Hate Love

We were back in London for the filming of the music video. Plus we had two more tracks to record giving our third album a growing total of seven tracks so far and we needed at least nine more. M.A.K.E had some choreography, courtesy of Dee, requiring us to rehearse for a week. Our dance scenes were being filmed first. We were getting ready for the first take. I was dressed in denim cut off high-waist shorts with a purple lace crop top. My hair was in its natural curled state and pulled into a ponytail with a curly bang hanging over my left eye. The theme of the video was summer. Ava sat in the black leather chair beside me wearing purple capris with a white v neck t-shirt and silver Supras. Her hair was wavy and parted in the center giving it a windblown look. Kaylee wore patterned shorts and a black camisole with hot pink high tops. Her hair was similar to Ava’s only it was straightened some. Erin wore faded knee knockers with a yellow tank and a lime green pair of Reeboks. Her hair was straightened and in a low side ponytail.
“Perfect,” Tanya commented as our stylist, Hannah Bowden, finished my make-up. “They’re ready for you on set.” We all nodded as she walked out of the room in her crisp beige high waist skirt and white button down blouse. Tony, the director, was talking to the crew when we walked out on the set. The video was to take place outside. We stood on a sidewalk in front of an old warehouse wall that had been painted with the groups’ logos.
“Alright ladies on my mark you’ll do the choreography. We’re going to film it from three different angles,” Tony informed us. We nodded once again and took our places.
“Take one,” one of the crew members marked the scene.
“Quiet on set,” another yelled out. Tony nodded and the music began. Ava and I were center. Erin was on Ava’s left and Kaylee on my right. We punched our arms downward at the left angle while bending our right leg behind us and then repeating the moves on the opposite side. We repeated the move about four times before clasping our hands and raising them above our head and snaking our hips right and left. Then came the fast body pop and the girls paused as I kicked up my left leg grabbing my ankle with my hand and bending to the right, thankful for ten years of gymnastics. The music stopped and we were panting slightly.
“Camera two,” Tony ordered. “Ready ladies?”
“Ready,” Erin called back. The music began again and we repeated the choreography. After the second take ended we were given a water break before the final take. “Gosh I am exhausted.”
Ava nodded, “Kaylee this choreography is a little difficult darling.”
Kaylee took a swig from her water bottle, “I don’t think it is. Dee worked really hard on it.” She defended naturally.
“I know my darn leg hurts,” I complained before taking a swig of water. Kaylee rolled her eyes in annoyance.
“Switch to the right one,” she suggested.
“It doesn’t go as high,” I countered.
“Does it come close to your shoulder?” Erin asked. I nodded, “That’ll do.” She turned to head back onto set.
“Alright, final take.” Tony announced. “Come on ladies make this one count.” As the music began Zayn came into view. He was standing behind the director’s chair with Liam and Niall. He was looking directly at me. I smirked to myself as we started the choreography. I made sure to put my all into it so it. When it came time for my kick I stuck to the left leg. Tony smiled broadly as the music ended. “Perfect,” he announced looking around. “Can we get the guys out here?”
“Thank goodness,” Kaylee huffed as we walked off set. We weren’t in this scene. As we went to the trailer we passed by Zayn, Liam, and Niall. Zayn looked back at me as he swaggered to the set. I ignored him and continued to talk to Erin. We were still friends, but distant ones. So distant we never even talked to each other. It was best that way. There was no chance of a repeat of what had happened before.
~~*~~
It was our last day of filming the music video. Today we were doing the individual and couple shots. Since Louis did a verse alone all four of us girls would be in a shot with him, but he also had a solo shot.
“I get all four of you lovely ladies,” he joked as we walked to set.
“I’ll happily trade places with you mate,” Harry offered.
Ava shook her head, “No, no, there will be no trading places.” Harry jokingly pouted. Ava winked back at him.
Tony’s short black hair was a mess, “Okay let’s shoot these last scenes and go home,” he sounded exhausted. We sat on the crates arranged casually in the massive parking lot. Louis took the center crate and we sat on either side of him. The music started and we pretended to be enjoying ourselves in an abandoned parking lot on a summer day. Erin found a small rock and threw it at Kaylee who nearly fell off her crate trying to dodge it which caused us all to laugh. Kaylee folded her arms in anger and huffed as the music stopped. She had been the victim of choice during majority of the video shoot. The day before Niall thought it would be hilarious to throw her in a pool. It was definitely not scripted, but Tony promised that it would make the final cut.
“That was good although the violence was not necessary,” Tony shook his head smiling at us. We had worked with him twice before.
“Are you alright?” Louis asked Kaylee as I toyed with the red varsity jacket with the white letter “Z” on it that our stylist thought would be fun for me to wear since I did my verse with Zayn. It was paired with faded skinny jeans and silver Supras.
