✓ 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙣' 𝙎𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩 ━━ Harry Styles

20. back to the grind

chapter twenty
"back to the grind"

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Boston, Massachusetts ━━ 2014

"THESE PHOTOS are everywhere," Simon Cowell began, his tone businesslike. "We need to get ahead of this story."

Sophia nodded, turning to Aisling and Harry. "I think our best option is to confirm your relationship. It's better to control the narrative ourselves."

Aisling and Harry exchanged a glance before nodding in agreement. "uh yeah, okay, let's do that," Aisling said, her voice steadier than she felt.

As they left the meeting, Aisling's phone buzzed incessantly with notifications. Interview requests flooded her inbox, and her social media follower count skyrocketed.

"Welcome to the big leagues," Harry murmured, squeezing her hand.

The next few days were filled with media training and preparation the last show. Sophia drilled Aisling on how to handle tough questions and deflect personal inquiries.

"Remember," Sophia advised, "you're in control of the interview. If you don't want to answer something, pivot to talking about your music."

Between sessions with Sophia, Aisling threw herself into rehearsals with her band.

"Let's take it from the top," Aisling called out, her voice catching slightly. "We've only got a few more days together, let's make them count."

As they played through their set, Aisling caught the eye of each band member, silently conveying her gratitude. When they finished, there wasn't a dry eye in the room.

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That evening, Aisling and Harry found a quiet moment together on the hotel roof.

"How are you holding up?" Harry asked, concern evident in his eyes.

Aisling sighed, leaning into him. "It's overwhelming. Everything's changing so fast."

"I know," Harry said softly. "But you're handling it like a pro. And I'm here for you, every step of the way."

Aisling looked up at him, a small smile playing on her lips. "Even when I'm stressed and snappy?"

"Especially then," Harry chuckled, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

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The next day as they prepared for the move to Washington DC, Niall pulled Aisling aside.

"Got a minute, superstar?" he asked, a mixture of pride and sadness in his eyes.

They ended up in Niall's room, sprawled on the bed like they used to do at home.

"How are you really doing, Ash?" Niall asked, his tone serious.

Aisling took a deep breath. "Honestly? I'm terrified. What if I'm not cut out for solo stardom?"

Niall sat up, looking her in the eye. "Listen to me, Aisling Horan. You are one of the most talented, hardworking people I know. You're going to take the world by storm."

Tears welled up in Aisling's eyes as she hugged her brother tightly. "Thanks, Ni. I couldn't have done any of this without you."

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When they arrived in Washington DC, the reality of Aisling's departure hit hard. Armani fussed over last-minute alterations to Aisling's final performance outfit, while Tulip snapped behind-the-scenes photos.

"You're going to shine, darling," Armani declared, adjusting the sparkling gown. "They won't know what hit them."

That night, unable to sleep, Aisling found herself sitting by the window of her hotel room, journal in hand. As she wrote about her fears, her excitement, and her gratitude for everything that had led her to this point, she felt a sense of clarity wash over her.

This was it - the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. As terrifying as it was, she was ready. Ready to step into the spotlight, to share her music with the world, to become the artist she'd always dreamed of being.

Tomorrow would bring her final show with One Direction, her last performance before stepping out on her own. But as Aisling closed her journal and looked out at the twinkling city lights, she knew that this wasn't really an ending.

It was just the beginning.

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