All Hidden Away

When one studies Architecture, and does a few classes on the side, one often finds themselves sitting in a physics classroom. Here, one can learn about energy and power, circuits and most importantly: Newtons forces. One of his important laws, namely his law regarding Inertia states how every object as the ability to remain in a constant state of motion or can resist a change in motion when acted upon by a net or resultant force. What has this got to do with anything? Well clearly, I’m suffering from something I like to call sleep-inertia. I want to remain asleep, in my bed rather than get up and face Claire right now. Eventually I get out of bed and shower, pulling on my black skinnies and a white t-shirt I found in my cupboard. I don’t do anything to my wet hair, other than wrapping it in a towel, and leave my face empty from makeup. Shaking my head, I go downstairs still trying to wake up slightly.
I hear noise coming from outside and head in the direction in hopes of finding Luke to ask what he wanted to talk to me about earlier. I am momentarily blinded by the change in light but soon my eyes adjust and I go sit next to Hazz in the open chair.
“I swear I told you’d wake you up.” He says shaking his head and smiling at me in defeat.
“Yeah, but I didn’t trust that you would.” I say pulling a tongue at him. He shakes his head and goes back to the conversation about tomorrow night. I note that Luke, Cal and Niall are swimming. Apparently some bands were going that got everyone excited. I kinda zoned out until I see Luke getting out of the pool and walking over.
“Towel, please?” he asks pointing to the towel sitting near the door. I hand it over and he smiles, I raise my eyebrows quickly and smile acknowledging his thank you.
“How did you sleep?” he asks drying off his legs.
“Alright I guess.” I say smiling. “What did you need to talk to me about?” I ask sitting on the floor and hugging my knees to my chest so I can sit comfortably.
“Just wanted to talk about this afternoon, what the plan is after the bitch – I mean Claire - leaves.” He says. “How did you do that?” he asks frowning. I look up and shrug.
“Do what?” I ask confused. He points to my hair.
“The towel thingy.” I laugh, remembering how long it took for me and Gem to teach Hazz.
“Oh, it’s dead simple.” I say standing. “Flip your head forward.” I say grabbing the towel from his hands. “And then, drape this over the back of your head.” I say doing it for him, thankful for the extra height the patio is giving me. “Twist, and flick. Now stand up.” I say taking a step back. He smiles and moves his head around like a little puppy.
“THAT’S SO COOL!” he says getting excited. I laugh and shake my head at him. I notice that conversation at the table has died down and I look over to see everyone smiling like idiots.
“What?” I ask innocently.
“Nothing.” Says Ash smirking. I look at Luke and he shrugs before grabbing his phone off the table and taking a picture for snapchat.
“Hey, I don’t have you’re snap.” He says looking at me.
“Actually, neither do I.” says Harry looking at me. I laugh.
“That’s because I don’t have one.” I say shrugging. Michael looks at me like I could have stabbed him and his friends.
“What do you mean you don’t have Snapchat?” Asks Ash confused. I shrug not understanding the question.
“You mean you’ve never taken a picture with the dog filter?” asks Mikey looking concerned for my well-being.
“A what?” I ask laughing as he and Luke gasp. Both Mikey and Ash whip out their phones and run towards me. I laugh as Ash starts filming as Michael stands next to me and prepares to take a selfie.
“HEY KEEK! ONLINE CONTENT! So apparently, Tasha here has never used a snapchat doggie filter… thingy… So Mikey is going to introduce her to it.” He says pointing the camera at us. I half wave awkwardly before Mikey tells me to look at his screen and see myself with a dog nose and ears.
“Wow… so exciting.” I say sarcastically. Ashton and Luke laugh and I see Luke pulling funny faces from behind us.
“No, man! Open your mouth and look at the camera!” says Mikey getting almost impatient. I do as he says and hear a funny noise and see myself with a giant tongue licking the screen. I turn to him and shake my head.
“I don’t get it.” I say and he gasps as Ash giggles.
“Okay… so, first of all, we clearly can’t all agree that Snapchat is the best invention every created by technology.” I hear Harry and Lou scoff behind us but the boys pay no attention to it. I shrug at Ashton and raise my hands in defeat.
