Always
Rehearsals – Week 3: Part 2
Harry’s POV
Thursday, 6th October
Her long caramel-coloured hair, which was pulled back in a ponytail, shone in the light as she walked closer in my direction. Her clothes flattered her figure and her chocolate brown eyes glittered, making my breathing pattern become uneven. She stepped past the black curtain that I was concealed behind and right then, I spoke, or rather, sung, two words.
“Hey, angel…”
Kaylie looked right at me but she couldn’t see me because I was standing in the dark. Her eyebrows furrowed over her eyes, a confused expression on her face. I smiled and shot my arm out, grabbed her wrist with my hand and pulled her into the dark with me. Kaylie squealed and was just about to ask me a question but I didn’t let her finish, locking my mouth to hers.
I felt her dissolve into my kiss. I fastened my arms around her waist while her arms looped around my neck. I crushed her against my body and cherished the cherry taste of her smooth lips. I could never get enough of her and it was clear to me that she could never get enough of me either. I smiled when she slightly moaned as she broke the kiss. Kaylie stared up at me in the dark, the minimal light casting shadows over her fair face. She was so beautiful and she still didn’t believe it, no matter how many times I told her that she was. Every time I saw her, my feelings for her deepened, straight from my heart. I had fallen so hard for Kaylie and it excited me. But is it love?
“You know, I listened to Hey Angel on the tube ride here.” Kaylie told me.
“It’s perfect for you, Kaylie.” I said softly, pressing my lips to the corner of her mouth. When I looked back on it, I realised that Hey Angel had always been for Kaylie. The way I sung the chorus, it had always been for her and I hadn’t known that until now. The song was meant for her and fitted her in the most perfect way. It brought a smile to my face that one of our songs related to my angel so well.
“What is it with you grabbing me when I least expect it? First, you pulling me into your dressing room and now, this?” Kaylie smiled up at me. I stroked her waist with my hands when I answered her.
“Because I can’t start the day without kissing you and I can’t do that with people around.”
“You, Harry Styles, are one desperate man.” My angel laughed sweetly and placed her delicate hands on my chest. Her tender touch seeped through my T-shirt, into my skin to where my beating heart resided. This is where I belonged. Standing with Kaylie, just the two of us together.
I smiled at the memory as I waited for my angel to arrive. She had a morning rehearsal today because she had school in the afternoon. It felt wonderful to be back with Kaylie, after the misinterpreted incident with Melody. I remembered what transpired on Monday afternoon. I had waited from Sunday night to Monday morning for Kaylie to call me but she never did. It had cracked my heart that hers had been broken. I had never wanted to hurt and I never wished to ever hurt her. So I had decided to make things right and I drove to her house, wondering if she would forgive me. After 15 long anxious minutes, I couldn’t handle the silence between us any longer and I had called her.
To hear her voice again…it had felt so fine. To see her face in her bedroom window…it had made me happy. To see her standing on the stairs, waiting for me…it had made butterflies come alive in my stomach again. Her smooth small hand in my slender larger one had made my heart soar. When she had been in my arms again, my whole being was lifted up into the clouds. To have her lips on mine again, have her hands in my hair and her legs locked around me, it had felt like Kaylie and I had always meant to be. I was ecstatic that she was mine again and this time, I would never ever let her go. My angel would never fly away from me. She would remain with me for as long as possible.
I sat on the piano seat, the keys just waiting to be played. I placed the sheets of the Hello lyrics on top of the piano and adjusted the rings on my fingers, stretching my hands out. I knew how to play the piano but I wouldn’t say I was amazing at it. I could only play a couple of things but those were enough to entertain my friends and family. I was alone in the auditorium so I took the opportunity to play something, just on my own. Something that reminded me of my angel. My fingers hit the piano keys and a slow romantic tune echoed as I opened my mouth to sing.
“Your hand fits in mine like it’s made just for me
But bear this mind it was meant to be.
And I’m joining up the dots with the freckles on your cheeks
And it all makes sense to me.
I know you’ve never loved the crinkles by your eyes when you smile.
You’ve never loved your stomach or your thighs.
The dimples in your back at the bottom of your spine
But I’ll love them endlessly.”
Each lyric resonated with me and my feelings for Kaylie perfectly. Her small hand in mine felt so right. She had insecurities about her looks but I constantly reminded her that she was beautiful to me, inside and out. The beauty of her heart extended out to her exterior, making her glow from the inside. I looked ahead to the side of the stage as I sang the chorus.
“I won’t let these little things slip out of my mouth.
But if I do, it’s you, oh, it’s you, they add up to.
