Upside Down

Chapter 1

"Cheryl?" Simon said, his voice slightly hoarse from just waking up, as he opened his front door of his large house, welcoming none other than The Nation's Sweetheart herself: Cheryl Cole.

He held the door wide open as he looked at England's beauty standing before him. He studied her appearance, shock and confusion taking over his mind. She on an oversized, white jumper and some black leggings. Her wavy, ombré hair was let loose and fell down her shoulders covering her lowered face.

The strong icy wind howled in the night causing goosebumps to rise all over Simon's body. He felt guilty when he realised how cold Cheryl must be standing outside for that long so hurriedly ushered her in the warmth of his home.

"Darling come in, please," Simon said. He placed an arm around her shoulder as they both walked further into the house after Simon closed the door shut behind them. Simon felt her body temperature, which was extremely cold, and his guilt rose. His protective instinct towards Cheryl kicked in and was determined to look after her and make her feel comfortable.

Simon led the way to the living room and say her down on his large, comfortable couch. Her face was still lowered but Simon caught a glimpse of it. Her face was fresh of make up and she as beautiful as ever, but Simon noted her eyes were red and puffy and deprived of sleep. Her cheeks and nose were pink and, if you looked closely, you could see the tear stains. She looked vulnerable and upset. Shocked even. Simon couldn't help but think of how adorable and looked.

He kneeled down in front of her so that his face could be more level with hers. Simon looked into her eyes and saw pure sadness and distress screaming out at him, pleading him silently to rescue her from her demons. Seeing her so fragile pained him. He placed a comforting hand over her small one.

"I'll go make you some hot chocolate to warm you up and then we can talk, yeah?" Simon whispered. She gave him a small nod and Simon gave her a small smile before walking to the kitchen leaving Cheryl to collect her thoughts that rushed violently in her mind.

She sat in the same position, staring at the floor as her thoughts engulfed her. She didn't even notice coming back in the room five minutes after he left, with two mugs of hot chocolate. He offered one to her which she took out of politeness and gave a small smile of gratitude.

She looked at the mug that was placed in her hands and felt nauseous when the sweet smell hit her nose. Simon sat himself next to Cheryl on the couch. He stared at Cheryl and patiently waited for her to talk to him. After a few minutes of silence, Cheryl decided to break it.

"I'm sorry." She whispered, her voice was also hoarse. Simon was confused as to why she was apologising.

"Why are you apologising?" Simon asked. He watched Cheryl intently.

"For coming here in the middle of the night." She explained. Cheryl didn't want to talk, she felt too exhausted. But she knew she had to. She had to explain why she came here.

"Sweetheart, you don't have to apologise. It's fine, honestly. I just want to make sure alright." Simon said. He really meant it too. He didn't mind that she was here at all and didn't want her to feel as if she wasn't welcome.

"I'll always be here if you need me," he added softly. Cheryl felt her heart swell when she heart those meaningful words escape Simon's mouth. She looked at him and gave a small, yet genuine smile.

"Simon, we've broken up." Cheryl said sadly. A frown appeared on Cheryl's face as reality hit her. She hadn't spoken the words aloud until then and it all seemed very surreal to her. Simon's face instantly softened, but he wasn't shocked. He'd guessed that there was something going on with Cheryl and her boyfriend when he saw her standing in front of his door in the middle of the night.

"Oh Darling, I'm sorry." Simon sympathised. Cheryl shook her head dismissively. She didn't want sympathy.

"It's fine, that's not the problem at the moment." Cheryl said. Simon furrowed his eyebrows as he wandered what she meant by that. Cheryl noticed this so tried to elaborate on what she meant.

"Simon I - I'm..." She stuttered. The words chocked up in her throat, and she was unable to say it. Simon placed his on the coffee table and held his arms out inviting her for a hug. Cheryl took the invitation and leaned into his arms. Simon wrapped his arms tightly around her and massaged her back lightly. He breathed in the smell of her shampoo mixed with her natural body fragrance. When they eventually pulled back, Cheryl looked into Simon's eyes and mentally prepared herself for the news she about to tell him. She placed her mug on the table and inhaled deeply.

"Simon I'm... I'm pregnant." She said. Simon's eyes widened in shock. He didn't know what to say. A strange feeling shot through his stomach and he felt his heart swell.

"How far along are you?" He asked, unable to think of a better question to ask her.

"Six weeks."

"It's Stevan's right?"

"Of course,"

"And have you told him?"

"Yes. He doesn't want it."

"Do you?"

"Yes."

Simon nodded his head.

"Simon, I need to find a house first of all because I can't live there; it's his house. Then I need to think of a way to stop the media from finding out about the baby. I haven't told anyone apart from you and Stevan. Not even the girls and I have a tour coming up with them too." Cheryl ranted.

"Cheryl look, calm down. We'll sort everything out, okay? You don't need to go looking for a house, you can stay here with me. And -"

"Simon, I appreciate the offer but I'm not staying here."

"Why not?"

"I just came here tonight because I didn't have no where else to go. You were the first person that I could think of. But honestly, I think living here is gonna push it."

"Cheryl, I'm your friend, right?"

"Yes, but -"

"Exactly. Cheryl honesty I want you to stay here. It gets lonely living here alone anyway."

"Simon I can't. Your an amazing friend Simon, seriously, but come on. Would you really want me to live here with you? It usually takes years to make that type of decision and you made it in less than a minute."

"Cheryl, yes I do want you to live with me. I would never have suggested it if I didn't want you to live with me and you know I wouldn't."

"I can't say yes."

"Why? What's stopping you?"

"It's just ridiculous."

"Cheryl the only thing stopping you from living with me is your pride."

"What? No that's not why I don't want to live with you."

"Then why? I'll give you your space and I would never make you feel uncomfortable Cheryl and you know I'm not like that."

"I know your not Simon I never said you were."

"Then what's stopping you?"

"Simon, I don't want you to feel like you have to do that. You don't."

"I know I don't Cheryl. I want you to stay here."

Cheryl looked at Simon. Judging by the look on Simon's face she didn't really have a choice as to whether she was staying or not. He'd already made that decision for her.

Before he had time to register what she was doing, Cheryl leapt on Simon and gave him a tight and appreciative hug.

"Simon, I love you." Cheryl said confidently. Simon's heart fluttered and he wrapped his arms around her waist.

"I love you too Cheryl." Simon said.