Behind The Fame [Imagine] [Fanfiction]

Chapter 4

He came back home with such a gigantic smile on his face, that he literaly irradiated happiness around him. First thing he did after hugging Kal was to lay down on his sofa, taking his phone in order to send Alya a text."I'm looking forward to it !" she replied, her cheeks still blushing.

After she closed the door, he allowed himself to sight with relief. So far it was going really good, but he focused on playing it cool, as he didn't want to get carried away.

Hope you had a great time, because, well, I did. You know I was thinking about what you said and I can't help myself but notice that I'm actually quite kind, very much faithful, brave when I have to, protective that's for sure... What was the last one ? Oh yes, attractive. How am I doing so far ? ;)

She replied quickly.

Ah ah, Henry, I have no doubt you are all that. And of course, you are very handsome. But that's not right to drag that opinion out of me, you little rascal ! ;) And you forgot the catholic faith, one more point for you ! I had a great time too :) May I ask you something... very private ?

Glad to hear that :) Please ask.

Did you have bad experiences before ? That's why you didn't want to tell me about your job ?

Henry sighted.

Actually, yes. There's always people who wants to use you, but that I can handle. But, when I'm with someone, there are things that are difficult to handle for her. As long as we can keep the relationship secret, it's easy. But then, when the first picture is out, it become tough and sometimes awkward.

What do you mean awkward ?

For a second, Henry thought he must stopped there or he'll lose her. But he decided to go on. If she couldn't take it, it was better for him to know it now, before he got overly attached.

I don't want to scare you off, but maybe it's better you know now, so that you can decide if you want to see me again. If we... if we continue seeing each other, one day, and I can't tell you when, could be tomorrow or in months, someone's going to recognize me. When it'll become public that I'm in a relationship with someone, paparazzis will try to have a picture of us, they're gonna search for informations about you, who you are, what you do, who are your parents. They gonna reveal everything they can find.

That sounds horrible.

It is indeed. But that's only the first step. On social media, people will comment everything we do, or you do, they will talk about your physical appearance, not always in a lovely way, that kind of stuff.

Hum, I see. Now I understand better the cap and the sunglasses.

He didn't answer anything, waiting for her to say anything else, and started to worry when minutes passed, without any bip from his phone. Just when he decided to write something, a bip came in and he sighted with relief.

Thank you for your honesty. I took a few minutes to think about it.

Oh no, that was it, she was going to say she couldn't handle it or something like that.

I can't say that I'm eager to experience this – what's the word for that? – mess. But for the first time, I feel like I've met someone special, someone that see past my look. That's why, even if I'll have to bear this social media stuff, I'll do it. I think you're worth it. Much more that I can express it with words.

Henry read the text twice just to make sure he didn't undertstood something wrong. After that, he whispered a « oh my God » to himself, hardly believing that he finally got lucky enough to find someone like her.

What about a dinner at my place, tomorrow 7 PM ?

Ok that was a fast move, but why should he wait any longer ?

Hum, ok, but promess you'll behave like a gentleman would.

Of course Lady, and I'll drive you home, safe and sang, I promess.

We have a deal ;) Good night Henry.

*

The next day, Alya got ready at least three hours before the date. She was so nervous, that she couldn't stop thinking about anything he or she would say. She had chosen to wear a blue velvet dress with beautiful lace on the back, as well as a cute beige shawl. She put on some make-up, not too much but someting a bit more dramatic than what she was used to wear during the day.

"Dad, can I take one of your bottles ?" She asked.

"What for ?" he replied a bit suspicious.

"I told you, I have a date with Henry tonight"

"Why isn't he buying the wine ?" he asked with a grin.

"C'mon Dad, he's already making the whole dinner ! Am I supposed to come empty-handed ?" she said trying to sound pissed.

"Alright, alright, you can take one !" he said, "And you don't come back late, right?"

"Sure" she said while looking for a white wine.

"Are you sure he's a good guy ?"

"Of course I'm sure, you have nothing to worry about"

He just grunted as an answer but Alya didn't care. She was too much excited.

Last night, she hesitated about seeing him again. What he said about the paparazzis and all that terrified her. She would have prefered to met someone more average. But let's face it, for the first time, she had found someone who match her complicated ideal.

So, whatever they'll gonna say about her, even if they'll call her ugly in front of the whole world, she wasn't going to let Henry down just because of some obnoxious idiots. No way ! Henry was fantastic and if they get along well, tabloids have nothing to say about it. Well, they'll find something to say about it, but Alya won't care.

When it was almost time, she grabbed a coat and said good night to her father, kissing him on his forehead as he ate his dinner in front of the television.

The taxi she called before had arrived, and she didn't want to be late. Henry was not living that far from her so it didn't take long before she arrived. She got out of the taxi, and faced a big mansion.

She suddenly didn't felt comfortable, but she rang the bell.

Henry appeared at the door and smiled at her.

"Come in", he said with a gesture of the hand.

He took his coat and kissed her on the cheek. She blushed.

"You find the place easily ?"

"I took a taxi"

There were some loud barking when a joyful black and white dog ran to her.

"Hello beautiful" she said, squatting down to pet him.