When you’re a famous, respected and honored British music artist, representing your country on a global scale, it’s hard to stay away from the said country's Royal Family.
You can always tell when it’s a man writing a description because they focus oddly on the breasts. There will always be something about breasts and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read historical or fantasy fiction and they talk about “her breasts hanging freely under her tunic” or what the fuck ever and it’s like…women don’t do that? We don’t describe ourselves by saying “I have blonde hair and blue eyes and my breasts hang freely under my tunic”.
I kind of feel like we should counter by awkwardly mentioning all male character’s balls in their description. It’s kind of in the same vein.
I saw everyone on twitter tearing Emma Watson apart for saying she’s self - partnered instead of single and decided to watch her interview for British Vogue to know what the hell was she trying to say with that. I was very surprised to find a 30 minute video in which amongst other things she talks about the following:
She felt undeserving when she was appointed as UN Women goodwill ambassador and sought out Gloria Steinem to learn about feminist activism.
She thinks the criticism she received for being a white feminist was useful because it made her educate herself.
She says there’s a desperate need to reform the education system in the UK to change the way they are taught the history of how Britain has been involved in foreign affairs and how they profited from slavery.
She felt anxious about approaching 30 because there’s a lot of pressure to have a husband and a baby by then and she’s still figuring her life out.
She was so young when she was casted in Harry Potter that she doesn’t remember much of her life before it and she went to therapy to deal with her issues with fame. She used to feel very guilty for being unhappy because she thought she should enjoy fame more.
The interviewer is a transgender woman and they discuss transgender issues for a while. Emma is in regular contact with a trans child which makes the topic of trans rights emotional for her because she’s very anxious for this kid’s safety.
She talks about her role as Meg March in the new Little Women movie and defends that unlike what many people say choosing to be a wife and a mother doesn’t make Meg a less feminist character and quotes a line from the movie, “Just because my dreams are different than yours it doesn’t mean they are unimportant.”
She wishes more people would realize she’s not Hermione Granger but also understands why they want to see that in her because Hermione is a symbol for her too.
She used to think she could never be happy without a partner and now that she has learnt to navigate that better and is genuinely happy single she’s started to think of herself as self - partnered in contrast to the time when she thought of herself as single = lonely.
Every media outlet decided to focus in an out of context quote from the three minutes she talked about her dating life when the actual interview had a lot of depth and way more important things were discussed. I’m sad and angry but not surprised.
“When someone finds something they have been looking for”
-------------------
“Escapes me why you wouldn’t just get ‘Air Edwards’ printed on it, its your’s for god’s sake” Amelia joked at me as the car stopped on the runaway.
I threw her an annoyed look, having heard the joke before “Shut up or I won’t let you on it”.
She pushed me as we got out of the car, her huffing behind me. My security detail including Kyle and Gary had already started getting both our stuff out of the cars and into the jet.
“Answer me sister, why buy it when you don’t even want to claim it?” Amelia winked at me as she stepped towards the jet and I rummaged through my purse for my phone.
Karol and Lima had gone their merry way already, knowing having a complete week off while working for me is both a blessing and a rarity, they decided to leave before me to start their fun; whatever it was. As much as I know and remember, Lima had gone back home to her mother’s for the week.
“Because we share the surname and there’d be no telling exactly whose it is” I sent a cheeky smile her way as we both laughed getting up the small stairs and into the private jet.
We’d decided to travel apart from the rest of the bridal party and a few hours before both the parties to get the house in order. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned before, but my vacation homes are much more used by my friends and family than me. It was almost an occupational hazard of sorts.
It wasn’t long before the plane had taken off and my sister and I settled low on our seats as we were served dinner. The flight was long; 12 hours and a few minutes to be exact but Amelia and I were no strangers to long flights and sleepy nights; particularly in that order.
She turned to look at me when she heard me sighing, “Hey Addy, thanks for coming out for me today. I don’t know how you do it, but you really don’t let me down”.
“I should be the one saying that, idiot. You’re the one who is always there for me before I even ask you. And what kind of a sister would it make me if I couldn’t even make it to your show while I’m on a break?”
“Yeah, a break that began not even 4 days ago. You’re not really taking a break, to be honest Adds”, she gave me a concerned look.
I frowned at her, “I am taking time off and going to Greece for 5 days. How is that not taking a break?” I asked her, confused.
“Mary Olivia’s wedding is very last minute, I know you didn’t know about it 2 days ago because I didn’t either. Don’t use this as an excuse because we both know you would be here even if you weren’t on a break” she said.
I sighed and turned away from her, knowing I couldn’t win with her.
I heard her open her laptop, starting to type. “Well if you’re not going to talk to me, I won’t make you”
I rolled my eyes, “Keith told me to take a break, you know” I confessed.
If Amelia was shocked she hid it well, “You mean to say Keith told you to take a break too” she said.
I chucked, “Yeah. Said my songs are starting to sound the same; repetitive”
She was quiet for sometime. “He’s not wrong, you know. Addy, I love you but your personal life has been a flat road for years now. I honestly am shocked sometimes by the media attention on you because to be honest, you aren’t the most interesting person out there for them”.
I cackled at that, having missed her blunt tongue.
“I know right? I wonder about that too sometimes. How are they not bored of me yet?”
She smiled softly, “You’re going to have to let someone in, you know. Sooner or later” she whispered.
I nodded, feeling drained of having the same talk with everyone. Could I get a break from this?
“Kyle, what did Victoria tell you about the house situation again?” Amelia asked as we both scrolled through her Instagram, me laying my head on her shoulder as we were on our way to the villa in the outskirts of Santorini.
The weather was better, trees were greener, vibes were warmer in Greece. It was one of my most favourite places in the world; and that’s saying something because I’ve been to a lot of places.
The sea is the best in Greece, hands down. It is the absolute best here.
Kyle didn’t turn behind, instead met her eyes through the rear view mirror as he replied, “Vic just said the caretaker had gotten it cleaned. The security has been posted around the perimeter and at the gate and the pool’s been cleaned too”
I hummed. “What about the cook?”, I asked.
Kyle cleated his throat, “Victoria said she was told not to get a cook”.
My eyes widened as I started panicking. No cook? Who the hell was going to attend to the 14 guests that were on their way to the villa?
