Fake It || H.S ||

Chapter 11

When I was once again conscious I was in the lobby surrounded by paramedics. More people were sneakily taking pictures of me on the phones than actually concerned. Yes, fainting out of anger or excitement was a bit normal to me, but they didn't know that. All they cared about was pictures of Harry helping a girl that fainted and how much they would sell.

I knew that. That was the last thing I thought about before I went out. People are heartless. I knew this situation would get this amount of attention. Mind you, I can not control this. It is aggravating, especially when I can't remember what caused my fainting. 

Even so, this whole situation with the contract was basically using me to make Harry look like less of a womanizer by placing him in a long relationship. I would use this horrible situation in the same way. All the attention will be off the mention of my 'ex' and focused on Harry saving the day. 

After fluttering my eyes I grabbed onto Harry and smiled. He gave a warm, genuine smile back and asked the paramedics about my current state. 

"Her blood pressure is still low, but this type of low is normal for you, isn't it" he asked. I turned to look at the monitor to see the low numbers that would upset normal people but for me, it was my sad little normal. 

He began removing the cuff from my arm and turning the monitor off. The others were packing up their belongings. My manager came over and pretended as if she cared and helped me off the floor as Harry spoke with the medics. 

After all of the 'interesting' things dwindled down Harry came over and sat next to me in one of the lobby chairs. "After I fainted, why did they move me from the studio to the lobby?" I asked. "They didn't. I did. I wanted you to be as close to help as possible so I eliminated the elevator travel they would have had and brought you halfway to them." 

I nodded my head. "Thank you." 

He smiled back. "Any time. The company's cars are outside to take us back. I'd like to talk to you for a bit once we get there." I sighed. "This is about the name you heard, isn't it?" I asked. He pushed his hair back like he usually did when in thought. "My manager asked. We need to know a bit more since the public knows about him." He told me. "Gosh, you're so British." 

He looked taken back by my statement. "What do you mean? I mean, I know I have the accent, but still-" I cut him off with a giggle. "Do you even watch American Football?" I yelled in a slightly raised yet playful voice. "What do you m-" 

"He's the star quarterback for the Sea Hawks! You know, the one with hazel eyes and a mini fro? His picture is on a few signs which is why I hate this place."

I was trying to be positive. I was trying to remember Isiah as the person that everyone else in America knew. 

Harry didn't have that 'oh okay' reaction I was expecting him to have. Instead he got visibly angry very quickly. Me may have possibly picked up on my mood, but I'm not sure why my sadness would make him angry.

"Harry, why are you angry?" I asked. He bolted from his chair before I knew it. He didn't even look at me, he was looking straight ahead with a look that could burn walls down. "Please tell me you aren't the girl." 

I shook my head and pretended I didn't know what he was talking about. "No, Harry. You're thinking of someone else." I assured him to calm him down. "No, I'm not. I remember that face, Sephora. I remember your face. It was you. That story reached all the way to New Zealand when we were there. Everyone was outraged. I remember your face."

I leaned my weight back into the chair and cradled my head in my hands. "I try to forget. I can't change it so I really try to forget." I said.

"Why? Why didn't you give your name?" Harry turned to look at me for once during the conversation. "He's basking in athletic fame and glory while you work your way up the industry's food chain. Why didn't you give them your name?"

"I did, Harry, I did. I gave them my real name. That way, he wont be hurt as an athlete and I wont be hurt as an artist."

His eyes were a dark obsidian instead of the soft green they usually sported. It was scary. He stood there in a not so empty lobby with his fists clenched and his heart heavy. I didn't know what to do for him.

He blinked. He simply took a long, drug out blink and ran his large hands throughout his hair. After a few more deep breaths he sat back next to me. 

"I'm sure my manager didn't know of this when we picked who my partner in this industry assignment would be." He said this more lightheartedly. I nodded. "I'm sure mine did."

Slowly, Harry placed his hand on my shoulder and smiled. Let's go get some of the icecream we've had before and go back to the hotel. If you're willing I want to talk about this."

I shook my head no and began to speak in a hushed voice because of the people nearby.  "Harry, I'm here to help your image. I'm just a tool for you to get better as an artist and you deserve it. I'm noth-" 

Gently, yet swiftly, he placed his hand over my mouth. "Stop, Seph. You are an artist too. Yes, they brought me here for you to improve my image, but I want to help you. Honestly, I didn't think you'd be so amazing, Sephora. Please, let me help you."

"Amazing? Harry, I'm average at most. The only reason I got signed, even though I didn't want to, is because my then boyfriend was the Nation's favorite quarterback and he still is. The only reason I have fans is because of my covers. Next to no one knows my actual songs"

"Sweetheart, that will change. By the end of tonight you will have people who love you for you. I promise." His eyes glowed with optimism. 

"It'll probably be the exact opposite Harry." I told him.

"No, sweetheart. People are going to discover you through me, but they will love you because of who you are."

I smiled at his words. I didn't believe him, but I loved how uplifting he tried to be towards me. 

"Now, no protesting this time. I had the company driver bring my car rental over. We can leave now." 

Harry stood up and held his hand out for me to take it. Giggling, I took hold of his larger hand and went out of the building with him.

Harry was a wonderful friend and even though all of this has happened, I'm happy to have a friend like him