Curvature

By the time Grace and I got to the venue for the show it was 10:00 am. The boys would arrive around six, when the show was to begin. No matter how many shows I did or how many celebrities hair I've done, I still get a rush. Models were checking in along with my team of stylists. Terrance met us in the back dressing room.

"Hello Ms. Slate, I assume you went over the files?" He looked like he's had no sleep. No doubt due to being pulled in a million directions.

"Hi, yes I have. Actually I need to speak with the design team."

"I'm sorry, why?" He asked sounding a bit irritated.

"Look Terrance I know this isn't your fault, but if this is to be a successful show? I need to speak with the design team. Now." I felt bad for adding more stress on him.

"Maybe I can fix it. What can I do?" He sighed.

"You can get me the design team. Please." I added a smile.

He nodded and left, I'm guessing to cuss me out in his head and gather up the design team. Grace was briefing my team about the changes when suddenly the doors flew open. A woman came stomping directly towards me, suffice it to say she was mad.

"Who exactly do you think you are? Changing the show last minute! You are not God Ms. Slate, you go with what I give you and you take it with a smile." She said through her teeth. I just looked at her debating if I should knock her teeth in when Grace spoke up.

"Ma'am I'm not sure who you are and quite frankly I don't really care. What you should care about is this show, I'm sure your job hangs in the balance. If we go through with the designs you and your team came up with, it will be your last. Alana Slate is not called upon for mediocre jobs. She is however called when the job needs perfection. If Alana Slate says there is a flaw in your design, you don't question it, you don't disagree with it, you, ma'am as you say go with it and take it with a smile." The woman's mouth dropped open with eyes blazing.

"Now, her team has already been briefed about the necessary changes, please have a seat so I can also go over it with yours." Graces tone rang nothing but professionalism. And this is why I hired her. Fucking amazing.

After getting everyone on the same page it was time to get to work. Models started flowing in, and my team worked flawlessly. Grace delegating who goes where, who does what, answering the phone calls and making it look effortless. I walked over to each stylist mentally checking on their work. As I expected they were doing phenomenal. That was, up until I heard a commotion going on between one of the models and a stylist.

"Is it that hard to blow dry my hair?" She yelled.

"Ma'am if you could please keep still I'll be able to finish in a few minutes." My stylist Renny kept his cool.

"You don't even know how to use a damn brush! Do people like you even learn anything in school?" She scoffed.

"That's pathetic, you have to go to school to learn how to brush someone's fucking hair. Get a real job!" She got in Rennys face.

There is one thing you need to know about me. When you work for me, I will go to battle for you, I will put you before any client high or low profile. I will not stand for anyone on my team being spoken to like they are trash. I quickly walked over to them and motioned Renny to move away. The model now gave me dirty looks.

"So I take it you know how to use a brush?" She sat down in the chair. "Well get to it, I should've been done already." Full of attitude. I swung her chair around so that she was now facing me.

"Listen here...what's your name?" She opened her mouth to speak but I shook my head.

"No never mind it doesn't matter, at the rate you're going you won't last much longer in this field anyways."

"Excuse me?!" She screeched. I just held up my hand.

"You see when a person like you sits in chairs like ours, you sit still, you don't make rude comments, you don't sass and tell them to hurry up. Your job description entails you to sit there while the glam squad creates a masterpiece. Then you stand up and walk your happy ass down a runway. It's a straight line, it's not hard. You don't smile. You don't speak. You stand there hit a few poses and you walk back." Acid laced in every word.

"Who the fuck are you to tell..." "

No, no, adult speaking." I pointed at myself. "Do yourself a favor and shut it." The whole room had gone quiet.

"This part is just for clarification, seeing how you are incredibly misinformed or just plain dumb. Yes, we go to school to learn a majority of what we do here. We learn how to cut, color, chemically alter and style hair. We also learn proper techniques, safety precautions, for example, if you have an allergy to a product I'm using I would know ahead of time because I would perform a predisposition test. Do you know what that is?" She glares at me.

"Once again, it doesn't matter. Do you know the difference between a 20 volume developer and a 40 volume developer?" Silence.

"Do you know the difference between convex and beveled edge shears?" Nothing.