“Wha-
Amelia shushed me, “Hey, don’t worry. I was the one that told Vic to do so. I said I’d cook”
I turned to look at her, incredulously, “What? Why would you cook?”
“Why can’t I cook, Adelaide?”
“It’s not that. Why would you cook for 18 people? Have you gone mad? We don’t have Nana’s help here, if you’ve forgotten” I ranted, now anxious.
My sister sent me an exasperated look as if I was worrying for no reason. “You react so violently sometimes, I almost want to slap you”.
“You always want to slap me”.
“Not always”, she winked.
It wasn’t long before we were reaching the familiar neighbourhood and I started getting my purse in order, sighing in relief as we entered the gated area, stopping for security reasons. I made sure Victoria called ahead for extra security, specially at the entrance for everyone that is entering the villa because all in all, I took security as a responsibility if the entire bridal and groom party of my old friends were to be held at one place.
Being too careful never hurt no one.
“You carry so much security. Sometimes I think you’re a country’s president”, of course my kind sister had to have a comment about everything. But she wouldn’t be Amelia if she didn’t make fun of me for everything.
“Shut the fuck up, Em”
She threw me a peace sign just as the car stopped at the entrance of my beautiful white villa, very aged in reality but it had been with me for just a little under 3 years.
Some of the workers were cleaning the gardens and the pools, I noticed at once. There was a man using the land mower, making a lot of noise but I was fine with it until and unless they were done with the cleaning before the guests started arriving.
“I thought the house was polished already?” Amelia asked Kyle, stepping inside the main foyer area, the white walls standing tall beside her petite figure. Kyle shrugged, indicating he was going to place a call regarding the same.
It wasn’t soon before we were both bounded inside, our luggage being dragged in after us that we were sat at the familiar couch in the living area, a coffee already on the stove courtesy of my sister.
“We have so many memories here, no?” I sighed, as I looked around.
Amelia chuckled, “Every summer for the last 4 years now? I love this place Addy, don't know what I’ll do if you decide to ever sell it” she said.
I frowned at her, “We both know you’d never let me sell this house; and even if I do, you’ll probably buy it from me just so you can stake a claim in your name. You’re forgetting I know you too well” I rolled my eyes, laughing.
“Probably”
————————-————————————————————
There was a knock on my door. “You’re done changing or what? Security is sending them in as we speak” Amelia said, hanging halfway inside my room, then almost slipping on her feet.
I rolled my eyes at her, “You aren’t even wearing heels, Em” I say and I follow her out of the room, turning the lights off as I exit.
She looked down at my feet, seeing my 6 inch stilettos and face palmed, “I feel under-dressed now so let me just go and change. You know, I really hate being your sister”.
“Yeah right”
It wasn’t long before people were bounding inside, Charlotte Wellesley being the first one to step inside, her Hermeś bag on her right arm. Sophia, Willa and Mary Olivia were the next ones followed by a lot of men, most of whom were from Robbie’s side. However, I could hear a commotion outside.
“Look at this place! I always underestimate you, Addy” Charlotte exclaimed, in a tone I knew I didn’t like. So it wasn’t a surprise that my fake smile didn’t bother her in the least. Sometimes you have to deal with aristocrats like her too.
“What’s going on outside?” I asked Robbie, as I pulled out of our hug. Amelia had just arrived on the scene too, now in her beige 5.5inch heels.
Robert, Robbie’s brother, laughed at that, “Harry’s security isn’t being allowed to come inside. Your security is giving them hell because of some issue” he said.
After kissing everyone’s cheeks, I was outside like a breeze, worried about the issue. I took hosting at my place way too seriously even if the event had nothing to do with me. I hated tarnishing a good hosting.
Apart from the 7 more cars in my driveway, and more people stepping out of the cars or others getting help from my service for getting their luggage out, there were about 6 people right outside the main gate, clearly in a heated argument.
“Kyle? What seems to be the issue here?” I said, not even noticing that my voice had taken an authoritative tone.
Kyle and Gary both turned towards my voice, along with the rest of the men. All of them were dressed in black suits, and badges indicating how 2 of them were someone’s security detail.
“Look, miss, His Royal Highness will not be stepping inside if his security detail isn’t allowed to. However, he is here off-schedule so we request you do not waste his time on such a trivial matter” a buff man said, very formally.
I squinted at him in anger, how dare he speak to me in such a manner! I ignored as Gary said something to him as a rebuttal.
“No, you look here, mister. No one steps foot on my property until and unless their background checks were sent to my security prior to their arrival. This includes other personnel of security as well. This is my property and an event I’ve taken under my supervision. So I apologise if I’m wasting someone’s time, but this isn’t a trivial matter for me. This matter is solved, Kyle. Gary, show them the way out where they can wait while I speak to Robbie and Mary in private” I said, anger in my tone and fire in my eyes because if there’s one thing I don’t react well to; it’s authority from someone who clearly has no authority over me.
“Yes ma’am” both Kyle and Gary said in unison, before the rest of my security started showing them the way out and I turned.
“Well, that was quite a speech. I must say I’m impressed” came a voice, I detected the posh British accent in it in a second.
I turned around to face the man, already done with this shit. I hate dealing with stuff like this.
It wasn’t long before I stopped in my tracks, and I noticed the man did too. For a few seconds, we just stared at each other and I wondered why I had to be in this situation with this man, and this man alone. Couldn’t it be anyone else in the whole wide world?
It was Prince Harry.
Ofcourse. Robert mentioned the name Harry and his security dropped the HRH. It was right in front of my face.
He recovered first, smiling beautifully. “Adelaide, I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you yet” he said, putting his hand forward.
I caught his hand, still not breaking the eye contact. I don’t know why I wasn’t able to look away from those baby blues in this instant, but I hoped I didn’t look like a creep.
“Your Royal Highness, likewise”.
He chuckled, something dimming in his eyes as I called out his title and I noted that he probably didn’t like being called that.
“Uh I’m sorry for the mishap, Ms. Edwards. I fully recognise that it was a mistake at our end-“
“So then you also understand how my security can’t do their work if they let inside someone they had received no prior information about” I cut him off, crossing my arms, almost forgetting who I was talking to but I was in my element in that moment.
He paused for a while there, probably not expecting me to act the way I did. He looked at his 2 bodyguards and shook his head at them.
“What is the solution to this then?” He asked, turning to look at Kyle and Gary.
