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Run(a)Way S.T

Chapter 10

The doorbell rings an hour earlier than it should. I'm just out of the shower, so Zoe rushes to get it.
I hear her chat for a brief moment before shutting the door.
"Ellie! I don't know what your problem with Harry is- well I do but still I think he is a keeper," she bursts into my room holding up a wrapped up garment. I know it's a dress, one of our dresses.
"There is nothing to keep since we aren't a couple," I tell her, watching as she takes the dress out of the bag.
It is stunning. It's a light gold, long and amazing.
"Shit."
"What is it?" Zoe asks in concern as I reach for my phone.
"I can't wear this.. It’s the dress Mika is supposed to wear," I shake my head and dial Harry.
"Do you love it?" He questions once answering the phone.
"You know I do.. But Harry.. I cannot wear it.. It’s Mika's dress.. She's been talking about it for weeks."
"I know.. But Mika isn't coming after what happened yesterday and this dress needs to be seen so you're welcome."
I can hear the smirk in his voice.
"See you later," I say ending the call and glancing at the dress. I'm scared shit of Mika having my head for this, however... this is a lovely dress and it would be a shame if no one gets to see it at the gala.
The fit is perfect and Zoe smoothes out my hair and puts it up in a classic bun.
My makeup is light and my shoes flat since the gown is long enough to cover them. I thank god I'm tall enough to pull this off as the door rings once again.
As I walk to get it Zoe sprays perfume at me making me choke and my eyes water.
Harry is stood with flowers looking even more dashing then what he ever looked like if that is even possible.
"You look.." I start not knowing how to finish my sentence.
"Stunning? Yes you do.." He finishes it for me. He hands over the flowers without taking his eyes off me.
I feel slightly uncomfortable and yet flattered.
"Should we be off then?" I inquire and he flashes a heart throbbing smile.
He gives me an 'after you' gesture and I step out. The drive to the gala is quiet, each of us in our own world. When we near, Harry turns to me, placing a hand on my knee. I eye his hand before glancing at him.
"Ellie.. Getting out of the car is going to be insane.. Last night the peps got shots of us and everyone wants to know who you are.. So please.. Stay close to me at least until we get passed security."
I search his eyes and find honesty. I nod and the door by me opens.
"Ready.." Harry sighs.
He wasn't joking when he said it will be mad. Harry stays close, his arm around my waist holding me very close to him. The cameras flash and questions such as 'who am I?' And 'am I the new 'In style' model'?
We don't answer them, passing past security and into the gala grounds. I am sure Harry will let go and step away, responding to the fuss around him. Instead, he links his fingers with mine and leans close to whisper in my ear.
"Overwhelmed yet?"
I shake my head and offer him a smile. This is a different Harry. A friendly, caring one.. A keeper.
The gala is breath taking. The people, the dresses, the atmosphere. I can't help but smile, shaking hands with people Harry introduces me to. Famous women admire my dress and give me compliments, and famous men tell Harry how lucky he is to have such a fabulous looking girl by his side. No one asks who I am other than his date, not knowing I am only the graphic designer, the girl sat behind the stage and the computer with big glasses making sure the posters and catalogues are perfect for them. I feel like Cinderella and I can't help but enjoy myself.
When it's time to pose on the red carpet I intend to step back, giving Harry the floor. However, he holds on tight to my hand, not letting me step away. "I want you in the photos with me," He says into my ear.
"What's your date's name Harry?" They call out to us.
"Ellie.. Eleanor Clark," Harry calls back.
"Eleanor- are you Mika's replacement?" I am asked. I gasp, glancing up at Harry. If he doesn't address this they will reckon I am and a rumour will start.
"No- Mika is still the face of 'In style', Ellie is just my date," he smiles at the photographers.
"Now darling, Eleanor is not just anything," Anne suddenly joins us, touching Harry's arm.
"Eleanor is 'In Styles's graphic designer. She is the reason for the beautiful catalogues and ad signs, calling you in to shop," she smiles brightly.