"Do you know the difference between a boar bristle brush and a synthetic brush?" Her eyes shot to the floor.

"I'm assuming that it's a no, for all of those question. Here's my point. You don't get to sit there and haggle my stylists. I've hand picked these individuals because they are the best at what they do. I am one of the best at what I do, I don't say that out of arrogance I say that because it's a fact. It's people like you that give models a bad rep. I suggest you get your shit together, reevaluate and come back to the table humbled. This is an Ives Saint Laurent showcase and one word from me will have you out on your ass quicker than you can stick a finger down that throat of yours." I don't break eye contact with her the entire time. I see tears on the verge of falling from her eyes.

"Like I said. Humble. You get in any stylists face again for doing their job, you better pray I don't find out." As I turn to walk away I forget to mention something.

"You wanted to know who I am?" She just stares at me.

"I'm Alana Slate." The lightbulb must have went off in her head because shock was the only expression I saw. As if on cue Grace began yelling orders and got everyone back on track.

"I'm going to have a smoke. I'll be back." I said to Grace.

She nodded and busied herself with the models sending them over to the clothing department. As I got outside, the cool air hit me and shocked my senses. It felt good and I welcomed it. I needed to calm down because it was taking everything in me to not go back in there a throw some punches.

My anger issues have really come to light lately, it hasn't been this bad since I was younger. Grant is the only one who really understands the extent of my anger issues, Jen and Bridgette know a little bit about it but it's not something I go around telling people. I needed to talk to someone...someone who could calm me down just by saying hello. I pulled out my phone and dialed the number. As it rang I realized how long it's been since I've seen him. It's only been a month, but from going from seeing him everyday to this? It's hard. It's basically torture.

"Hello?" The deep voice of familiarity spoke to me.

"Hey handsome!" I couldn't hide my excitement.

"Well now this is a nice surprise. How's my girl doing huh?" His excitement was enough to rid me of my anger.

"Oh you know, working. The usual." I sighed. "I miss you."

"I miss you too sweetheart. What happened?" Sincerity covered his voice. As I was about I speak I felt a lump in my throat.

"Come on, tell me what happened." He was always so good at reading me, he could decipher the tone in my voice and know what mood I was in.

"I feel it happening again. When I get mad...I just..I feel..." I choked out.

"Listen to me, that life is in the past. You've overcome that hurdle and you have control over it. Don't doubt yourself, you are stronger than you know." He's calm but his voice is powerful. The bass in his voice carries throughout me.

"Alana? Do you hear me? Don't give in to it." I feel tears falling down my cheeks.

That was such a dark time in my life. The rush I would get from it was like nothing I had ever done. Nothing like drugs or anything but then again that was like my 'drug of choice'.

"Yes" it came out as a whisper.

"Now now, that's not the Alana I know. You're not the soft spoken type. Let me hear it." He cooed. I cracked a smile at the truth he spoke.

"I won't give in." I raised my voice.

"Aha! There she is." He chuckled. "Alright, now wipe your face and grab a coffee. I'm sure you're busy so I'll let you get back to work." I laughed, he knew me too well.

"Ok I'll talk to you soon. I miss you." It was too quick of a conversation and I didn't want it to end.

"I miss you more. I'll see you soon ok? I love you sweetheart."

I could picture his smile, the smile that brought me out of the darkness. The one person who was single-handedly responsible for giving me life again. My backbone. The one who occupied a space in my heart that no one else could take.

"I love you too grandpa."


________________________


LIAMS POV

The show was quite amazing, the lads and I sat in the front row so we had a great view. I still haven't seen Alana since we arrived, Grace had informed us of a little incident that happened before the show and she just needed time to cool off. Zayn tried looking for her and calling her but no luck.

"Any luck yet?" I asked Grace as we made our way backstage.

"She's in an interview at the moment. She said you guys can go ahead to the after party. She's exhausted." Grace informed me.

"I see, well can you have her call me so I know she got back safe please?"

"Of course. Now go! Go have fun!" She shooed me away with a smile.

"See you later Grace." I met up with the lads at the car and I let them know that Alana wouldn't be joining us tonight.

"Hold on, where has Harry gone off to?" I asked them.