I frowned at him as my security detail looks at me as he questions them. I cleared my throat, now fully realising that everyone was outside at the garden patio and involved in our drama.
“The solution to this is them stepping out of my property for the next 24 hours which gives my security proper time to do background checks” I said, exaggerating a little but I was triggered.
Harry visibly sighed, “Is there no other way? They are royal security, if they’re with me that means they already have gone through an extensive background check.”
I took a beat, “Look sir, I have a policy about this that I plan to uphold; it’s the same as if you were here without any security and someone else brought in two highly trained personnel with guns on my property”, I gave him a look because I knew I had hit a correct point with this one.
“Ma’am, you have more than a dozen security officers here right now, it is not possible for His Royal Highness to step in without any prior knowledge to this either”, one of his protection officers said.
I frowned, not acknowledging that he was right to a certain degree too.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair and turning to look at Kyle and Gary, “Alright, here’s how this is going to work; these two security officers will be allowed to enter the grounds, however they will not be entering the building or be allowed in the backyard and the private beach”,
I then turned towards the Prince and his officers, “As is the rule for all of my security detail except for Kyle and Gary, here. This is the best I can offer you” I gave them a look, ready to step out of the conversation because I was suddenly reminded of the fact that we still have no cook and almost 2 dozen people to feed.
As I walked away from the scene, I heard Harry berating his officers but by then, I was over this issue. I walked inside the place, noticing numerous luggage bags all over the place and 2 people in the pool already before I entered the kitchen, squinting at Amelia who stood there, hands on her hip and barefoot.
“Is this the time when I get to say I told you so?” I chuckled, laughing harder when Amelia turned around with an extremely offended look on her face.
“I really didn’t realise just how hectic it’d be considering we just travelled overnight too”, she pouted and I decided to just be the bigger person at the moment because we quite literally have a lot of people to feed.
“Dial Kyle’s number and ask him to come inside, lets just get him to get the cleaning people to distribute cookies and juices in everyone’s rooms” I instructed her, and within a minute Kyle was stood in the doorway to the huge white kitchen, trying not to laugh as well.
“Shut up, get me a cook or two from the city as fast as you can, and get me two of the cleaning staff that can give around juices and biscuits, atleast till we figure this stuff out”
“On it, Addy”, and he was gone.
“I have an idea” Amelia said, and I rolled my eyes. “Spare me another one of your ideas, please”.
“Can you just listen? So let’s just start with salad and cocktails because we are going to be able to get done with them in the next half hour while the cook situation gets fixed” she said and I thought that might have just been the only good thing she’s said all day but I didn’t voice that particular opinion.
“Alright, you can get started on the salad, I’ll take the cocktails-”
“What’s this about cocktails, I hear?”, came a voice from the doorway and I turned so fast at that familiar voice, Amelia almost gave me a weird look.
There stood Prince Harry of Wales in all his glory, visibly relaxed than I’d seen him earlier in my front porch, and I pretended the blinding smile of his didn’t bother me. Because, it didn’t.
“Uh Your Royal Highness, I had no idea you’d be joining us”, my poor sister sounded so confused as she threw me a similar expression, but obviously held her own because we at the end of the day, we were British.
Harry laughed politely at that, “Yeah, a lot people wished they received the guest list earlier”, he said smiling at me, to which I squinted my eyes at.
Amelia gave me another look and by this time, I was so done with her obvious looks; I wanted to get out of the kitchen. Cutting my train my of thought, 2 of the cleaning staff we’d hired entered the kitchen, throwing uneasy looks at the occupants in the kitchen and not having a clue as to why they were sent here.
“Hello, I’ve called for you here; just do me a favour and hand out some cookies and juices to the guests in all the bedrooms and by the pool, yes?” I said as my sister started getting the said stuff out of the cabinets and onto separate trays. All this while, I noticed how calmly Prince Harry stood leaning against the plush doorway seeing the scene in front of him and didn’t utter a word until the staff was out.
“You were serious when you said this was your property” he stated.
My sister laughed at that, already getting started with her famous Mediterranean Salad as I noticed her fetch the soya sauce out of the fridge, “How come you two have never met before?” She mused, pretending as if she was asking the question to herself.
I sighed, not wanting this to turn awkward, “I don’t to know to your question and yes I was serious to yours; now Amelia, can we please figure out the starters at least until Kyle gets the word out?”
“You take this hostess thing pretty seriously, don’t know?” Harry asked and I could almost sense a teasing tone underneath his words as my sister and I ran about the kitchen, setting stuff up for the preparation of the salad and cocktails.
Amelia glanced at me as she noticed I was in no mood to reply to that comment, mostly because it was true, “You have no idea, it gets taken for granted most of the times too” she said, smiling at him.
“Hi, I’m Harry; it’s a pleasure to meet you” he said after a heartfelt laugh as Amelia introduced herself and they shook hands on it. He looked at me for a moment, probably deciding whether or not he should do the same with me but my teasing smile must’ve made the decision for him.
“Hello there, they call me Harry; what do they call you?”
“They have too many names for me, kind sir”
“Well, what name do you like to be called by, fair maiden?”, he asked, eyes twinkling.
I pretended to think it over, getting ice from the ice-cooler, “Ms. Edwards, if you will”.
He squinted his eyes at me, the teasing smile still on his face and I could just feel Amelia’s eyes on us throughout the conversation; it wasn’t until we heard a crash that we broke eye contact, just to see that my sister had dropped the knife.
The vibe in the kitchen was too chill for me to even think twice about a Royal’s presence in the kitchen of my home with my sister in attendance. He laughed at my sister’s antics and picked up the knife before she could, turning to look around the kitchen as if he was seeing it for the very first time.
“It’s a nice place you got here, Santorini has the most beautiful water”, he said casually and I smirked as I remembered how I said exactly that to my sister earlier in the day.
“Thank you, I got it on sale actually”
“Oh, did you now?”
It was quiet after that comment as I shook my head, “you can go right ahead to the pool if you’ve freshened up already; we’re sorting the food situation out”.
Harry leaned against the customised white marble counter, “I heard something about making cocktails and decided it would be highly impolite if you weren’t made to taste some of mine specialities”.
“We aren’t having you work while we host, Harry”, Amelia said, shaking her head at him.
