"Am I serious?" I asked out of the blue as me and Nadine were sat watching the X Factor.
It was the following week and I still couldn't get what Cheryl had said out of my head.
She turned to face me. "Erm..."
"I am," I frowned, bowing my head. I could feel the tear welling up in my eyes.
"Hey." Moving closer, she wrapped her arms around me. "It's just in your personality. But you're not always serious babe," she soothed, her hand rubbing up and down my back. "What's brought all this on?"
"Cheryl told me I was serious," I sobbed. "She said I need to take a chill pill." I could only imagine how ridiculous I sounded, but it was really getting to me.
"Kimberley... you're only serious when it comes to your work and remember... Cheryl is your work. She doesn't really know the real you." She pulled back and wiped the tears from under my eyes. "You're gorgeous, funny, sensitive, loyal, well maybe only to non celebs."
I laughed a teary laugh. "I feel really bad," I admitted. "I like her Nadine." Looking up at the tele, I caught a glimpse of her gorgeous face. "I never thought I could, but I really like her."
"I know you do babe," she smiled. "I can see it."
"She's just really different to what I imagined. She's really nice and sweet."
She moved closer and pulled me into another hug. "It's not to late to pull out, you know," she whispered, resting her head on my shoulder.
"It is. I can't pull out now. If I didn't want to do it I shouldn't of took it on in the first place. I'll probably get fired if I do."
"Surely they can't fire you."
"I dunno, but I'm sure Bert would make my life a misery. I'd lose all the respect I've gained over the years. Plus... I could do with the money." I felt torn. I didn't want to hurt Cheryl, not after how she has treated me. She's lovely. "I dunno what to do. The last week has been hell. Everytime I see her I feel bad."
"When did you realise you liked her?" she asked, still holding me tight.
"When we were out with the dogs last week. When she told be to stop being so serious it kind of hurt. And that's what confused me. It shouldn't of. It hurts when people you care about say that kind of stuff... not when a popstar, you're trying to trick, does." The tears began to well up again.
"Awk babe. I knew this was going to happen. It's impossible not to like her. Even for someone like you."
I continued to cry on her shoulder as she tried to calm me down. I really didn't know what to do.
* * * * *
A light knocking on the door woke me from my sleep. Sitting up in bed, I looked around, confused. Who was that? Curious, I climbed out and made my way out into the hall and towards the door. Still with the chain on, I opened it slowly and peaked out. "Cheryl?"
"I'm so sorry," she whispered.
"What is it? Are you ok?" I asked, taking the chain off and opening the door wider.
"I'm fine babe. It's just... I can't find me keys. I must of left them at the studios. I tried Sarah and Nicola, but I don't think they're in."
I could see she was on the verge of tears. "Hey... don't worry. Come in babe. You can stay here tonight." Yawning, I stepped to the side, allowing her to enter.
"I didn't know what else to do. Ashely's away again. I was goin' to drive to me mams, but then I remembered me car keys are in the house."
"The luxury of private cars," I laughed, trying to make her feel better.
She gave me a look that made my heart melt. She obviously wasn't in the mood for bad jokes.
"Come here," I smiled, opening my arms to her. She immediately responed by walking into my inviting limbs.
"I feel really bad for waking you," she sighed.
"Babe...don't worry about it," I replied, pulling her closer. "All you have to worry about is where you want to sleep."
"Where do you want me to sleep?"
I could feel her smiling against my skin.
"Well... you have the choice of the couch or in beside me in my bed."
"You wouldn't mind me comin' in beside you?" she smiled, pulling away.
"Of course I wouldn't."
"Ok."
I took hold of her hand and lead her to my room. "Wait and I'll get you a pair of my pj's," I smiled, walking over to my wardrobe. "Here you go," I said, handing her a clean pair.
"Thanks," she replied.
"I'm just goin' to get a drink and give you some privacy to get changed. Do you want or need anythin'?"
"Maybe a glass of water and some wipes for me face."
"There's wipes in the bath room," I smiled, nodding to the en suite. "And l'll bring you a glass of water."
She looked really tired. "Ok," she said before stiffling a yawn.
Leaving her to it, I made my way out and headed for the kitchen. Once there I took out two glasses and fill them both with the water out of the fridge. Placing the bottle back in, I then headed back.
"Cheryl?" I asked before entering.
The door opened. "I'm ready. I just need to take me make up off."
I scanned her frame. The pj's I had gave her were far to big, which made me giggle.
"What?" she asked as she disappeared into the bathroom.
"They pj's are far to big for you."
I could hear her laughing as I placed her water down on the small table beside the bed. Walking round to the other side, I placed my own down before climbing in.
"They're snug," she winked.
I watched as she made her way over and climbed in beside me. "It's three in the morning, you know?" she said.
"Is it?"
"Aye. I just checked me phone there." She turned to face me, her head resting on the pillow. "Thanks," she smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
"It's ok babe."
She ran her hand over my cheek, rubbing the skin softly. "Goodnight babe," she said, removing it and placing a kiss where it had previously been.
"Goodnight." Turning onto my side, I silently began to cry.
She was such a lovely person. She had befriended and welcomed me into her life. And I was planning to deceive her.