“At least it was a rock and not a brick,” Kaylee answered. Harry tossed a brick during one of our short breaks and it missed Kaylee by a mere centimeter. She chased him down for at least five minutes.
“It could still be one,” Erin teased walking off set. The next scene was Ava and Harry. I decided to relax in the trailer until I was needed again. It was not worth it to watch them film.
“Bloody hell it is unusually hot,” Kaylee complained falling to the floor.
“We have been moving nonstop since we woke up,” Erin pointed out. Kaylee groaned from the floor.
“We’re almost finished though,” I reminded them as Ava walked into the trailer. Erin smiled and headed out. Her and Liam were up next and then came Niall and Kaylee. Finally it was my turn with Zayn. I frowned walking to the set as I realized I couldn’t ignore him for the next minutes. We were set up in front of the painted wall. Zayn was in jeans, white t-shirt, jean jacket and a black fedora. I stopped a comfortable distance away from him.
“Just have fun,” Tony waved his hands downward before nodding. When the music started Zayn reached for me playfully and I spun away ducking behind him. He looked around confused until I popped up, tapped his shoulder, and took his fedora. I danced away, slightly seductive, laughing as he watched out of the corner of his eye. The music stopped. “I didn’t like it,” Tony announced. “Let’s try again.” I sighed and walked back to my mark. What could I possibly do standing on a sidewalk in front of a wall with a guy that I had been avoiding at all costs? “Try teaching him how to dance or something,” Tony suggested.
“Okay,” I turned to Zayn and forced a smile.
“How do you do the hip thing?” he asked trying to do our signature hip roll. The music started as I showed him. He tried again, but I shook my head showing him once again. Zayn succeeded at failing. I face palmed and walked away waving my hands in defeat.
“Perfect,” Tony called, “That is a wrap.”
“Celebratory drinks!” Niall called. We chuckled.
Erin held up her hands, “How about a celebratory lunch?”
“That sounds a lot better,” Kaylee agreed. It looked like I would have to acknowledge Zayn Malik for a little while longer. We ended up at Nando’s. Somehow I managed to get placed between Ava and Zayn. We were all talking about everything. “These next few days off are much needed,” Kaylee sighed. Everyone agreed to that.
“I woke up this morning and didn’t know what day it was,” Erin admitted.
“I still don’t know,” I piped in. Zayn chuckled slinging his arm casually over my chair. Ava raised an eyebrow but said nothing. She didn’t miss a thing. We finished our food and left the restaurant parting ways. I drove the four of us back to our house. We had the rest of the day to relax.
~~*~~
It was late at night and I was sitting in the living room watching TV. There was a knock on the door. All of the girls were in their rooms. I went to the door cautiously. It was after nine o’clock. I didn’t know a lot of people in London outside of work. Therefore whoever was at the door was a complete mystery to me. A killer wouldn’t knock, right?
“Zayn what are you doing here?” I asked awkwardly standing in the doorway in my plaid pajama shorts and white camisole.
He shrugged, “Can I come in?” I stepped aside and let him in. He stood in the small foyer looking around. I walked back into the living room and he followed.
“So?” I pressed. He still hadn’t answered my question.
Zayn chuckled, “Aren’t we friends?” I nodded, “Well friends stop by to hang out sometimes.” He said as he grabbed the remote control. I shrugged and leaned back with my legs folded under me. Zayn continued flipping through channels. He stopped at a sports match.
“Oh no,” I said reaching for the remote. Zayn stashed it behind his back. I went for it but he grabbed my hands. “I’m not watching sports.” I huffed no longer able to physically change the channel.
“Okay we’ll watch something else,” he pulled out the remote and continued flipping through the channels. My cell phone lit up on the table and I grabbed it. It was Kaylee. She had heard the knock.
Kaylee: Is someone here?
Me: It’s just Zayn. We’re watching TV come join.
Kaylee: Sorry, but I have a song idea and need to work it out before I lose it.
I knew not to push her anymore. Kaylee rarely wrote songs and when she did it usually wasn’t shared. I groaned as I looked up from my phone. The TV was still on a sports channel. He had clearly taken advantage of my distraction.
“Malik,” I started reaching for the remote once again which was on his left.
“There’s nothing else on,” Zayn argued moving the remote further away. I chose to walk around rather than crawling over his lap, but he grabbed my waist and pulled me down on his lap. We were skin to skin.
“Change the channel,” I ordered trying to not be bothered by our seating arrangement.
He shook his head, “No.” His hands were still on my waist and his grip tightened. I started to speak, but his lips came crashing down on mine. I pulled away immediately appalled. Shock colored my features.
“You have a girlfriend,” I reminded him angrily. My attempt to break out of his grip and stand was futile. He did not let go.