“I’m offering it to you”
“Well, we didn’t ask for it. Our nana would turn in her grave if she were here” I said, setting up all the beverages in front of me to get started on the drinks.
He sighed, looking at the two of us as if he couldn’t believe we weren’t accepting his help. “Is it because I’m too handsome?”
A burst of laughter sprung out of me before I could even think about it, “That definitely isn’t the reason why”.
It wasn’t long before he had convinced us that no one in the world could make a better Black and Tan than him, after he saw the bottles of pale and dark beer on the counter.
“You will love it, just trust me”, he said and I rolled my eyes as I got started on my cosmopolitan.
A few minutes later, Kyle walked in with three people; two men and a woman. He stopped short when he noticed Harry standing beside me, trying to snatch the single vodka bottle we had left. He didn’t comment on it because he knew better and just introduced us to the three cooks he managed to get to us in the short amount of time. Amelia thanked him before asking him to get more beverages, to which he quietly responded and promptly left the kitchen.
We decided to set up the late lunch in the beautiful wooden Gazebo outside, that I had had visions about for the longest of time before it got installed in this villa. It could seat well over 25 people. Amelia and I argued about that too but we reached a decision pretty quick when we saw the weather outside.
The smell of the Greek Sea reached my senses, as the temperature already started to get a little chilly since it was early February. Harry was helping us throughout, bringing his special cocktails out in the sun, walking alongside me, as he placed the tray on the large bamboo table (that I got custom made specially in Brazil).
“This might just be one of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen”, he said, eyes trained on the vast sea in front of us, which was just a few steps down from the rock the villa was built upon.
I hummed in response and noticed how quickly he got involved in conversation with the rest Robbie’s groomsmen, hearing the word Hazza over and over again. I went inside the kitchen again, checking up on the food when Amelia entered after me and just stood there, staring at me.
“Yes?”
“Don’t yes me; what the hell is going on between you two?”
“Between who two?”, I knew who she was talking about because how could I not with all of her obvious stares.
“Don’t think you can play me, Adelaide. I thought you’d never met Prince Harry before?”, she asked, confused.
I looked around, satisfied that none of the three cooks looked even mildly interested in our conversation. “That’s because I haven’t; well, not before today”, I replied.
“It certainly did not look that way. Why is he being so chill with you?”
“Hell if I knew. Maybe he’s a fan” I threw her a cheeky smile at that, walking out of the kitchen as she followed me.
“Yeah sure, that’s definitely it”, she said and I didn’t reply to her because for one, I didn’t have an answer to her and second, we were amongst 20 other people as we stepped out once again.
Everyone had started mingling, as I found myself in conversation with Louis Spencer, someone I’d met numerous times before because of his on-again, off-again relationship with my cousin, MacKinley Edwards. He even had been to our family estate over Christmas Holidays two years back.
MacKinley is my first cousin on my paternal side; being the only daughter of my Uncle, Matthew Edwards who is the younger brother to my father. To be honest, I had zero idea about Mac’s and Louis’ current relationship status and I was too afraid to ask.
I caught Harry’s eyes as I was laughing at something Louis had said and his eyes flitted over to him, frowning as he stepped out of his circle, clearly intending to join Louis and I.
I raised my eyebrows at him, as he handed me another Martini, side hugging Louis as he did some weird fist bump thing.
“You two know each other?” Harry asked, pointing at Louis and I, and we turned towards each other, smiling.
“A little too well, no, Addy?” Louis smiled a Cheshire grin, nudging me with his shoulder.
Harry was clearly very confused at our relaxed attitude. He asked Louis to explain; and I was suddenly hit by the realisation that the two of them looked a little too similar. The resemblance was definitely there.
“You remember MacKinley, don’t you? Adelaide Edwards here is cousins with her”, he replied, sipping his drink.
“MacKinley Edwards? You’ve been going out with her forever”
“The very same one. Afraid the surname is the same one” I sarcastically said, biting my tongue afterwards as Louis shook his head at my response.
“I’ve known Addy and Amelia just as long as I’ve known Mac; we even spent a Christmas at her estate two- three years back?”
“Two”
“Two years back”
Harry nodded, clearly a little thrown off by that information as I took that opportunity to ask about their relation, slapping my forehead as Louis relayed the information about them being first cousins as well, on Harry’s mother’s side and Louis’ father’s. I obviously was privy to this piece of knowledge beforehand, however it hadn’t hit me until just that very moment.
“That was wee bit weird, no?” Harry laughed as Louis walked away from us.
“It just keeps hitting me how we’ve never met before today” I replied, taking a sip of my Martini.
He took a deep breath, “That ought to be the truest thing I’ve heard today”.
It wasn’t long until food was being served and everyone was seated around the bamboo table, people pulling their white chairs back to sit. Pizza was being cooked in the natural oven we got installed outside, the smell of chicken overtaking my senses and I realised I didn’t have my phone on me to click the picture of the delicious scene on the table.
I started asking everyone to help themselves as Amelia sat on my right and Louis on my left. Robbie poured everyone Champagne as he remained the only one standing. Once he was done, he told us that he’d like to make a toast and then turned to look directly at me.
“To Adelaide and Amelia ofcourse, for so graciously accepting to host us here and always being the friends that Mary’s frustrated at awful hours of the morning. We love the both of you” He raised his glass as did his fiancé; my sister and I raising it back to them as everyone yelled.
“This is such a beautiful property, Adelaide. I’m in love” Sophie commented and I smiled at her.
Robbie continued his toast only to be cut off by Mary-Olivia as she started hers. We all laughed at their antics. Late lunch which had already turned into an early supper, finally started as everyone helped themselves to it.
I caught Harry’s eyes somewhere in the midst of it, throwing him a smile as he replied with a similar one. I asked Amelia to turn on some music as I didn’t have my phone on me at the very moment as she teased me with ‘Should I play one of yours, hm?’, and I slapped her shoulder at that.
It got worse when someone asked Amelia what had happened as she let out a loud laugh at my reaction; and then she continues to tell them exactly what happened. I rolled my eyes as everyone chuckled at the taunt, Louis being the loudest of them and I mimicked shooting him in the head before he came to an abrupt stop.