I’m in love with you and all these little things.”
I loved every little thing about Kaylie, from the sparkle in her eyes to the flash of her cute smile. From the way her cheeks flushed whenever I gave her a compliment to the way she bit her bottom lip when she flirted with me cheekily. Every little thing was for me to smile at and treasure forever.
I had just stopped playing when another voice began to sing the second verse. It was a voice I was all too familiar. I thought I had imagined it but when I looked at the door into the auditorium, I realised the voice was real. It was Kaylie’s voice. She stood at the bottom of the stage, smiling at me. She was early, at least 20 minutes early. But I didn’t care. It meant I had more time with her. Kaylie walked up onto the stage and continued to sing while I resumed playing the piano.
“You can’t go to bed without a cup of tea.
Maybe that’s the reason that you talk in your sleep.
And all those conversations are the secrets that I keep.
Though it makes no sense to me.”
I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She took my breath away once again today, even just in casual clothes (http://www.polyvore.com/kaylie_rehearsals_week_part/set?id=209477233). She smiled at me as she dropped her handbag on the floor and rested her forearms on the piano, leaning forwards to me. I grinned back when it was my turn to sing my part.
“I know you’ve never loved the sound of your voice on tape.
You never want to know how much you weigh.
You still have to squeeze into your jeans
But you’re perfect to me.”
Kaylie was perfect to me. I had always said that no girl was perfect and a perfect girl wasn’t real but I had discovered that I was mistaken. This girl in front of me was perfect in each and every way. Sure, she had her flaws but they were perfect flaws. At 18 years old, she was everything I wanted. Because she was so young, she needed guidance. Not just for this competition but for life ahead. I wanted to help her for that, in any way that I could.
My fingers snaked along the piano keys as the song headed to the chorus again. I looked at Kaylie and told her what I wished through my eyes. She nodded, telling me that she understood my wish. So when the chorus came, we sang it together.
“I won’t let these little things slip out of my mouth.
But if it’s true, it’s you, it’s you, they add up to.
I’m in love with you and all these little things.”
Our voices harmonised in the most faultless way. Our tones matched one another’s, my deep one and her soft one. I had thought about singing with Kaylie ever since her audition. I had wanted to know what her voice would sound like with mine and the wait had paid off. My heart jumped as we sang together, looking into each other’s eyes deeply. I loved how the song narrated what I felt for my angel. But am I in love with her?
I let my hands remove themselves from the keys as the song stopped. There was silence between us and I fought so hard with myself, that was begging me to kiss her. But I couldn’t. The risk was too great. I cleared my throat and smirked at Kaylie.
“Well, well… hey there, angel.”
Her cheeks turned a bright rosy pink and she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
“That was a great start to my morning, that’s for sure.” She smiled sweetly, her voice so angelic and gentle. I slid across the seat and patted the spot next to me. Kaylie walked around the piano and sat down beside me, our shoulders brushing against one another. My gaze followed her fingers as they ghosted over the piano keys, a look of intrigue on her face.
“Can you play?” I asked her. She shook her head.
“No but I can play the guitar.”
Whoa, she plays the guitar and she never told me? My eyes widened in surprise and asked her why she had never informed me of that talent of hers. She simply shrugged her shoulders.
“It’s just one of my hobbies when I’m at home.”
“You know, Niall will love you 100 times more when he finds out that you can play the guitar.” I said, knowing how much my Irish friend adored playing the guitar, both acoustic and electric. Kaylie laughed and closed the lid over the piano keys.
“I’m not that good.”
“Niall and I will be the judges of that, Kaylie. You should play us something one time.” I suggested. I would love to hear my angel play the guitar, matching her beautiful voice, and I was sure that Niall would love to hear her play it too. I would have to ask him to come to the studios soon and tell Kaylie to bring her guitar. Even now, I was still learning things about her. Each day, she showed me something new.
“In front of both of you?” Kaylie gasped.
“Yes, angel. Don’t worry, we don’t bite.” I reassured her with a smile.
“I know Niall doesn’t but you do.”
“What do you mean?”
“I found a red mark on my neck on Monday after you left my house. Why do you think I was wearing a high-necked top yesterday?” She whispered, her cheeks turning pink again. It only took me two seconds to catch onto her statement. I raised my hand and pushed her hair away, moving it over her shoulder. And there, on her fair skin, was a light pink mark. Did I do that? I must have because I remembered kissing her neck when we had been alone in her room. Then, I realised I had given Kaylie her first hickey.
“Oooh, I was a bit cheeky then.” I chuckled.
