Unexpected Song: Chapter Three

Chapter 3: Awkward Encounters

I was in the car with all the boys. We were riding a big van with dark tinted windows. Harry sat in the first row with Louis and Niall while Zayn, Liam and I sat in the second one. Scott had the backseat for all himself.

We are on our way to meet up with Nylon for the guys’ photoshoot. It is part of their publicity for their up coming album. I can’t imagine the wonderful clothes the boys are gonna wear. They are so lucky.

As I cut my daydream short and turned to them,I was in a slump to see the boys agitated for some reason. They look downcast. It was not the boys the girls are wailing in the streets. These were different guys. 

“Hey, Liam.” I started since he was the nearest to me. This will be the first time I’ll be talking to this guy.

“S’up, Kal.” He replied with a bit of disinterest in his voice. 

“How are you guys? You all seem a bit sour or something.” I ‘smartly’ explained

“It’s nothing. We all just had plans this afternoon and it was really a shame that we got booked again. Zayn was really looking forward to it.” Liam shared.

“Ahhh, so that’s the reason.” I let it out in understanding to the situation.

I can see why they are bummed. To be promised something and not fulfilling it in the end will make any teenager more or less would be disappointed.

I kept everything to myself the rest of the trip since they were not in the mood for anything at the moment. I got my trusty ipod again to turn on the tunes. I picked The Fray’s All at Once to lessen my nerves. 

After a series of at least 15 songs, we made it to the shoot. The ride was long for us and didn’t do anything to lift the mood of the boys. I also personally gonna consult someone on the seemingly long traffic stops.

We arrived in a studio in the further edge of the city. I was told earlier that the shoot’s theme was edgy street rock. I bet it would look good on Zayn for most part but I still can’t see it on Niall. I always see him a a sweet kinda guy so I really hope the stylists are up for the challenge.

We further got in the place and I find myself in awe of the scene. People oozing with professionalism bouncing off from one corner to another accomplishing their said tasks. I can’t tell you more about the set. The set designers really did a fantastic job with the  detailing. They made the studio look like a gig for some small time band. The guitars, the bass and all as props. I can’t simply put this to words but just imagine Scott Pilgrim meets Chemical Romance with the elegance of Queen. The room was colorful but embodies the soul of rock’n roll.

I did a quick thinking and I wonder why a pop band would have this sorta thinking why this theme but moment later, I also remember overhearing a conversation with Uncle Ben and Scott that the band is going into a new direction to get a wider audience and not just a novelty act. If I heard right, they are sorta that taking this rock theme with the mix of their classic ballads and funky tones. 

The boys were guided to their own singular changing room in the back so that leaves me alone in front waiting for what surprises the stylists has in store for me.

“Hey, Kal.” Scott called me from far behind. I quickly rushed over him to asses his needs.

“I want you to give this to Louie” I bet that was Louis’ nickname. Scott gave an paper with a list of interview questions in it.

“Okay, sir.” I snatched it from his and was heading over to the back when I turned around.

“Excuse me, sir. But do I have anything to do after this ‘cause I really don’t know what to do afterwards.” I shamefully comply but I should really warn them of my outward carelessness.

“You can take a seat and watch the boys photoshoot.” I said then I turned way back to my direction and started walking.

“And ohh” I heard Scott yelled to my direction so I turned to face him one more time.

“Don’t call me ‘sir’. I’m only 32 years old.” He laughed. I smiled back and gave him a nodding thumbs up.

I walked further back and look for the door that had Louis’ name on it. I was in front of the door and opened the door fast. A glint of the male stylist in a large rack of clothes was the first thing I saw on the far right of the room. As I turn to face front, I was dead.

I was honored with the opportunity of seeing first hand Louis on his underpants and unfinished button down.

‘Fuck’ I thought hard. I froze at my position with my eye wide stricken. Any fan would kill to have a moment like this but all that was running through my head was the utter shittery I was in.