An hour later, the guests were sprawled all around the area, some in the pool; others in the hot tub and a few just lounging on the beach chairs. Mary-Olivia and Robbie were dancing quietly and I was conversing with Charlotte because we both happened to be at the outside bar at the same time. I was getting myself a whiskey and I didn’t bother to know what she was getting herself; ducking out of the conversation as soon as I had my drink in one hand and my phone in the other.
I headed down the rocky steps to the beach, initially standing and then just sitting down as I took a deep breath, the wind running through my hair and I felt alive for the first time in a long while. I continued sipping my drink, glad to be away from all the noise when I heard a voice behind me.
Turning to look back at whoever had followed me, I saw Harry; clearly on a with someone. I didn’t think he me until he cut the call, swiping at his phone and turned to look ahead, finding my eyes. I could sense he thought twice about coming over, as he reached me and plopped down beside me on the chilly sand.
“This shouldn’t be considered safe, you know. High tide’s on” he said, eyes locked on the ocean ahead.
“Pretty sure it isn’t”
We sat in silence for the next few minutes, laughter from the house above reaching our ears; clearly someone was thrown into the pool as a shrieking followed. Probably Mary-Olivia.
“I feel like I should apologise, for this morning” he said, turning to look at me.
I shook my head, sipping my drink as his eyes followed my movement; “I wouldn’t worry about it a lot, I do apologise if I let myself get too heated. I just take this stuff seriously because that’s exactly what I’d expect from someone else, you know?”, to which he hummed.
“Also for not letting them inside the property”, he chuckled as he continued.
I joined in the chuckling fest, “You’re very welcome”.
Another silence crawled its way in but it was nice. It was a different kind of silence that wasn’t awkward but serene. Sitting out here with him didn’t feel like an intrusion from either of our sides, and I found myself breathing a little easier.
Not much had to be said, we were two strangers after all; but at the same time, it felt comfortable. It wasn’t like me to feel so relaxed with someone so soon. There were so many things two complete strangers could talk about, but we chose to be silent.
I caught him looking at me a few times, the blue in his eyes so mellow because of the dark. I thought about what he saw when he looked me.
meghan markle serving these looks left and right while looking so free and healthy is such a bad bitch mood!!! its so satisfying to watch her being so unbothered while the racists continues on popping their veins over her every damn day. i mean WHO'S DOING IT LIKE HER!!!
“One of the first things a mentor had told me before I made a debut in this industry, was to not lose myself in the glitter and glamour of Hollywood”
The MusiCares Session had started an hour ago; I’d arrived through the back door because the last thing I wanted was to publicize this event in my name; or for the media to think that I’m going to be one of their patients, but I also knew all my attempts were really in vain because the pictures would hit Twitter anyhow.
“First and foremost, all of you beautiful people are so lucky that you get to be with the incredibly experienced faculty here in Los Angeles itself; they are so hard working and so dedicated towards their goal; which is to help musicians find their way back and that is highly commendable. So, can we have a huge round of applause for them?”
I was told that I also had a way with words; I would slip and forget a few things but most of time, the crowd was putty in her hands because it usually because emotional.
As a huge cheer broke out, everyone looked behind where all the mentors and nurses stood; shyly looking at each other before looking back up at me on the stage.
“I have been working with MusiCares for a few years now, and it's been one of the best parts of my job; to find such a platform and to encourage and motivate people like you; people who are so talented; whose talents deserve to be recognized and appreciated instead of being wasted”
Sometimes working with MusiCares was a little emotional for me; having seen numerous people lose their identity; which was their music. It's not only drugs and alcohol that pull you down; most of the times it's just life and situations.
“Sometimes life fails you and other time you fail yourself; but honestly, its okay. Its okay when you learn a lesson from it. Failures will only be failures if you perceive them as such”
Soon after the impossibly long speech, an applause broke out and all patients were on their feet; ready and eager to meet me.
Situations like these became a little daunting to me; all these people had the talent to be in the position I am right now; some of them probably weren't too far before they admitted here but to see them so excited to meet me; just another somebody was daunting to me as a thought.
I started greeting the staff first, who had lined up in the front during the last few lines of my speech; grinning with a lot of emotion in their eyes.
“Ma'am, I shouldn't say this but I particularly chose the LA department because of your previous track record of visiting this center” One of them, a lady with short blonde hair and green eyes, said as she shook my hand and smiled up at me.
“Oh my god, that is so flattering to hear. Whatever the reason, now you're here and your work helps people of my profession; so thank you”
The minutes passed as I met patients after patients; each with a different story and a different reason for being there. But they were all in such high spirits, I never felt as if I was standing in a rehab center.
“Adelaide; dear, it is so great to see you again” came a voice, an old and weary one but a recognizable one for me.
Jerka Jenkins had worked with me years ago on my first and second albums. She was incredibly impressive in her songwriting skills on slow and melodious songs. A lot of my first slow songs were thanks to her skills.
I looked at her; first in shock and then in concern. I didn't even know that Jerka was admitted here; I hadn't heard from her in years, yes, but in the industry, you find yourself in the same room with the same people way too many times.
“Jerka; I wasn't even aware you would be here. What happened?”
“Oh, you needn't worry too much, Addy. I'm doing quite alright; I've been here for almost a year; they should let me go any day now actually” she replied.
I frowned to myself; she’s been a whole year, I should’ve atleast heard about it from someone. “I honestly had no idea, I feel so bad now. You have got to call me as soon as you’re out of here” I said, grabbing both her hands and giving her a smile.
She nodded, “Ofcourse, I didn’t really expect you to know. It was a sudden thing and I didn’t want many people to know”
“But imagine my surprise when they told us a week ago that you’d be coming here; the atmosphere was absolutely electrifying Adelaide, and I assure you, that speech you just gave, it will really make a difference in all their lives” She said, heavy emotion in her eyes as her voice got a little shaky.
I didn’t say anything as I hugged her small frame, holding her close to me as I heard her sniffling.
“No, thank you for everything you have ever done for me, Jerka. You are so strong”
If I was honest; I never felt as powerful as I do when there are people I am genuinely helping.
“You shouldn’t have wasted your time in LA” said my sister, miles away from me but I could still practically see her rolling her eyes at me.
Amelia had called me while I was still in the MusiCares Session; and Lima had informed me about it as soon as I was back in the car, on my way to my Bel Air house. I hadn’t heard from my sister in the last one week and when she heard about my tightly packed schedule, she couldn’t help but be my elder sister.