“Yes, you were, Harry.” Kaylie murmured and pulled her hair down her shoulder, covering the mark on her neck. I lowered my hand back down to my thigh and licked my lips, stopping myself from grinning like a complete smug goofy idiot. I remembered those moments between us, rolling around on her bed, kissing passionately, as clear as day. The fervency of her lips, the tightness of her arms and legs around me, her arousing moans filling my ears. That had been an amazing reconciliation and I would always cherish the feeling of her body pressed against mine in an inviting manner.
Then, I remembered something else. A promise that I had made Kaylie make to me. I had waited long enough to find out and I needed her to tell me now.
“Kaylie, do you remember what I made you promise me last Saturday?”
She looked at me and I knew that she knew exactly what promise I was referring to. Her gaze shifted to the lid over the piano keys and she caressed the shiny black instrument, biting her bottom lip. I laid my right hand over hers and wrapped my fingers around hers.
“Please tell me what she said to you, angel. I need to know.” I begged her. Melody was the cause of Kaylie’s sadness and she had been the rift between us but my angel and I could get through anything. Melody was nothing compared to the connection that we shared and Kaylie needed to believe that.
“I don’t want to put a damper on our rehearsal. Can I tell you after we finish?” She looked at me apologetically. I desperately wanted to know what Melody had said to make Kaylie so…distraught but I couldn’t say no to those sparkling chocolate eyes. I nodded and squeezed her fingers gently, hoping that telling me would make her feel better.
0*0
Time flew and before I knew it, the rehearsal was over. Kaylie’s vocals had become even stronger and she showed power through her voice. She had nailed the big notes but I could still see she was nervous. Anyone would be singing Hello. But I knew she could pull it off, that’s why I chose the song for her.
After all the cameras and the crew were gone, I took Kaylie’s wrist and we walked off the stage together. I halted and turned to face her, not letting go of her wrist.
“What did Melody say to you, Kaylie?” I asked.
“Can we not talk about it here, Harry? Anyone could walk in.” She bit her lip.
“We’ll go to my dressing room. If anyone asks what we’re doing, I’ll tell them I’ve got some last-minute advice to give you.”
Kaylie nodded and I let her walk out of the auditorium first. She knew where my dressing room was now, after being in it many times. When we reached it, I opened the door and she stepped inside; I quickly followed her. Just as I had closed the door behind me and locked it, I heard loud sobs. I turned around and saw that Kaylie was seated on the armrest of the couch, her face in her hands and her shoulders shook as she cried. I stepped over to her swiftly and wrapped my arms around her, kissing the top of her head warmly.
“Sssh, sssh, angel…” I soothed her, stroking her long loose hair. Her body trembled as she wept into my shirt, locking her arms around me. This was all Melody’s doing and she was going to pay for it one day. I hated seeing my angel so upset, crying into me, her hold on me tight as if I was about to disappear from her life. I wouldn’t though. I was a part of her life now and she was a part of mine. We were in everything together.
I went down on my knees so that I was looking up at her. I took her quaking hand in my right hand while I used my left hand to wipe the tears off her hot cheeks.
“Don’t cry, my sweet Kaylie. You’re with me. You can tell me anything.” I whispered and gripped her hands, trying to calm her down. I brought her knuckles to my lips and looked up at her softly as her breathing began to even out. Our fingers touched each other’s, sending a rush of warmth through my body. I ran my hand up her forearm, caressing her smooth skin, making her relax.
“I know I can.” Kaylie said, her eyes shining with tears. I kissed her knuckles again and stood up, walking around to sit on the couch. I brought her down next to me with a tug of her hand, rubbing another tear off her cheek with my thumb. Kaylie took a deep breath and began to tell me everything.
She told me about the threat Melody had made way back on the day of the photoshoot. She told me about the looks of loathing and disdain Melody had thrown her way. She told me how terrible she felt from Melody’s harsh words. Kaylie opened up to me and all I could do was stare at her and drink in everything she said. A deep rage burned within me and I had to hold back the urge to unleash it the next time I saw Melody. How dare she threaten my angel! How dare she tell her what to do around me!
“You’ve been keeping this from me for all this time?” I gaped when Kaylie had finished speaking. She looked scared and worried as she gazed at me, nodding her head.
“I’m sorry. I feared that you didn’t like me in the same way that I liked you. I wanted to be the person to tell you how I felt about you, not Melody.”
