Hidden Identities // H.S

Chapter 45

I lost count of how many rehearsals the Styles' have to attend prior to the ball. There was one for placement and seating arrangements, one for ballroom dancing, one for speeches, and the last one is just perfecting every little detail.

Zayn and I stand towards the back for all of them, eating whatever snacks we can get our hands on. The ballroom itself always takes my breath away. I can only imagine how beautiful it'll look with decorations and live music.

I hate to admit that I imagined myself on the ballroom dance floor with Harry. I wondered how we would look standing next to each other. I imagined the stares we'd get and how many girls would try to throw themselves at him when I was standing next to him.

"How much do you think it is to rent this place for a night?" I ask while looking around, shoving a few chips into my mouth, "I'd say a couple thousand dollars."

Zayn starts peeling at his mandarin, glancing up at the place, "Hundred thousand maybe?"

"I would say no but rich people will do anything to feel like royalty." I nod, leaning back against the wall.

"Speaking of, have you picked out your dress yet? Yesterday I had to try on ten different suits and none of them felt like me. I'm thinking of wearing the one I have in my closet." He confesses with full certainty.

"Your only night to truly feel like your just as rich as everyone else here and you're wearing something you have at home? Come on, Zayn! We finally are getting one night to pretend we're as rich and stuck up as these people! Wear some expensive designer suit that you won't pay for. We only live once!" I playfully nudge his shoulder, making him crack a smile.

"Where'd this persona come from all of a sudden. I've never seen you act like this before." He furrows his eyebrows.

"Ha- -" I close my mouth, stopping myself from telling the truth, "It's something I've learned this year. We live once, why not enjoy it?"

He nods while pursing his lips, "I like that. But what about you? Have you tried on any dresses yet? Any of them make you feel like a rich person?"

"I haven't." I admit, "Truth be told, I'm kind of scared to go back there."

I don't know why I'm still scared. They're not after me. Whenever I do go for a fitting, Harry won't be with me. It won't happen. I keep trying to tell myself that but deep down there's still that fear.

"I can go with you if you'd like or you can take Rick with you. Even better, we can both join you and give our honest opinions." He tries to lighten up the situation.

I giggle, stuffing another chip in my mouth, "I want it to be a surprise."

I don't know what type of dress I'll even wear. Although it's a ball, some guests don't wear the big ball gowns you see in those movies. Is it a ball or a gala? What's the difference?

The dresses I'll try on aren't going to get custom-made or fitted like they are for Becca. They're all dressed Becca has turned down or dresses from designer lines. It doesn't matter to me, honestly. I just want to feel amazing in it.

"Want to surprise Harry?" He asks nonchalantly.

"What?" My heart drops in a split second. Did he see us? We never did anything in public. Does everyone know?

"Every time you get all dressed up Harry stares at you like you're a goddess. He can't keep his eyes off of you and when he gets caught he blushes so that makes my point." He laughs as he recalls the times he caught Harry staring. "Do you think he has a crush on you?"

We both focus our attention on Harry who has his back turned to us. He's listening to one of the event planners go on and on about something. I can't see his face but I'd like to imagine how bored he looks right now.