Louis turned to door’s direction and was equally surprise at the event. But seconds after he gathered himself and gave a wicked smirk.

“Like what you see?” He joked with a big smirk still on. Can’t he at least pull those trousers up?

I cleared my throat to gather my dignity and turned my eyes to a sofa chair on my left.

“Scott wants me to give this to you.” I held the papers out.

I heard rustling in the background so I think he already had the chance to pull his pants so that was my signal to look now.

“Thanks, cake.” He took the paper with that damn looped smirk on his face. I inhaled and manage to give him a smiling sign in return humoring him of my embarrassment.

“I have the boys review on this and we’ll have them review this later” He had a dash of humor to his tone.

“I was so sorry to bother you. Really I am.” I blurted out.

“It’s okay. Even though I was wasn’t expecting that, I was could say it was a pleasant surprise for me.” This guy is enjoying my torture.

“And I would say for you as well.” He added. This guy has an inner sadist to him.

I let out an embarrassing laugh and excused myself with the excuse of Scott calling me. I could not take this moment any longer.

“Bye, cake.” Is that nickname gonna stick? Because I never want to be referred as a tasty dessert.

While closing the door, I saw a hint of what I think was a blush for him or maybe it was just a hallucination.

I run down the hallway and luckily, run into the restrooms so I went in to asses my dilemma. I ran into Zayn on my way to the women’s. He just got out from the guy’s. From what I saw, he was still not finished with his get up. He was still on a white printed shirt with words Floyd in the middle. He also was wearing fitted jeans with tattered detailing and loose end boots.

“Are you okay?” He stated. He looked concerned.

“No, I’m perfectly fine.” I said wondering what the hell is wrong with me right now.

“Really? ‘Cause you look a little red to me.” I was in shock of statement. I should really get inside the restroom.

“Don’t worry about me and you have a shoot to worry more about?” I said ending the conversation fast.

“Okay but take care of yourself.”

“I will. Thanks”

Then he walked away.He was not really into this thing from the beginning so I pray more for him because he looked really sad.

I walked in the ladies room to see that it is empty. Maybe the commotion outside really heaped the workload out of here.

I look at the mirror and saw myself red like a radish. That incident with Louis really made a mark on me.

I splash my face with some icy water to cool my head off. This day is really taking a load out of me and it is 4 in the afternoon. I must do my best to stay focus and end the day with a good nod.

After I retouched my makeup, I went out to find a seat in front. I got my Ipod again to relieve some stress. 

As thoughts run through my mind, I can’t help but replay the incident in my head. I did a lot of rethinking and I hope this doesn’t make things awkward around us. After giving myself a mental meltdown, I calm myself down. 

But around the chorus of the song “Strip” by Chris brown. I can’t help but only think about his amazing physique especially his abs. I’m a sucker for abs. Damn, that boy.

I swear people would see me as a complete lunatic smirking away in seat about nothing. 

15 minutes later, the crew called the shot to a start. People were hurrying to their positions as the photographer directed them.

And I could swear their wasn’t any other more dashing entrance. The boys went out oozing with sex appeal. 

Unexpected Song: Chapter Two

Chapter Two: Respect

I stood there looking like a complete idiot. I can’t believe I was made a complete and utter fool in this moment. 

“I told you she would be a square.” Harry exclaimed from the back. Before bursting to a laugh again.

Oh, that boy is going down.

They were all think that this is funny. There is only one thing I really hate being. That is being made a fool. I was clenching my fists the whole time that my knuckles turned white.

“Okay, Stop it ,guys. You are all now being rude.” A middle-man commanded firmly. Silencing the rascals. Louis let out a small giggle and adjusted his position near Harry. I was a few seconds to bursting my temper. 

The guy walked across the room and offered his hand by which I return the favor.

“Sorry for the lads. They can get a little rowdy sometimes.” He said it with humor but I could tell he was very serious.

I composed myself. Finding the strength to tone down my anger. I really need to take anger management classes.

