Fame (1D)

Chapter Twelve

Hi everybody :)

I feel like I haven't spoken to you guys much lately, and I'm really sorry for that. I've been a huge ball of stress and anxiety and frustration and exams are coming up and I'm worried about volleyball and school and finishing fame...

I just want you guys to know that if you ever feel like you're all alone and have nobody to talk to, I'm here. I would never want anybody to feel like I've been lately, so if there's anything wrong and if I can help or if you just want to talk, I'm here.

I love you guys so much, and I'm always ready and hoping to reply to comments left on my chapters :)

Xx Lena

Chapter 12

"You're sure you'll be okay?" Harry asked me, concern obvious in his tone.

"Yup." I said, avoiding his eyes. "Bye, Liam." I called into the room before turning and walking out. I pulled up the hoodie on the sweater I was wearing and leaving the hotel. I didn't know Seattle at all, and we'd just gotten to the hotel a few hours ago. I'd announced to Emily and Lou that I needed coffee, and then told the boys where I was going.

I was surprised that Harry didn't insist on coming- he'd been overly nice and sort of clingy lately. I know he's trying to make it up to me... But I don't know if I want to forgive him or not.

It's not that I wanted him to break up with me... But I wouldn't say that we were dating anymore. The one-way communication is one of the main points, and even the fans have gone into turmoil, since none of us will confirm anything.

I shielded my eyes from the bright lights that hit me as soon as I stepped out of the hotel. Even though the paparazzi wasn't going to follow me anyways, I still kept my head down and didn't say a word. I wanted to be alone tonight.

As soon as I got into the dimly lit café, I took a seat in the corner booth and waited to be served. I looked at the menu, while glancing around nervously. I didn't want to be put in an awkward position by being caught and asked questions that currently, I had no answer for.

"Hey, my name is Jake and I'll be your server for today. What can I get you?"

"Just some Yorkshire tea, please." I said, looking up and smiling weakly. His eyes narrowed in recognition, and I pressed my lips together to refrain from sighing.

"You're Alison."

"How'd you guess?" I joked tiredly. "Please don't make a big scene or anything. I'm trying to avoid any questions tonight."

"No worries. And I know you from the newspapers." He smiled. "Are you alright?" He asked, his face changing from teasing to concerned.

"It's a really long, boring story."

"Tell you what. I'll get your tea as then sit with you, if you'd like."

"Won't you get in-"

"Trouble? My dad owns this place. I wouldn't get fired even if I wanted to." He laughed. I joined in- and it wasn't a forced laugh either. Something about him was really... Comforting.

"Alright then, Jake. It's a deal." I smiled. He grinned at me one last time before disappearing behind the counter.

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"That's confusing. So you aren't together?"

"If anyone asked me I would say that I'm single." I told him. "It's a one way kind of communication."

"One way... From you or him?"

"Him."

"Silent treatment? Really Ali?" He laughed.

"Cut me some slack." I joked. "Everything has gone downhill. What am I supposed to do, forgive him?"

"This may sound a bit crazy, but I think you should. From the sound of it, Harry really likes you. Second chances are never a bad thing."

"This isn't the second time. It's the third or fourth."

"That may be a problem then." He laughed. "You're finished, do you want any more?"

"I don't think I can afford any more." I said honestly. "Oh! I'm talking to the future owner. Let me rephrase that; No thanks, I'm tired of tea."

"I'll be right back." He chuckled, and then took my empty cup back to the kitchen. I put my head in my hands and closed my eyes. Why was I opening up to some guy that I just met a few hours ago? How did I know he wasn't going to run to the paps...

'No, Ali.' My mind told me. 'He's just what you need right now.' Jake came back quickly, his face worried.

"We don't have anymore Yorkshire, is there any other kind that you like?" He asked, seeming genuinely upset that they ran out of tea.

"It's fine." I laughed. "I better get going, anyways. The boys are probably waiting for me."

"Are your sure?" He asked, sadness laced in his eyes. I nodded, looking down at my feet. "Will you be back any time soon?"

"I'll come back tomorrow afternoon, before we get on the plane."

"Where are you off to?"

"San Jose, I think. It's pretty hectic, I'm never really sure."

"You just get on a plane and go?"

"I guess so." I laughed. "Tonight was fun. Thanks, Jake." I smiled.

"Anytime, Ali. You can text me whenever you need something."

"Thank you." I smiled, before hugging him tightly. He was just what I needed right now- a friend.

He waved goodbye as I turned the corner away from the small shoppe, and I was immediately attacked by paps.

"Crap." I muttered under my breath, pulling up my hoodie.

"Alison!"

"Ali, was that your new boyfriend?"

"Alison, what about Harry?"

"Where are you and the boys staying?"

"Answer us!" One of the men yelled in my face.

"Get away from me." I snapped. He held his hands up and raised his eyebrows mockingly.

"Sorry, princess. No can do."

"Just leave me alone!" I said, becoming quickly agitated. I looked ahead of the yelling crowd and saw two bodies running out of the hotel towards us. I sighed as they came closer- Liam and Harry.

I shoved through the crowd and met them halfway, and then we ran back into the hotel together- beating the crazed paparazzi.

"Are you okay?" Liam asked, concerned.

"I'm fine." I panted. "Not used to physical activity, is all." I tried to joke. I saw Harry roll his eyes mockingly and Liam just stared at me, concerned. "Come on, guys. Don't make this into something it's not."

"We're not. But tomorrow there will be articles on how you snapped on that man."

"Harry, she didn't ask-"

"Liam, shut up for a second." I said, holding my hand up to my older cousin. "How do you know?"

"Ali, they had video cameras. You can't let crap like that get to you. You know that the whole band is going to suffer for this, don't you?"

"Harry..." Liam warned. I shot him a rude glare- I wanted Harry to continue.

"Since I'm your public boyfriend-"

"Not anymore." I put in quietly.

"I should've been there to keep you calm. Not some guy from a coffee shop."

"Shut up." I snapped. "He wasn't just some guy. His name was Jake, and he was actually nice to me."

"Whatever." He brushed it off cooly, and stared at the walls of the elevator. I stared at him incredulously- he never gave up that easily. I shook it off and followed his actions.

Maybe he'd gotten tired of trying.