Reader note: (I know I made up the Victoria secret model's name but I thought it was more original)
I wake up to my brother at the end of my bed tickling my feet; "Wake up sleeping beauty. I didn't slave away in the kitchen for nothing." I immediately sit up, its rare for Jacob to cook so I'm grabbing the chance while I can. He sits on the end of my bed and hands me a plate with two slices of French toast on. He made himself comfortable and switched MTV on. It was the Top 40 so we sat eating working our way through each song in the charts.
"Are mum and dad downstairs?" I ask cutting up my food.
"No, they told me to tell you they're going back to the chalet. Its been re-done since the fire and there's a locals garden party there or something. I'm going to go up later after football practice. What about you?"
I think for a bit before putting my empty plate on the floor; "I honestly would like to go to spend time with you at the pool slating off all the old couples being snobby about their food and drink, but I don't really want to go back there when there's so many bad memories. Plus I have college to contend with. I need to pass this course otherwise I'll be working my way towards head stripper." We both laugh listening to 5 seconds of Summer at number one on the charts.
"You ever become a stripper and i'll have to disown you as my sister. Harry won't be too happy either." He hugs me quickly before stacking the plates, cutlery and glasses on the tray. "I've got to go get ready for football. Shall I bring you home lunch or will you get something with Harry?"
"No, I suppose he'll come round later or something. Thanks Jay. Bye!" I wave to him and lift myself up out of bed.
I switch off the TV and plug my phone into the speakers before walking over to my wardrobe to pick out an outfit. I grab my leggings, black vest and chequered top. I throw it on and push my hair into a ponytail and go downstairs.
"Hello?" I murmer while rummaging through the cupboards for more food.
"Hey babe. It's Harry. I really need you to meet me for coffee or something?" He sounded as if he was panicking over something.
"How do you expect to talk to me in public, you don't exactly get privacy!"
"Oh whatever, I'll come to yours then." He snaps and quickly hangs up. That's the one thing about Harry... he has more mood swings than me when it's my time of the month.
Not long after a strong knock banged on the front door. I sighed and trudged towards the front door peeling the segments of an orange apart. He barges past me and sits on the sofa. "Come in why don't you?" I sarcastically offer.
"Don't play games Ray. This is serious!" He hisses gesturing for me to sit next to him. I didn't really want to get on his bad side even more so I did as he said.
"It's about that meeting last night." He mumbles suddenly going quiet and fiddling with the hem of his jacket; "Paul and Simon have demanded me to do something and If I don't it could ruin my career, maybe even life."
"What's that?" What could possibly be so important that if he doesn't do it, it could ruin his career?
"I need to have a show-mance!" He says. I nearly spit out the half chewed orange in my mouth.
"You mean a fake relationship?" It doesn't take a genius to work out that us getting back together is out of the picture.
"Yeah. Simon says if I don't he'll kick me out of the band!" His eyes were watering and my heart was pounding. I just wanted to cry seeing him in this state. He brings my hand towards him and holds it tight; "But you have to understand; I want our relationship more than anything, but you know how important One Direction are to me. If only we could negotiate." He stared soulfully out the window.
"Oh, I never said I wasn't willing to negotiate." I sigh giving in. He turns to me with a sparkle in his eyes.
"Are you serious Rachel?" He asks with his hands firmly on my shoulders.
"I'm doing this for you Styles. Don't screw up!" He hugs me tight kissing my forehead, bring back so many happy memories and comfort. His strong arms stray around me for about 2 minutes before he pulls away;
"But Ray, you do understand we have to keep secret. So our parents can't know.."
"That's fine." I'm not actually happy to be hiding my own relationship but if its for Harry's career then I'll do anything.
He hugs me one last time before checking his phone; "I have to meet Charlene for our first date." He emphasizes first date and rolls his eyes. "I love you. When can I see you?"
"Whenever. My parents and Jacob are on holiday!" I tell him chewing my last bit of orange.
"Hows tonight?" he asks fixing his hair in the large mirror.
"Yeah fine." I walk him to the door and say goodbye, careful not to hug or kiss him goodbye.
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Jacob came back to pick up his stuff then drove out to the chalet leaving me alone with the house for two weeks.
I throw my weight onto the sofa in the living room and switch on the TV to The Valleys. I flick through the channels until I hit E! news. I watch for about ten minutes before I get bored. Just as I go to flick channels, Harry's face pops up. Once again- I put the remote down and listen; "One Direction's Harry Styles was seen on a date with Victoria's secret model Charlene Mason at a five star restaurant in Holmes Chapel. Is this a new beginning for Styles. Has his child-hood friend, Rachel Parman, been replaced after just months of seperation?" I switch the TV off completely and pace around the living room for a while. I knew this would get to me but I still went along with it. I can't tell Harry that it's not bothering me, I'm doing this for him and I can't be selfish.
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