Chapter twenty-seven

For some reason, we had all congregated in mine and Harry’s hotel room while we waited for the tour bus that felt like it was never going to arrive. Niall eventually had eaten all the remaining food in the suite and was flicking through the room service menu, perhaps out of boredom more than real hunger. Liam and Zayn were settled in front of the telly with Louis close by, who was absorbed in his twitter feed. With all of by belongings packed, there was nothing left for me to do. I was nestled into Harry’s side, feeling his chest rise and fall as we sat on the couch. Liam found a football game, which quickly captured all of their attentions. I watched the men moving on the screen but registered nothing of the actual game itself. I felt off, indescribably so. It wasn’t necessarily a bad feeling, but I hardly felt normal. Maybe Harry was right and I just hadn’t grown accustomed to the L.A. climate, but I was hardly sure.

“Get a move on, fellas,” Paul came in bellowing. “The bus is here, let’s get a move on before it attracts too much attention.” We all peeled ourselves up from the sofa, a little stiff from sitting for so long, but apparently it just wasn’t fast enough for Paul. “Oh for God’s sake, you think we have all the time in the world here? We’re already behind schedule, let’s go!” With that everyone began moving a little quicker and Harry hurried me into the elevator. Paul brought us to the back of the hotel just as he had done for the premiere and we got on the bus. It was huge, towering above us and stretching in front of us. However, thinking that this would be home to the six of us brought about a stint of anxiety in the pit of my stomach.

“Sarah, calm down,” Harry rubbed my arm reassuringly. “There’s another bus behind us for the crew, it won’t be as bad as you think.”

“Right,” I managed to splutter out. I already felt claustrophobic but feeling Harry’s hand mould to mine calmed me down. All I wanted was to be with him, and if these were the circumstances we’d be under, then it was certainly worth it.

--

Time went by slowly on the bus. The road stretched out before us, urging us towards new cities I’d never seen and different people with unique accents that I’d never heard. The lads were all in the back of the bus, surrounding the Xbox where they bellowed and laughed for a majority of the journey. Harry and I spent some time back there with them and it was oddly peaceful. Of course I missed Eleanor, Perrie, and Dani’s company immensely but I’d grown attached to these boys. After a while, the sound of video games aggravated my pre-existing headache more than I could bear and I took cover up nearer the front of the bus. It was quieter, but there was no escaping the thrum of the engine working so hard to propel us forward. I drifted off for a moment with my head in my hands. I was so content sitting on the seat by my lonesome that I didn’t even hear Harry approach.

“You all right?” he asked, gently rubbing my arms.

I nodded.

“I’m fine, just a little tired. My headache got the better of me,” I smiled up at him as he brought his lips down to press against mine. There was no better feeling in the world than kissing Harry; it was simply indescribable. The way our bodies pressed tight against each other and our lips gently parted for one another, the tingling of nerves as our tongues wandered. Kissing Harry was so heated, my entire body felt warm and before too long, I wanted more of him; I wanted all of him. I forgot we were on a crowded bus full of people with a driver less than six feet away. Maybe I forgot, or maybe I just didn’t care. I ripped at his clothing, tugging at his collar and dragging him into me.

“Babe –” Harry laughed around my lips. “Sweetheart, we can’t,” he breathed into my mouth, but I took no notice of his words; his breath intoxicated me and like any kind of addict, I craved more.

“Why not?” I said without breaking away with him.

“Sarah,” he said pulling away from me. I sat back, distancing myself from him and looked at him. He reached out to me, conscious of the hurt look on my face and wanting to close the gap. “What’s gotten into you? Remember, Louis’ right on the other side of that very thin wall,” he smiled reassuringly and I realised that he was right.

“Oh my God, you’re completely right,” I said sitting back on my knees and propping my head up on my elbow. “I don’t know what’s happening to me or what came over me.”

He smiled and pulled me into his side, tucking me under his arm and resting his chin on the top of my head.

“You’re perfect, so it doesn’t matter,” he said.

I laughed and looked up at him into his eyes.

“You’re kind of perfect for saying that,” I said, and he pecked me on the lips once sweetly.

I don’t know how or when, but the next thing I knew we’d arrived at our hotel and I felt like I was flying over the ground.

“Shhh, sweetheart, go back to sleep,” Harry whispered to me. I did as he said, letting my eyes drift close as Harry carried me inside the hotel, into the elevator before finally laying me to rest on a soft, downy hotel duvet.

--

I wasn’t completely aware of my surroundings, nor was I fully awake. The only thing I was aware of was Harry softly kissing my neck.

“Good morning sleepy,” he cooed. My smile grew and I twisted around in bed to hug him, pulling him closer to me.

