All You Need Is Love: A Harry Styles/One Direction Fanfiction

Chapter 19

I slowly opened my eyes to see my mum hovering above me, her eyes wide with excitement, holding a small, round cake in her hands. I sighed heavily and laughed as she sung to me.

"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dear Carly...Happy Birthday to you!" she cheered, causing me to smile brightly.

"Thanks mum," I whispered, blowing out the candle and hugging her tightly. I began to move away though felt a steady grip pull me up and out of the bed.

"Come on! You have to open your presents BEFORE school; I won't see you later!" she rushed, running ahead of me down the stairs. At the top I stopped and smiled to myself; I know it had only been a matter of days but ever since I'd told my mum about...well, everything, she seemed to be different. In a good way. More...the fun mother who didn't leave her daughter to go out with her boyfriend. And it made me happy. Trodding down the stairs like an animal, I perked up at the sight of my mum again, though quickly widened my eyes at the amount of presents laying neatly placed next to her.

"Mum - I said I didn't want anything!" I complained, though she still dragged me over.

"Here!" she handed me the first present and I sighed, fiercely wrapping it open, as the adrenaline took over me. Ever since I was a child I'd made a habit of forcefully opening my presents and throwing the paper all over the place. I only did it for my parents though, for my friends I opened delicately, of course.

I went through present by present and each time a new one came into view my face lit up with glee and surprise. My mum had bought me so much, from Jack Wills clothes and MAC make-up to a new lens for my camera. She made me laugh explaining the story about the sales assistant in Jessop's trying to explain to her how they all worked. I was so happy with everything she had bought me, though she had spent too much, as per usual.

"Thank you so much mum!" I cried, hugging her tightly. She smiled.

"I'm glad you love them all Car, now quick, go and get ready for school, I'll tidy up all of this; you'll be late otherwise!" I looked at the time and noticed I had only half an hour to get ready, so madly legged it up the stairs to my room. Finding a black skater style but casual dress, I slipped it on with my new creepers. I'd liked them so much when I borrowed them for the talent show that my mum had bought me a pair for my birthday. I then wrapped a black knitted Cardigan around myself as it looked like a crisp cold day. Quickly throwing my books into my bag, I headed downstairs, closing the door behind me and my mum as she started the car.

***

"Happy Birthday!" I heard from my friends as I ran into form. I could see Gab holding a balloon and Sam a birthday badge. Kris came running up to me and pulled me in for a warm hug.

"I can't believe you're 17, it's crazy!" she laughed and I joined in.

"I know!" I laughed as she lead me over to everyone.

"Here!" Gab handed me the balloon. "I'll give you your present later!"

"Thanks Gab," I hugged her tightly.

"Here, you need a badge for today," Sam joined in and I grinned at him, pulling him towards me for a hug after he fixed the huge pink badge on the side of my cardigan.

"Sorry the party is such short notice, can you all make it?" I asked, looking around at most of the people in my form who I had invited.

"Yeah!" I heard most of them reply so smiled, taking my seat at the back.

The day passed pretty quickly, and before I knew it I was turning the corner onto my street, earphones blasting out one directions album and singing to myself.

"I still feel it everytime, it's just something that you do, now ask me why I want to...it's everything about you!" I loudly sung and looked up to see Harry standing in my porch laughing at me. Oh god. I felt a huge blush rise in my cheeks as I walked towards him, stopping the music and pulling my earphones out.

"Any chance I sung that quietly?" I asked and Harry laughed in response.

"You sung that amazing. But quiet, not much," he grinned and I sighed. He then added: "You like the album?"

"I love it!" I sung, running up the steps to meet him.

"Anyway, happy birthday!" he cheered, setting the bag he was holding down and pulling me in for a hug. I loved it when I hugged Harry; I felt warm and safe. Breaking apart from the hug he picked up the bag and held it between us.

"I come bearing gifts," he stated, opening it for me to see A LOT of fireworks. "And...this," he said, holding up a smaller bag in front of me which I noticed had a tag on reading: 'Have an amazing birthday Car, love Harry .xx' I smiled at him and got my keys out to unlock the door when I heard him curse under his breath.

"Shit," he breathed looking behind me. I turned around to see several black vans turning the corner onto the far end of my street.

"What is it?" I asked, turning back to face him.

"Paparazzi," he simply breathed and I understood.

