THREE

“Fine.” Harry said stiffly, “I’ll do Niall. He’s looking at us right now.” I watched Harry concentrate on Niall. I even glanced over to see the blonde looking at both of us. Harry then chuckled, “He’s jealous. He’s jealous that I’m dancing with you right now.”

“What?” I questioned, turning and looking at Niall. He did look a little uncomfortable but I would have never thought that he was feeling like that because I’m dancing with Harry. I shook my head, “You’re just making that up.” I said to Harry.

“I wish I was.” Harry winked, pulling me closer to his body, “This song is almost over, love. Are we going to dance like crazy during the next one or?”

A quiet smile appeared on my face… I have to admit that I really want to continue to dance with Harry. I definitely would but I think my brother would get suspicious if I continued to do so. I shrugged my shoulders at Harry, “I don’t know if we are going to dance during the next song.” I smirked.

“Don’t tease me, Gia.” His deep voice said. I could hear the rugged tone in his voice and it sounded like a deep purr to me in my ear. I closed my eyes at his words then opened them a few moments later.

“I think you have to buy me another drink before we dance again.” I suggested, keeping my hand down on his bicep. It may seem like I just wanted to touch him to Harry but my hand was there to make sure he didn’t pull me to his body again.

“The drinks here are free.” He said, raising an eyebrow, “But I’ll go fetch you one. Stay here.”

I turned away from my spot just after Harry left. I could see Ed and some of my friends dancing in the corner of the room and I made my way over there, shielding myself from the bar. Ed smiled to me, “Enjoying your party?” He asked.

“It’s so great!” I shrieked, thanking and hugging him for the millionth time, “But it’s almost three in the morning, Ed. People should start leaving soon.”

“I know right?” He smiled, “It’s ok though, I’ve already seen the crowd start to dim down. I suspect that most of these people will be gone within the half hour, don’t worry. If not, I’ll kick them out. We will probably stay until morning, though?”

“Probably. I haven’t even gone in the pool yet. And don’t think I’m skipping out on that.” I waged my finger at him then spun away, walking right into two drinks that Harry was holding.

They didn’t spill, although they dribbled a little bit on the ground. Harry offered me the more full one and I accepted it with a small smile. I took a sip and Harry did the same, “Do you like it? I made it myself.” He winked at me.

“Yeah, it’s really good.” I shouted over the blaring music. I started to sway my hip with my drink in my hand but then the music stopped suddenly. There was Ed’s voice shadowing throughout the lounge. I spotted him across the room, standing on a coffee table.

“Hello everyone.” He smiled, “You know why we are all here today…” Some people clapped, and Harry shifted to put his arm around my shoulder. I couldn’t help but notice that the very same time he did this, was the exact time that people were starting to look for me throughout the room, “My baby sister is finally turning eighteen!” Ed cheered. There were claps throughout the whole room and I smiled to everyone, waving and blowing kisses to specific people.

Ed continued, “So, it’s not a birthday party without a first dance.” At this point, everyone cleared the dance floor and I was standing there with Harry still. Ed laughed, “I was going to participate in the first dance with you but I guess Harry has stepped up to do so.”

As soon as he said this, Harry took my drink from my hand and walked to the outer edge of the circle of people. He handed them both of our drinks then came back to me. He held out a hand and I reluctantly took it. I was pulled to his body gently, my stomach firmly pressed against his. I couldn’t help but feel a firm stomach that was sure to have abs and muscles decorating it.

The music started again and Harry started to lead me in our dance. I smiled, looking down at the ground between us. One of my hands was pressed against his, my other one was hooked around his shoulder. Harry’s other hand was resting on my lower back but he moved it to hook a finger underneath my chin, lifting it and then putting it back.

I smiled at him… I can’t believe that I’m turning eighteen… I mean, I’m legal now! And to make matters even more surprising and amazing, I’m at this incredibly expensive lounge for my party and then to top things off I’m having my first dance with one of the most famous boys in the world, Harry fucking Styles, and I didn’t even ask him to dance, he practically forced me.

