That Smile (A Niall Horan Fan Fiction)

Chapter 21: Business As Usual

Almost overnight after signing her contract, Lauren went from normal girl with superstar boyfriend, to superstar girl with superstar boyfriend. Though she wouldn't exactly deem herself a "superstar" other people were calling her a superstar in the making.

As a clever promotional thing, the record company that now both Niall and Lauren were signed under, released their cover of "Everything Has Changed" as a way to publically announce Lauren's signing. As was the case with their last video, this one exploded on their internet immediately. Gaining over ten million views in under three hours, totally around 70 million in one day. The reaction by people to Lauren's signing was also as equally as huge. Most of it was good, but there of course was some bad feed back like "she only got a contract because of Niall." And "this is just a publicity stunt by the record company and management. Once it's all over she won't have a contract or a boyfriend." As well as "she's just in it for the fame."

Just two days after signing her record deal, she had her first meeting with her assigned team of writers and producers about a timeline for the album. They wanted her first single by April. Also suggesting to drop school for the semester, or transfer to online classes, since she would be so busy. They insisted it was just regular business protocol, but they were truthfully just very eager to get Lauren out there as soon as possible, knowing how popular she would be. She had a voice and an image that would go over well on the radio and TV as well as in person.

"I know mom," Lauren spoke quickly into her phone as she made her way across campus. It was a Thursday afternoon and it was the day that she had to make her decision about school. She was going to talk to advisor about everything, but she had already learned that management was right. Since she signed her contract a week ago she has fallen way behind on school work and sleep, spending all of her time out of class at the studio doing something record company related. And it was only going to get worse with writing and recording sessions as well as tons of promotional interviews and appearances. As well as a two week long radio tour in mid February.

"Yeah, mom. I know. I'm going to talk to my advisor right now to see what I am going to do. Okay, love you too. Bye." While her mom was happy for her, she was also a little weary about the whole thing. Here she was one day a college student, and now she suddenly had a record deal and a mega famous boyfriend? She would feel better if her daughter did what she was in Los Angeles to do, go to school. But she also knew that this is something that Lauren has wanted for a long time. And if this doesn't work out, she will at least have gained enough money to go back to school and get a degree in time.

Lauren hung up her phone before taking a deep breath and stepping foot into the advising office. She pushed her sunglasses to the top of her head and approached the desk. The receptionist looked up at her and cracked a slight smile. "Can I help you?" She asked, glancing back down at her appointment.

"I had an appointment with Mr. Silverman." Lauren said politely. The receptionist looked back up at her again, before it clicked in her head as to who it was. The record company had been in contact with the advising office, explaining the situation ahead of time. Since a lot of famous people attended UCLA, it was nothing new to them.

"Oh, right, you're Lauren Champion." Lauren nodded sweetly. She still wasn't used to so many people knowing her name. All of her professors had been pretty easy on her all week, recognizing who she was. "Mr. Silverman is in his office, down the hall and to the left." Lauren smiled and nodded as she made her way past the waiting room, full of students giving her weird glares since she did just jump to the head of the line.

Lauren rounded the hallway and poked her head in the door of the office. A relatively young man looked up from his desk and smiled. "Ah, Lauren. Come in, have a seat." Lauren did as she was told and shut the door behind her before taking a seat. "So, why exactly are you here today." He leaned back in his chair and smiled again. "Well, let me rephrase that. I know why you're here. What do you need help with?"