A Love, a Lie and a False Identity (Louis Tomlinson)

Charlie

Chapter 26

Charlie

          “You are going to look so cute in this outfit!” Katherine squealed as she pulled out yet another of Veronica’s elaborate dresses from her huge wardrobe.

          “I know I’m not being ‘me’ right now, but there is no way in hell I am wearing that. As Charlie or as Veronica,” I smiled from my seat in front of the mirror, where Ricardo was working his magic on my hair once again.

          “I’m thinking you should wear it up today, what do you think?” he said, placing his large hands on my shoulder and lowering himself down to my height. I grinned and he nodded. “But nothing too tight or formal. I am going to combine both you and Veronica together. Besides, I don’t think it’s Veronica Louis really wants to see tonight,” he winked and I laughed. I was really going to miss him when we left, and Grace too. They had both genuinely become my friends over the past two weeks, and I would be sad to say goodbye. Plus I was really going to miss having someone to dress me and do my hair every day. That never got old.

          “I agree. Which is why- Katherine put that down, that is definitely not for an award ceremony- I think you should wear this,” Grace said, appearing through the bedroom door carrying a hanger. The dress was covered with a protective dust cover, but by the look on Grace’s face, I grew excited to see it.

          “I cannot believe you are going to an awards ceremony tonight. That is crazy!” Laura said from her lounging position on my bed. As always she was being as little a help as she could be.

          “No crazier than the rest of these two weeks have been,” I said over my shoulder. “Come on then Grace, let me see this outfit,” I said, turning to her. She unzipped the bag and I gasped. It really was beautiful. It was nude, with thick shoulder straps and a sweetheart neckline. Sheer nude fabric fell from the waist to the ground, with an opaque short skirt underneath in the same colour. It was a dress for a princess, not for me.

          “I get to wear…that?” I stuttered, and Grace smiled widely.

          “Yes you do. And you are going to look beautiful in it.”

          “Especially with your hair all done,” Riccardo added, making me laugh. Even though I was leaving tomorrow, all their infectious happiness was affecting me. I couldn’t stop smiling, especially when I thought about seeing Louis tonight. It had only been one day, but I already missed him. I wasn’t sure how I was going to survive never seeing him again after tomorrow.

          “You’ve got your sad face on. Time to wipe it off,” Katherine said, standing in front of me with her hands on her hips, staring down with stern eyes.

          “Sorry. Happy, happy, happy,” I chanted to myself, and whilst Laura and Katherine were used to my little mantra, Riccardo and Grace looked at me like I was mad. Which I probably was.

My phone started to ring a moment later, and Grace picked it up to pass it to me, a smug look on her face as she glanced at the screen.

          “Lover boy is calling.” Shaking my head, I slid my finger across the screen and placed the phone to my ear.

          “Hi Louis,” I said.

          “What the hell Ronnie?” his voice came back angry, full of rage. I was stunned into silence. “What, forgotten who I am again?”

          “Louis, what are you talking about?” I said, standing up from the dresser stool and heading towards the en-suite bathroom, feeling this conversation was better suited in private.