“I’m sorry-” Mikey cuts across me.
“You should be.” He says shrugging.
“No, I mean I’m sorry that I don’t make up a part of our narcissistic society that needs to take pictures of themselves to feel a sense of self-worth.” There is a moment of hesitation as Mikey looks at me with a half open mouth before Ashton screams as loud as he can.
“BUUUUURNNNN! BYE KEEK!”
“That was… that was just mean.” Says Michael smiling.
“But it’s true.” I say feeling bad and looking at Ashton for some support.
“Yeah, but it was a little bit mean.” He says looking at me with a smile.
“But – then don’t post it…” I say pointing at his phone. They all start laughing.
“No man! Don’t be silly, it was brilliant.” Says Luke still laughing. “Oh and look what she taught me to do!” he says showing of his head wrap. Mikey shakes his head at me.
“You really shouldn’t encourage him.” He says laughing. I roll my eyes and turn back to Harry and Lou. I lean on Louis’ shoulders.
“Please do explain the scoff about Snapchat.” I say quietly enough for him to hear me but not the rest. He leans back and pats my head affectionately.
“Later.” He says smiling but just as quietly.
“Yeah right.” I scoff and turn around as my phone starts ringing. I recognise the number form earlier and answer it.
“I have been standing outside for the past three minutes, can you let me inside please.” I hear a disgruntled Claire ask. I sigh and make my way to the door and open it for her.
“About time.” She says walking inside. I roll my eyes behind her back.
“Can I get you something to drink?” I offer politely.
“Water with some lemon… please.” She adds as if it were an afterthought.
“Sure, everyone else is outside.” I say pointing her in the direction. She walks off and I take a calming breath. Being around her was tiring enough, let alone while I was still suffering from sleep inertia. I go to the kitchen and get her, her stupid lemon water and head back outside. I hand it to her and she takes a sip without saying a simple thank you. I sigh and nod walking over to Lou. He pulls me into his lap and pats my head again.
“Good, Tigger.” He jokes and I try to supress a laugh, missing the days that was my nickname.
“Okay, so tomorrow.” Says Claire pulling out her note pad. “Tasha I need to check your dress please; I know Lou has said she managed to get your shoes.” She reads. I nod and look at Luke who pulls a disgusted funny face trying to get me to laugh. I smile and shake my head. “Oh, and what is happening with your phone?” she asks looking at me.
“I don’t know it just –” she cuts across me rudely.
“Well get it fixed please, it is currently a huge inconvenience.” Lou grips me closer to him as I smile and nod as best as I can.
“Right. Well I need the both of you to look in love.” She says pointing to Luke and I. “Make it convincing, and real. Kiss if you can.” I pull a funny face making Luke nearly choke trying to keep his composure. “Is something funny, Mr Hemmings?” she asks. I bite my lip as Luke shakes his head no. “I do need to ask you, what you are trying to do behind my back though, Luke, because quite frankly, it will not work.” She says looking at him, making him and the others all freeze.
“He’s just trying to have fun.” I say shaking my head and looking at my hands.
“For the hundredth time, this isn’t fun and games. It’s a job, and for you, Natasha. It’s a duty. So you can’t keep messing us at Modest! around like this. So tomorrow morning Luke, you and the boys have the radio interview that was planned, but now because of…” I start zoning out and thinking as she opens her bag and drags out her huge “TO DO” list. If she’s this controlling now it’s just going to be worse over the next couple of days before tour and there is no way I’m going to get the work done that I need to… maybe I should go back to varsity for a week, sort out my life and then join the boys. Now the vac was practically cancelled it should be for the best but -
“Natasha are you even listening?” she asks shaking her head. I look up and see everyone looking at me.
“Sorry…” I mumble.
“So tomorrow night, we will meet some of the people around, Luke introduce her as your girlfriend, please. Boys, give them space if the need it but not too many pictures.” She says continuing with her list. Harry would be pissed… or worse upset. Agghh, I can’t stay and get done the work I need to. Especially if the boys will watch me like a hawk. Its exams, Tasha. You need to work! He’ll understand, right? Maybe I should say something…
“…Weekend you can do something but on Monday, we will have date planned for the two of you. Out to dinner and with plenty of coverage so –”
“I’m going back to varsity for the week.” I say quickly closing my eyes and biting my bottom lip. I look up after a few seconds to see Harry looking at me questioningly and Louis grip around my waist lesson. I look away and at Claire.
