What The Heart Wants (Stereo Kicks/ James Graham)

Chapter 54

Friday went by the same way as always. Sound check, then wardrobe fitting, then home to practice. Work was even more predictable. Got there at 10:45pm, finished up at 4am, then returned home around 4:15am. I was getting used to the whole no sleep thing. I came to the realization that coffee was a better way to get my caffeine than energy drinks. I didn't feel as sluggish and gross, which was a huge improvement.

***

Saturday was also the same. Woke up at 6am, got ready, went to the theatre for dress rehearsal then back home to chill for a few hours. This time instead of sleeping those hours away like I usually did, I spent them with Caden. I walked down the street to his motel where we watched re-runs of Pawn Stars and ate Chinese take out one last time. "Aria, when are you going to tell them?" Caden asked once a commercial came on. "Tell them what?" I sighed. There was so much I needed to tell them I didn't even know where to start. "Umm, everything. About mom, about your job...about how you don't plan on staying in London after the tour." He added. "We don't even know if we're gonna make the tour. We just need to take it week by week. We could be eliminated tomorrow for all I know." I said. "Yes that's a possibility, but they still deserve to know. Have you been on Twitter lately?" He asked me. "Uh, no. Why?" That was an odd question. "Because after you ran off stage last week there were a lot of tweets saying that the boys sounded better without you, and that Louis should just cut you from the band. The boys seen the tweets and every single one of them defended you, even though you guys weren't on good terms. They care about you dummy. And when I'm gone, they're gonna be the only people you have. Don't lie to them anymore." He said, clearly trying to get to me. "I'm not lying. I'm just...withholding the truth." I rebutted. "Oh cut the shit Aria. Tell them!" He sounded angry. "Ok. I'll tell them tomorrow. Before you leave." I sighed in defeat. "Good." He smiled a cheery smile and returned his attention to the show. God he's bipolar.

***

The performance went great. We got amazing comments from the judges and the boys and I were on cloud 9. We got back to the house at 10:30pm. I quickly called the cab and thankfully they were only a couple minutes away. I ran to my room and grabbed my make up bag and shoved it in my purse. "Caden!" I heard Tom yell from his bedroom. "What!" Caden yelled back from across the hall and I rolled my eyes at them. "Get ready mate. Us older guys are going out tonight. Celebrating your last night here!" Tom cheered. "Aria, you're more than welcome to come!" He yelled to me too. "Tom, our bedrooms are six feet apart. You really don't need to yell. I can hear you just fine." I said as I zipped my purse and stood in his doorway. "Besides, I can't go. I have work. But you guys have fun." I smiled and walked downstairs where, to my surprise, the cab was already waiting. Layla had the night off, so I went straight to the club. I got there with five minutes to get ready. I hurriedly put my make up on and got dressed in my school uniform outfit. I left my hair alone since the hair dressers for the show decided to keep my hair natural looking and they just curled it. It actually looked really pretty.

