We will meet again

Chapter 10 - X Factor House - Day 1

The weekend went by way too fast. On Sunday I got a call from Simon’s assistant. I couldn’t remember her name but she had a lovely voice. She wanted to inform me that a driver would be coming to the hotel to pick me up and take me to The X factor house, where I would be staying for the next two months.

I was more than surprised as I had no idea I would have to stay in the same house as the top 15. But then again, nobody would want to pay my hotel bill.

I quickly gathered my stuff and looked at my phone. The driver would be here in two hours. So I had two hours to kill. I stared at the white ceiling.

Exactly two hours later I got a call from the reception, saying there’s a car waiting for me. I took a deep breath.

“Stay calm Aly. Stay focused.” I exhaled and made a mental note to call Brian on the way to The X Factor house.

It took the driver longer than expected to get to The X Factor house. When the car finally stopped in front of the huge front door a group of people stood there lined up waiting for me to get out. I felt extremely uncomfortable.

Some waved as soon as I got out, some came over helping me with my stuff.

 “Wow, you have a lot of bags.” The pretty girl jokingly said. I tried to remember her name but couldn’t for the life of me.

“I bought a lot of stuff here because nothing I took with me is suitable for London weather.” I stuttered. Why was I nervous?

“C’mon. Let’s go inside. I’ll show you your room. We’re on the same floor.” She said with a cheeky grin.

We entered the house, past some of the contestants. one or two of which I recognized. Instinctively I was looking for the boy with the caramel skin and the hazel eyes.

Zayn. His name I wouldn’t forget so soon.

“Hurry up.” A voice interrupted my thoughts. It was the cute girl. Would it be too weird if I just asked for her name? I decided against it. It would just make me look dumb. And I had to be mature and professional. At least for the next two months.

“You can just leave your bags in your room and come with us to the kitchen. We’ll start prepping dinner soon.”

How is it I’m always the new one. And somehow, whenever I arrive at a new place, there's always food involved. Luckily I can adjust to new situations.

“Cher, leave her alone. You totally confused her with your never-ending chatter.” I turned around to face the young gentleman who came to my rescue. I remembered the curly haired one. Henry. Wasn't his name Henry?

I decided to give it a go. “Thank you Henry, but Cher (Cher! Of course. I mentally face-palmed me) here is not bothering at all.” I said, trying to sound convincing.

Everyone around me broke out in ear-shattering laughter. Henry turned red. I turned red. His name wasn’t Henry. Oh!

“It’s Harry.” He said after the laughter died down.

I pursed my lips. “I’m really really sorry.”

“It’s ok, don’t sweat it.” He smiled.

“No, it’s not. We only met a couple days ago.I should have had your names memorized by now.” I winced. I wonder if they would agree to wear name tags in dance practice.

I looked around. Still no Zayn in sight.

„I see you got a nice big room in here.”