We start walking to the big tent at the end of the carpet, accompanied by Anne.
"I'm glad this dress fits- when I found out Mika isn't coming and that you're Harry's date, I demanded for it to get fitted to your size- you look fabulous dear," she squeezes my hand. I let my eyes flicker to Harry scared of his reaction to his mum's flattery.
"I do agree mother," he winks at me and I can feel my cheeks warm.
"I'm thrilled you both are getting along- my two favourite people," she gushes. She is called then away and excuses herself.
"My mum loves you," Harry states, linking our arms together.
"I'm sorry, " the apology tumbles out of my mouth.
"What for?"
"For her going on about me instead of admiring you- you're the real show of this gala."
Harry chuckles.
"Did you not look yourself in the mirror today? No one will be looking at the fashion show as long as you are sat there."
My cheeks burn from embarrassment as we take our seats.
The show is beautiful with a few of our own pieces showing which is a big accomplishment.
I am sat between Harry and his mum which I find slightly uncomfortable since I feel he should be sat in the middle, but I let it slide since they both insist and the show is just too perfect to spend on deciding where to sit.
Once it is done we have a few more photos taken, and then it is time to go home.
"Eleanor it was lovely to see you out of the office dear," she kisses my cheek.
"Yes it is quiet nice," Harry agrees slightly mocking his mother.
"I'll see you both on Monday?" She says before giving Harry a kiss and heading towards her driver.
"Did you enjoy yourself then?" Harry questions as our own driver stops in front of us.
"Yes- it was beautiful.. Thank you Harry for taking me.. It means a lot to me," I offer him a smile.
"It does?" He asks softly.
"Of course! I like spending time with you when we are both calm and not fighting and bickering.. Your quite good company," I wink playfully, not wanting this to turn into another scoffing contest.
"Why you’re not that bad yourself," he pushes my shoulder slightly.
"So are you happy you asked me to come?" I am feeling rather brave and push to see what he might tell me this time.
"Asked you as my date? Yes.. I am," he replies honestly.
"So this was a real date then?" I watch him, raising my brow.
"What do you mean was? It still is.. I haven't said goodnight yet," he smiles playfully.
"So Mr. Styles what does a famous model as yourself do with his time off?"
"I search for fine young women to torment," he goofs.
"Come on hot shot.. Answer seriously," I demand.
"I'm teaching myself coding," he answers after a short silence.
"Like program? Computer programming?"
He nods.
"By yourself?" I'm quite amazed.
"Don't sound so shocked Clark... I have a teacher but I google a lot of things.. I like building phone applications," he adds.
"That is.. Inspiring," I remark.
"Are you impressed then?" He smirks proudly.
"Yes.. I am. You might not be such a spoiled brat after all," I laugh.
We stop outside my flat and Harry walks me to the door.
"Thank you again," I look up at him
"It was my pleasure."
Harry leans down to kiss my cheek.
"I'll talk to you tomorrow."
With that said he turns and gets back into the car which soon drives away.

I am woken up in the morning, my phone ringing. I groan as I reach out for it.
"Mmm.." is all I am able to speak.
"Good- you're up- be a dear and let me in please," Harry asks. I frown at my phone.
"Ellie- I don't like to wait.. Now please," He demands, and I push myself out of bed. What brings him to my flat so early in the morning?
"What are you doing here?" I question as I open the door. Harry walks in without answering, striding to the table and slamming something down on it.
"Is this you?" He inquires.
I pace over to him wondering what is going on.
On the table is a photo of a baby she is about 2 years old with a bow in her hair. One eye is blue while the other is green. My eyes.
"I- I don't know.." I stammer.
"How don't you know?"
"I was adopted at 4 years old.. I don't have baby photos.. How did you get this?" I stare at him.
Again he doesn't respond. Instead, he hands me a newspaper. It's old about 20 something years old.
'Princess Elena abducted from inside the Royal palace. Denmark is on lockdown'.
The same photo Harry just showed me is on the front page.
“What is this?” I am shocked and confused, not understanding what this poor little girl from Denmark has to do with me.
"Ellie- is that you? Can you be the abducted princess?"