Hidden Identities // H.S

Chapter 54

Harry Styles

     I've been one to get nervous as I looked forward to things. I haven't gotten nervous in a long time for an upcoming event. The ball that my family has been attending since before I was born is now in five days and I'm a nervous wreck. I never got nervous leading up to it. Instead, it was something that I dreaded. Jane is my second date to the ball and my first date in a long time.

I took Guinevere each year we were together. That's how everyone would know we were together.

Now I'm taking Jane and as much as I'll try to keep her face away from the cameras, people will find out that she and I have something going on. Including my father and sister. Becca has suspected it for a long time and my dad- - I don't know.

I'm nervous for her. She and Zayn don't know how rude these rich people can get. They don't know how ugly their souls really are. They'll eat Jane up if I dare leave her alone for even a minute. She's my date for the first time in I think five years? Of course, they're all going to want to know about her. Once they find out she isn't as rich as them, they'll ruin her. They'll give her backhanded compliments and say mean things in a nice tone that'll get into her head.

It's horrible. That's why she can't leave my side when we're there and if she does, she needs to be by Zayn.

Niall and Lilian decided to fly in a few days before to explore Manhattan. Well, Lilian wants to explore. Niall knows his way around here just as much as I do. And next month I get the honor of standing next to my best friend as he marries the girl he's been head over heels for since we were teenagers.

Currently, I brought them to one of my favorite restaurants to quickly catch up before I get sucked into the chaos that's going to happen.

"Niall's been rehearsing like crazy for the ball. I'm telling him to go on vocal rest but he does the exact opposite! Please convince him to go on vocal rest." Lilian begs, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

"I know nothing about singing and vocals." I shrug, "Niall, you'll do great. Jane and I will be cheering you on from our table."

"And me." Lilian cuts in, "Who's Jane?"

"I told you about her. She's the girl that has swept our Harry out of his 'no dating' misery." Niall laughs, the realization soon hitting Lilian.

"The Jane? I have got to meet her! I need to see what this life-changing girl looks like if she made Harry break out of his shell." She gasps with a big grin.

"Relax, Relax." I playfully roll my eyes, "We're not dating or in a relationship. We're just- - testing out the waters before we decide we want to do the real thing."

"You've never done that before with anyone else. Not even with Blondie and she was a reoccurring hookup that lasted you the longest." Niall points out, taking a sip of his drink.

"There's a first for everything." I shrug.

Lilian lightly squeals, "You have no idea how happy this makes me! You're taking her to the ball, aren't you? This is your first public date since that- - whore."

Niall laughs, nearly spitting out his food. I try my best to keep a straight face as she continues.

"I knew something was different about you when I landed. You look- - your presence is different. It feels lighter. You don't seem so mellow and mean anymore. You seem normal! All because of this new girl? I have got to meet her myself!"

"I have not changed." I deny, "I'm still the same Harry you saw last year. Jane has not changed me. She's just made me- - she makes me smile more."