“Good morning,” I sighed contentedly, snuggling even closer to him.

He kissed my hair.

“I hate to do this to you, darling, but we have to head down for rehearsals.” He said, rubbing soft circles into my arm.

“Rehearsals? Why are they so early when the show isn’t until tonight?” I asked as I tried to rub the sleep out of my eyes.

“Oh my dear, it’s hardly early. Its already three.” He informed me.

“P.M.?” I asked stupidly to which he responded with a laugh. “God, I’ve slept half the day away.” I said, my head falling back against the pillow.

“Yeah, I’d say you’ve had a solid eighteen hours of sleep,” Harry laughed. “But that’s alright, you deserved it.” He kissed me before getting out of the bed. It was then that I noticed that he was fully dressed.

“Just give me a minute and I’ll get dressed,” I said, slowly peeling the sheets back and shivering despite the fact that we were in California.

“Babe, you can stay and sleep if you want. I just didn’t want to leave without seeing you beautiful and conscious,” he teased.

“Haha,” I replied haughtily. “And stay here by myself? No thanks, just give me a minute.” I sprung out of bed and began rifling through my suitcase that someone had graciously hauled up here last night.

“Good,” Harry said as he wrapped his arms around my waist, hunching his body over mine, enveloping me almost completely. “Everything’s always more fun with you around.” I turned towards him and was quickly swept into a passionate kiss that cleared my befuddled and groggy mind. I was disappointed when he finally broke away. “I’ll go tell the lads you’re coming,” he smiled before kissing me again. And then he strode out of the room, his long legs being showcased in his ripped and tattered black skinny jeans. He looked so sexy, it was hard to concentrate, but I had to find something to wear.

--

I finally emerged from our room, ready for rehearsals and the following show, wearing a simple crop top and a pair of my favourite jean shorts.

Concert by authorsdescriptions
I threw some things into my bag, knowing I’d need to occupy my time in some manner or other. None of the guys were in our room and I didn’t know where or if they were staying in the hotel, too. Poking my head out of the doorway, I decided that I’d look out back for the bus. Unfortunately, I had been asleep during our late night arrival and had no idea where exactly the back of the hotel was or how to get there, but I stubbornly searched for it anyways. On the ground floor, there were people milling about their day. A smartly dressed young lady sat at the front desk, a phone constantly perched between her shoulder and ear, while children ran through the lobby with swim suits and fit looking men made their way in the direction of the gym. It was disorienting, but I was glad that I could blend in. instead of wasting anymore of my time, I decided to ask the pretty receptionist for assistance in finding the bus.

“Excuse me,” I smiled as I approached her desk. She quickly responded by holding up her index finger, urging me to wait while she yet again answered the phone. I leaned against the counter and people-watched for a good five minutes before finally turning back to her, noticing that she had yet to say a word to whoever was on the other end of the phone. “Sorry, but could you just help me with something real quick, you see –”

“Can’t you see I’m on the phone?” she asked in a rude, snarky tone that took me aback. I instantly regretted thinking that she was pretty.

“Yes, I can see that, but you’re not actually talking and this is quite urgent,” I persisted, pulling out my phone to text Harry yet again.

“Ugh, you’re so rude,” she huffed at me as she placed the phone back in its holder on her desk.

I raised my eyebrows and laughed a sarcastic laugh.

“I’m rude? You’ve got a lot of nerve, in fact, I think I’d like to speak with your manager, but as I’ve mentioned
I’m a little pressed for time so if you could just kindly point me in the direction of a tour bus that should be parked in the back lot, that would be greatly appreciated.” I stared at her, no doubt looking bitchy and intimidating as I glared.

“I’m sorry Miss, but I can’t do that,” she said, although she didn’t look sorry at all.

I rolled my eyes at her, becoming somehow even more frustrated.

“And why not?” I asked, keeping my eyes closed as I felt an irrational anger surge through me.

“You’re neither the driver nor the person associated with it, you might be a psycho,” she said.

I laughed out loud, completely done with her shit. I pulled out my phone and dialled Harry’s number since he still hadn’t texted me back. It rang nearly four times before he finally picked up.

“Sarah! Where are you? I’ve been looking for you but reception in this place is absolutely ridiculous!” He said in an anxious, concerned rush that instantly brought a smile to my face.

“Excuse me, but weren’t we in the middle of a conversation?” The impudent receptionist asked.

“Who was that?” Harry asked sounding agitated by her tone.

Turning towards her I covered my phone.

“Can’t you see I’m on the phone?” I quoted her.

“Who was that?” Harry asked again.

