Evermore

Chapter 1

Walking into the bar, I drag my beaten guitar case through the mob of sweaty bodies who were dancing like the world was spinning. Another day of glory. People bumped against me as I was trying to pass, their sweaty arms rubbing up against mine. Personal space much? Finally the dance floor ended and I reached the back room only accessible to employees.

I've worked at this bar, Stanley's Pub, for two years now. It was one of the countless bars near LA that I chose to play my music at. I could never see myself as a professional singer, but I love music and being able to come here and show that.

"Allie! Nice to see you," my boss grins up at me from behind his desk, showing his yellowed and crooked teeth. His deep, scratchy voice filled the small room.

"Hey Marcus. Busy night, yeah?" I put my guitar down carefully trying to keep this conversation short.

"Yeah it's been kinda hectic out there for some reason. Go kill 'em!" Marcus yells at the door as it swung behind me. Marcus wasn't the type of guy you wanted to become too friendly with. Small talk, that's it. Anything more and he'd be talking for hours.

I smile at the baristas who paused a moment from running around filling glasses to wave at me as I climbed onto the stage. I take some time to tune my guitar before pulling up a microphone stand and talking to no one in particular.

"Hey, I'm Allie McClellan and I'm going to start out with some Daughtry. Here's 'Over You'." No one paid much attention as I sang the first few lines, but I didn't mind. I did this because I loved music, not to be the star of the night.

Song after song I belt into the bar. Halfway through the first song, people really start to listen and dance to my music. I even noticed some people singing along, making my heart swell. Nothing beat the feeling of people appreciating what you were doing. I scan the crowd, mostly seeing the backs of people dancing, until I come across a pair of green eyes watching me perform.

Bodies sway in front of the man with the vibrant eyes, hiding the rest of his features. All I could see were his eyes fixed on me. I avert my eyes back to the rest of the crowd before I'm caught staring too long and continue singing.

I start to sing a more upbeat song and the crowd reacts, dancing faster and jumping all around. The energy exchange between them and myself is unlike anything I've ever felt. The bass rips through my heart and I can feel the drums in my feet. The energy transforms me into another person and I forget all the people in the bar as I dance along with the song, singing every word from the bottom of my heart. As the song comes to close, I finish dancing as I make a turn. 

As my 360 comes to a close, I find myself tripping over a loose wire on the floor. I lose my balance and start to fall off the stage, but I'm surprised when I don't hit the ground but rather land softly into a pair of arms.

I look up, confused and delighted I did not meet my impending doom, when I am met with the pair of beautiful green eyes I noticed earlier in the crowd. This time, though, I can see the man's whole face and let me tell you. It's beautiful.

"You alright, love?" He speaks with the most gorgeous British accent, triggering something in me. I know this person. Suddenly it clicks; the green eyes, the curly long hair, the accent. Harry Styles.

"Uhm, y-yeah. Sorry," I rush, suddenly very embarrassed by my clumsiness. Harry helps me stand upright again, but as soon as I put weight down on my leg, a pain shoots up my body. I reach out and grip onto Harry's arm, wincing in pain. Worry flashes across his face, but I gather myself and let go, bringing the mic back to my mouth.

"Thank you, everyone. That's all for me, please enjoy DJ Magic!" I manage to say, before limping back off the stage. Harry is right at the edge to grab me again.