapped his shoulder. "Can you come back here? It won't take long I promise." That was lie.
"American what are you doing?" Zayn asked attracting the other guys' attention.
"Wedding plans," I said tugging on Harry's hand. He stood and followed me.
"Have fun," Louis called after us.
I rolled my eyes, "Stop being a pervert." I called back to him. "Hey Rosa sorry about that."
Harry waved at the camera, "Hello. Nice to meet you."
Rosa smiled, "Nice to meet you as well. As I was telling Justice we need to discuss location. Now I thinking somewhere know like Huntsville, Birmingham, Atlanta, or Nashville." Nashville? I thought to myself. When did we discuss Nashville? "The decision is ultimately up to you."
"I like Nashville," Harry said looking at me. "What about you?"
"Nashville would be nice," I answered.
"Great," Rosa smiled. "Next we'll have to discuss the guest list. Justice have you started looking for a dress?"
I looked down shamefully, "Not yet, but I will today." What? I knew didn't understand my words either as Harry looked at me curiously. I had to get off this chat before I agreed to anything else.
"Great, I'll let you two go now." Rosa ended the chat.
Harry looked at me, "Why did you tell her that?"
"I couldn't stop myself. I really did want to go look at the store while you guys are rehearsing today."
"I think you just like to shop."
I smiled, "I'm good at it." I said before kissing him.
"Uh hmm," Zayn cleared his throat. "I need to sleep." He climbed into one of the empty bunks.
"Me too," Harry said lying down. He wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me closer to him. I guess I was supposed to nap too, but I could use a few extra hours.
"I better not hear any baby making music," Zayn warned before drifting off. They could be the worse sometimes. I usually chalked it up to details I didn't want to know that Harry shared.
When we got to the hotel we checked in, grabbed our luggage, and the boys headed off to rehearsals. I was sitting on the foot of the bed when Harry rushed into the room.
"I forgot my wallet," he said grabbing it off the desk. "Paul has a security personal waiting for you and Katie if you're still going out."
I nodded, "Yeah, we're just going to go look at a few stores. I'll do a little window shopping." I hinted.
Harry opened the door, "Sounds like fun. I'll call you when we're done."
"It sucks being a broke college student," I pouted. My tactics were low, but I never asked Harry to buy me anything. Whenever I shopped it was with my own money. Might as well try out this whole what's mine is yours thing.
Harry stopped and sighed. He pulled one of many credit cards out of his wallet and extended it towards me. When I went to grab it, he snatched it away. "Just don't max it out, because I know you can."
My arms folded across my chest, "You make it sound like I have a shopping problem." Harry gave me a stern look. "I won't," I promised.
"Please only buy what you absolutely need. We are trying to travel light love." He extended the card again, but pulled it away as soon as I reached for it.
"Harry," annoyance filled my voice.
He shook his, "Do you absolutely need it right now?" he asked and Katie walked in the room.
"Nope," she said swiftly turning on her heels.
"Kates wait," I called after.
She shook her head pacing in the hallway, "I don't want to hear it."
"You don't want to hear what?" I asked confused, but she didn't answer. I shrugged and turned my attention back to Harry. "Don't worry about it," I said grabbing my small over the shoulder purse and headed for the door.
"Alright," he caved. "Take care of it okay. That one is my favorite."
I snatched the card before he could change his mind, "Thank you Haz." I kissed his cheek. "You're the best. I love you." I bounded out of the room grabbing Katie's arm and pulling her towards the elevator.
"Is that what I think it is?" Katie asked sounding excited.
I nodded, "Given by Mr. Styles himself." I said securing the precious plastic in my purse.
"He's never going to get that back is he"
"He will until the wedding and then it's mine," I shrugged. Katie shook her head in amusement.
We had been to three stores and I only had a purple beanie, silver flats, and a hot pink blazer, but it was all on sale (sort of). We had entered the fourth store, a family boutique, when the cutest toddler ran past me. She reminded me of my baby cousin Za'Kari, who Harry adored, and Lux, who I pretty much spoiled. Her mother was chasing after her so I stepped in front of the child to block her path.
"Maura no," the mom fussed. "You don't run away from me." She looked up at me, "Thank you."
I smiled, "No problem. She's a cutie." I waved at the little girl. Kids were my life. There were a few One Direction fans around with their cameras out, but I was doing my best to ignore them. "May I hold her?" I asked like the weirdo that I am.
"Sure," the woman agreed so I knelt down and picked up brunette Maura. A smile came across her face. "Wow she usually doesn't do too well with strangers. I'm Bethany by the way," she extended her hand and I shifted her daughter to my left arm so I could shake it.
"I'm Justice and this is my friend Katie."
Bethany smiled politely, "Are you two some sort of celebrities." She motioned towards the surprisingly silent fangirls.
"No," Katie chuckled. "More like Justice snatched up a celebrity. While I'm still trying to decipher his feelings." She sounded bitter.
Bethany nodded, "Is it like this often?"
"Yes," I answered automatically.
She laughed slightly, "Well I should get back to my shop. Women look for wedding dresses year round." I handed Maura over to her.
"You own a dress shop?" Katie asked the question that was in my head.
"Yes, is either one of you getting married?"
"I am," I answered softly trying to make sure no one overheard. Bethany nodded and motioned for us to follow her. We were headed to the dressing rooms, but we continued past them. "Where are we going?"