"Oh crap!" I muttered, running in front of him and shoving the key into the door. I couldn't face the thought of stories they would start if they even got a snap of us standing together. The door wouldn't unlock; I was shaking too much, I was too scared.

"Hurry Car, they're coming!" Harry stepped in front of me, trying the key and with one last turn the door opened. I pushed him quickly, not wanting to be seen but accidentally caught my foot on his and fell into the house with him, right on top of him in a REALLY awkward position.

"Shut the door!" I heard Harry hiss, so I did a ninja kick backwards with my leg, causing the door to suddenly slam. I looked back to see Harry laughing hysterically.

"I can't get used to you doing karate cheerleader moves like that," he smiled and I laughed back at him, feeling my cheeks flame up. I then looked down at how we had ended up: Harry lying down and me sitting up with my legs either side of his...oh my god.

I scrambled up, hanging onto the door handle behind me for dear life. Harry jumped up too, coughing a little.

"Okay, now I can give you this," he held the bag in front of me, assuming I would take hold of it. I never.

"Harry, I don't want a present," I said.

"Sure you do! Come on Car, I didn't even spend a lot - please?" he asked, holding it out for me again. I sighed and reluctantly took it from his soft hands. Opening the bag, I smiled as I pulled aside the tissue paper to reveal a yellow decorated links box. I looked up at Harry who was grinning down at me. Didn't he just say NOT A LOT? I know he was famous but surely he knew how much links' jewellery was! Looking back to my hands, I slowly untied the perfectly folded ribbon and opened the lid to reveal a black and silver detailed bracelet. A friendship bracelet. I nearly cried, though quickly blinked, looking up at Harry.

"This is too much Har-" I started, but he interrupted me.

"I know it's old school and lame, but I've never really had a close friend that's a girl before, I have one too-" he pulled the sleeve on his cream jumper up to show me the famous Harry Styles links bracelet which I, as well as every other major one direction fan knew he had. "- and I thought you could have one. Because I think of you like that," he took the bracelet from the box and loosened the tie, taking hold of my hand, and slipping it on over my crimson freshly painted nails. Setting my hand down, I looked at my wrist which now had sparks running all over it from where Harry had touched me. The bracelet in particular left me feeling dizzy and crazily fangirl active. I never wanted to take it off.

"Thank you," I breathed, looking back up and smiling at him. With that, the doorbell rang and I blinked, snapping out of the starstruck girl mode I had been in. I turned around and opened the door to see my mum carrying a lot of alcohol. Whoa.

"Harry - thank God you're here!" she rushed, thanking him again as he took the drinks from her hands. I just stood there as still as a statue in a trance. Since when had Harry and my mum been best friends?

"Got the fireworks, Maria," he smiled taking them over to her.

"Oh my gosh, thank you so much darling!" she took them from him. What the hell!? "Have you sorted the plan out then with your friends-" I cut in sharply.

"What plan?!" I shouted. "Mind including me in what's going on?" Harry grinned in response, walking towards me.

"Well..."

***

So apparently my mum and Harry were best friends now when it came to arranging stuff. My mum had 'booked' one direction to come to my party so they were to come, perform a few songs, watch the fireworks and 'chill' with everyone (which I doubt would go casually with my friends) and then leave. I didn't count on it all going too smoothly. Harry had left over an hour ago and since then I'd been getting ready - I now had my dress on, my hair straightened and most of my make up on. Gary had taken mum out not long ago which was good; I didn't want her being here in case this party got kinda crazy, alcohol wise. Finishing off my deep red lipstick, I heard a knock on the door and ran downstairs, slipping my high black heels on as I ran towards it. On the other side I found Kristen, Gabby, Soph, Sam and Tom.

"Happy Birthday!" they all cheered, holding up presents. Wow, this party was going to be amazayn!

Time passed and before I knew it my house was full. Literally crammed with bodies. I didn't even know some of them. What made me laugh was seeing Mr Johnny standing awkwardly in the corner. But overall, everything was going good. People were drinking alcohol but nobody was overly drunk, I was a bit tipsy myself though.

"Great party Carly!" I heard a group of boys call from the corner as I strolled past.

"Thanks guys!" I smiled brightly, but couldn't even remember all of their names. Feeling a tap on my shoulder, I turned to see Gabby, her eyes wide.