“I know what you’re thinking Addy, but just think about yourself and your entire crew sometimes” she said, shuffling from her end as I chuckled when I saw Lima and Kyle share a look upon hearing her on speaker.
“Are you done quiet yet? MusiCares was important, Em” I replied, after hearing her rant.
“No, what is important is that we establish the fact that you have a known habit of derailing all over your schedule, baby” She said.
I knew she was right; I did make it a habit but even she knew that I went to huge lengths for the organizations I supported.
“Can we just forget about it now; I’ll be in New York within the next six hours, don’t worry” I said.
Amelia Edwards, my elder sister is a fashion designer. She worked with Victoria Beckham, our aunt and also played the role of the chief executive designer for my Adelaide line.
She was also a workaholic, always running from one country to another, always clashing ideas inside her brain. Maybe it was a family thing; but both of us sisters couldn’t sit idle. Good thing Arthur wasn’t a girl.
“Adelaide, honey, if you miss my show, I will make sure you don’t see my face for months to come” Amelia threatened.
All my career long Amelia had been one of my biggest supporters; one of the only few people I could whole heartedly trust; one of the only people who always understood my situations. She’d never been the one to complain if I wasn’t there for her important days; but she’d always made sure that she was there for mine.
And if I wouldn’t go to her show; even after being in New York; then what kind of a sister did that make me?
“Okay, now we wouldn’t want that. Don’t worry sister, I’ll be there, front row” I said; shooting Karol a look. She still hadn’t contacted the right people to inform my appearance day after.
Shortly after I hung up the phone, I sighed, thinking whether or not I was really taking a break.
I would already be the last person in the bridal party to reach Greece because I just had to prolong my stay in NYC another day to attend my sister’s show.
I sighed as I caught a glance of the Bel-Air, lavishly spread and unequivocally mine. I could still remember the day I had finally sealed the deal, clear as day. It was about two years into my career before I had gotten so absolutely sick of staying in hotels while I was over in Los Angeles, which was a good few months every year.
My father was the one that suggested that I waste no more time and just go along and buy myself a home here; ‘After all, it’s not like you don’t have the money for it”, Arthur had said.
It wasn’t very late before I was house hunting all over LA and its outskirts; the search all over the news because that was essentially the period that the paparazzi had decided that they would start to hoard me everywhere I go, and the media had also become unambiguous about my position in Hollywood.
Bel Air had soon turned into my passion project; I took part in its every finishing, going as far as to choose the exact windows I wanted in every balcony. It was also one of the reasons why the area was very soon inhabited by various other celebrities and tycoons; and the location came to be known as posh.
It had a totally different meaning for me though; I had so many memories in that house. Half my songs were recorded in there; so many of my songs were written there. So many gatherings, so many parties that was attended by almost everyone in the industry.
And as I looked up at it as we were slowly coming to a stop in front of the main gates; I felt Karol speak up. “So the DailyMail claims that they have inside information from one of your closest confidants that you’re very serious about leaving music” Karol broke the silence, a little humour in her tone as she scrolled on her phone.
I looked her weird, confused why she would tell me that but couldn’t help but join the laughter spree in the car.
“The DailyMail claims a lot of things, honey”.
“That doesn’t look good at all” I muttered as soon as I caught sight of the humongous amount of paparazzi waiting for me at the LAX Airport.
LAX is one of the hardest airports to get into because it is always lined with photographers waiting for a glimpse of one or the other celebrities. It always becomes messy and hard in situations like these but I knew that my entire crew is so used to it by now, they can do it with the back of their hand.
“Let’s get this over with” Karol said, quickly getting out after Kyle and Gary. I could see them get into position before I got out of the car. The crowd was huge, and the paparazzi were already clicking away instantly recognizing Lima and Karol.
As soon as I stepped out, slamming the car door behind me, my handbag on arm, sunglasses in place and phone in hand, I was rushed away from the crowd, which inevitably followed us all the way till the door. I could see a few fans here and there being pushed behind by the hoard of photographers, but couldn’t really do anything about that situation.
It wasn’t until I was almost to the entrance, Lima’s hand guiding me that I saw that a fan was pushed down in the mist of the chaos, laying on the concrete floor, crunched over as another man stepped on her stomach in the race to get a picture of me.
I instantly stopped, Lima turning to shoot me a dark look as I left her hand, all six of my bodyguards turning into place around me as I took fast trodden steps towards the girl. I gave her my hand, helping her get up and saw her tearful gaze set on me.
“It’s alright, I’m so sorry” I whispered in her ear, hugging her and turned to look at the man who had unknowingly stepped on her.
“Sir, next time could you please look where you walk; this isn’t a funny situation” I said to him, hearing all cameras recording my every word. The man shook his head, shamefully bringing down his camera and didn’t utter a word. But I knew that I had just given these people exactly what they wanted; an event to report about.
After a few seconds, I was already bounded inside, after making sure the girl was alright and sent up to her car. These kind of events scare the hell out of me.
As soon as I entered the highly designed entrance of Ralph Russo; I already knew that I was spotted and recognized by the wide-eyed and open-mouthed cashier, who then quickly controlled herself but her reaction definitely alerted some others littered across the showroom.
None of my crew were with me, all enjoying their own lives for some moments, which becomes rare for them day by day, with the exception of Kyle, who was outside the store, in the car. I looked around for a minute, taking off my sunglasses, my hands rubbing against the marron leather pants before I spotted Mary Olivia, glittering in her shiny wedding couture.
“Look at you, out of your hub in London and here in the average United States” I said, mockingly walking towards her and kissing both her cheeks in greeting, and turning to look at everyone else in the bridal party.
Each of them were dressed down, atleast according to their style, all smiling up at me as they each had a glass of champagne and were sat in the plush couches.
“Well, I figured that since you have actually made everywhere your hub, that I could try the average United States every once in a while” she replied, almost a minute later, but I laughed anyway.
I finally got around to greeting everyone, subtly noticing my sister’s absence even though she was in the city, and decided to bring up the matter later.
Sophia Fermor-Hesketh turned to look at me, as I sat down next to her, smiling slyly “Well, madam, hasn’t it been quite a long time since we’ve seen each other”
“Oh please, who are we even when she’s got the entire Hollywood running behind her” Willa Keswick scoffed, though I didn’t really know if she meant it as a joke because I didn’t know her as well as my sister did.
