FLICKER (h.s. au)

19.

Nineteen

Emery Rivera

When Harry mentioned sending a hair and makeup for me, I anticipated a professional duo, not an entire entourage.

Fifteen minutes ago, my apartment door opened to the bustle of a crew consisting of about 10 people. Did it truly require this many people for hair and makeup? My cozy living room had transformed into a makeshift studio, adorned with blinding ring lights. A small table with a mirror was set up for me to sit at, surrounded by a hum of activity.

Luna observed everything from the sidelines, perched with her babysitter, Dez. Her eyes widened with curiosity at the bright lights.

"Do you have any ideas for your hair, love?" asked Evan, the hairstylist, as he delicately brushed through my hair.

"Honestly," I scrunched my nose, "I don't even know what the dress looks like, so I have no idea about the hair and makeup." The dress, promised by Harry in a text, was yet to arrive. I assumed it would be from his collection; he wouldn't have me wear anything else to his gala.

"It hasn't arrived yet?" Evan inquired, and I shook my head.

Harry texted me early this morning: The dress should will arrive before noon. I can't wait to see you in it. I can't wait to see you. It was now 1 PM, and there was no sign of the dress. "Should I call him?" I asked, but Evan shook his head reassuringly.

"I'm sure it'll be here any minute. Besides, we all know what you'll be wearing, so if you trust us, we'll take care of you," he suggested, raising an eyebrow.

I furrowed mine. "You know what my dress looks like? Can you show me?" I queried, genuinely curious about Harry's choice, I'm typically very particular with what I choose to wear. But I guess if anyone knows my style, it's Harry.

Evan smiled, his hands resting on my shoulders. "It's a surprise, but you're going to look stunning, trust me," he assured, squeezing my shoulders.

"I guess I'm all yours then!" I laughed, settling into the chair. He grinned, turning to gather everything he needed, exchanging ideas with the makeup artist. As it turned out, many in the crew were there to assist with the setup.

"I'm so sorry I'm late!" My attention shifted to the front door as Camden rushed in, holding two gourmet bags. She was out of breath, her hair tousled around her face. "I brought your dress," she announced with a beaming smile, entering the living room.

"Cammy," Luna greeted her from the couch. Cam grinned, rushing over to give Luna a hug before introducing herself to Dez. "I'm going to go hang out dresses in your bedroom; I hope you don't mind me getting ready with you. I would have no time to do it anywhere else, so you really don't have a choice." Cam smiled at me before turning on her heel down the hallway.

I almost directed her to my bedroom, but considering I lived in a one-bedroom apartment, finding it wouldn't be a challenge.

"What are you doing here?" I ask once Camden reappears beside me. She's still taking deep breathes probably from her rushing here.

"Well I had to deliver your dress of course! Harry wanted to make sure it got here in one piece."

"And he sent you?" I raised my eyebrow, holding in my laugh. I love Camden but she is quiet possibly one of the most chaotic person I know.

"Hey!" She narrows her eyes at me. She settles in the chair next to me. "We've got 2 hours to get ready, we're already behind schedule. My bad. But we gotta book it or Harry's actually going to have my head." She sucks in a breathe as the makeup artist spreads out her stuff in front of Cam.