***

It was almost time for my costume change when Robert came over and told me he needed me for a special table. "Do I need to change?" I asked. "No. This is good. They'll love it." He winked at me and pointed me in the direction of the table I would be dancing at. When I say table I really mean platform. You see, we have these circular shaped booths in every corner of the building. They're shaped like a 'U' and there's enough room for about ten people. There's a small, circular platform in the middle of the booth with a pole from the floor to the ceiling. It's basically like you're giving your own private show. Granted, the booths are typically used for bachelor parties and things like that. When Robert and I reached the booth, there was nobody there. "Um. There are actual people coming right? Because, no matter how awesome it would be, I doubt money is going to randomly appear out of thin air." I looked at Robert. "Oh shush. Of course they're coming. They're probably at the bar getting drinks. Just start dancing, they'll be here soon." Robert ordered before walking away. Sure, I'll just dance in this corner. By myself. With nobody to pay me. I sighed and stepped up on the platform and began dancing to the music. It wasn't long before I heard voices from behind me. I was currently facing away from the rest of the club, so the men walking towards the booth had a great view of my ass. "Damn." I heard one of them whistle. I rolled my eyes in annoyance. Great. They're young, that means they won't tip good. I was still swaying to the music, facing the back of the club, when the men walked around and sat in their seats. The guy directly in front of me was skinny with pale skin and black hair. I hadn't seen his face yet since he was setting his drink on the floor. But once he looked up, I felt my stomach drop, my palms got sweaty, and my knees began shaking. I wanted to run, to get as far away from here as possible. The look on the guys face changed from one emotion to the other. Confusion, shock, disbelief, hurt, anger, understanding. Of course he understood. It was James. "Aria?" I looked over and seen Tom and the other guys staring at me with wide eyes. "Aahh, hello gentlemen. I see you've met the beautiful Harmony." Robert came from nowhere and smiled at me. The boys didn't say anything. They were too shocked, and I was absolutely mortified. I had planned on telling the boys that I was a stripper, but telling them and showing them are two completely different things. "Well ok. You boys just sit back and relax. Harmony here is one of our best dancers. She's got the most experience and she's our best selling dancer!" Robert exclaimed. I just stared at the floor and willed it to open up and swallow me whole. This was the worst moment of my life. "Excuse me, sir..." Tom cleared his throat. "Is there anyway we could get a different dancer?" He asked. "Well why would you want to do that? You've got the best right here." Robert sounded a little confused. "Just...personal preference." Tom looked at me back to Robert. "I'm sorry, I'm afraid all the other dancers are booked. You can either stick with Harmony, or you can come back tomorrow and see if there are any other dancers available." Robert smiled. Tom didn't reply. "I'll take that as you're staying." Robert confirmed. "Harmony, why aren't you dancing for these young gentlemen?" Robert asked, although it wasn't really a question, it was more of a demand, before he turned and walked away. I slowly, stiffly, began swaying to the music. The boys looked as uncomfortable as I felt. I quickly made eye contact with Caden, who was looking at me sympathetically. I looked back over at James who was making no effort to hide the tears that were rolling down his cheeks. He wasn't even looking at me. Actually, none of the boys were looking at me. They were all averting their attention to anything but me. The floor, the other dancers, the ceiling, even the booth they were sitting on. "Harmony, do me a favor and take your shirt off for these wonderful customers." Robert returned after a few minutes of awkward swaying. "Uuhh.." I mumbled and stopped dancing. Robert just looked at me expectantly. I reluctantly untied my blouse and watched as it fell to the ground, exposing my bare chest. I felt my face blush and I was pretty sure I would never be able to look at any of the boys ever again. "Ok that's enough. Aria put your damn clothes on." James suddenly stood up, grabbed my shirt and shoved it into my arms. "We're leaving. Come on." James grabbed my arm and pulled me from the podium. "Excuse me sir! Touching the dancers is strictly off limits. I'm gonna have to ask you to leave!" Robert yelled and he grabbed James' arm and pulled him off of me. As if on instinct, James cocked his arm back and then punched Robert square in the jaw. "Security!" Robert yelled from the floor. Suddenly, two large men rounded a corner and grabbed James. "Let me go! I'll leave when she leaves!" James yelled and struggled against the men. I quickly pulled my shirt on to cover myself and ran towards James. "Harmony! If you leave now, don't bother coming back!" Robert yelled, causing me to stop dead in my tracks. I turned to look at him, only to see that he was deadly serious. I looked at Caden who shook his head slightly, so only I could see it. With a sigh, I turned and made my way back towards Robert. "Smart decision." Robert smirked. "You guys can leave too. You're no longer welcome here." He waved at the boys. I watched as Barclay, Casey, Chris, Jake, Tom, and Caden all walked out of the club, confusion on all of their faces. Except Caden, he looked sad. I chuckled a little, I know the feeling.

UNEDITED! SORRY! BUT OMG THE GUYS KNOOOWWWW!!! (EXCEPT REECE AND CHARLIE) WHAT DO YOU THINK IS GOING TO HAPPEN? HOW DO YOU THINK THEY'LL REACT?! :O POOR JAMES! POOR ARIA! DON'T FORGET TO VOTE AND COMMENT! AS ALWAYS, I HOPE YOU LIKED IT!