"He left when the show finished. Back to the hotel I think." Niall shrugged.

"Oh. Ok. Well that's one less person I need to keep my eye on tonight. Can we please just have a good time? Drinks, laughs..."

"Women! Don't forget the women Liam!" Louis loudly interrupted me and we all broke out in laughter.

"Yes yes women as well." I shook my head.

-----------------

Zayn and Louis were damn near belligerent when we got back to the hotel. Overall it was a a fun night out with the lads. Alana had texted me that she was back at the hotel and that she would see us for breakfast.

"Liam! There are three of you!" Zayn bursted out in laughter.

"Mate you're piss drunk." I patted Zayns shoulder.

"Probably. Blame this one right here." He pointed at Louis.

"Excuse me Zayn, do not blame meeee because you are incapable of holding your liquor." Louis failed attempt at sounding sober cause Niall to let out a loud laugh.

"You are just as if not more drunk then Zayn is!" Niall said between laughs.

I'm sure people could hear us through the elevator doors but this is the first time in a while that we all had this much fun. When we got to our floor I told Niall to make sure Louis got to his room and I would take Zayn.

"Goodnight Zayn!" Louis yelled

"Night Lou! Night Niall!" Zayn yelled back. Niall was laughing at our two drunk friends having a goodnight war.

"G'night Zayn." Niall waved.

"Night night Liam!" Louis yelled.

"Go to sleep Louis!" I shook my head.

"Not until I get a proper goodnight from you meany pants." Louis pouted.

"Goodnight Louis." I shook my head.

Niall finally managed to get Louis in his room. Zayn and I walked down towards his room. Well I walked, Zayn stumbled over his own feet.

"Hey! Alana is next door to me! I think we should say hi!" Zayn lunged at the door and began knocking.

"Alana! It's Zayn and Liam!"

"Zayn! It's three in the morning! She's probably sleeping!" I scold him.

"Oh shit."

Realization hit him. Too late. The door opened and there she stood. Half asleep, one eye closed adjusting to the light.

"Hey guys." Her voice full of rasp.

"Hi love!" Zayns face lit up when he saw her.

"Sorry, this one over here is pretty drunk and didn't realize the time." I gave her an apologetic look.

"Nah it's cool, did you guys have fun? Sorry I didn't make it out, I just wanted to rest." She yawned at the end.

"It was fun, but hey, we'll catch up in the morning. Go ahead and get back to rest." I felt bad that we woke her up.

There was some shuffling in the room like someone was getting out of bed. As soon as a body appeared I felt Zayn stiffen next to me.

Harry.

"Bloody hell! It's three in the morning who...oh hey mate how was the club?" Harry asked and stretched out his arms.

"It was good." Zayn spoke sounding completely sober.

"Well since I'm up I'll just head back to my room. Night boys." He said as he walked down the hall. "Alana no funny business, you've got an early morning!"

Zayn couldn't take his eyes off of Alana. I cleared my throat to break his eye contact but it didn't work.

"Right, well c'mon Zayn off to bed. Goodnight Alana, we'll see you at breakfast." I had to push Zayn in the doorway of his room.

"Ok, night you two." She smiled and closed the door. As soon as I got Zayn in his room he began pacing. His hands ran through his hair.

"He lied to me! I should have fucking knew it!" He spat through his teeth.

"What are you going on about mate?"

"Harry said he would leave her alone! But what do I expect, it's Harry. He'll do anything to get a girl." He let out a deep breath.

I know Harry. He would never hurt any of us, at least not on purpose. But when it comes to Alana, she's like the soft spot we all share. I had picked up that Zayn started to like her and his chances grew when Harry fucked up. Luckily it was only those two who saw her that way. I just saw her as a...best friend.

"Don't jump to conclusions mate. I'm sure they were just talking and fell asleep. They just got on good terms again. I highly doubt Alana would let him try anything."I was a little irritated that he would think Alana would just go and do that so quickly. He sighed and sat on the bed. I could tell it bothered him to see Alana and Harry like that.

"Mate, have you told her?"

"Told her what? That me and my best friend like her, but I told him to back off because he missed his chance so now it should be me instead of him. And on the plane he said he would give us a chance and leave it alone?" He sarcastically said.

