The Dancer's Daughter (1D)

Chapter Fifteen

I stared at Liam, willing him to continue. I could read his expression, so I couldn't tell what he was thinking. Was he angry that I'd tricked them? Impressed with my idea? Annoyed that I'd done it without asking? He seemed to be waiting for me to say something.

"You can't just leave it with that, Li. What did you think?" Harry asked for me, clearly sensing my distress. Or maybe it was his own curiosity and annoyance at not knowing. I didn't care just then, if it got me an answer.

"I... am impressed. It's a good idea, Haley. But you should have asked her, because she's really camera shy. That's why she has the job she's got. She wanted something that she would be in on the action for but not seen. I'm sure she won't be angry, but you still should have asked," he told me. Zayn winked at me behind his back and I smiled.

"I'm glad you like the idea, because I'm slowly going to work my way through the crew members and I have no idea where to start. Ideas?" I asked, directing it at everyone.

And so, three days later, I had five partners-in-crime. Niall had suggested started with Ned, the head lighting technician, and I'd gone with it. Mica was helping me edit the videos until she had to go home, and Louis was in charge of uploading them, though I knew I'd be taking over that job very quickly (or passing it on to Zayn). Liam was in charge of convincing the crew members to participate, which turned out to be way too easy... and Harry was in charge of making sure everyone was comfortable. Which pretty much meant he had to run to the store and get snacks when I asked for them. His job was my personal favorite.

Ned met me in the break room at noon that first day, and he was completely nervous. He was sweating (but that could be from exposure to the lighting equipment...), and he was fidgeting like crazy. I had to stomp on Harry's foot to stop him from laughing and teasing.

"Hi Ned! I'm so glad you're letting us do this. The world should know you're name, and know you're a big help with making the concerts possible!" I told him, trying to put him at ease. It hardly worked.

"H-hi. Nice to meet you," he said quietly.

"Now, it'll be easiest if you just pretend you're only talking to me and Harry. Or just me, because Harry is going to go get us cookies. Aren't you Harry?" I said. Harry grumbled under his breath and left, and Ned was relaxed for the first time.

I passed the interview on to Mica, who took it to edit immediately. Harry had come back only ten minutes later, and I'd had to kick him out again because Ned had tensed right back up.

Mica looked up at me, calculating, before she opened her mouth to speak. I should have seen this coming...

"So when are you going to tell them about your birthday?" she asked loudly. Five heads whipped around to stare. "I'm only still here because I convinced my mother I had to be here for it."

"Mics!" I exclaimed, trying to get her to shut up. "You know I hate my birthday!"

"Yeah, but it's next week! Don't you think your boyfriend should know, at the very least? I mean, even Beth gave you a present to open on that day. I saw her slip it into your bag. Zayn doesn't get to?" she pushed.  I sighed and shot her a glare to let her know I'd get revenge.

"Hey Zayn? I have something I guess you should hear," I snapped. I was annoyed, and I couldn't hide it from my voice. The best memory I had of my birthday was way back when my parents were still together. Sure, I'd be going to see him this year, but it would still be awful.