destined. | h.s

10. waiting

Ariella's P.O.V

The whole week was all practice, practice and nothing but practice. Every day I would go back to the hotel with my throat soaring or me ready to drop any time soon. Besides that I have to practice for the ‘obligatory’ solos competition, I still have to do choir practices. I gave my three best buddies the high notes and every other adlibs because the day before choir competition happens I’ve got some solos.

And Harry has been calling me almost every night with his opening being, “not that I’m clingy, I just want to converse with somebody. I can’t sleep.” Our conversation goes on, until somebody started snoring or wasn’t answering. (FYI, the snoring part was Harry)

Two more days before the internationals come about and I can feel myself be nervous than ever. Mr. Wilson told us ‘we need some rest’ but to me it wasn’t one of the best ideas because rest means hearing your heart beating the life out of you from being tensed.

Our ‘uniforms and costumes’ are prepared almost a week ago and so is my ‘gown’ that was giving me more anxiety. What if I slip and fell down? What if my voice suddenly passes out? What if I don’t win?

Last night when Harry phoned me he gave some advice about being out of your comfort zone, “Think of the song as your own, think of that moment as your concert and think of the people there as your fans.” I agree with Harry, him being one, more experienced in these kinds of situation.

After moping around the couch I decided to go around and maybe keep this out of my mind. “I’ll just go down and see if I could hang out.” Of course, Abi asked if she could go followed by the other two and I had nothing to say but agree.

There is some sort of, racing area nearby where you can rent a motorbike or a sports car. I was always an out of the box person so I wanted to try the motorbike. I once tried this one and I found it interesting until every summer when my allowance is enough I would go to a racing area in our country and drive to my heart’s content.

“Motorbikes here aren’t much alike of those in the Philippines, Ariella.” Abi informs. “I know and because of that it will be fun.”

“We can’t control your safety, Ariella.” Why are my friends acting stricter than my parents? “It’ll be okay. You know I like sports a lot.” I replied as a matter-of-factly.

“That is not volleyball or athletics.” Claire told me like it wasn’t obvious and crossed her arms. “I know, that is why it is called racing.” I joked.

“Okay, don’t involve me with your ‘we-are-not-a-fan-of-risky-sports club’ guys because I’m still doing this.”

“Ariella?”

And of course, the husky voice tells it all, Harry Styles. “What are you doing here?”

“Uh, going to ride motorbike?” I was getting pissed at how these people are giving me obvious questions so I was replying them with sarcasm. Now don’t ask me more obv-

“You do that?”

“Oh my gosh. Of course I don’t that is why I’m riding it.” I answer sarcastically.

“Miss, we need to put some safety gear on you and a little briefing. Follow us please.” A guy in plain white shirt spoke.

After putting all these protections they started briefing us and I wasn’t much a fan of fancy talking so I kind of did not listen. Harry was going to do it either, but he wasn’t part of our batch so we won’t be able to ride at the same time.

Then we proceeded to the exact area where we will drive motorcycles. Just by having a glance at it, gives me an adrenaline rush. I’m so gonna enjoy this. “Drive safely, Ariella.”