“Just a dumb bitch that should never work in the hospitality sect of society ever again,” I answered, watching her face as she glowered and grimaced at me. I simply smiled in return, pleased to have gotten to her. “Can you please come get me now?” I asked Harry, turning away from the receptionist again.

“Of course, where are you?”

“I’m at the main desk,” I said.

“Good, stay there,” he said. “And I’ll see you in thirty seconds.” I could hear the smile in his voice before the line went dead. I could feel the girl’s eyes bearing into the back of my head but I didn’t turn around to look at her and sure enough, Harry was there before a minute had passed.

“Finally,” he laughed as his arms encircled me. He kissed me before turning me towards the girl behind the desk.

“Wow, you’re – oh my God, I’m such a fan you’re so –” The girl spluttered embarrassingly. “Can I get a picture with you?” She asked Harry. Seriously, this bitch had some nerve!

“No,” Harry answered simply and somehow without sounding rude; although his face was not friendly.

“However you can check us out,” he turned back to me. “I hardly think you want to spend another night here,” he smiled down at me, pulling me into him with his arm snaked around my waist.

“Oh,” the girl said, clearly taken aback by Harry’s refusal. He was never known to shut a fan down like that, it was so unlike him; it was so sexy. “Of course. Well, if I can just get you to sign here,” she said, sliding a sheet of paper towards Harry which he signed all the while maintaining his grip on me with his left arm. He swiftly pushed it back towards her and began to walk away, towing me with him. “I hope you enjoyed your stay!” The girl called behind us pathetically. I didn’t even care though, I was with Harry and everything was okay again.

--

When we got to the arena, the lads had to get all their sound checking out of the way. This took quite a while to set up, but it was amazing. It boggled my mind whenever I witnessed just how talented they were. It was one of their best performances, even if it was just for the Teasdales and I. After the sound check, they made their way to the dressing room where Lou worked her magic and prepped them for their show. I sat on a round, read couch chatting with each of the guys as they got primped and prodded. By the time they were finished, it was an hour and a half to show time.

“Hi,” Harry smiled as he plopped himself down on the red couch next to me.

I snuggled into him.

“Hi,” I smiled up at him. He draped his arm around me, tracing designs on my arm with his fingertips.

“You wanna grab something to eat before the show starts?” He asked me. I looked around at the full dressing room. I saw fans peering in, which meant that meet and greet was about to get under way.

“Do we have time?” I asked him. He rolled his eyes theatrically for me.

“Please, we have nothing but time,” he winked before pulling me up from the couch and dragging me along side him as we made our way to where there were snacks and drinks available. Harry went and grabbed a ton chips and popcorn and two sodas. Just as we were about to devour our snacks I got a text from Niall asking us to bring him a soda. I showed Harry the text. He rolled his eyes and dramatically stomped off to get Niall his soda causing me to laugh.

“Harry,” I said pointing to the time on my phone. “You really do have to go to the meet and greet.”
Time always got away from me when it was just the two of us.

“Alright, alright mom,” he teased and I laughed as we got on the escalator that would take us to the meet and greet room backstage.

“I know Anne, and I take that as a compliment,” I informed him smugly.

He laughed around his straw.

“And so you should, she’s a lovely woman my mother is,” he smiled back.
At that moment, he’d obviously been spotted because girls started screaming and I knew that the onslaught was about to begin. Strangely, I didn’t mind this part of Harry’s job as much as I’d thought I would. Sure, it was different compared to the old days where nobody would take any notice of us or what we were doing but it was nice to see Harry being recognized and appreciated in the way that he deserved. However, that’s not to say that I didn’t feel extremely protective of him. When large groups of girls attacked him, I was petrified that they’d hurt him and wasn’t afraid to cut a bitch if they did. All around though, I recognized that this was just a part of his life now; a part of my life now.

“Here,” I said to him. “Hand me mine and Niall’s drinks, I’ll find it and get it to him. You’re about to be busy,” I laughed and shot him a wink.

He stuck his straw between his lips again and handed me the drinks.

I laughed again at his expression. No sooner were we off the elevator than the girls converged.

“Harry! Sarah! Can we get pictures?”

“Harry! I love you Harry! HARRYYY!!!”

They all bellowed and screamed at once and I had to admit, they would have been more affective if they’d all just approached us normally. Regardless, Harry and I posed for pictures with them and then I watched as they posed individually with Harry. However, we had to move along to get to the actual meet and greet. Once we were safe inside the room, the atmosphere was a lot different. Everyone was calm, soft discussions were taking place and there were no mobs like one would expect. I quickly spotted Niall and made my way over to him.

