The Makeover (One Direction)

Ashley

Hello all of my lovely readers! Sorry for the long wait for this chapter, I kind of had a bit of writer's block, but I solved it! Also, I'm aware that this story is a bit carroty, but only the beginning is like that. It gets better! And I know I promote my stories all the time on here, and I'm sorry for that, but I'm just trying to get more reads on my less popular books. Please read my second story, His Secret (Louis Tomlinson). It's a vampire story & it's unlike any of the other carrot vampire stories out there! Please read my BRAND NEW story, Half Past Dead. I'm working on this story with my best friend, and it's a mix of mystery/thriller & fanfiction. Zayn Malik is featured in it! We just started it & we'd love to receive more comments & votes on it! Thank you so much, ilysm. Enjoy this chapter! More comments & votes = next chapter. -Nat ♡

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Alexa's POV

I've never dreaded school more than I have right now. I've barely slept last night, due to my anxiety of the next day. I know for a fact that I will have to see Harry and Justin, an ugly reminder of all the hurt they've caused me.

I take a deep breath and adjust my tote bag over my shoulder before walking through the school doors. Everyone in the halls are in their own little world; girls chatted with each other by their lockers; boys playfully shoved each other across the hall; everyone oblivious to me.

After one trip to the my locker and a pit-stop at my locker, I finally made it to first period. I was actually grateful to have first period without Harry or Justin. A few seconds before the bell rang, Ashley and her friends entered the classroom. It looked like a cliché scene in a movie; her hair was perfectly curled; large earrings drooped down; a large handbag perfectly perched on her arm; her minions surrounding her. They silently took their seats. The only empty seats were scattered across the room; one next to me, and a few in the back. Ashley sat next to me while the other girls shuffled towards the back.

During the long fifty minutes of class, I wondered how Ashley had been doing. Ever since Justin broke up with her, she seemed almost normal. Her days of manipulating men to do her every command were over. Her days of bullying, torturing, and ruining the lives of every kid in school were over. She finally seemed happy.

It seemed like everyone around me was happy; the teachers' smiles were wider, classmates befriended each other, instead of bullying one another. Our school no longer had "popular" kids; we were all equal. Happy couples surrounded me, sneaking kisses in class while the teacher wasn't looking. Everyone was happy, except for me.

It seemed like I was never going to my happy ending.

*

School wasn't as bad as I thought. I only received a few homework assignments, stuff that wasn't even difficult. I sat with a few girls in my Chemistry class at lunch and talked. They weren't so bad. The only time I saw Justin was at his locker, looking as gorgeous as ever with his slicked-up blond hair, white v-neck, and jeans that hung low at his hips. Although I hate that jerk with a burning passion, he is one of the most gorgeous boys I've ever met.

It was the end of the school day, and I was at my locker, organizing all of my stuff to perfection. It took about ten minutes to clean up everything, and soon, I was ready to leave. I was about to pick up my backpack to leave, when a certain conversation interested me.

Ashley was talking to her friends down the hall, whispering and giggling. I picked up a few words in which they said.

"No way!" A bubbly blonde said. Ashley nodded her head, a grin appearing on her glossed lips.

"Yes! He agreed to go on a date with me," Ashley told her friends.

"You're like, soooo lucky!" A brunette said.

"I thought he was dating Alexa," The bubbly blonde said, blowing a bubble with her gum and then popping it.

"I didn't think they were even dating."

"They weren't and they aren't. Harry confirmed it," Ashley answered the many questions being tossed around.

"So tell us exactly what happened. Every detail," the brunette ordered.

Ashley took a deep breath before beginning, "I stopped by Harry's locker before the ninth period and asked him out on a date. At first, he seemed unsure, but when I finally convinced him, he agreed!"

Harry agreed?! Not to seem conceited or clingy, but I thought he liked me.

I was about to sling my backpack over my shoulder when another voice spoke up.

"This date: when and where?" The brunette asked.

"After school at the café."

Once I got all of the information I needed, I grabbed my backpack and hurried out of school. I found my car still parked in its usual spot. I placed my backpack on the passenger seat and strapped myself in. My phone beeped inside of my pocket. I slid my thumb across the screen and read the text message.

To: Alexa
From: Niall

Wanna hang out today with me & the boys? Xxx

I took the invitation into consideration. I have no plans for the day, but I don't know if hanging out with Harry's friends is appropriate. Then again, he was going on a date tonight. I typed back a response.

To: Niall
From: Alexa

Sure! What time should I come? xo

Within seconds, my phone beeped again. It was as if Niall was waiting for my response.