I pressed my lips together and wrapped my right arm around her shoulders, pulling her to me. She tucked her head into the crook of my neck and inhaled my cinnamon-scented cologne. I leaned back into the couch and held her hand in my free one, sighing. I understood that she had been scared and I felt so guilty that I hadn’t protected her from Melody. I know it wasn’t my job to do so but I felt the need to. I was her boyfriend, I was supposed to be there with her and shelter her from all negative things. Why hadn’t I done that? I should have known…
“I’m sorry you felt that way, Kaylie. But you never should have doubted our connection. It has always been there, since day one.” I stated, resting my cheek against her forehead.
“I know but you’re Harry Styles. I believed that you were way out of my league.”
“Why? Because you’re not a famous singer like me?” I glanced down at her with puzzled eyes.
“Uh…yeah.”
“Oh, angel, I’m just like any other 22-year-old man. I’m just blessed with an extraordinary career. That’s the only thing that differs me from other boys my age. Kaylie, you are meant to be with me. And I with you.” I said as I kissed her hair, a floral fragrance emanating off her long locks. Kaylie turned her head and I felt her lips touch my neck, just below my ear. My heart shivered as my eyes slowly closed, her mouth hot and sweet on my skin. I lowered my face to hers and cupped her neck with my left hand, my lips finding hers. Kaylie sighed as we kissed languidly but arduously. Our breathing patterns matched as she moaned while I growled. I deepened the kiss and took her bottom lip in between my teeth, tugging on it. My angel gasped at my seductive move but welcomed it, raising her hand to twist her fingers in my curls.
“Don’t ever question what we have…” I breathed against her lips before kissing her again deeply.
“I won’t.” Kaylie whispered and locked her arms around my neck, hugging me tightly. I let myself melt into her embrace and hid my face in her neck, my lips brushing across her fair skin. This girl was my everything. My strength and my weakness. My light and my angel. And I was still falling for her, all the time.
I came home to an empty house once again. I never realised how lonely I could be in this huge house. Too many rooms and not enough people. Just me. It was nice when Louis and I had lived together because at least there was someone I could talk to and someone to play FIFA with but now, I was all by myself. I wanted someone to live with me and I had my eyes set on one person to do just that. A young woman with the most gorgeous chocolate brown eyes and long caramel-coloured hair.
Kaylie was on my mind every day and every night. I could never stop thinking about her. She had burst into my life in a riot of sweetness and colour. I knew that after all this time, she was the girl I had been waiting for. To complete me, to finish the puzzle. She was the final missing piece.
I dropped my bag by the first staircase and pulled my phone out of my pocket. I logged into it and found a picture of Kaylie and I, one that Cameron had taken during one of our rehearsals last week. All of her hair had been draped over her right shoulder in shiny fresh waves and her smile was beautiful. I had my right arm around her shoulders and my smile was wide. Anyone could see the height difference between us; Kaylie came up to just under my shoulder and that was when she had heeled boots on. Many of the girls I had dated had been tall, closer to my height or even the same as mine but in truth, I loved girls that were shorter than me. They gave the best hugs, just like Kaylie.
I slid down the wall, my bottom hitting the floorboards and my knees were bent up. I stared at the picture of us. My angel looked so happy and I looked happy too. We looked happy together. We were striking in our opposites. Her light hair, my dark curls. Her chocolate eyes, my green irises. Her petite height, my tall stature. Jesus, I was in way too deep. But I wouldn’t let Melody get in the way this time. At least Kaylie knows not to doubt us any longer. I hated the position that we were in. I wished I could kiss her whenever I wanted. I wished I could hold her in my arms and lift her off her feet in a twirling hug in front of everyone. I wished I could take her out on dates and treat her to romantic dinners that resulted in the two of us going back to my place. But I couldn’t do any of those things. Not yet at least. I had promised myself and Kaylie that after the competition was over, I would do all those things and finally let everyone know that Kaylie Walker, my beautiful angel, was mine to cherish. And maybe…love?
Do I love her? I didn’t know if I loved her. The other women I had gone out with, I hadn’t fallen in love with them. I had loved them and I had cared for them but I hadn’t been in love with them. Could Kaylie be my first real love? My mind flashed back to our impromptu duet of Little Things this morning. I had never felt so connected to the lyrics before. I loved all of Kaylie’s little things. Everything added up to her. She was the entirety of my desires. It frightened me, that my feelings were turning into something deeper. I was only 22 and I still had the insecurities that all other boys my age had. But does she feel the same way as me? But I couldn’t just ask Kaylie if she loved me. That would be an idiotic move. I had to take this slowly. I needed to be sure of my feelings first.
