Paul's Daughter (A One Direction Fanfic)

Chapter Three - Cosette

"Honey, get up and get dressed. We have company coming for dinner." It was the gentle voice of my father that ripped me from my peaceful slumber.

"Dad," I croaked, snuggling deeper into the depths of my warm bed, "do I have to?"

"Yes. You do. Now get up."

Before I could protest any more, my door swung shut. He always got the last word.

I groaned, ripping the blankets from my body as I got up and softly padded across my room to my bathroom.

I flicked the light on and looked in the mirror. My eyes were red and puffy from crying so much.

I turned my back on the reflection to start the water for a shower. After I had gotten the temperature the way I wanted it, I pulled off my shirt and turned back to the mirror.

My lips parted as I gasped. There were little blue marks from Will's fingers dotted around my shoulders and collarbone. I frowned, brushing my fingertips over the sensitive areas lightly.

I quickly stripped out of the rest of my clothes and hopped in the shower. The hot water helped my muscles to relax as I washed myself.

***

I was just putting on some eyeliner when the door bell rang. Our company was finally here.

I took a look at myself in the mirror. I was wearing a pair of black leggings and a flowing white tank top along with a nice grey cardigan. I thought I looked nice.

Plus, the cardigan was long sleeved and helped to cover the ring I had forming between my wrist and elbow on my right arm. Compliments of Will, of course.

My blonde hair was atop my head in a messy bun. Tendrils of hair framed my face.

The only thing that wasn't 'dressed up' about me was my mismatched socks. One of them was pink and white polka dots and the other was blue with a little kitty on them.

I looked at myself one last time before sticking on a fake smile and turning out my bedroom lights. You know what they say, a happy host is a happy guest!

"Avonlea! The boys are here!" My father called as soon as I shut my door.

I froze in my place.

Wait, what? The boys? As in... Oh goodness.

"Oh. Okay dad! I'll be down in a moment," I called from my spot, stumbling back into my bedroom. I grabbed my cell phone just in case I needed a reason to make a quick getaway.

I composed myself, taking a deep breath and counting to three before I started to walk down the stairs.

I didn't really want to meet the boys to be honest. It was probably better that I didn't know who they were. But, as they were part of my father's life, they must be part of mine as well.

When I reached the bottom of the stairs, I could see the backs of five boys, lined up in the middle of the living room.

"Avonlea!" My father smiled.

I grasped onto the wood of the stairs railing tightly as the five boys turned at once to look at me.

Their faces and eyes lit up with a smile. Zayn was the first to move.

His hair was impeccable and his appearance looked very put together.

He took a few steps toward me, extending his arm out towards me. "I'm Zayn, nice to finally meet you."

I nodded, giving his hand a small shake.

Louis appeared at his side. "Louis," he smiled, taking my hand gently in his. He was wearing a striped shirt.