"What?! You two are fighting over her!? Zayn that is not...you and Harry...shit." I had no idea what was going on between this newly found love triangle.

"You do realize your plan is shit. It's Alana who will be with who she wants. You two can't pick and choose between each other." I pinched the bridge of my nose.

"Has it even occurred to either of you that she might not want to be with you or Harry?" I wanted to scold both of them for this stupid agreement they had.

"Liam, have you seen me with anyone since Stella? Bring a girl home? Sure I'll talk to them at the bar or a party we go to but I haven't been with anyone since. If I'm going after Alana don't you think it has some meaning to it? Compared to Harry antics?"

Sure, Harry was a bit on the 'friendly' side with women. Zayn is more of a one woman man. I saw Zayns point.

"I really like her Liam. Will I fight for her? Yeah. I like how she makes me feel." He smirked at the thought of her.

"How about we get some sleep and we'll see how everyone's feeling in the morning. You should tell her. I think you really should. You never know she just might be too shy to tell you." I smiled.

"Yeah alright. I'll see you in the morning mate."

I had a feeling Zayn would get no sleep with the thoughts he had in his head. And with that I left Zayns room and headed to mine. Niall must have fell asleep in Louis room because it was empty. I changed into my shorts and a T-shirt and took a seat on the bed. Harry and Zayn will be the death of me. Of course they would fall for the same girl, there aren't enough complications in my life. I don't care how much they deny it, it shows when she's around.

"I need a smoke." I groaned and stood up, grabbed my pack and phone and went out to the balcony. As I was about to light my cigarette I saw a red light flicker on the balcony two rooms away. Who else would be up at this hour? The person pulled out their phone but the light was too dim for me to make out the face. My phone buzzed in my pocket.

Alana: are you up for some company with your BFF?

I looked up at the person smoking and now the light was on. She smiled.

Me: be right there.

Alana: doors open.

It was a bit cold outside and I'm sure we'll be out there for at least 3 cigarettes so I grabbed a jumper as well. I opened the door to her room and walked straight to the balcony.

"Hello there stranger." She purred.

"Stranger? I'm offended!" I fake cried.

"Oh shush and give me a hug." She threw her arms around me and squeezed particularly harder than I remember.

"I've missed you Liam." She said into my neck. "I feel like we haven't had a chance to hangout by ourselves in forever." I hugged her even tighter and kissed the top of her head.

"I know, I've missed you too." It's true we haven't really had a moment to ourselves. Especially with Zayn and Harry vying for her attention. We both let go of our hug sat down and lit our smokes.

"But you're here now. The BFFs are reunited! Well my guy best friend at least. Bridgette would literally cut me if she heard me say that." She giggled.

"Very true, but I have no problem telling her she has been relieved of duty." We both laughed.

Alana and I basically picked up where we left off. Talking about everything that has happened through out the day. She told me about how she wants to hook up Louis and Grace, of course I was in board for that. I told her that Niall had turned down a handful of girls at the club and how he had the biggest smile on his face when people asked if he was dating anyone.

She told me about her grandfather, and how he was pretty much the main man in her life. Of course she loved her brother and father but her grandfather was very special to her. She said the lads and I would meet him at the wedding. We ended up almost finishing her pack and I promised I would get her another.

"Ok, last one then it's off to bed for both of us." I gave her a stern look.

"Yeah yeah. Isn't that what we always say?" She teased.

"Well, is there anything else I've missed?" Her face looked slightly sad when I asked her that.

"What's wrong love?" She was quiet for a moment.

"Ok I need your opinion. Well more like a what if situation...ugh! I don't know I just need to..." She started getting flustered. "I don't know what to do."

"About what?"

She took a drag of her cigarette and bit down on her lip.

"Harry and Zayn."

Notes

Hi loves!

I know now it's been a while since my last update. Sorry about that. I've had a lot of things going on. But I'm back!

over 1500 views!!!! You guys are the best :)

thank you thank you for all of the love, once again you guys are amazing. I don't know how many more times I need to tell you that.

Let me know what you guys are thinking so far. Any predictions?

Hope your summer is going great!

xoxo


****dont forget to comment, vote and all that good stuff :)