"The mikes are set up," she stated, pointing over to five fancy looking miles on what was actually a small raised stage in the main room people were in. How had that even gotten there?

"It's time!" Georgia cried, coming up behind her with Megan. I looked at them and pulled in a deep breath.

"I just know this is going to be crazy," I worried.

"You shouldn't be worrying Car, it's your party, leave the worrying to us," Megan joked and I laughed in reply.

"Okay!" I smiled. "It's showtime." They all ran away from me and towards the stage. Looking around, I found Soph talking to a group of girls near me so went over and casually drifted into their conversation, acting oblivious like everyone else in the room.

"Um, hello..." I heard and turned around with everyone else to see Kristen on the vast stage holding one of the mikes. "Where's Carly? Carly, there you are!" she acted, motioning for me to go on stage. Everyone cheered so I made my way towards the front where I stepped up next to Kristen. Plastering a confused look on my face, I let her carry on.

"Your mum wanted me to give you this message: 'Carly, I just had to get you one more present for your special birthday on bonfire night, it's for one night only so enjoy...'" she read from a piece of paper and everyone just looked at her like she was crazy. Only when a door behind us opened and in walked the five most gorgeous, popular, sweetest boys on the planet, I swear I went deaf from the amount of screaming that blasted around me. As Harry walked on stage last, he walked straight up to me which must have been the plan because everyone in school knew I loved him like crazy. His gaze met mine and my mind floated back to the first day I met him in Heathrow airport. Remembering those feelings, I didn't scream or act crazy. I simply looked at him, widened my eyes and allowed my jaw to drop to the floor.

"Happy Birthday Carly," he said in a soft, sexy voice, taking my hand. I knew it was all an act but with all of the oblivious girls going crazy, I wanted to play along. Especially if it meant I could keep hold of Harry's hand a little longer.

"This ones for you," he whispered into my ear and instead of blushing I started fangirling like crazy. He laughed at me, seeming pleased with my acting skills. I was too. Immediately I heard the start of 'what makes you beautiful' and lots of screaming. I looked down to see all girls going insane and I laughed. I think the alcohol had had an effect on everyone, including me. As Liam began his solo, Harry walked me over to his mike and I caught my foot on one of the wires, swaying a little as the drink began to kick in. Luckily enough, I felt Harry wind his arm around my waist, keeping me steadily upright as he sung down to me.

"Everyone else in the room can see it, everyone else but you...BABY YOU LIGHT UP MY WORLD LIKE NOBODY ELSE!" they all blasted together, jumping up and down with me and the crowd. It was the most amazing feeling ever, partying with one direction. I felt on top of the world! However soon a banging sound distracted me and when Zayn stopped singing the second verse, me (along with everyone else) turned around at the sound of shouting. Lee. Megans boyfriend. In my house, dragging Megan away. Oh my God. WHAT WAS HIS PROBLEM?! I pulled free of Harry's firm grip on me, ignoring the slight spinning running through my brain as I pushed through the crowd to the front where Lee and Megan were arguing - A LOT. I had never seen this side to Megan before.

"GET OFF ME!" she screamed, pulling herself out of his grip but not going anywhere.

"Or what?!" he laughed. "You're MINE-" he emphasised. "You do what I tell you to, not come to pathetic childish parties-" I stepped in front, cutting in.

"Hey, watch it!" I cried, feeling like a loon already. "Don't call my party childish when there's alcohol involved!" Everyone around me laughed a little and cheered. Lee let go of Megan and all of a sudden his full attention was drawn to me like a moth to a flame.

"Is it...Carly?" he asked, his eyes burning with rage and anger, and I suddenly felt afraid. I stepped back, the people behind moving with me, though Megan soon grabbed him and turned him abruptly around to face her.

"Get out now," she said, her voice wobbling slightly. "We're over." Lee simply laughed, and I felt the tension suddenly build up all around me.

"Look at you now! Miss confident! Don't ever talk to me like that again you little bitch-" he hissed, grabbing her arm again. "-we're leaving now." He started to pull her away and this time she let him until Zayn stepped between them both.

"Get your hands off her," he simply said, threat filling the air.

"Or what?" he asked, laughing.

