Being Simon Cowell's Niece

Numb

"Why can't we be together?" I asked Simon, my voice hissing.

He took a deep sigh and looked up at the ceiling, as if choosing his words carefully.

"It's not good for the band's publicity and popularity. Lilly, we had an agreement that you wouldn't have a relationship with my clients. I didn't want to say this, but it's not going to help you in school. I've received so many phone calls about the bullying incidents, and hooking up with a guy that may be one of the bbiggest boy bands will not help your situation."

His words felt numb to me. I remember when we made that agreement, but had forgotten it until he just mentioned it.

*flashback*

I packed the last of my bags in the trunk of the car, then proceeded to the passenger seat. In the driver's seat was my uncle Simon. He was going to take care of me from now on. My grandparents waved goodbye from the front door as the car rolled back.

I barely knew my uncle. I had only met him at family parties, but never really talked to him. He kind of scared me, based on what I saw on television of how he acted.

"Hello Lillian, you go by Lillian or something else?" he asked.

"I go by Lilly." I said.

"Lilly. Nice, I like it. Well, I'm Simon. Just call me Simon, not any of tha uncle stuff. That makes me feel old."

"Okay."

"So, I'm a pretty chill guy. What you see on tv, if you have seen me in tv, the me being an asshole is fake, for entertainment. Excuse my language." He said.

"It's okay. I'm already exposed to that language. When dad was drunk, he used all kinds of words."

Simons lips pulled down to the side, making him frown. He tried to change the subject.

"Since I'm a chill guy, I don't have many rules. But I want you to promise me something..."

"Yeah?"

"I don't want you engaged in a personal relationship with my clients. Other boys when you're older--at least sixteen."

"Deal." I said. I looked out the window to see trees passing by.

"I can tell you're going to be to be a good kid." Simon said.

*end of flash back*

"He's different." I said to Simon.

"Lilly, you don't understand."

"Simon, please." I begged.

"Fine. Your relationship shall be kept quiet, otherwise, I can't work with Louis as my client. I didn't want to do this, but Louis, whenever you're in public, I'm sending you out with Cher. You will make it seem like you two are in a relationship. No exceptions. That's my final answer." He said, walking away.

I saw Louis try to give me a hug but I stopped him. "Please, just don't." I said, walking away. I went up to my room and found Demi.

"That bitch!" she said. "Why would he do that?"

I rolled my eye. "He does it for their publicity." I said, plopping down on my bed, face in my mattress.