“It’s okay.” I lied. I forced a smile in my face. 

“By the way, my name is Scott. I’m their manager.”

“Nice to meet you, Scott” I kept my good girl act in place.

“So you’re the girl Benjamin recommended about. Pretty lass, you are.” 

I let out a laugh but flattery would take you nowhere with me.

“So since you already introduced yourself, there nothing else to say since I think you already know the boys.”

I turned my attention to the boys who were meddling their own business. And one more thing, they looked extremely bored.

A phone started ringing on the studio board. It was Scott’s. He quickly got the phone and look at the caller clearly surprised.

“I have to go out and take this call. I’ll leave you guys here so you could ‘catch-up’.” He spoke as he dashes out the room.

Now I’m left with them. What to do?

I sat on a chair opposite to them and did a quick scan on my clipboard and placed my earphones on to listen to music . It was just to show that I was busy yet clearly I was not in the mood to talk to anyone right now. 

After a few minutes, I was wondering what took Scott a long time but I just figured he was out on something really important. I saw shifting shadows in my background but decided to ignore it.

Moments later, I was shocked to see Niall brought up a chair and sat in front of me with his head in the rest and his feet at both sides. 

“Hey, Kal.” He started.

I decided to give this one chance to apologize so I could put this all behind us so I took off my earphones and got on with the conversation.

“Yeah?” I tried to look as disinterested as possible.

“The guys and I talked about what we did earlier and I know we were being a bit rude. I came here to apologize for them.” 

What a sweet guy. I am definitely gonna go easy on him in the future.

“It’s okay. As long as Harry says sorry.” I raised my voice. Intentionally making Harry turn. Now I got his attention.

“What?” He asked. Playing dumb I see. I’m not going down without a fight.

I stood up and faced him. Looks like I’m gaining momentum in this thing.

“You heard what I said.” I let out sternly.

“I don’t have the reason to.” Oh my God. This is killing me.

“Really? You called me a square and made fun of me. That’s enough reason, right?” I said hoping to sound a bit move forceful. I kept my face straight and away from emotion.

“Don’t you have a sense of humor, woman. It was a joke.” he reasoned it out.

“I do have a sense of humor but I need your respect right now since I’m gonna be working with all of you this summer. So suck it up so we won’t have to do this all summer too.” I gave myself a mental five for that speech.

Liam went to Harry and said “Drop the ego, dude. You’re not doing this again. Remember what we all promised Ben.”

I saw Harry’s flinch caused by the words. I am wondering what that promise what about.

“I’m sorry, Kalliope.” Harry apologized but his eyes wondered like he remembered an awful memory. Even though it was a little bit forced, it definitely took out a lot from him. I guess I would let this slide.

“Fine. I forgive you.” I breathe out a sigh of relief that the drama was over.

“I’m sorry too for overreacting.” I genuinely smiled and let out my left hand to Harry.

He took it with a bit of hesitation but nonetheless, he took it.

“Truce?” I encouraged.

“Truce.” He replied.

“Hey, guys.” I mentioned this to everyone.

“I hope we could all cooperate on this ‘cause I really need all of your respect for me to do a good job.” I added.

“It’s all right, Kal. We understand. Harry can get a bit out-of-hand sometimes. It’s a show an assistant to stand up to him that way. I mean, I love the guy and everything but he is also the youngest. I hope you understand” Louis said maturely and also feel the room agree to what he said. From the corner of my eye, I got see Harry glared at him playfully.

I kinda say Louis’ smile was very genuine. Hey Kal, snap out of it.

“So can we all put this all behind us?” I offered

“Of course.” he shrugged and smiled cutely.

Focus.

I look at the others and I saw them simultaneously sign with relief. I guess they are not really that bad after all.

My phone rang from my bag. Its tones shock the crowd and broke the atmosphere. 

Shit, I got my phone and quickly answered it.

