Defiant

Chapter 1 ~

~Harry's POV~

I sat on my couch staring at the static on the television screen. I heard nothing but silence for what seemed like forever. Typically I'd have already invited some friends over to cheer me up, but it felt like a convenient time to think. I thought of the boys and every single person who was hired by management, thinking that it was a normal job and would pay the bills. But it was completely different than that. I couldn't help but feel bad for all of the helpless workers. And the boys as well.

Come to think of it, I haven't seen them in over six months. We were instructed to record separately in our own flats, and then send our individual voice tapes to them via email. I wish there were ways to get in touch with them though. Management has taken over all of their social media accounts and phone numbers. They even took mine. We can still text and call, but they monitor everything. If I ring the wrong number, the call is immediately disconnected.

I have no one. No one to talk to or be there when I'm distressed. It's all because of them. They've taken away all of my freedom and rights. I beat myself everyday for signing that contract. I can't even have good dreams anymore. They're all nightmares. Most of which are about the Master's; what they do to everyone and how there is no way for me to prevent it.

Alright. That was it. I couldn't just trap myself in the dark living room forever. I needed to get out and do something, yet didn't fancy the nosy paps all too much. I just wanted to breathe some fresh air without the bothersome thoughts. I'd been trapped inside my head for far too long.

I put a thick, grey coat on and trotted outside into the snow. God, was it freezing. But it felt good. I continued to strut down the empty road-side, avoiding my thoughts about anything. That was what I'd been aiming for.

I passed several playful children in the neighborhood sledding and making snow angels. I wish I were little again; not having to worry about all this rubbish. That bloody contract. I mean, what was I thinking when I...

Shit. I was thinking about it again. I really needed to clear my head of all uneasy thoughts. They continue to invade my mind, day and night. I only wish to have a break from it, that was all. A little break.

I walked profusely until I reached the corner street shops. The pavements were quite busy. I'd walked a long way from my flat without even the slightest focus on where I was headed, but I was familiar with the area so I was safe.

Suddenly a girl rushed by with her nose in a book and coffee in the other hand; her legs moving like the speed of light. She caught me off guard when her body slammed directly into mine, and then completely lost grip of everything she possessed. I snapped out from my deep and concentrated mind. Her book flung out from her arms and into the hectic road, then her warm coffee splattered onto my grey trench coat.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry!" she said with her hands over her mouth in sympathy. A large, beeping van flashed by and ran on top of her book, strewing pages every which way. She glanced into the road, and her eyes quickly filled with tears.

"No I, uhh, I'll get you a new book, and coffee. Sorry about that." I struggled to say. My heart raced as everything had happened so abruptly.

"Oh!" She leaned forward with her eyes glued to my coffee stains. "Your coat! I'm so sorry. I really am."

"It's alright love. I can just get a new one." I assure her calmly.

She lets out a sudden gasp, and I step back puzzled. "You're Harry Styles, right? Oh my God!" That was right. For a brief second I actually forgot I was a celebrity.

"Uh, yeah," I respond awkwardly. "Come on then, let's go get another drink and fascinating book."

She complied without any form of hesitation. I didn't know her, but it was nice to have somebody to comfort me.

As we walked down the side walk to the coffee shop, I peered over and noticed all of the snowflakes landing on her beautiful hair. It was a dark brown that ombred to golden brown; not completely straight but not curly either; and it cascaded down at a medium length.

We arrived at the coffee shop, and the cheeky owner joked that she came back for more already due to the fact that it was too irresistible. I remained silent throughout the entire event. After her drink was received, we traveled two shops down to the book store and got her the same book that had been destroyed by a massive vehicle.

I wanted to ask for her phone number so that I could expose the secret fame and its conditions. She had asked, prior to arriving at the book store, if there was anything that I wanted to tell her, but I couldn't. They were watching me; I could feel it. I'd been out for far too long, and I needed to get home right away. I was terrified.

They were coming, tonight.