I couldn’t do anything besides laugh at their comments, “Don’t blame me; I think it’s equally your faults too” I said, taking a sip of my champagne before crossing my legs.
The bridal party did in fact include of all the people that I had known whilst growing up. There were some seniors of mine, very few classmates but a lot of juniors as well. I knew that Alicia, one of my childhood friends would be directly coming to Greece along with a few of my classmates from a while back.
My sister, Amelia is incredibly great friends with all of the ladies in this group, but knowing her; she probably decided to skip the bridal party meet because of her show in the evening.
“I did talk to Amelia a while back, Adelaide. She’s so busy with the show, I reckon she’d be travelling with you” Chloe Green said, her posh accent very noticeable but that was all intercepted by her kind eyes.
I nodded, shrugging wasn’t an option with this crowd sometimes, “Yes, I think so too. I’ll be at the show this evening, she’s almost threatened to disown me if I don’t go” I laughed slightly, thinking about my sister’s response.
The rest of the time passed fairly quickly as Mary Olivia finally settled on her’s and her maid of honour’s dress. It wasn’t too late before I was also trying on my bridesmaid’s dress, the shade of pale pink, up to my ankles and of the softest material of satin.
I was only here for Mary Olivia; having considered her a great friend since school days. She was loud and she was upbeat; but that was just her personality. She had had a difficult childhood, of sorts, having parents that were both very dramatic in their behaviors. And whatever it was, I just couldn’t say no to attending her wedding, now could I?
It wasn’t long before I was out of the store, earlier than the rest because they were all directly leaving for the airport; on their way to Greece. Promising to see all of them a day later, I was back in the backseat of the car, Kyle driving us to my apartment so that I could change before my visit to the New York center of MusiCares.
“Were we spotted, Kyle?” I asked my bodyguard, whom I’d known for the past five years.
He nodded his head, “I’m afraid we were ma’am, Lima called me up half an hour ago, seems to me that it was someone in the store itself”
I sighed, my eyes on the street passing by; will I ever be able to escape this attention?
“Alright, so I need a rundown” I said, when we were on our way back my apartment in New York City, ready to be dressed to attend my sister’s show.
The New York MusiCares session went just as good as the Los Angeles one did. I was able to meet some of the most hardworking people, and that honestly felt great in the midst of the absolute chaos, that is my life.
“Okay, so, the plane’s booked. We’ve contacted Amelia’s team about the timing, you are meeting Selena tomorrow morning for a late breakfast, if that plan is still in motion, Addy” Karol looked at me, pausing.
I nodded, letting her continue, “Jordon called this morning, apparently he’s heard from Victoria about your non-existent gym life and he’s frantically trying to reach you” she said, openly chuckling at the frightened look I gave her.
“Holy fucking shit, that had completely slipped my mind” I face-palmed, knowing Jordon would give me hell when I get back to London.
“Well, other than that, I think you’re ready for 5 days off at Mary Olivia’s wedding” She said, finally clicking her phone off.
“Adelaide?” I heard her call me after a few seconds.
“Hm?” I asked, turning to look at her.
She was frowning, a concerned look on her face, “Do rest while you’re in Greece, won’t you? You deserve it”
“Yes, thank you Karol” I smiled softly at her.
Stepping right into the small blue carpet laid out before the entrance to the arena had about 200 photographers littered around, behind the railings.
And as soon as I stepped onto the said carpet, my bodycon dress tight against my figure, Lima trailing behind me, reminding me to not give any interviews and to stop at the right places for photographers.
It was an instant havoc, the paparazzi were on their toes, yelling at the top of their lungs to get a good angled picture of me. I didn’t plan to stay long on the carpet; just enough for a few pictures.
I was dressed in the Altuzarra Gramm Sweater dress; perfectly fitting me in every sense of the word. Not that I had much of a choice in the matter of my outfit for the evening, Amelia having send over two options for me to choose from her campaign.
I was led inside the small arena, Lima’s hand on my back, guiding me straight towards the front row. Several familiar faces turned to glance at me, some having the audacity to throw a smile while others kept staring.
I was sort of used to this by now; I wouldn’t have been able to survive all the attention if I wasn’t. There were people who didn’t like me; some for no reason at all and some because of reasons they’d heard from others. I didn’t let it bother me though, because I genuinely was too busy for shit like this in my life. Nor did I have the effort to keep up with the acts of the people in the fashion industry.
Speaking of fashion industry, I smiled when I saw the very familiar face of Anna Wintour, posture straight and upright staring directly up at me as I paused at my seat, beside her’s.
“Anna, been a while” I said, smiling widely.
She was on her feet within the very next second, kissing both my cheeks with loud ‘muah’s as we sat next to each other. A lot of cameras were pointed our way because it had been almost 2 years since Anna and I were last seen together.
“The kiddies went to your New York show, I heard you made them come to the backstage” she said, her face now perfectly set with the right amount of emotions.
I nodded swiftly, “Yes, I had gotten your message. You didn’t think that I wouldn’t do that?” I shook my head lightly.
There was very little that I wouldn’t do for Anna Wintour. She had, in a way, shaped up my global image. It was because of my first Vogue cover, just a week after my first album, that people actually thought I was someone.
Very less of any of my fashion endeavors are not discussed with her; with me trusting her opinion about it the most along with my sister’s and aunt’s. Anna had, in lots of ways, favored me multiple times; which also might be the reason behind my numerous Vogue covers despite not being a model.
Other than all that, she was also such an inspiration. All my years spent in the industry, and I had learnt the most important part of having an inspiration; someone whose work ethic inspires you. And that was Anna Wintour.
Half an hour later, I was heading backstage with my crew, after greeting goodbyes with Anna and cheering loudly when Amelia had come on stage with Joseph Altuzarra.
“Oh my god, that was brilliant” I shouted as soon as I was within arms reach of Amelia, wrapping her to myself in seconds.
The backstage was too crowded to hold a decent conversation; but I grinned at Joseph as Amelia introduced us. Turns out, he was a fan.
“I’m getting a feeling as if you used me just so you could meet my sister” my older sister said in a playful huff, a few moments after Joseph stopped freaking out about meeting yours truly.
He shrugged, “Who says that ain’t true”.
