They Don't Know About Us || A One Direction Fan Fiction

Chapter 9: Low Key

Chapter 9:

Nicole’s POV

“Nicole, you are literally the slowest person ever. Get out of the bathroom! I get you want to be fashionably late, but the party started two hours ago.  It’ eleven o’clock.” Sarah yelled, irritation clearly in her voice.  I glanced at the bathroom door for a few seconds before sighing and zipping my makeup bag. I had been touching up my makeup, making sure I looked as good as I could possibly get myself to. I had left my hair down and in loose waves and had done cat eyes with my eyeliner. This was a bit out of my comfort zone, thinking about the fact that the dress was a little too short and the heels were too tall, but they say if you don’t take risks you’ll never get anything in return. I searched my clutch for a few moments before picking out a sleek black shiny tube. I opened the top and twisted the bottom until a dark red lip stick popped out. I carefully applied it to my lips then tossed it back into my purse. I took a step back, double checking myself in the mirror, content with my appearance. I unlocked the bathroom door and slowly opened it to see Sarah standing next to the front door, clearly ready to go. She looked incredible in her green mini dress. She styled her light brown hair in a sleek, high ponytail and did a smoky eye look.

“Wow.” We both managed to say at the same time, then both cracked up. I took a deep breath.

“Let’s do this.” I said nervously as I opened the door, turning off the lights in the room as we left.

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So I kind of had to tell a white lie to get out of working the night shift. My new manager was an ass, but maybe that’s because Rick told him to be. Or maybe he was just a member of management under cover… either way, I had told him I was too weak to work tonight and needed some sleep so I could have energy for tomorrow. Keeping that in mind, the journey down to the ballroom was an interesting one.

I felt like I was playing some secret spy game. Every time a staff member walked by Sarah and I had to hide, or pretend to be doing something so they wouldn't recognize who I was. After way too many long hallways and a ride in the elevator, we finally made it to the lobby.  The moment the doors opened, I was overcome by chaos. Security was running around trying to keep the screaming fans outside of the hotel. There were thousands of them… It was unbelievable. Party planners were running left and right, yelling orders to each other and paparazzi sneaked into the party behind potted plants. Seemed pretty typical to me. Sarah and I took a few steps just as we saw the carpet leading into the loud, chaotic room. The music was blasting and you could see people dancing through the doors. It was everything I thought it would be… and more. Except I hadn’t thought of one tiny issue…

“How are we getting in?” Sarah broke my train of thought as we both stared at the entrance. Right…there was a guest list. And I could bet our weren’t on it.

“Well I guess now’s the time to try something new… I mean, if’ we’re not crazy here, when will we ever be. Just follow my lead.” I said with fake confidence, even though on the inside I had no idea what I was doing. I walked up the carpet, to the man standing at the end holding a clipboard. “Name?” He asked us with a monotone voice, barely looking up. My heart was racing. If I didn’t get this right, we would never see the inside of this party. It was up to me… wait. Didn’t Sienna have friends Harry had told me about? He had told me about how they had all went to Cancun for a press tour… crap, what were their names?

“Holly Jennings and Tiffany Love.” I said, trying as hard as I could for my voice not to shake. His eyes scanned the list for what seemed like eternity. Oh crap. I screwed it up. Those obviously weren’t the names. I wanted to kick myself, just as he unhooked the bar that blocked us from the party.

“There you are, ladies. You’re on the VIP list. Enjoy.” He said as Sarah and I exchanged glances, smiling slightly as we passed him.

“How the hell did you know what to say?” Sarah asked as soon as we were out of hearing proximity. I shrugged, smiling slightly.

“Don’t ask how. Just be happy you’re in.” I said with a laugh. It felt like the moment I stepped past the front doors, I had transformed into another person. I wasn’t boring old Nicole from a boring suburban city with a boring life. I was new and improved… and I was ready to have a night to remember.

A waiter walked near us, carrying a small plate full of some kind of hard liquor shots.  I smiled, taking one as Sarah took another. The waiter walked away and I turned to look at Sarah.

“To a crazy night we’ll never forget.” I said and raised my glass. Sarah raised hers too and we clicked glasses, before throwing our heads back and letting the liquid run down our throats.

“Let’s go crazy… and make sure that bitch doesn’t steal my boyfriend. Remember, Harry, Sienna, and the other boys can’t know I’m here. Ok? Stay low.” I said, my gaze scanning the party in search of familiar faces.  After a few moments passed, an attractive, somehow familiar guy walked over, clearly already drunk.

“What’s a hot girl like you doing alone? How about I fix that problem.” He said, grabbing my hand and pulling me to the dance floor. If I was really going to stay here, I probably needed to do many more shots.I took a deep breath, grabbing another shot off of a nearby tray and drinking it quickly before slamming it back on the tray. “Let’s go.” I said, flirtatiously, or at least I tried, as I followed him to the middle of the dance floor, giving Sarah an apologetic look before I lost her in the crowd.

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Sarah’s POV:

I couldn’t help but laugh as I rolled my eyes, watching Nicole walk away.  Yeah, that was definitely low key. She really needed to start taking her own advice. I stood there for a few moments, scanning the crowd just as somebody bumped into me, causing me to come collapsing onto the hard, wooden floor.