Falling for the Rockstar

Chapter 9 - Grace

As I wake up the next morning, the winter sun streams through my window. I enjoy that school is canceled today due to a training session. A free day to think—and I can't stop thinking about Louis. About the night we spent together. About the way he looked at me, as if I were the only thing that mattered in the world. About the invitation to the concerts.

It feels like the universe brought us together. Maybe that's an exaggeration, but I just can't shake the feeling.

I slip out of bed and get dressed. I step into the kitchen, where my mom is sitting at the table, sipping her coffee. Dad is already at work. When she sees me, she smiles.

"Good morning, Sunshine! Did you sleep well?" my mom asks with a warm smile as I enter the kitchen. Her face radiates contentment, and I can't help but smile back, even as a bit of nervousness rises within me.

"Yes, thank you!" I reply as I make myself a cup of tea. The scent of the fresh tea calms me a little. I sit across from her, pondering how to bring up the topic.

"What are your plans for today?" she asks as she sets her phone aside.

I hesitate. "Nothing special. Just relaxing a bit and maybe doing some reading." It's half the truth. But my lies about the school project keep creeping into my mind, and I think it's time to tell her the truth. After all, I would really like to see Louis.

"That sounds good," she says. "You deserve a break, especially with all the stress from exams." I feel a slight tug in my chest.

"Um, Mom?" I begin. "There's something I need to tell you. I wasn't completely honest with you guys. I told you that I stayed over at a classmate's house..."

She looks at me attentively, and I can't quite read the expression on her face. "And?"

"I wasn't at my classmate's," I say, unable to take my eyes off her face. "I was... I know you probably don't believe me, but I was with Louis. Louis Tomlinson."

For a brief moment, there's absolute silence in the room. I see her eyes widen, and her face shows a mix of shock and concern. "What? You stayed over... with him?"

"Yes," I say quietly, trying to calm myself. "It wasn't planned. I was at the concert, he invited me to the second show, and then... it just happened."

"Just happened?" she repeats, and I can hear worry creeping into her voice. "That's a famous boy, Grace. You don't really know him! How could you do something like this?"

"I know it sounds crazy, but I feel like I really want to get to know him. It was great. The guys and I had a wonderful time!"

"And you think it's safe to stay over with him? To spend time with people like that?" she asks skeptically, sitting up straight and crossing her arms. "That's a whole different world, Grace. You're still so young."

"Mom, I know you're worried, but I can't just ignore him. I really want to give it a try!"

She shakes her head, and I can see her trying to remain calm. "It's not just that, Grace. You lied. This is a big deal. How do you think I'd feel if something happened to you?"

"I know I should have told you," I admit. "But I was scared of your reaction. I didn't want to ruin it."

"You should have trusted me. It's not just your life you're risking," she says, lowering her voice. "I can't just pretend everything is okay."

For a moment, she looks at me as if she's considering it. "I want you to be happy, Grace. But I also want you to be safe. We need to talk about what all this means."

"He asked if I'd come to the concert in Manchester and accompany him and the guys to Liverpool," I say, watching the expression on her face change. The shock fades a little, but concern remains.