The next day Demi got a phone call from Simon and was bitched at for a good fifteen minutes. It was all about how negative her attitude was when everyone was trying to make best of the situation (which was a complete lie and he had to know that). She just lied on the bed and took it, as it was all she could do.
Once the rant was over and Simon hung up, Demi got ready for the day. She had been informed by Mr. Cowell that she needed to be seen without Harry and instead with some of the other girls. Danielle and Ariana specifically.
The girls met outside of a cafe where they planned on “eating lunch and looking like they were having the times of their lives” — according to Simon. Danielle actually seemed genuine which Demi was thankful for, but Ariana appeared to wish to be anywhere else but here. She kept sighing deeply and seemed to be texting someone while Dani and Demi chatted. They didn’t have to play it up for the paps — they were getting along for real. At least one girl liked her.
After about an hour later, the girls went their separate ways: Demi back to Harry’s flat, Danielle to a meeting for some tour she was going to be dancing on soon, and Ariana home — except she wasn’t really going home.
Everyday it grew harder and harder for Ariana to put on this act. This act that she was irrevocably in love with Niall Horan and wanted to be with him forever. Sure, he was a good friend to her and all that jazz, but he wasn’t who she was in love with. And he didn’t know that.
The red head stepped into the flat, using her spare key. “Babe?” She called out, getting a response immediately. She entered the kitchen, after smelling something amazing being brewed up, and instantly felt arms wrapping around her waist. A grin formed on Ariana’s lips while she leaned up and kissed her lover. She’d never feel this way with Niall, but it wasn’t like she could go public with her real relationship. It just… It wouldn’t work out sadly.
———
“Zayn, can you come get the flour for me? I don’t wanna get on the stool with this huge stomach,” Perrie’s voice rung out, forcing a sigh to escape the male’s lips. He was trying to have a smoke; he couldn’t get two seconds of peace, could he? With the boys they’re like small children, management and Simon are difficult, and at home he’s tending to Perrie’s needs. When the baby comes, he knows it’s bound to be worse.
“Coming,” he breathed out, throwing the freshly lit cigarette on the ground and stomping it into the ground. What a waste — he barely got it to his lips before his name was being called. He came in through the double doors from the yard, right into the kitchen. He remembered that was the reason Perrie adored this house so much. “It’s perfect for the kids when they get hungry after playing outside,” she had said, begging Zayn until he agreed to put an offer on the home. Back then he was looking forward to the future, to getting married and starting a family. Now he wished he would’ve waited a year or two to make such a big step.
He reached into the top cabinet, easily snatching the box containing the open bag of flour, bringing it down to Perrie’s level and handing it to her. “Thanks, honey,” she stated with a huge smile, leaning in and kissing his lips. She pulled away a moment later in disgust. How she’s survived this long dealing with the smoking (something she’s hated for as long as she can remember) was always a mystery to Zayn and, well, everyone. “Your breath stinks. Go brush your teeth and clean up while I cook these brownies.”
Zayn rolled his eyes. “I actually am going out. Gonna go see Lou and Harry. Call if you need me,” he stated, just making that up as he grabbed his phone and keys, heading out of the front door while Perrie called out a “oh okay, bye!” behind him. They both knew he wasn’t gonna go see the guys; he was going anywhere but there. Specifically the bar.