“We broke up,” he informed me as if that was supposed to change my mind. I tried to scoot away, but his grip was like steel. I looked up and he kissed me again. This time I didn’t pull away. I gave in. It was hard not to as his hands held me precisely and he moved so that I was lying on the couch with him hovering over me. Our kisses intensified within seconds. When we broke apart for air my chest rose and fell rapidly. “Maybe we should...” Zayn trailed off as I nodded. He stood up pulling me up with him. Quietly we made our way to the stairs with me holding onto his hand pulling him along. Once we got inside of my bedroom Zayn’s lips found mine again as he pushed me against the door effectively closing it. His lips found my neck as my hands tangled themselves in his hair. He bent down grabbing my legs and lifting me up. With my legs wrapped around his waist he made his way to my bed. We broke apart again as my head hit the pillow. Zayn pulled his shirt off never breaking eye contact with me. I kicked back the covers as he climbed on top. Our lips finding each other briefly until he went back to my sweet spot. His hands trailed down my body reaching my shorts and smoothly untying them. Just like that they were off. My hands traveled along his bare back as he deepened the kiss.
I pulled away, “Your pants are getting in the way.” My voice was lust filled.
Zayn smiled mischievously, “I was thinking the same about your shirt.” I shrugged nonchalantly boldly pulling off the shirt as he lost his pants. He looked down at me and his eyes darkened.
~~*~~
I woke up the next morning to soft lips kissing my forehead. My eyes fluttered open. Zayn was looking down at me fully dressed. I wasn’t even aware that he had woken up or gotten out of bed.
“I have to go,” he spoke softly. I sat up in a haze and pushed back the covers. “Go back to sleep,” he chuckled.
I shook my head, “I’m good. I have to lock the door after you leave.” Quickly I put on my pajama shorts and walked with him to the door. There was a slight chill outside when he opened the door.
“See you later,” he gave me a quick peck before leaving. I closed the door and turned to find Ava standing in her pajamas staring at me with wide eyes.
“Crap,” I muttered trying to walk past her.
“Why did Zayn Malik just leave our house at eight in the morning?” Ava asked.
“He came last night, we watched TV and he fell asleep.” I responded with the half-truth. Technically it wasn’t a lie. There was some sleeping.
Ava followed me into the kitchen, “And the kiss?” I ignored her pouring myself a glass of orange juice. “Melanie, are you sleeping with him?” she demanded loudly as Erin entered the kitchen.
“Whoa,” Erin stopped in the entrance. I slammed the glass on the counter and turned to lean in the corner with folded arms.
“Well are you?” Ava pressed waiting on an explanation.
“Maybe,” I answered pitifully. Suddenly last night seemed like a really bad idea even if he was single.
“Mel he has a girlfriend!” Ava boomed clearly disappointed.
I unfolded my arms and stood straight placing my hands on my hips, “They broke up.”
“Who are you two talking about?” Erin was confused. She had come in halfway through the conversation and only picked up bits and pieces.
Ava threw up her hands in exasperation, “Zayn and Perrie will be back together by the end of the day. We learned that earlier.”
“Oh my gosh,” Erin gasped. “Mel, you slept with Zayn?” She looked at me directly, “You slept with Zayn Malik.” She pressed.
I rolled my eyes, “I really don’t have to explain myself to either of you.” I walked out of the kitchen stubbornly.
“Mel,” Erin called after me, but I ignored her. I stormed up the stairs and went straight into the bathroom. I needed a shower so I could get out of here. My secret was out.
~~*~~
That day Zayn and I went to the town center. Shopping typically helped ease my mind. We had lunch and were recognized by a few fans who either asked for a picture, autograph or both. We spent a lot of time together for the next week. Ava made her disapproval known, but I ignored her. Erin didn’t say anything and Kaylee was unaware. Tanya called us into the office Friday. The car ride was tense since I was sitting in the backseat with Ava. Tanya was waiting for us when we entered the building. She smiled and led us to the conference room. When all four of us had taken a seat Tanya got down to business.
“You have an opportunity to cover a magazine,” she announced.
“Wow, which one?” Erin asked automatically.
“Teen Vogue,” Tanya answered. “They would like to do individual covers of each of you and a joint cover.”
“Why do I feel like there’s a catch?” Kaylee asked.
Tanya smirked, “The shoot would be done with One Direction if you agree to it.”
Ava folded her arms, “It seems like we’re linking ourselves with them a lot these days.” She eyed me momentarily.
“I think it’s a good idea,” Kaylee spoke up.
“Me too,” Erin added.
“Sure, let’s do it,” Ava agreed solemnly. The attention turned to me. Tanya looked at me expectantly.
“Melanie what do you think about a photo shoot with One Direction?” her voice was pointed.
