The Way Things Work

Chapter Four

“Hey El!” You chirped as you arrived in the balcony; the anti-anxiety medications were finally starting to kick in.

“How are you feeling?” He rose from the red velvet chair and grasped your upper arms in concern.

“Better actually.” And it was the truth too. Between what Sarah had said and the pills, you were a lot more relaxed. The pills didn’t do anything but put your mind at ease. They didn’t make you act any different than normal, all they did was help ease the unnecessary tensions and stress.

“I’m so glad. The rest of the guys feel really bad-well at least Niall, Zayn, Liam and Louis do; I have no idea what goes on in Style’s brain anymore. His life is practically that God damned phone ever since Angel dumped him-“

“Wait a sec. Angel dumped him? I thought it was the other way around. I wouldn’t even really know though, I don’t exactly keep up with the gossip.”

“No problem, I’ll fill you in. Pretty much, Angel was a model for Vogue magazine when she met Harry. They hit it off-well at first they did. When they grew closer a new demon came out. Soon she started slapping him and putting him down: That’s when he started to drink. A few months into their relationship she was fired from the magazine because she was in the public eye too much. So, to get her fame back she dumped Harry and started spreading nasty rumors. Two weeks ago she told the paps that Harry knocked her up and forced her to have an abortion. She is sick minded.”

“Wow.” Is all you could say at first. Who would have known that there was a compassionate, hurt soul behind the frozen wall of bitterness. “I feel so-“

“Knock, knock, knock!” Louis joked from behind the matching red, velvet curtains. “We are going on in like five minutes but we had to see you Sam.”

“M-Me?” You were a bit taken back.

“Yes you silly. We had no idea that you had been through so much.”

“I-It’s okay.”

“No, it’s not. And we have someone here who has a few words to say.” Niall gestured to the curtains as Zayn and Liam dragged Harry in. “Harry?” Niall nudged him.

“I-I’m s-sorry Sam. There, you happy now?” He whirled around and stormed out. 

“Well that was convincing.” Liam smirked at you. 

“It’s okay. What he said was true and besides, I already knew that he didn’t care.” You stammered.

“That’s the thing though. Harry would be lucky to get a girl like you and he does care. I think he’s just scared.” Liam came to the ultimatum. 

“Scared of what?” Sarah huffed.

“Scared of-of falling in love.” The room went silent, but you broke it soon enough.

“Well I can’t imagine a guy like him falling for someone broken, like me.”

“Don’t say tha-“ Zayn started, but was quickly interrupted. 

“You are on in two!” Security yelled as they dragged the boys down to the stage. 

“Well that’s the end of that!” You laughed as you took your seats. The boys came on five minutes late. 

When they walked out, they began singing “NaNaNa” and the crowd went wild. Obviously the fans were too drowned out by their sea of estrogen to see the awkward delivery of the boys show. Louis and the others were avoiding Harry, Liam looked as though he was going to be sick, and Niall looked absolutely miserable. Overall, they did not look as though they were enjoying themselves. 

Upon the chorus of ‘More than This’, a security guard and Paul both ventured into your balcony. “Ready?” He gestured toward the stairs.

“As I’ll ever be.” You sighed.

You began walking down to the stage and your feet began locking up; “It’ll be alright babe.” Sarah reassured you as her fingers interlocked with yours. 

“Stage right!” A man with a head set directed at Paul.

“Alright ladies, please settle down. We want Harry to share his wonderful news with all of you!” Liam nudged Harry forward. 

“I have some amazing news! I would like the audience in this room, all 2,200 of you, to be the first to meet my spectacular girlfriend! C’mon out Sam!” He called, you heard, but your feet refused to budge. “Don’t be shy!” He called as he whorled you off of your feet and into his arms. He kissed your forehead and smiled. He placed you down next to him and continued, “I brought her here because I love and trust all of our girls so much that I couldn’t bare keeping my magnificent girlfriend a secret from you! So girls, this is Sam and Sam these are our girls!” You couldn’t help but smile at all of the cheers and without notice Harry wrapped you in a tight hug, with you facing the fans. “Just smile and we can get this over with.” He growled in your ear. 

Louis saw the face you were attempting to hide and pulled you apart. “That’s enough lovebirds!” He joked. As you exited the stage a new twitter for you arose on the screen. Harry’s words grew and withered in your ear. All the sympathy you gained for him had died. He hated you.

“What’s the matter?” Sarah pulled you into a hug knowing something was awry just by the off glimmer in your eyes. You broke down-again-and spilled what he had said. “He is a first class asshole, you are worth so much more than he can see.”

“I hope so-I hope so.” You continued to mutter as she rubbed your back. 

Your mind began to wander again. Harry couldn’t even spend five minutes with you on stage, how was dinner going to work? What about the fans? How does Harry truly feel? How were you going to survive the torturous hate your “boyfriend” gave you? Could he really be trusted? Your mind raced as Sarah rambled and Eleanor followed you back to your seats. You wished the concert would never end because when it did you were in a heap of trouble.