Thursday, 6th October
Her long caramel-coloured hair, which was pulled back in a ponytail, shone in the light as she walked closer in my direction. Her clothes flattered her figure and her chocolate brown eyes glittered, making my breathing pattern become uneven. She stepped past the black curtain that I was concealed behind and right then, I spoke, or rather, sung, two words.
“Hey, angel…”
Kaylie looked right at me but she couldn’t see me because I was standing in the dark. Her eyebrows furrowed over her eyes, a confused expression on her face. I smiled and shot my arm out, grabbed her wrist with my hand and pulled her into the dark with me. Kaylie squealed and was just about to ask me a question but I didn’t let her finish, locking my mouth to hers.
I felt her dissolve into my kiss. I fastened my arms around her waist while her arms looped around my neck. I crushed her against my body and cherished the cherry taste of her smooth lips. I could never get enough of her and it was clear to me that she could never get enough of me either. I smiled when she slightly moaned as she broke the kiss. Kaylie stared up at me in the dark, the minimal light casting shadows over her fair face. She was so beautiful and she still didn’t believe it, no matter how many times I told her that she was. Every time I saw her, my feelings for her deepened, straight from my heart. I had fallen so hard for Kaylie and it excited me. But is it love?
“You know, I listened to Hey Angel on the tube ride here.” Kaylie told me.
“It’s perfect for you, Kaylie.” I said softly, pressing my lips to the corner of her mouth. When I looked back on it, I realised that Hey Angel had always been for Kaylie. The way I sung the chorus, it had always been for her and I hadn’t known that until now. The song was meant for her and fitted her in the most perfect way. It brought a smile to my face that one of our songs related to my angel so well.
“What is it with you grabbing me when I least expect it? First, you pulling me into your dressing room and now, this?” Kaylie smiled up at me. I stroked her waist with my hands when I answered her.
“Because I can’t start the day without kissing you and I can’t do that with people around.”
“You, Harry Styles, are one desperate man.” My angel laughed sweetly and placed her delicate hands on my chest. Her tender touch seeped through my T-shirt, into my skin to where my beating heart resided. This is where I belonged. Standing with Kaylie, just the two of us together.
I smiled at the memory as I waited for my angel to arrive. She had a morning rehearsal today because she had school in the afternoon. It felt wonderful to be back with Kaylie, after the misinterpreted incident with Melody. I remembered what transpired on Monday afternoon. I had waited from Sunday night to Monday morning for Kaylie to call me but she never did. It had cracked my heart that hers had been broken. I had never wanted to hurt and I never wished to ever hurt her. So I had decided to make things right and I drove to her house, wondering if she would forgive me. After 15 long anxious minutes, I couldn’t handle the silence between us any longer and I had called her.
To hear her voice again…it had felt so fine. To see her face in her bedroom window…it had made me happy. To see her standing on the stairs, waiting for me…it had made butterflies come alive in my stomach again. Her smooth small hand in my slender larger one had made my heart soar. When she had been in my arms again, my whole being was lifted up into the clouds. To have her lips on mine again, have her hands in my hair and her legs locked around me, it had felt like Kaylie and I had always meant to be. I was ecstatic that she was mine again and this time, I would never ever let her go. My angel would never fly away from me. She would remain with me for as long as possible.
I sat on the piano seat, the keys just waiting to be played. I placed the sheets of the Hello lyrics on top of the piano and adjusted the rings on my fingers, stretching my hands out. I knew how to play the piano but I wouldn’t say I was amazing at it. I could only play a couple of things but those were enough to entertain my friends and family. I was alone in the auditorium so I took the opportunity to play something, just on my own. Something that reminded me of my angel. My fingers hit the piano keys and a slow romantic tune echoed as I opened my mouth to sing.
“Your hand fits in mine like it’s made just for me
But bear this mind it was meant to be.
And I’m joining up the dots with the freckles on your cheeks
And it all makes sense to me.
I know you’ve never loved the crinkles by your eyes when you smile.
You’ve never loved your stomach or your thighs.
The dimples in your back at the bottom of your spine
But I’ll love them endlessly.”
Each lyric resonated with me and my feelings for Kaylie perfectly. Her small hand in mine felt so right. She had insecurities about her looks but I constantly reminded her that she was beautiful to me, inside and out. The beauty of her heart extended out to her exterior, making her glow from the inside. I looked ahead to the side of the stage as I sang the chorus.
“I won’t let these little things slip out of my mouth.
But if I do, it’s you, oh, it’s you, they add up to.
I’m in love with you and all these little things.”
I loved every little thing about Kaylie, from the sparkle in her eyes to the flash of her cute smile. From the way her cheeks flushed whenever I gave her a compliment to the way she bit her bottom lip when she flirted with me cheekily. Every little thing was for me to smile at and treasure forever.