“Thanks.” I smiled to him, my voice hush so anyone else around us couldn’t tell what I was saying to him.

“For what?” He responded, also keeping his voice just above a whisper.

“You seem like you’re actually trying to make my birthday worthwhile… not just dropping off a card, drinking, and leaving.” I laughed at the last party of my sentence because it made him laugh as well.

“Ed seems like he’s doing a lot.”

“Oh, I know.” I smiled, “I’m going to have to do something big for his next big birthday! Maybe you can help me decide, it’s only a few months away you know. It’s just that I haven’t even seen my two best friends tonight… I thought for sure they would want to be with me tonight but I guess not.”

“They are here somewhere, probably watching you right now.” Harry shrugged, “Besides, that means I can have more of you to myself. You really do look pretty tonight… I can’t believe that you’re Ed’s sister. Why did he have to get the ugly genes?”

I laughed, “Ed just needs to brush his hair a little bit more and I think he will be fine.”

“True.” Harry grinned, “I’ve been trying to get him to take a shower for weeks now.” He was kidding of course, teasing me about my brother. I giggled and was about to respond with something but I didn’t get the chance, others had joined the dance floor. Ed first with some girl as his partner and my cousin second with her boyfriend.

I watched as Wendy and Casey found boys to take them on the dance floor as well. Now there were couples gathering all around my Harry and I, swaying to the beat as well. I smiled at him for probably the millionth time this evening and he winked back at me.

My head turned to the left to see Ed standing there, holding out his hand. I nodded, squeezing Harry’s before letting go and going to my brother. I took his hand and started dancing with him. Harry took over Ed’s previous partner and was dancing somewhere around us.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” Ed asked me.

“I can’t thank you enough. You’re the best brother a girl can have!” I smiled, hugging him. Then I was tapped on the shoulder. I turned to see Liam standing there, his partner standing next to him, he took my hand from Ed’s spinning me into his chest. Ed took over his partner as well. I can’t help but get dizzy… I’ve already had three partners in forty five seconds. For some reason I don’t expect to be dancing with Liam for very long.

My hand gently pressed down on Liam’s as he took my waist in his other hand. He smiled at me, “Are you enjoying yourself with Harry?”

“He’s nice.” I shrugged.

“I think he likes you.” Liam said, raising one eyebrow, “He’s even watching us right now.”

I spun my head to the right to find Harry dancing with some girl, but still looking on at Liam and I. When we made eye contact, he winked, then looked down at his partner, whispering something in her ear very seductively. I shook my head turning back to Liam, “He’s weird though.”

This made Liam burst out laughing, “You’ve got that right. But he can be a sweet guy if you’re the right person. I worry about him sometimes because he gets a lot of girls. Whenever he has his eye on someone the lads and I have to wonder whether he actually feels something for the person or is just looking to enjoy them for one night only.”

“Looks like someone else wants to dance with you.” Liam cooed, leaning his head towards Zayn. He started walking over, a girl on his arm for Liam. We traded dance partners and soon I was held against probably the hottest boy I’ve ever seen. Zayn smelled so inviting and his skin shade made me want to swoon.

“I wanted to dance with the birthday girl.” He justified, smiling down at me.

I grinned, “Well here I am.”

“Well here you are.” He repeated, smiling down at me again, “Are you enjoying your party? I’m sorry that we haven’t gotten the chance to talk more, you seem pretty nice and all. I love Ed.”

“I love him too.” I laughed, “But thank you. You seem pretty down to earth as well.” I paused then smirked, “Actually, it seems like all of you boys are pretty down to earth. None of you really come off as the self-absorbed pop-star.”

“We try to stay like that.” Zayn shrugged, “Ed’s doing a pretty good job himself. I’ve seen so many celebrities turn into real jerks but he seems to be steady and strong to his personality.”

“I’d kill him if he turned into a jerk.” I laughed, “I wouldn’t let him get like that.”

“I knew I liked you.” Zayn smiled, “Alright. I guess there’s one last person who wants to dance with you before it’s cake and presents time. Gosh, it sounded so weird to say cake and presents.” He laughed as an afterthought. I separated myself from Zayn before turning around.