"Harry?" Zayn asked, and I looked to my right to see Harry pull Megan out of Lee's grip without any fight or hesitation. My eyes were watching his muscles. Wow, he was strong. He was so strong and fit. Oh my God, Harry Styles was in my house! Look at them muscles, so flexed, wow, I'd touch - OH WOW, I WAS A LITTLE BIT DRUNK. Snapping my eyes back to the present, I widened them as Zayn's fist collided with Lee's face, punching his jaw. I saw blood immediately and sucked in a sharp breath, watching him clutch at his face whislt crying out in pain. I found Liam running over and firmly grasping Lee by the shoulders as he pulled him towards the door.

"Dick!" he screamed at Zayn. "You deserve her!" he added, pushing Liam off and storming out of the house for himself. A loud slam echoed through the room, and silence slowly filled the air.

"Anyone want a picture?" Louis asked and all of my friends started screaming. They each formed little crowds around the boys and I sighed to myself, dragging my feet into the kitchen. I looked up at the island in front of me and walked over, propping myself up to sit on there. Leaning behind me, I poured the contents of the Smirnoff Ice I was carrying into the sink, praying that if I didn't drink anymore, I might actually be able to remember tonight. It was so weird knowing that one direction were just a wall away from me. I say one direction because that's what they were tonight, I couldn't act like I knew them, not at all. And that really disappointed me. I suddenly got the feeling that eyes were on me, so looked up to find Megan looking curiously in my direction.

"Hey," I sighed. "Are you okay? I'm sorry but I have to say it, your boyfriends an ass, how could you let him-"

"-I don't know, Car!" she interrupted. "But somehow I feel like it's really over now, and I'm not scared anymore," I smiled, feeling proud of her for finally realising.

"Good," I replied. "Er, how long is it until we start the fireworks?" she looked up at the clock in my kitchen.

"I'm guessing since all your friends want to meet the boys first...about half an hour?" she averaged out. I sighed with relief.

"Thank God, look, I'm gonna go take a nap, twenty minutes tops. But when I come back I AM NOT-" I strictly stated, "drinking anymore alcohol." Megan laughed and nodded her head.

"Okay, I'll come and wake you then."

"Thanks meg," I hugged her.

"No problem," she answered as I headed up the stairs quickly, avoiding any glances from suspicious friends. Wandering down the long hallway, I stopped at the guest bedroom hearing giggling. Nooooooo. Who the hell was that?! Not in my party! Without thinking I grabbed the handle and flung the door open, forgetting about what I might see. Thankfully nobody was naked, but Liam and Gabby were sitting on the bed...wait for it...KISSING. At the sound of me walking inside they each pulled away smiling, though when they saw me they both widened their eyes. I folded my arms across my chest, grinning.

"Guys..." I trailed off, squealing with glee. Liam looked back at Gab, smiling at her and taking her hand.

"Yeah...we're together," he grinned, and Gab kissed him again. I literally couldn't believe it - my eyes were wide with excitement and I let out a scream, causing them both to break apart and look at me. I didn't need a nap anymore; I was wide awake. I ran out of the room and back in the direction I had came from, hearing them both calling my name behind me.

"Carly, wait!" Gab cried, and I stopped to face them both.

"What?" I asked. "Oh come on, please! Just let me tell everyone! Everyone meaning you guys-" I pointed to Liam. "-and us," I added, pointing at myself and Gab. Liam took a deep breath.

"Okay..." he trailed off, and that was all I needed. I ran down the stairs like buzz lightyear, diverting my gaze to the kitchen where Harry had just entered. I ran in, thankful that he was there by himself. He hadn't noticed me yet; so I ran up to him and hugged him from behind. He turned around, his eyes wide; he was probably expecting it to be one of my friends acting like a crazy fan but when he noticed it was me, a bright smile appeared across his face.

"Hey!" he cheered. "I was just looking for you, Kristen wants to start he fireworks now. Its going pretty well I think, I don't think anyone suspects that we know each other-"

"-Liam and Gab are together!" I cut in, buzzing as Harry raised his eyebrows.

"What?!" he said, looking over to the door after hearing it softly close.

"Dude!" Harry laughed, running over to Liam and pulling him in for a hug. Liam laughed too, gripping tightly on Gab's hand.

"I know," he looked down at her. "I just couldn't wait any longer." Gab blushed and I laughed as I joined them.

"Have you told anyone?" Harry asked.