“Wow; you’re actually up early, even with all your jet lag” Amelia said, sipping her morning coffee and sat in the kitchen of my New York Apartment, cross legged while working on her laptop.
I made a face at her, so used to all of her taunts, “I was in the gym an hour ago actually” I told her, noticing that nobody else was awake yet.
Now that had her attention, “Are you okay, Adelaide? That is just so not like you at all” she said, shaking her head.
I stomped towards the marble dining table, with my glass of orange juice, putting my head on the table in exhaustion even though it was barely 9 in the morning.
“Jordon is making me do this” I cried, remembering how he had finally caught me after I picked up his call.
It did not take her another second as she threw her head behind, laughing at my current state, “I always knew I loved that boy”
“Don’t let him hear you say that”
Jordon might’ve been gay and married; but did he ever hide his attraction towards Amelia? Definitely not. She grinned at me as her phone rang, Edmund’s name flashing on it.
Amelia and Edmund had a long history that involves family drama at its best, but they got through it. It was something that made you yearn for a love story like that.
I went to pick it up but she was quicker, snatching it from right under my nose and making a dash towards her room. I shook my head chuckling loudly.
“Pick your stuff up from your flat and meet me at the airport, okay?” I yelled, standing up to leave the apartment after I heard her shout her agreement.
“I swear to god, you always make me feel under-dressed” was the first thing Selena said to me as I moved forward to hug her, ignoring the numerous eyes following my movement.
“I have to directly go to the airport after this, Sel” I said, rolling my eyes and taking a seat on the small round table we booked for the two of us.
“Where are you off to now, didn't you just come to New York, like, a day ago?” She asks, taking a sip of her cocktail as a waiter handed us appetizers’ menu.
“Yes, yes, that's right. You know my friend, Mary Olivia? She's getting married to her rocker boyfriend and I have to be there” I said, shrugging, my eyes scanning the expensive list of dishes.
“Wait, isn't she another aristocratic friend of yours?”
“There we go, that's the one” I said, grinning.
“Wonderful, so rich and high society crowd for the next week or so for you then; have you got your wardrobe and sarcasm ready?” Selena says, her eyes twinkling with mirth.
“Yes, absolutely” we laughed some, looking around in our habit of doing so.
“No but honestly, I've grown up in that kind of atmosphere in school; so I'm sort of drained into it, you know?” I say, sipping my water.
Marlborough was elite; it was for the elite and it was by the elite. Aristocracy was in the walls and meals of that school. And as
“It just makes me realize how people view all these things so differently than they really are” She says, nodding her, clearly double meaning it.
“Yes, true. Is there something you wanted to talk about?”
Selena had called me as soon as she had come to know that I was in New York for sometime or so. I did not expect her to be in NYC; but it was a last minute trip for her as well.
Selena and I had met at the set of Wizards of Waverly Place back in 2007; when I was asked to guest star in one of its episodes. She was young and a debutante back then; whilst I was already knee deep within 3 albums.
What struck me the most about Selena Gomez was her absolute genuinity. You couldn't question her intentions if you actually knew her like I do. She's brutally honest with if considers you a friend.
“Yes, actually” She said, glancing around the restaurant, rather inclusively.
I sighed, almost wanting to put my face in my hands but I knew better than to do that, in case if anyone in the restaurant was lucky enough to click a picture of us.
“Is this about Justin? Selena-”
“No! I mean, yes, but no. Addy, you know I would've told you if anything like that would've happened. It's all great as of now. No, what I wanted to talk to you about is this show I want to produce” she interrupted me.
I frowned, signaling a waiter over to our table and to the star in front of me to stop talking; we gave our orders and as soon as he was out of the hearing range, I spoke up.
“You want to produce a show?”
“Yes, my mom just read this book called Thirteen Reasons Why and she suggests that I should go ahead with it” she replied.
I sat back, “well, I mean, your production house should be put to use for something atleast; and Mandy does have great taste. Have you read the book though?”
She nodded, instant in her answer, “I'm in love with the story, Adelaide. It absolutely needs to be out there”
“But a show? Why not a movie? You do realize producing a show is too much work” I reminded her, pointing her finger her way.
She took a deep breathe, “Well, it was supposed to be a movie at first, I was to star as the protagonist but that went down the drain pretty fast and we brainstormed some ideas, nothing seemed better than a show”
I thought about it, and then about my production house, “Hey, would you mind having another producer on your team?” I asked her with a sly smile knowing she wouldn’t refuse me but also knowing that she’d feel more comfortable about going ahead with the project with me on her team.
Her eyes brightened within a quick second, “You’re not insinuating what I think you are” she almost squealed.
I paused her frantic words, “Hold up though, you need to give me time to read the story first. But I mean, like I’ve said before, Mandy has incredible taste”
And just like that we were switching from topic to topic. Talking first about how her parents were trying to get pregnant again after Mandy’s last miscarriage to her relationship with Justin. She had suddenly found herself as a name on everyone’s lips because of the interest generated by the media in her relationship.
I knew it overwhelmed her at moments; and she’s still just so young, I would be worried if it didn’t shock her at times.
“Oh hey by the way, I think now you’ll be the one interested in my proposal. WE Day’s around the corner-“
“Yes, yes, I know, Adelaide. I read all about the list of performers online. Now imagine my surprise when I read that! I’ve been behind you for this for years. You let Taylor perform two times now” she interrupted me, almost in hysterics.
I stared at her wide-eyed, not expecting the outburst, “And that’s exactly why I’m letting you in it this year. Taylor is on tour, so, you can do it if you want” I said, a playful smile on my lips.
She rolled her eyes, incredibly annoyed with me at this point, “Yes, okay. I’ll do it”
Marc by Marc Jacobs Ella mid-rise skinny jeans
Christian Louboutin Miss Rigidaine
Mansur Gavriel Flat Clutch
Larsson & Jennings Lugano silver-plated watch
CHANEL N°5
Lancôme
Prince Harry hosted former US President @BarackObama at Kensington Palace today.
They discussed support for veterans, mental health, conservation, empowering young people and the work of their respective foundations. @BarackObama also offered his condolences to the victims of the Manchester attack and support for those recovering from injuries.
- Kensington Palace
MADLY IN LOVE : A Prince Harry Fanfic @madlyinlovephff - Tumblr Blog | Tumgag