To: Alexa
From: Niall

Any time! ;) xx

I slipped my phone back into my pocket and pulled out of the school parking lot.

*

Two hours later, I stood in front of the boys' house. I hesitated before gently knocking on the door. A few minutes passed and no one had answered the door. I knocked again.

I heard a few loud footsteps and some stumbling before the door swung open to reveal Niall. He smiled brightly. I noticed he had taken his braces off. I liked it. "Come in." He moved out of the way to allow me entry.

"Harry isn't home, so it's just be the five of us," Niall said as I glanced at three boys in the living room. They were playing video games, creating unnecessary noises. The TV blared shooting noises. Empty bags of chips and soda cans were scattered all over the floor.

"When was the last time you guys cleaned up in here?" I asked giggling.

Niall blushed to the roots of his blonde hair. "It's been a while."

"Alexa!" Louis called. He dropped his controller and ran towards me, pulling me into a bear hug. "Long time no see!"

I wrapped my arms around his body and smiled. "Yeah. How's it going?"

"We missed you," Zayn said from the sofa. "Especially Niall."

I glanced at Niall, who blushed a deep red before picking up a pillow from the floor and tossing it at Zayn. He yelped, dropping his controller for a brief second, and then picked it back up, frantically pressing the buttons.

I laughed a little. Niall grabbed my arm and dragged me to the living room. "Come play with us!" An extra controller was tossed at me once I was seated on the couch.

"So where's Harry at?" I asked. I knew exactly where he was, but I was curious to see if he had told the boys about his date.

"Some fancy café," Louis said without removing his eyes from the TV screen. So that's where he took her. Not that I'd care anyways. I'm done with Harry; I don't need him in my life anymore. He can date whoever he wants, and I need to move on.

A sudden gun shot caused me to jump nearly five feet in the air. "Ha! I win!" Louis said, dancing around the room in victory. I looked back at the screen, noticing that he had shot my player.

Two more games and a horrendous pillow fight later, I was ready to leave. I bid my farewells to the boys and hugged each of them. Louis clang on the longest; it took two pairs of biceps to pull him off. I smiled wide, the two small dimples on either side of my face making an appearance.

*

I drove my car down the neighborhood and past a few small shops. At a red light, I noticed a large café in plain sight. I wondered if it was the same café that Harry took Ashley to. It seemed a little cheesy for a first date. While I waited for the red light to switch to green, I tried to look through the large window of the café. Only a few tables were in view; none of which contained Harry and Ashley.

The red light changed the green, and I drove off, getting farther and farther away from the café.

Harry's POV

"I'm having a great time with you, Harry," Ashley purred from across the circular table. I forced a small smile, although her gesture sounded extremely creepy. I wrapped my fingers around my steaming mug of coffee and brought my lips up to the rim. The hot coffee warmed my insides in a pleasurable way.

Ashley seemed to have noticed my distant behavior. "What's wrong?" she huffed.

"Nothing." I waved her off.

"There's obviously something wrong. You've been very distant throughout this entire date, and I'd like to know why," Ashley demanded.

I thought about this question myself. The only reason I accepted to attend this date was because I thought it would help me get over Alexa. She's obviously done with me, so I saw no point in making any further interactions. I've probably sent over a hundred text messages within the span of two days, and still, no response: the silent treatment.

"It's Alexa," I told Ashley honestly. Her expression dropped; eyebrows scrunched together, a frown etched across her lips.

"I don't understand what's so good about that girl. It seems like all the boys are after her, even my ex-boyfriend dumped me for her." Ashley said sorrowful. I felt pity towards her.

"Justin is your ex-boyfriend?" I asked.

"Yeah. He was a jerk anyways. He cheated on me a few times, and somehow I seemed to keep forgiving him. He made it seem like an accident." Ashley took a long sip from her mocha latté.

"He cheated on Alexa," I said, remembering how I had seen Justin and Liz doing some naughty things from the window of his house. I cringed at the memory.

"I heard. The entire school heard. News travels fast," she said.

Ashley didn't seem like a bad person, as far as I know. I just don't think it's right for me to be on a date with her when I still have unresolved feelings for Alexa.

"I don't think this is working out," I told her truthfully. "You know, us."

"Oh. Yeah. I totally get it." She didn't look at me.

I took one last sip from my coffee cup and tossed it into the trash can. "I should be getting you home now, yeah?"

She nodded, gathering her phone and purse. Together, we walked out of the café.