Simon's Secret (One Direction FanFiction)

Chapter 10

After reapplying my ruined mascara (watching Titanic had caused some serious tears), Harry and I sat on the couch facing each other and just talking. He was telling me what it was like to be extremely famous, and I was telling him what it was like to be a secret. At one point he told me about always seeing himself in articles, and I remembered what had happened outside the vending machine.

"Harry, did you know that we're in a magazine?" I asked. He raised a quizzical eyebrow at me and I continued, "Yeah, some fan at the ice cream shop the other day must have sent the pictures to the company."

He buried his head in his hands, sighing, "I'm so sorry, Alex. I should have known this would would happen - No, I think I did know this would happen. Why didn't I warn you? God I'm so stupid. I wouldn't blame you if you broke up with me right now."

I stifled a laugh at that. It was really sweet of him to care that much, but I honestly didn't. Popularity was something I expected from dating someone as well known as Harry, and I didn't mind it. Of course, I'd never really dealt with it before. It was something I could get over though, especially if it meant that I could stay with Harry.

"Oh please," I said, "I don't care about it! I knew it would be coming, Harry, and I decided to deal with it. It doesn't bother me at all, honestly." He lifted head out of his hands and glanced at me with a confused expression.

"You mean... You don't mind?" I nodded, confirming that the popularity did not bug me. Harry breathed, "Oh thank God. I thought it would really get to you, and I wouldn't blame you if it did. The thing is... Well, some people won't be very accepting of you, Al. The fans can get really upset over some things, even something as small as a new girlfriend."

"I know," I said. "I knew that they wouldn't when I agreed to go out with you. It's just how it has to be in this mad world, and we'll get through it. Simple as that." It wasn't that simple, though. My dad was going to kill me.

Harry smiled at me, seeming quite grateful at my acceptance. What option other than acceptance did I have? I really appreciated his concern, but I kind of wished there was no need for it. Like there wouldn't be a reason for him TO be concerned.

Suddenly he was leaning towards me, and I found myself leaning towards him. Our lips brushed against each other lightly before we fully connected them, sharing our first kiss. It was amazing. Not quite as I had imagined it would be, but still amazing.

All too soon Harry was pulling away from me, then jumping off the couch in one swift movement. His eyes were wide as he exclaimed, "Your birthday! You told me it was in three days like three weeks ago. I can't believe I forgot! Okay, we have to have a huge party, I should start ordering stuff now. Oh the boys will be so excited! We can have a giant cake, and-"

"Harry," I interrupted firmly, "I don't want a party. I really don't celebrate my birthday, never have." I shrugged at Harry, whose jaw had dropped.

"You don't celebrate your birthday? Why not? It's really important!"

I answered, "I'm not sure why, really. I think it's because I don't like the attention." It was true, I didn't like people to be focused on me. For my birthday each year my father had given me a new charm to add to a charm bracelet that I never wore. I didn't like to wear it, as it reminded me of my birthday, which, obviously enough, I did not like to be reminded of.

"You're fine with being in a magazine, probably landing on some celebrity news channel, and most likely appearing all over the Internet, but you can't handle the attention of your birthday?" Harry asked sarcastically.

I rolled my eyes and said, "Yes. Now don't go and do something stupid, Styles. I don't want a party or a gift. I won't accept either."

"Fine," Harry submitted, holding his hands up in defeat. "We won't celebrate your turning of eighteen."