"They won't follow you into the alley," Bethany informed me.
The dress shop was small and filled with gorgeous gowns. Some were designer, some weren't, but they were all one of the kind. The three of us shifted through racks until Katie came across I gorgeous lace dress with purple stash.
"You have to try this on," she urged. I agreed without hesitation. Bethany helped me. When I came out of the dressing room the breaths of Katie, Bethany, and the two assistants caught. "Justice, that is your dress." Katie said as I turned to look in the mirror. She was right. The dress was perfect for me. It was my dream dress.
"I want it," I breathed. "But it has to be shipped to the States." I was sticking with most traditions.
"Congratulations," Bethany smiled warmly at me. I felt myself smile back as I looked at my reflection. I kept the dress on for thirty minutes before going back into the dressing room and changing into my clothes. Hopefully Harry would consider the charge as being needed, because that dress was mine.
A Baby Makes Three
No this is not what you think. Justice Neloms, girlfriend of Harry Styles, was seen yesterday holding a small girl in a Swiss store. Several pictures and videos of the event have been posted by fans. You see in the picture below, she looks quite content and motherly holding the little girl that she met that day. Not mention the thousands of pictures of her holding Baby Lux. Could a baby be the next step for this couple? We don't know, but it must be on someone's brain.
I shook my head at the tabloid and put it back on the newspaper stand. Today was the boys' off day. Harry and I, along with Lux, were out in the town. There was security personnel of course. Harry hadn't asked how much I spent yesterday and I didn't feel the need to divulge that information. It would just have to be a surprise.
We were playing with Lux and enjoying the day. I had taken the little girl into my arms when Harry's phone began to ring. He pulled it out of his pocket and groaned. It must have been management.
"I'm sorry love we have to go back to the hotel," Harry announced.
I pouted, "Why? We're having so much fun." It was true. Being in the park with Lux was better than being cooped up in a hotel room.
"There's a magazine interviewer waiting on me," he answered sounding as sad as I was. He reached for my hand as we headed back to the car.
When we go into the hotel lobby Lou, One Direction's stylist, was passing by. "I didn't expect you guys to be back." She sounded surprised as I handed over Lux.
"Interview," Harry explained walking towards the elevator. Lou nodded her head and continued on her way. "This shouldn't take long," Harry informed me as I opened the room door.
"I know. It's just that I haven't had a lot of time with you." I sighed turning to face him.
He wrapped his arms around my waist, "We'll have the rest of the day," he promised.
I toyed with the collar of his shirt, "I hope so." I looked directly into his eyes. Mentally willing him to catch on to what I was saying.
His green eyes brightened, "Oh," he said before kissing me. I took a step back into the room and he followed never breaking the kiss. Things were getting heated quickly when I pulled away.
"You have an interview to go to" I reminded him.
Harry groaned, "Really?" he looked down and shook his head. "No more than thirty minutes and I'll be back."
"Mm hmm," I bite my bottom lip hiding my smile as he walked out of the room. I decided to shower. Afterwards I dressed in my Victoria's Secret pajama shorts and a black camisole. Katie stopped by unexpectedly as I finger combed through my wet hair.
"Oh my gosh we did it!" she nearly yelled.
I gasped, "You had sex with Niall?"
Katie shook her head rapidly, "No, no, no! We defined the relationship! We're dating officially!" She was panicked.
"Oh," I was disappointed as I sent a text message to Harry.
Me: It's so cold in this room. I need something to warm me up ;)
Katie folded her arms, "Why did your mind instantly go there? Oh my gosh did you and Harry just…"
I cut her off, "No. Don't ask. So how did his revelation come about?"
"Well, he was headed to the interview and said 'I hope this ends quick so I can go to lunch with my girlfriend'. I replied with 'Is that what I am?' and he said yeah."
"Wow, it only took a year." I teased. "Congrats kiddo welcome to the life of no privacy. Soon your followers will increase and your desire to tweet will decrease. Every little thing you do will be analyzed. Some will hate you and some will love you."
"You're being dramatic." Katie rolled her eyes as I got a Twitter notification.
1DLover24: I'm accepting Harry_Styles and JayQuin94 but I swear if they have a baby!
I held my phone up so that Katie could see the tweet. She took my phone to read it more carefully.
"You're having a baby?" she gasped.
"No," I snatched back the phone. "I'm just giving you an example of what it's like."
Katie sighed, "Well I remember what you went through, but we're keeping it low-key for now." She looked down at her iPhone. "Niall wants to grab lunch." She waved and walked out of the room. I waved back before going to sit on the bed and watch TV. Harry came into the room minutes later.
"Hey," I smiled crawling on my knees to the edge of the bed to give him a hug. "How was the interview?"
"It was an interview," he said before kissing me.
I pulled back, "It took an hour."
"Mm hmm," he was not in a talking kind of mood as he pulled me closer to him.
"Um, I'm not really feeling it anymore," I smiled politely and blinked rapidly. It was fun to mess with him.
Harry's eyes were smoldering. He gripped the top of my legs and smirked. "Tease," he muttered before lifting me so that I fell on my back on the bed.
"I hate when you do that," I huffed as he leaned down and kissed me. This time I didn't pull away. I was done with the teasing for now.