“Hello?” I started trying to sound as professionally as possible. I nodded to the series of instructions Scott had in store for me. I quickly got my clipboard and jotted the commands. I dropped the phone later after it all. In doing so I was left with the stares again.

“So what did Scott say?” Louis asked. Him being the leader and all.

“Guys, your publicist just called Scott that you will be doing a photo shoot with the magazine Nylon today. He said you will all be needed in 15 minutes. A car will pick us up from here..” I stated.

“But I thought we were free this afternoon.” Zayn said as he was still sitting on the couch. He looked sad for some reason. 

“Orders are orders. Sorry guys.” 

“It’s okay we’re used to it.” Zayn mentioned. I could feel the weight of those words on him.

I still had a couple things to work out with Scott so I picked the phone and started arranging the minor details. 

From the corner of my eye, I could see the boys frustrated from the latest news. 

I could see something going on here and well, I have this whole summer to find out.

Unexpected Song: Prologue

“Tomorrow is gonna be a sunny day with 30% chance of rain.” The weather man stated it with great perplexity even though his sentences were bright and witty for a 6 year-old to understand. I guess that talent comes with the job. 

“Kalliope, could you get my phone. It’s in my room ” I was bummed to hear my mom’s command from the kitchen.

She making dinner today since I made yesterday. We take turns in doing the household chores because my mom doesn’t want to hire house help since she thinks it ‘s a waste of money.

I got up my very comfortable and rushed upstairs. Thankfully my mom’s room was the nearest to the stairs. I opened the door and scanned the room to find a trace of the said gadget. I easily found it on top of my mom vanity table. After that I went downstairs.

“Hear you go, Selmy.” I handed her the phone. 

I sat a bar table settled beside the kitchen island. I grabbed one slice of fried chicken right across me.

“Kal, could you please call me by ‘Mom’?” Mom snarled

“It’s a cute nickname.” By the way her real name is Selima.

“But I still want my baby girl.” Mom baby-talked. 

“Mom, I’m 17 years old. Really?”

She laughed. “But you act like a 7 year-old.” Then she glared.

“Ouch!” Putting my hand in my chest for added drama.

“Run along before you finish supper before it even started.”

I walk away from the kitchen. Guess she was right about me finishing the food. 

My mom and I have a weird mother-and-daughter relationship. We respect each other to the point that we treat each other as equals. She would always ask me for my opinion on whatever she’s doing and I do the same vice versa. My mom also single handedly raised me. My dad was my mom’s boyfriend when they still in high school but when she got pregnant on her senior year. He left her. What a douche. Ever since then my mom told me that story, I’ve gain to respect her even more.And another thing we have in common, we don’t guys that easily. Ever wonder why my mom never remarried. 

It took my mom about 15 minutes to finish cooking dinner. She later asked me to set the table with her. She place the food well after that. We prayed and ate our dinner in peace. Peace, I mean, is gobbling the food down. I was so hungry.

“Hey, your Uncle Ben called.” Mom broke the silence.

“Really? What for?” Before devouring another slice of chicken.

“Remember the favor you asked him about the internship.”

Uncle Benjamin was a known producer in London. He recorded with a ton of artists. I asked him for a job as an assistant manager for Adele but I know that was long shot. I love her music and music itself. I just really love the idea of working in that industry. 

“The one I asked a year ago?” I sarcastically implied ‘cause this was a long time coming.

“Yeah that. You got it and you did not get it.” 

I gave her the most thoughtful “HUH?” This woman is confusing the hell outta me.

“He said you will be working with that group called One Direction” 

Her words echo through me. All I could think about was screaming fans, accents and worst, boyband. I really don’t have a thing about them. I like Westlife, Backstreet Boys and other bands but the screaming girls frightens me to an extent.

I was silent for at least a minute before my mom snapped me out. 

“Who are these kids?” Mom asked. Definitely concerned

“Let’s just say I’ll be babysitting five boys.” I smiled with sarcasm in every corner.