I had just stopped playing when another voice began to sing the second verse. It was a voice I was all too familiar. I thought I had imagined it but when I looked at the door into the auditorium, I realised the voice was real. It was Kaylie’s voice. She stood at the bottom of the stage, smiling at me. She was early, at least 20 minutes early. But I didn’t care. It meant I had more time with her. Kaylie walked up onto the stage and continued to sing while I resumed playing the piano.
“You can’t go to bed without a cup of tea.
Maybe that’s the reason that you talk in your sleep.
And all those conversations are the secrets that I keep.
Though it makes no sense to me.”
I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She took my breath away once again today, even just in casual clothes (http://www.polyvore.com/kaylie_rehearsals_week_part/set?id=209477233). She smiled at me as she dropped her handbag on the floor and rested her forearms on the piano, leaning forwards to me. I grinned back when it was my turn to sing my part.
“I know you’ve never loved the sound of your voice on tape.
You never want to know how much you weigh.
You still have to squeeze into your jeans
But you’re perfect to me.”
Kaylie was perfect to me. I had always said that no girl was perfect and a perfect girl wasn’t real but I had discovered that I was mistaken. This girl in front of me was perfect in each and every way. Sure, she had her flaws but they were perfect flaws. At 18 years old, she was everything I wanted. Because she was so young, she needed guidance. Not just for this competition but for life ahead. I wanted to help her for that, in any way that I could.
My fingers snaked along the piano keys as the song headed to the chorus again. I looked at Kaylie and told her what I wished through my eyes. She nodded, telling me that she understood my wish. So when the chorus came, we sang it together.
“I won’t let these little things slip out of my mouth.
But if it’s true, it’s you, it’s you, they add up to.
I’m in love with you and all these little things.”
Our voices harmonised in the most faultless way. Our tones matched one another’s, my deep one and her soft one. I had thought about singing with Kaylie ever since her audition. I had wanted to know what her voice would sound like with mine and the wait had paid off. My heart jumped as we sang together, looking into each other’s eyes deeply. I loved how the song narrated what I felt for my angel. But am I in love with her?
I let my hands remove themselves from the keys as the song stopped. There was silence between us and I fought so hard with myself, that was begging me to kiss her. But I couldn’t. The risk was too great. I cleared my throat and smirked at Kaylie.
“Well, well… hey there, angel.”
Her cheeks turned a bright rosy pink and she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
“That was a great start to my morning, that’s for sure.” She smiled sweetly, her voice so angelic and gentle. I slid across the seat and patted the spot next to me. Kaylie walked around the piano and sat down beside me, our shoulders brushing against one another. My gaze followed her fingers as they ghosted over the piano keys, a look of intrigue on her face.
“Can you play?” I asked her. She shook her head.
“No but I can play the guitar.”
Whoa, she plays the guitar and she never told me? My eyes widened in surprise and asked her why she had never informed me of that talent of hers. She simply shrugged her shoulders.
“It’s just one of my hobbies when I’m at home.”
“You know, Niall will love you 100 times more when he finds out that you can play the guitar.” I said, knowing how much my Irish friend adored playing the guitar, both acoustic and electric. Kaylie laughed and closed the lid over the piano keys.
“I’m not that good.”
“Niall and I will be the judges of that, Kaylie. You should play us something one time.” I suggested. I would love to hear my angel play the guitar, matching her beautiful voice, and I was sure that Niall would love to hear her play it too. I would have to ask him to come to the studios soon and tell Kaylie to bring her guitar. Even now, I was still learning things about her. Each day, she showed me something new.
“In front of both of you?” Kaylie gasped.
“Yes, angel. Don’t worry, we don’t bite.” I reassured her with a smile.
“I know Niall doesn’t but you do.”
“What do you mean?”
“I found a red mark on my neck on Monday after you left my house. Why do you think I was wearing a high-necked top yesterday?” She whispered, her cheeks turning pink again. It only took me two seconds to catch onto her statement. I raised my hand and pushed her hair away, moving it over her shoulder. And there, on her fair skin, was a light pink mark. Did I do that? I must have because I remembered kissing her neck when we had been alone in her room. Then, I realised I had given Kaylie her first hickey.
“Oooh, I was a bit cheeky then.” I chuckled.
“Yes, you were, Harry.” Kaylie murmured and pulled her hair down her shoulder, covering the mark on her neck. I lowered my hand back down to my thigh and licked my lips, stopping myself from grinning like a complete smug goofy idiot. I remembered those moments between us, rolling around on her bed, kissing passionately, as clear as day. The fervency of her lips, the tightness of her arms and legs around me, her arousing moans filling my ears. That had been an amazing reconciliation and I would always cherish the feeling of her body pressed against mine in an inviting manner.