What I saw was the little Irish blonde boy standing there in front of me. Well, I guess I shouldn’t call him little because he actually towers over me a bit. His personality just makes him seem so cute and little. He reached his hand out and I took it, stepping close to his body. For the last four dances, I’ve been pulled to my partners’ bodies but this time I took it upon myself to pull Niall to me. Why?

“Hi Gia.” He smiled. His teeth were perfect and his smile was beautifully curved on his lips. His eyes lit up when he smiled slightly, then I watched it fade.

I realized his smile faded when I didn’t respond. I was too busy staring at his face. I shook my head, giggling, “Oh, sorry. Hey Niall.”

“Have you decided if you were going to move into the city? Ed said you were thinking about it.” He said, staring up the conversation between us.

“I was thinking about renting a place for the summer with my friends, if that’s what you mean. And I think it’s going to happen. I just don’t know what I would do because all my friends are still in the suburbs.” I shrugged, giving him a half smile.

“Don’t worry about finding something to do… Harry will probably scoop you up if you live in the city. I think it would be fun… the boys and I could get to know you better before our next tour.”

“Yeah, I guess. I really would like to know you guys better. I just don’t really get how I’m just meeting you now… hasn’t Ed been your friend for years.”

“Yes… but he didn’t tell us about you, Gia. We had never been to his family’s house before yesterday… are you out of school already?”

“Yeah, I had final exams two weeks ago. I’m off the hook for summer.” I smiled, leaning my head into him, “Summer fun is about to begin!”

“Oh yeah?” He laughed, “Well then I hope the boys and I have something to do with the summer fun.” He winked, stepping his body closer to mine. I watched him smile again before looking down at the ground, “Hey so are you going to go in the pool later? It’s already four in the morning.”

I looked around the room and was confused to find that almost everyone had left. There were just a few close friends of mine around the large lounge but it was basically empty now. I shrugged, “Now that everyone is gone I think I’m going to go in right now. Want to come?” I asked him before breaking off. When I stepped away from Niall I also realized that we were the last couple dancing. There was no one else on the dance floor and I hadn’t even noticed… and I don’t think Niall did either.

Harry was talking to Louis in the corner, looking angry. Was he mad that I danced with Niall for so long? I shook my head and then turned to Niall again, “Let’s go.” He said, offering his arm to mine.

***
After fetching my bikini from my bag, I went into the only vacant dressing room. I stepped out of my dress and pulled my bikini on my body. After checking that I was all good, I pulled my white cover up dress on and walked out of the dressing room. I found that Ed had changed into his swim suit as well as Zayn. They were sitting on the edge of the pool, dipping their feet in the water.

“I’m going all the way in, boys.” I teased, pulling my cover up off. Then I slipped into the water quickly. I smiled, grabbing the edge of the pool so my head wouldn’t slip under the water just yet. It was cool water but refreshing at the same time. I smiled when I looked up to find Niall in his swim suit. He was walking towards Ed, Zayn and I, holding two drinks. Zayn reached up to grab one of the drinks but Niall tutted, “Ah, ah. That’s not for you. It’s for the birthday girl.” He smiled, handing me the glass.

Zayn slouched, “Why didn’t you get us drinks?!”

“I only have two hands, Zayn.” Niall teased, before slipping in the water, making an effort to keep his drink above the water. I turned my back to the boys, leaning on the side of the pool and sipping on my drink. I was definitely drunk earlier during the night but now getting in the cool water sobered me up almost all the way.

“Ed, when are we leaving?” I asked, “I’m getting a little tired.”

“You should be,” Zayn laughed, “It’s four in the morning!”

“That’s true.” I smiled, “Ed?”

“Half hour? I want to swim around some more.” He then slipped in the water, his hair falling under the water as well. I put my drink on the side of the pool deck and turned to Niall who was just finishing his last sip.