“Since when was that agreed upon?” she asks with raised eyebrows.
“Just now. I need to study and with all these little dates that’s not going to happen. I agreed to come on tour if it didn’t mess with my results. I’m going back for the week to get on top of my work before tour." I say sternly not moving my gaze off of hers even though I am petrified. She pulls her mouth down but shrugs.
“As long as you are on tour it’s no skin off of my back.” My heart flutters nervously as I turn back to Harry who hasn’t moved or said anything, rather his eyebrows have just pulled closer together.
“But…?” says Luke quietly. I turn to see Ash looking upset, Michael in shock and Luke looking sad and confused. I swallow realising I probably should have thought this through more. I feel Lou grip onto my waist tighter and I look back at Harry who still hasn’t said anything.
“I think it’s a good idea, take some of the stress off.” Says Liam smiling at me. I force one back at him.
Harry looks at Liam and nods but sighs. I look up to him to see him mouth: “We can talk about this later.” I nod and look down.
“Well, I guess we can continue this meeting tomorrow before the awards show. Natasha, dress please.” She says standing. I don’t make eye contact with anyone as I pull of Louis’ arms off from around my waist and awkwardly stand and follow Claire to my room where my dress it.

“What was that about, Bug?” asks Hazz after Claire leaves. I run both my hands through my hair.
“I don’t know, I’ve just been thinking about it and… Hazz, I know I should have spoken to you about it but-”
“And Luke? Tasha. Come on… He feels like shit! He’s been planning a date for the both of you where it doesn’t have to feel like an actual date. It’s not fair to do this to him.” He says staying calm but still sounding disappointed. My heart shatters. I didn’t even really think of Luke when considering this.
“I – I didn’t think it would affect him…” I whisper honestly.
“Tasha…” he says exasperatedly turning his head to the side and shaking it subtly. “You really can be clueless you know.”
“I just, I want to enjoy tour and not be stressing about work, Harry.” I say looking at my feet, feeling like a complete bitch. He pulls me in for a hug and sighs.
“I know… I’m just more concerned that I won’t be there to make sure you’ll be getting sleep…” he mumbles. I nod and pull away.
“I got to go chat to Luke and the guys. I’m sorry, Hazz.” He smiles as I leave his room. I walk down and see everyone sitting in the lounge.
“Hey.” I say awkwardly not looking at anyone but leaning against the door frame. I hear a series of heys from the Aussies and I look up. I lick my lips and play with my hands. “I’m sorry that I’m just ditching the party… But I’m just wanting to make sure that I get the work done I need to so I can have fun on tour…” I say quickly moving my hands while I speak. My eyes land on Luke who is looking at his hands. I swallow and wait for him to look up. He finally does and I give him a bit of a forced smile which he returns.
“We’ve got to do what we’ve got to do.” He says sadly. I walk over and sit between him and Ash.
“Some warning would have been great though…” mumbles Mikey making me flinch. Cal slaps his shoulder. We sit in silence for the longest 5SOS has ever been quiet in this house for.
“Well, considering it is now nearly one… if the plan is still on you to best get going.” Says Ash after a while.
“Shut up, Ashton.” Says Luke sounding sad.
“Hey,” I say gently slapping his knee. “I’m still here. Let’s go.” He looks up and frowns. His blue eyes shining.
“Seriously? You still wanting to go?” I nod and his smiles brightens up the entire room.
“Then go and grab yourself a hoody and put on some sneakers.” He says smiling. I smile back.
“Now?” I ask. He stands and grabs my hands.
“QUICKLY!” he says before running into the kitchen grinning with Mikey quick on his heels.
“YOU HEARD THE MAN! GET GOING!” screams Ashton before also running into the kitchen. Cal stands up slowly.
“Put on a nice top.” He winks before following his friends leaving me confused. Ash sticks his head back around the door.
“NOW!”
“I’m going, I’m going!” I say taking two steps at a time, smiling like an idiot.

Notes

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