Fangirl // Harry Styles

Chapter 31 / Austin Mahone Concert

Chapter 31 – Valerie’s P.O.V.

            “I’m going to the Teen Choice Awards!” I sung as Niall pulled into the mall parking lot, laughing at my idiotic behavior.

            “You have to get a dress first!” Niall sung back in the same tone, making me laugh as I smacked him playfully in the shoulder.

            Today was the day we had to walk around the mall… holding hands. I didn’t know if this was going to be awkward or not, but I got out the car anyway just as Niall did. He gave me a soft smile, spotting the paparazzi not too far away. He outstretched his hand for me to take, so I returned the genuine grin before locking our hands, our fingers lacing through each other’s. Holding hands with Niall wasn’t as warm as with Harry, but it still bedazzled me that I was holding hands with Niall freaking Horan.

            Breathe, Valerie.

            I must give myself credit, though. I’ve gotten rather good at containing my insane fangirl side. Of course, I slip up occasionally (how could you not?), but the boys are sweet enough that they just laugh at me and brush it off. All five of them are more genuine in person than in interviews, and I still find it hard to believe that people see them as rude and self-conceited. They’re without a doubt the nicest people I’ve ever met. They don’t put on an act, and I love that about them. They’re honest.

            Nonetheless, I found myself squeezing Niall’s hand tighter at the thought of actually going to the Teen Choice Awards. I was surprised to find out that the Teen Choice Awards were being held in Tampa this year, but it doesn’t exactly bother me. I’m still going with One Direction. I’m still going to see a whole bunch of people I adore. It’s yet another of my dreams coming true.

            “You okay?” Niall asked, breaking me from my inside fangirling.

            “Huh? Oh, yeah. Uh, I was just… thinking,” I told him, then realized I was still gripping his hand tightly. I loosened my grip some. “I’m sorry.”

            Niall chuckled, waving me off. “It’s fine. Let’s go get you that dress, yeah?”

            I smiled, nodding as we pushed our way into the entrance of the mall, multiple flashed practically blinding me. Even in the little mere two weeks I’ve spent with these boys, I’m still not accustomed to the constant question screaming and bright lights. I don’t see how they even put up with it. It pisses me off to a point where I want to snatch their cameras and shove them up their ass. Yeah… I’m not too polite when I’m mad…

            My phone rang as soon as we walked into the first store, so I let go of Niall’s hand to dig it out of my purse. “Hello?” I questioned, still walking beside him as my eyes skimmed over incessant racks of fancy dresses and skirts.

            “Valerie? Honey, where are you?” Mom’s voice pondered from the other side, making me remember that I forgot to call her last night.

            “Oh, crap. I’m sorry, Mom.”

            “Are you okay?”

            “Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. I just… you know… One Direction and stuff,” I murmured into the speaker. I feel incredibly guilty for not telling my Mom anything about the contract, but knowing her like I do, she’d freak the crap out because it has to do with the law. She’d probably scream her fear out at me.

            “You can’t keep missing school, Valerie. I know I’m being very easy with this, especially since you hardly ever miss school, but you have a lot of work to catch up on.”