Living in London

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PREVIOUSLY ON LIVING IN LONDON

"Hello," Simon greeted us from behind his desk, his hands folded under his chin.

There was a chorus of responses before everyone took seats.

"We just have a few small things to finalize and then you're good to go," he told us. Sliding a contract and pen towards me, he slipped his glasses off. "If you could sign this, Ariadne, it is just to say you agree to work with us for the duration of the tour and may only leave under extraordinary circumstances."

I nodded and signed on the line without reading it. Hopefully I didn't just sell my soul or something.

"Also, do you boys have all your songs prepared?"

"We do. We can probably fit in a few last minute rehearsals before the tour rehearsals start if you feel it's necessary?" Liam suggested.

"No, you boys will be fine. Ariadne are you aware that you are to perform different songs each concert?"

"I am now," I mumbled.

"Excellent. Now I'd like to introduce you to Marcus. He will be your personal security guard, Ariadne. He and Paul will work together with a team on concert nights."

A tall, beefy guy walked in and waved at me. All I can say is: wow. What a beautiful chocolate man. He didn't look that much older than us.

"Hi," I squeaked.

"Hey," he replied in a deep, British voice.

"I have one last thing to discuss with you all," Simon said. "How do you feel about having a small team of dancers on tour with you?"

The boys exchanged glances. "Would Danielle be one of those dancers?" Niall asked and Simon smiled.

"That could be arranged."

"We agree," Liam said before anyone else could say otherwise.

"Then it's settled. Good luck for the tour boys. You two, Ariadne. I'm expecting great things, from what I've heard. Don't disappoint me."

"I won't," I told him surely, confidence in the pit of my stomach.

Harry took my hand under the edge of the desk and I knew I would be okay.

---

Success and failure. Complete opposites. The best and worse feelings in the world.

After you win something, or do something fantastic, the pride in knowing that you succeeded is barely there. It's a feeling that is hidden in your chest, gradually building stronger and stronger until you recognize it. Then you think to yourself "Wow, I actually did it," and a huge smile takes over. Within the period of a few days, hours or even minutes, that feeling of pride and success fades away and becomes a distant memory.

Failure, on the other hand, is like a slap in the face. It taunts you and hangs over your head, coloring every thought, tainting every dream for weeks. Failure can scar you. Every time you attempt to redeem yourself, you can feel it, laughing in your ear, always a quiet whisper. "You really want to do this again? Wasn't it bad enough the first time? Do you really want me to stick around longer than I have to?" Basically, failure is a cold hearted bitch.

The tour bus rattled as we went over a bump and I stared out the window, my left hand cupping my chin. Tears had dried on my face and I was half listening to the conversation in the bunk area.

"They're at it again," Liam sighed.

"I wish they would stop. I know she doesn't like to show it, but whenever they fight Ariadne gets hurt." I could hear the frown in Danielle's voice.