"Haven't had the chance - Carly walked in on us KISSING-" Liam stressed, winking at me. "-and was running down the stairs almost straight after," I shrugged my shoulders.

"Well I'm just so happy for you both," I cheered.

"Me too," Harry agreed. I looked over at him then back at the new adorable couple.

"Are you telling everyone?" Harry asked, speaking my thoughts exactly. They both looked at each other, not seeming to know the answer themselves.

"...We'll give you a minute," I whispered, heading out of the kitchen with Harry.

"Okay everyone, outside!" Kristen called and people began to wander into the garden. I wandered too, Harry at my side, to find mikes outside as well, men standing at the back. How had I even managed to miss all this?

"Who are they?" I whispered to Harry, nodding in the direction of the men.

"They've set up the fireworks for us, they should be starting in about five minutes," he stated. I raised my eyebrows.

"How did I not know?" I asked confusingly.

"I think you were too busy getting ready...you look amazing by the way," he added, lowering his voice. Immediately I felt myself blush.

"...thanks," I smiled and he grinned, walking towards the stage to join the rest of the boys. I noticed Liam already there, so ran over to Gab, who was standing in a group with Kristen, Georgia and Megan.

"Tell them!" I encouraged her.

"Okay," she grinned, confessing to her and Liam.

***

Okay, so far so good. Except it wasn't good, I wasn't good. I couldn't pretend like I didn't know Carly; it was her birthday and I wanted to spend it with her as her friend, not a famous stranger. When I had first walked in and saw her acting excited and oblivious, I couldn't even widen my eyes or fully take in how wonderful she looked, and it bugged me. And now Liam and Gabby were together, which I was still trying to process. Sure I was happy for them but...I just don't know. The music started and I looked to my right at Liam who began to sing 'Gotta Be You'. I noticed him wink and looked over to see Gabby go crazy with Carly standing next to her. I smiled and looked ahead, not really at anyone, as I began to sing.

"Can we fall one more time, stop the tape and rewind, oh but if you walk away I know I'll fade, 'cos there is nobody else...IT'S GOTTA BE YOU!" I sung as best as I could and as the chorus began so did the fireworks. I didn't even have a clue how they had planned it out so perfectly timed but it looked amazing. Everyones faces lit up with awe as the display began and I saw Carly with her friends dancing. I smiled as I looked at her, looking her over a few times as I finished the first chorus. Liam began to sing once again and I kept my eyes fixed on Carly. I think she suspected it somehow so turned her gaze away from the fireworks and straight to me. I smiled at her and teared away, skimming the crowd instead. Okay - maybe I fancied her. There, I had said it! Maybe I had a teeny tiny crush on Carly, which was completely normal. I got crushes ALL THE TIME! I sighed to myself with relief, proud of myself for admitting it. Not that I would even admit it to her, this would go away! I was soon going on tour with the guys, it would be gone by then. So I had nothing to worry about. The second chorus ended and we all stepped off the stage together, walking deeper into the garden. On the way Zayn ran over to the girls and grabbed Megan's hand, causing me to widen my eyes for about the 5th time tonight.

"Oh girl can we try one more, one more time?" he sung, a high blush rising in her cheeks as he sung down to her. We all joined in, staring at both of them gobsmacked. I think everyone else was too.

"IT'S GOTTA BE YOU!" I sung, hitting the high note perfectly and as the song began to finish I found Zayn placing a hand on Megans cheek and slowly bending down to softly kiss her. The music stopped and Zayn looked up at her. Someone at the back coughed, speaking for us all. I felt like I was intruding, so I turned away. But just because I couldn't see didn't mean I couldn't hear.

"I have to say this now, Meg, in front of all these people, because I don't want to hide it, now that he's gone I want everyone to know: I love you. I've loved you since I first met you in reception."

Whoa. He should win an award for that.

***

My eyes literally didn't blink as I waited for Megan's reply. I couldn't believe what had just happened. I looked over at Georgia whose jaw was almost touching the floor. Turning back to megan, I heard the four words that I think most people around us was willing to hear.

"I love you too," she shyly said and he lifted her up, spinning her round. I raised my eyebrows and bit my lip, trying to hide the squeal that I didn't want to escape. This was just...unreal. One of my best friends had just got with Liam James Payne, and the Bradford boy had finally got with the Bradford girl. Now I was seriously going to party!

***