“I’m going under.” I grinned, shrugging. Then I counted to three and let my head slip under the water. It was cool and calming, and I gulped for air when I came back up, keeping a hold on side of the pool… I’m not the best swimmer so I usually stay within reaching distance of the side.

“Come by the water fall, Gia.” Ed insisted, swimming towards the deeper end of the pool. I widened my eyes and shook my head politely. It’s too embarrassing to say that I’m not the best swimmer. Zayn got out of the pool and walked along the pool deck to the water fall, sitting down on the edge and dangling his feet in the water… Can Zayn swim? I want to ask him but I was interrupted.

Niall swam over to me, treading water in front of me, “Can you not swim?” He asked.

“No.” I said defensively, “I can swim; I just am not the best at treading water, that’s all. It alright, Niall. Go swim under the water fall. You don’t have to sit here with me.”

“I want you to go.” Niall said, swimming a little bit closer to me, “It is your birthday, Gia, you should be included. Come on, I’ll help you over there.” He insisted, reaching out a hand to me across the top of the water. I took his hand and Niall pulled me towards his body. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders as he started to swim towards the water fall. I couldn’t be happier right now… it looks like Niall is just swimming with me over there… not like I can’t swim.

When we got to the water fall, I let my arms slip down from Niall’s neck, resting them on the top of his chest, by his perfect collarbones, just as Zayn and Ed started splashing us with the water. Niall kept me above water by keeping his hands around my waist. I leaned to the side, splashing back at the two boys, “Quit it!” I giggled, shielding my eyes from the flying water by spinning into Niall.

I threw a handful of water at Ed and he got splashed in the eyes. Zayn pretended that Ed was dying, “Oh god, not you! Don’t leave me Ed!” He cried, grabbing onto Ed’s shoulders.

“Ahhh! Slayed by my own sister!” Ed complained before dramatically falling into the water. Zayn stayed on the edge, faking a cry for help as Ed sank to the bottom of the pool. Niall and I were cracking up. I leaned my head on Niall’s shoulder and kept laughing, somewhat into his neck.

I hadn’t even stopped laughing before Harry ran up to the side of the pool. He had taken off his suit jacket and was dressed in just his white button down shirt and pants. He looked between Niall and I for a moment or two then shook his head, “It’s time for cake, Gia! Hand her over, Niall.” He said.

Niall shrugged, swimming to the side of the pool while I held onto him from around the neck. When we reached the side of the pool, Harry leaned his hand down and I took it, letting him pull me out of the water. I smiled at him, letting him lead me over to the dressing room. Harry stood outside the door while I rang out my hair on the floor and changed quickly. When I was finished, I was wearing a light blue sun dress. It was short, cutting off at the top of my thighs, but it’s ok because I still had my bikini bottoms on.

Harry led me over to the cluster of couches. They were moved into an intimate circle with a coffee table in the center. My cake was set out there with my name written on it in strawberry dribble. I giggled, “Oh! Is that a strawberry cake?” When Ed nodded, I clapped my hands, “Well get to singing. This better be a good one since all of you guys are professionals.”

This earned a laugh from the non-famous people in the room, but some of the lads from and band and Ed cleared their throat to get ready.

Happy Birthday to you

Ed was the loudest at first, adding a change of notes in a chilling tune at the end of “you”.

Happy Birthday to you

I heard Liam’s voice take over, the deep but just right tone voicing above the others. It was strong and steady… he didn’t add too many fancy things which I sort of liked. It was beautiful, plain and simple.

Happy Birthday to Gia

My eyes widened as Niall’s Irish voice rose. His unique tone added many dimensions to the song and my heart. I felt it pick up pace as he smiled at me while he sang.

Happy Birthday to youuu

Then I found a certain curly haired boy’s cute face in front of mine. He plopped down next to me just as the last line was being sung from the lads and the surrounding people. He pressed his hand on his heart and belted the last of the words, singing directly into my eyes. I found myself staring back at him with a smile on my face, not noticing when all of the lads stopped singing. Harry was the only one left, still hanging onto the last note of the last lyric. When he was finished, I felt like my face was miles away from his but in reality, it was right in front of him.

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