‘Ready in five Harry?’ asked the stage manager handing me some earpieces. It was the same routine every time: show, matinee, evening, then a social event or party. Each show had the same banter before the show could start and we would enter to a cheering crowd singing the same songs (that even sounded the same after a while). I love fame, though, it’s like an addiction. Once you try it, you can’t get enough. Music has always been my passion, I mean I didn’t think I was star quality, but thanks to Simon (Simon Cowell was our manager, well the face of the management system) I can do what I love for the rest of my life or however long this dream lasts.
‘I don’t think they're ready, Harry. Can you hear them?’ Liam asked in his usual banter style.
‘No, I can’t. Paris, ARE YOU READY?!!!’ I replied asking the crowd, which was answered by a scream, the usual reply. We ran out on stage singing ‘The Best Song ever’. The rest of the show followed to suit: everything went to plan. We tried to appear our usual selves to the fans but I knew that some of them would detect the tension between us. I mean it was petty really. Some idiot thought they were being clever: they decided to leak a recording I made as a sort of test pilot for a song we were going to release. Everyone took it the wrong way because Simon didn’t want the others to know, in case it was a ‘useless song’. Rumours went around that I was splitting from the band and starting out on my own. Now they disowned me as part of the band. Louis was seething that I didn’t tell him. (We used to be so close but lately he’s been spending more time away from the band with his family which I kind of understand, but if he wanted a family life, why’d he get involved with this in the first place). So after his time away, I started talking to Niall more. Niall could never replace Louis, but he was different, with that Irish burr in his voice, I think he’s just a bit misunderstood. He wasn’t affronted by this test pilot and genuinely believed me. This was pleasing. He fought my corner: it helped to know that I did have someone on my side. Liam also seemed convinced but he was very easy going, so it was hard to tell.
In the interval, I went to get a glass of water or something stronger when I heard Louis on his phone. Curious to know what he would say, I stood behind the crates of equipment for the stage. “Yes, put me through to Simon. What’s happening with Harry? Uh huh. Really... You sure he’s not splitting, because he’s been meeting up with Ed Sheeran again. Yes. I know... but, huh you think I’m not! I’m on tour here you know! Ok. Yes, I’ll stick with him. If I tell you his exact movements, you promise to try and convince him to... Ok. He’s the fans favourite. Can’t you do something else? Ok... Right... Stupid cow!! I guess... He doesn’t realise it, though. Ok... Ciao.”
I told Louis in confidence about my meetings with Ed. Ed and I had only been messing in the studio for a laugh. Maybe Louis misinterpreted these meetings as me going my own way. Convince him (me) to what? Leave? I knew he was angry and slightly jealous. Especially as Simon has been helping me to get bigger parts and be more integrated with other stars. Things have been getting to Louis lately, with all this mess from the press with his mother. He was very bi-polar recently. Some days he started deliberately looking up hate. It makes him feel something other than that permanent grin and happiness that needs to be plastered on for every performance or shoot. I heard him one night, early in the morning (maybe 3:00 AM). He sobbed quietly, but it was muffled by the thin wall. People don’t realise it, but celebrities feel just as much as anyone. I think Louis just doesn’t realise that with that magnitude of hate comes a magnitude of love. If we weren’t good enough, why did people vote for us on X factor? Why do people come to see us perform? Just because we were put in a group, it doesn’t mean we couldn’t all be successful solo artists. I tried telling him subtly but he didn't get the message.
I drank the glass of whatever it was I’d poured myself. I know we’re not meant to have alcohol before 9:00 PM but today I needed it.
“Back in five! Makeup touch ups please!” Ha! I never thought I’d have to wear makeup if I was ever successful, in that first week or so. Now, I wear more than most of our fans put together.
Zayn was already there, but swiftly left without even an acknowledgement. Niall sat down in the chair next to me and flashed me his newly perfected grin. I smiled to show I noticed him, but really I needed peace right now. I took another drink, but as I put it down, the Irish came out in Niall showing his refined sense for alcohol and said to me “Steady on. It’ll be fine in a while. Put on a fake personality, like Simon said.”
We all had these personalities created by the media and marketing of exactly how we were meant to behave in the public eye. All the public care about is a good performance and a good appearance.
I was distracted by a text from Louis. I thought it would be somehow related to the phone call I’d just heard. It wasn’t. It was a link followed by the name ‘Larry Stylinson’ and signed From Lou. I pressed it just as the three minute warning was given. It was a link to this Tumblr page. Niall leaned over my shoulder but I couldn’t care less. I scrolled through the pictures. They were disturbing portraying Louis as gay and I as womanizer, to put it gently. Some images showed well drawn portraits of us in weird positions suggesting a relationship other than just friends. Alright, I could cope with the fact that people joked around saying things like what was portrayed but this felt more real. I felt nauseated by this. Why couldn’t people understand? We’re just mates like anyone other people our age. If we were in a relationship, we would make sure everyone who cared would know.
**COMING SOON: Chapter 3: One Year On...**
A/N: I dont' know the real circumstances of 'Don't let me go' - the one used is just purely based on fiction.
-- Please feel free to comment, I would appreciate your opinion :)
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Pieces // H.S
FanfictionHarry's world is crumbling to around him. As far as he's concerned, his life is already over. He grows cold, and bitter, waiting for his fortunes to change. Jane lost everything, but that meant she had everything to gain. One song would change her l...