Then, I remembered something else. A promise that I had made Kaylie make to me. I had waited long enough to find out and I needed her to tell me now.
“Kaylie, do you remember what I made you promise me last Saturday?”
She looked at me and I knew that she knew exactly what promise I was referring to. Her gaze shifted to the lid over the piano keys and she caressed the shiny black instrument, biting her bottom lip. I laid my right hand over hers and wrapped my fingers around hers.
“Please tell me what she said to you, angel. I need to know.” I begged her. Melody was the cause of Kaylie’s sadness and she had been the rift between us but my angel and I could get through anything. Melody was nothing compared to the connection that we shared and Kaylie needed to believe that.
“I don’t want to put a damper on our rehearsal. Can I tell you after we finish?” She looked at me apologetically. I desperately wanted to know what Melody had said to make Kaylie so…distraught but I couldn’t say no to those sparkling chocolate eyes. I nodded and squeezed her fingers gently, hoping that telling me would make her feel better.
0*0
Time flew and before I knew it, the rehearsal was over. Kaylie’s vocals had become even stronger and she showed power through her voice. She had nailed the big notes but I could still see she was nervous. Anyone would be singing Hello. But I knew she could pull it off, that’s why I chose the song for her.
After all the cameras and the crew were gone, I took Kaylie’s wrist and we walked off the stage together. I halted and turned to face her, not letting go of her wrist.
“What did Melody say to you, Kaylie?” I asked.
“Can we not talk about it here, Harry? Anyone could walk in.” She bit her lip.
“We’ll go to my dressing room. If anyone asks what we’re doing, I’ll tell them I’ve got some last-minute advice to give you.”
Kaylie nodded and I let her walk out of the auditorium first. She knew where my dressing room was now, after being in it many times. When we reached it, I opened the door and she stepped inside; I quickly followed her. Just as I had closed the door behind me and locked it, I heard loud sobs. I turned around and saw that Kaylie was seated on the armrest of the couch, her face in her hands and her shoulders shook as she cried. I stepped over to her swiftly and wrapped my arms around her, kissing the top of her head warmly.
“Sssh, sssh, angel…” I soothed her, stroking her long loose hair. Her body trembled as she wept into my shirt, locking her arms around me. This was all Melody’s doing and she was going to pay for it one day. I hated seeing my angel so upset, crying into me, her hold on me tight as if I was about to disappear from her life. I wouldn’t though. I was a part of her life now and she was a part of mine. We were in everything together.
I went down on my knees so that I was looking up at her. I took her quaking hand in my right hand while I used my left hand to wipe the tears off her hot cheeks.
“Don’t cry, my sweet Kaylie. You’re with me. You can tell me anything.” I whispered and gripped her hands, trying to calm her down. I brought her knuckles to my lips and looked up at her softly as her breathing began to even out. Our fingers touched each other’s, sending a rush of warmth through my body. I ran my hand up her forearm, caressing her smooth skin, making her relax.
“I know I can.” Kaylie said, her eyes shining with tears. I kissed her knuckles again and stood up, walking around to sit on the couch. I brought her down next to me with a tug of her hand, rubbing another tear off her cheek with my thumb. Kaylie took a deep breath and began to tell me everything.
She told me about the threat Melody had made way back on the day of the photoshoot. She told me about the looks of loathing and disdain Melody had thrown her way. She told me how terrible she felt from Melody’s harsh words. Kaylie opened up to me and all I could do was stare at her and drink in everything she said. A deep rage burned within me and I had to hold back the urge to unleash it the next time I saw Melody. How dare she threaten my angel! How dare she tell her what to do around me!
“You’ve been keeping this from me for all this time?” I gaped when Kaylie had finished speaking. She looked scared and worried as she gazed at me, nodding her head.
“I’m sorry. I feared that you didn’t like me in the same way that I liked you. I wanted to be the person to tell you how I felt about you, not Melody.”
I pressed my lips together and wrapped my right arm around her shoulders, pulling her to me. She tucked her head into the crook of my neck and inhaled my cinnamon-scented cologne. I leaned back into the couch and held her hand in my free one, sighing. I understood that she had been scared and I felt so guilty that I hadn’t protected her from Melody. I know it wasn’t my job to do so but I felt the need to. I was her boyfriend, I was supposed to be there with her and shelter her from all negative things. Why hadn’t I done that? I should have known…
“I’m sorry you felt that way, Kaylie. But you never should have doubted our connection. It has always been there, since day one.” I stated, resting my cheek against her forehead.