“Oh, thank God, Sarah!” He said as I approached him, my hand out stretched and offering him his drink. He gulped down a majority of it incredibly quickly and made a long and loud “Ahhhhhh” noise. “That hit the spot, thanks my dear,” he smiled and slung his arm around my shoulders. “How are you holding up? This being your first show and all,” he smiled.

“I’m good,” I told him. “It’s a lot of fun. You know it’s not a have bad thing you’ve got going on here,” I smiled up at him and he laughed loudly, as only Niall could.

“Yeah, we’re some pretty lucky blokes,” he said, looking around the room, beaming with pride.

Just then, a small girl about eight approached us.

“Hi ya, sweetheart,” Niall greeted her. “How are you?”

She was shy and clearly out of her element, but her joy was written plainly on her face.

“I’m great,” she said before looking around self-consciously. “How are you?” She asked, a little bit awkwardly.

“Wonderful,” Niall beamed. “Thanks for asking, y’know not a lot of people ask me that, so thanks,” he said with a wink. Niall was such a warm person and the little girl instantly grew more comfortable around him.

“Well, I should let you two take a couple pictures,” I said sliding out from under Niall’s arm. “Need me to take a picture or anything, sweetie?” I asked her.

She looked between Niall and I, seeming shy again.

“Yeah, that would be nice,” she started. “But I was also hoping for a picture with you, Sarah,” she said, not quite meeting my eyes.

“Oh,” I said, taken aback. Harry quickly caught my eye and smiled at me. I watched as he came over.

“Hey hun,” he said to the girl. “Why don’t you hand me the camera and squeeze between Niall and Sarah?” He said sweetly. The girl nodded, obviously pleased and handed Harry the camera. Niall bent down to lift her but I stopped him.

“Niall, no,” I said and he and Harry looked at me in confusion. “You’ve got a bad knee,” I explained. “Let me help you,” I smiled at the girl and bent down to her level. “What’s you’re name, hun?” I asked her.

“Isabelle,” she smiled at me.

“Lovely to meet you Isabelle,” I smiled at her. “Mind if I pick you up?” She shook her head and a large smile spread across her face.

“Alrighty, up you go!” I lifted her up and her giggles burst forth. Niall wrapped his arms around us both and

Harry framed the picture.

“Okay! One, two, three, cheese!” He counted down.

“Cheese!” We all called out and Harry snapped the shot.

“Yay!” Niall laughed as I put her back down.

“Now, Niall takes the picture and Harry you come here,” she said, becoming more comfortable with us. Harry and Niall traded spots. Harry scooped her up without a moment’s hesitation and held on to her with his left arm while he hugged me close to him with his right arm. I couldn’t stop the errant thought from running through my mind of Harry and I taking these kind of pictures with our own children one day.

“Cheese!” We all squealed again and Isabelle laughed gleefully in Harry’s arms. I couldn’t blame her because there really wasn’t a better place to be.

“Beautiful!” Niall called. “You did alright too, Sarah,” he teased. Naturally he was the one who laughed the hardest at his little joke.

“Wow, you’re so funny,” I mocked him, a smile on my lips despite myself.

“All I can say is that it’s a good thing you can sing Niall, because comedy really isn’t your business,” Harry laughed and I joined in. As we stood there laughing at Niall, I felt a tug on the bottom of my shorts. I looked down to see Isabelle motioning for me to come down so I did.

“Just so you know,” she said. “You’re my favourite of all the girlfriends,” her cheeks blushed with embarrassment as she spoke but she continued. “I think you’re so beautiful and funny and I want to grow up and be just like you,” she smiled at me. I felt Harry watching us and glanced up at his face for just a moment. He had a look that was almost paternal, and it brought back the previous image of Harry and I as parents.

“Thank you so much,” I said turning back to Isabelle. Harry and Niall then got pulled over for group photos but I still had a moment alone with this little girl. “But you know what I think?”

She shook her head no.

“I think that you’re beautiful and funny just the way you are and you don’t have to be more like me or anyone else,” I smiled at her and felt a sense of warmth spread through me as her eyes glowed and her face lit up.

“Really?” She asked me.

“Really.” I smiled at her. She enveloped me in a tight little hug. When she released me, she smiled once sweetly, seemingly more confident after our short conversation, and skipped off to her mother and sister who were getting group shots with the lads. I stayed near the back of the room watching them and Lou came over to me as Tom played in a corner with Lux.

“You’re going to be such a great mom some day,” Lou smiled at me. I kept watching Isabelle with the guys and smiled as Harry scooped her up and began talking quietly with her.

“I hope so,” I said as I admired Harry and the little girl. “I really hope so.”

Notes

Here's the new chapter!! Reached the 60,000 word mark which is pretty hard to believe! Thank you for reading my lovelies. Please rate/comment/subscribe!! Love you all <3