web of lies - l.s.

Chapter One

A/N: welcome to chapter one of my new book! please don't forget to vote or comment. enjoy! :))

—
  "The truth doesn't cost you anything, but a lie could cost you everything." -Unknown
—

[Harry's P.O.V.]
  He's either insane...

"I'll see you tomorrow," I tell my best friend, Niall, not giving him any time to respond before I hang up the call.

  I return my gaze to the view in front of me as I walk down a hallway. We stop and I look around as my bodyguard, Paul, opens the door to the office. 5 people are seated around a circular table, each person with a serious expression on their face. I immediately recognized the majority of them. Sat in the center was my manager, Simon. On his left were 2 representatives—a female and a male—from my management, Modest!. On Simon's right was a male probably in his 40s, and lastly was surprisingly my best mate, Niall Horan. The one I was talking to on the phone. Niall and I met a few years back at a cafe when I was first getting into the industry. He is the same age as I am, eighteen. Niall is Irish, with brown hair but he dyes it blond. He's always hungry and he has a bubbly, charismatic personality. He isn't a singer, but he loves to play the guitar. He doesn't want to be famous so we keep him away from the media. I can't help but wonder why he was called to attend this meeting.

  The lifeless room was small with a circular wooden table in the center. The walls were a simple white with only a few picture frames with achievements of Simon's. Oak planks covered the floors. The room smelt of plastic and cleaning supplies.

"Harry, have a seat," Simon gestured to the empty seat opposite him.

I took a seat with a confused look on my face and Paul left the room to give us some privacy.

What is this about?
Why is Niall here?
Who is this man?

I was about to speak when Simon starts again.

"This is Mr. Henderson. He is the principal of a high school in Doncaster," he began, looking at the man to his right whom I didn't know the name of until now.

  "Hello Harry," Mr. Henderson greeted.

  "Hi."

  Why is there a school principal here?

  "You're probably confused as to why Mr. Henderson and Niall are here so I'll get right to the chase. We are sending you to Doncaster to finish high school," Simon smiled.

  Did I hear that correctly?
  Oh my god, this is the best day ever!

  I could feel my jaw hit the floor. I've been wanting to go back to school but touring made it hard.

  "Oh my god! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

  "Harry, there are a few things we need to have a chat about if you are going back to public school," I nodded as Simon continued. "First, Niall will accompany you to school. I have arranged for him to be in all of your classes and you two will share a house in Doncaster about 10 minutes from the school. The place we purchased for you is very nice. I'll have people drive your cars up either today or tomorrow. "

  Niall jumped in, cutting Simon off, "You will not be having another tour for a year, but you will still have interviews and a few gigs. Management has arranged for all of these to be after school, however, sometimes you may need to leave school early."

  "And I have informed all of your teachers about the situation so they won't ask questions if you say you need to leave early or get a phone call," Mr. Henderson added.

  I could feel my head doing cartwheels and bouncing off the walls. All I've wanted for the past 2 years was to go back to school. I couldn't with the fear of being recogni—

  "Wait, Simon. Won't people recognize me?" I asked.

  Everyone who sat around the table shared glances and smirked.

  "Well, I'm glad you asked because that's actually what we were going to talk to you about. We can't have people knowing Harry Styles is at their school. So to avoid being recognized, you and Niall will create a different persona. A character if you will."

  "What do you mean?"

  "Haz, he's saying that we will have to create a new name for you, get you a different wardrobe, and maybe colored contacts. Maybe a wig or we might straighten your hair. We can figure out the details later but you will have a different personality. Basically, you'll be acting as a student. A student that's the opposite of you," Niall explained.

  "Oh," was all I could manage to get out. I know it's for my safety, but it will be a pain in the ass acting like someone different.

  "Your teachers and I are aware of your real identity, but will only refer to you as your disguise's name when others are around. Don't worry about late homework either. I am excited to have you attend my school."

  "Okay. When do I start?"

  "You and Niall will fly out to your new place tomorrow, then you will have a week before school starts."

  "Okay. Anything else?" I directed the words towards Simon.

  "No, that's it. I'll send your schedule will your upcoming interviews and stuff on it. Have fun and Niall please keep him in line."

  Niall laughed.

  "Thank you."

  Simon, Mr. Henderson, and management nodded their heads as I stood up and walked out the office door, and into the shiny black limo. I stared through the tinted windows as my driver drove to my place. Paul sat in the passenger seat.

  I was still excited I was going to be returning to school but I also wasn't. I wasn't excited that I couldn't go as myself. I'll have to lie to everyone. There is one thing I'm happy about...I won't have to hide my sexuality. I can tell the school I'm gay! I won't have to pretend to be straight or anything as I do as Harry Styles. 

  I feel a buzz in my pocket so I reach my hand down and pull out my phone.

  It's a text from Simon, I forgot. You also need to write and record your new album by January 1st.