“I know but you’re Harry Styles. I believed that you were way out of my league.”
“Why? Because you’re not a famous singer like me?” I glanced down at her with puzzled eyes.
“Uh…yeah.”
“Oh, angel, I’m just like any other 22-year-old man. I’m just blessed with an extraordinary career. That’s the only thing that differs me from other boys my age. Kaylie, you are meant to be with me. And I with you.” I said as I kissed her hair, a floral fragrance emanating off her long locks. Kaylie turned her head and I felt her lips touch my neck, just below my ear. My heart shivered as my eyes slowly closed, her mouth hot and sweet on my skin. I lowered my face to hers and cupped her neck with my left hand, my lips finding hers. Kaylie sighed as we kissed languidly but arduously. Our breathing patterns matched as she moaned while I growled. I deepened the kiss and took her bottom lip in between my teeth, tugging on it. My angel gasped at my seductive move but welcomed it, raising her hand to twist her fingers in my curls.
“Don’t ever question what we have…” I breathed against her lips before kissing her again deeply.
“I won’t.” Kaylie whispered and locked her arms around my neck, hugging me tightly. I let myself melt into her embrace and hid my face in her neck, my lips brushing across her fair skin. This girl was my everything. My strength and my weakness. My light and my angel. And I was still falling for her, all the time.
I came home to an empty house once again. I never realised how lonely I could be in this huge house. Too many rooms and not enough people. Just me. It was nice when Louis and I had lived together because at least there was someone I could talk to and someone to play FIFA with but now, I was all by myself. I wanted someone to live with me and I had my eyes set on one person to do just that. A young woman with the most gorgeous chocolate brown eyes and long caramel-coloured hair.
Kaylie was on my mind every day and every night. I could never stop thinking about her. She had burst into my life in a riot of sweetness and colour. I knew that after all this time, she was the girl I had been waiting for. To complete me, to finish the puzzle. She was the final missing piece.
I dropped my bag by the first staircase and pulled my phone out of my pocket. I logged into it and found a picture of Kaylie and I, one that Cameron had taken during one of our rehearsals last week. All of her hair had been draped over her right shoulder in shiny fresh waves and her smile was beautiful. I had my right arm around her shoulders and my smile was wide. Anyone could see the height difference between us; Kaylie came up to just under my shoulder and that was when she had heeled boots on. Many of the girls I had dated had been tall, closer to my height or even the same as mine but in truth, I loved girls that were shorter than me. They gave the best hugs, just like Kaylie.
I slid down the wall, my bottom hitting the floorboards and my knees were bent up. I stared at the picture of us. My angel looked so happy and I looked happy too. We looked happy together. We were striking in our opposites. Her light hair, my dark curls. Her chocolate eyes, my green irises. Her petite height, my tall stature. Jesus, I was in way too deep. But I wouldn’t let Melody get in the way this time. At least Kaylie knows not to doubt us any longer. I hated the position that we were in. I wished I could kiss her whenever I wanted. I wished I could hold her in my arms and lift her off her feet in a twirling hug in front of everyone. I wished I could take her out on dates and treat her to romantic dinners that resulted in the two of us going back to my place. But I couldn’t do any of those things. Not yet at least. I had promised myself and Kaylie that after the competition was over, I would do all those things and finally let everyone know that Kaylie Walker, my beautiful angel, was mine to cherish. And maybe…love?
Do I love her? I didn’t know if I loved her. The other women I had gone out with, I hadn’t fallen in love with them. I had loved them and I had cared for them but I hadn’t been in love with them. Could Kaylie be my first real love? My mind flashed back to our impromptu duet of Little Things this morning. I had never felt so connected to the lyrics before. I loved all of Kaylie’s little things. Everything added up to her. She was the entirety of my desires. It frightened me, that my feelings were turning into something deeper. I was only 22 and I still had the insecurities that all other boys my age had. But does she feel the same way as me? But I couldn’t just ask Kaylie if she loved me. That would be an idiotic move. I had to take this slowly. I needed to be sure of my feelings first.
Notes
It’s been very quiet on here for the last week. Where is everyone? Please don’t be a ghost reader. If any of you are still reading this, then please leave feedback! It lets me know if I’m writing well.
And it’s a week until my birthday! I’ll be 19! Wow, a whole year has passed already! Time has flown by! I hope you guys liked the chapter :)
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We’re dying for an update here. I love it. <3
11/19/17