I leaned forward and smiled, “Sounds like fun.”
“Great. The shoot is next week.” Tanya dismissed us. Erin and Kaylee were excitedly talking about the shoot. Ava walked in front with folded arms. She wouldn’t even look at me. It was like we had never been friends.
~~*~~
The four of us were gathered around Ava's laptop looking a leak track of ours that wasn't ever supposed to make it into the light. It was definitely a stretch from our usual sound and had been composed by a friend of Kaylee's who wanted to test his legs at songwriting. Somehow it had been posted on the internet and was now causing mass chaos.
“One big room full of bad bitches. One, one big room full of bad bitches. One, one big room full of bad full of bad-” Kaylee's voice was heard singing along with a picture of her pointing down with a rather conceited looking expression it was taken from one of our performances. A fan had created on a video of the song and posted it on YouTube.
“And we're stunting like Gucci Gucci, Fendi Fendi, Prada. Other bitches wear that shit so I don't even bother. Gucci Gucci, Fendi Fendi, Prada. Other bitches wear that shit so I don't even bother. I put that on my partner. I put that on my family. London town I represent now address as your majesty.” Ava's voice was heard next with a picture of her from her birthday wearing a tiara. She groaned.
“Yeah you can kiss the ring, but you'll never touch the crown. Only smoking joint, no blunts, and now you're never coming down. You ain't no Barbie.” My voice was heard and of course the picture was not flattering. I was sitting with an old friend of mine with lowered eyes and smoke was around us. No, we weren't high, but we had been smoking and it was obvious.
“Bitch you at Arby's.” Erin's voice cut in, but a picture of her wasn't shown.
“Number two, super-sized.” My voiced sounded again.
“Hurry up I'm starving.” Erin was heard again.
“Narly,” we harmonized.
“Radical, on the block I'm magical.” We heard Kaylee's voice once again and her accent was stronger than ever.
This time a picture of Erin appeared. She was holding an alcoholic drink looking less than impressed. “See me on my fucker shit. Call me missus adderall. Call me if you need a fix. Call me if you need a boost. See them other chicken heads and they don't ever leave the coup.”
“I'm in the coup cruising. I got them stolen plates. I came to make them stay. They run back to the States.” Another picture of Kaylee was shown which may have been worse than the first. “I'm colder than a fridge and a freezer.”
“And now I'm coming for your geezers.” The picture transformed into one of Ava from a photo shoot where she was pointing forward and quickly transformed back into Kaylee as she repeated her earlier part.
“One big room full of bad bitches. One, one big room full of bad bitches. One, one big room full of bad bitches. One, one, big room full of bad, full of bad-” The chorus Ava and Erin sang together while Kaylee and I harmonized softly.
“One, one. One big. One, one. One, one. One big. One, one.” Kaylee sang and then I ended the song.
“One big room full of bad bitches. One, one big room full of bad bitches. One, one big room full of bad bitches. One, one big room full of bad bitches. One. One big room.”
“What are they saying about the song?” I asked as Erin scrolled down on one of many blog sites talking about the song.
“Is M.A.K.E too cocky for their own good?” She read, “Overnight a song titled 'Gucci Gucci' was leaked. Although the beat is slow and soothing the lyrics are not as the girls proceed to brag about how they are quote bad bitches. They even go so far as to call themselves royalty and reference various illegal activities in an attempt to make them cool. Although the arrogant look is flattering for everyone else a combination of their typical ‘cut-a-bitch’ expressions in photo shoots and this completely conceited song may be their downfall. Tell us what you think.”
Kaylee threw her hands up, “We didn’t even write the song!” It was true but none of that mattered. Majority of the articles were the same except for the few that applauded us for realizing our “true worth”. Some even thought we were trying to crossover and reach a different audience. A famous rapper tweeted about playing the song repeat and wanting to be on the remix. Needless to say it was a mess and Tanya’s damage control was not very effective.
@MAKEfangirl: Why is everyone giving @MAKEOfficial heat for #GucciGucci ? Nicki Minaj does the same thing every day.
@LittleMixLov3r: “Address me as your majesty” um I think not. @LittleMixOffic is much more talented than @MAKEOfficial and they're actually music royalty.
@Hear_My_Music: To be honest I’m proud of @MAKEOfficial. They ARE the best in this music scene. Stop hating!
@TwitterNameHere: @MAKEOfficial wow #GucciGucci got me feeling some type of way.
@letusSING: Can we stop hating @MAKEOfficial long enough to appreciate Kay'Mel harmonizing???
I sighed exiting out of the Twitter app as the girls continued to look at the media response. One thing was for certain; this was going to be a long day.

Notes

I may post a list of all the songs I use in this story... Just ask if you want me to!