Niall took Amanda's hand again. "C'mon we got a lot to show you. Let's start with the stage. Julie follow us."

Julie made sure Harry walked out ahead of them and then followed Niall and Amanda. She didn't think she could be anywhere near Harry right now. Or ever for that matter. She almost couldn't wait for the night to be over. She felt someone at her side and looked over to see Louis walking beside her.

"I need to find out more about you. I think we can be great friends. Anyone who can completely render Harry speechless even for a second is someone I need on my side. When Lottie told us what you said. He was speechless. Brilliant you are." Louis said.

Julie blushed even more. "I didn't....it wasn't...it was only supposed....Amanda was the only one supposed to hear it.....especially not Harry."

"Oh I know, but it needed to be told. It was the best story ever!" Louis laughed. "You will fit right in around here."

The rest of the night went by like a blur. Niall showed the girls the stage and everything that went into putting on a show. Before they knew it, it was time for the guys to get ready to put on the show. It was such an amazing experience. Something neither of the girls ever thought they would get to do in their lifetimes. Julie was especially thrilled. Amanda thought she had never seen her so excited to learn about anything, but when Niall was talking about the whole thing, Amanda was just happy to be there and listening to him talk; and Julie seemed completely into every bit of it. She seemed super excited to be learning about every detail. Amanda was happy to see that. Julie was good at everything she did. When she put her mind to it, Julie could do whatever she wanted too and well; however, she always seemed to lack that certain passion for any of it. Amanda swore she saw glimpses tonight when Niall was going into details of the music. Amanda had to remember to talk to Julie about that. Was this what was missing? As much as she knew about her best friend, there was always the part behind the wall Julie kept up. The deepest part of her, and Amanda was going to get there one way or another.

Julie loved every part of the music scene. This was incredible. How every detail came together to put on such a huge show. She was stuck on every word Niall had to say. Plus, it gave her an excuse to completely ignore Harry. Not that she thought about it when Niall was going through things. There was something about it that just got her so excited. Practical Julie, be practical. Nursing will give you what you need. No dream chasing now. Time to grow up, and figure it out. She stood next to Amanda backstage and wrapped her arm in Amanda's arm and leaned her head on her shoulder. She couldn't believe what was happening, and they were about to have the best seats in the house for the biggest concert of the year.

Niall came up from behind and put his arms around the both of them and kinda squeezed in between them. "I hope you enjoyed yourselves tonight. When the show ends, James and Michael are going to take you to our transportation and back to our hotel, so you can hang out with us after. Since we have a second show here tomorrow, we don't leave yet." He kissed each girl on the cheek, squeezed Amanda's hand, and walked away before either girl could protest.

"What just happened?" Julie asked Amanda.

Amanda laughed. "I think we just got asked out, and since he didn't want to hear any excuses or a no, he left before he could hear any. We are going right?"

"Panda, I can't. I can't miss this final tomorrow, and I have to study. If I stay up all night, even if I make it to my final, I would be in no position to pass." She wasn't even convinced at the moment it was what she wanted anymore, but she had to be responsible. She went through all this school and worked so hard, she couldn't blow this off. Not even for Niall and One Direction. Not even for Amanda. "You should go though. You and Niall are great together. I can get through this on my own."

Amanda sighed. "I promised I would help you get through it. And even though I think you are more prepared than anyone ever, I won't back out of my promise."

"You will. A Niall doesn't come along every day, and he won't be around for long. Really. I'm good." Julie said trying to convince her friend. "I've got this. I'm always over prepared remember. Let's just watch the show and you can go with Niall and then tell me all about it later."

Amanda wasn't sure how, but she had to get Julie to come with her. At least for a little while. She had a whole show to figure it out; too bad she didn't have anyone to conspire with right now. Like Niall. But he was a little busy at the moment doing what he did best.

The show was absolutely amazing. The girls loved every second of it. The guys were right in their element, and you could tell every second. What an amazing night! Amanda tried her best to convince JJ to go with her to the hotel, and then she tried to convince her to let her go home with her, but JJ wasn't having it. She was a great friend, but Amanda knew better than anyone that JJ was more prepared for this final than any other person ever. She knew. because JJ wanted it, she would nail it like everything else.

When the show was over, and James and Michael tried to whisk them away, Julie politely, but forcefully, declined and went her own way to get home and study. If she was lucky, she could get a couple hours of studying in and then a couple hours of sleep before she had to be there. She was not looking forward to this at all, but she had to do it. She had to be an adult and be practical as she had been taught.

Amanda couldn't believe all the craziness that occurred from the time the show ended until she got to the hotel. It was insane. She knew the band was extremely popular, but everything was over the top, and some of the fans were crazy! She was happy to be quietly waiting in the hotel by herself. She was in Niall's suite, and it was bigger than the whole of her and JJ's apartment. What a life, she thought.

A little while later Niall walked in with Harry. "Hey Amanda." He kissed her on the cheek. "Where's Julie?" Both he and Harry looked around.

"Oh, she didn't come." Amanda answered.

"Oh." Harry said. "I hope it wasn't because of me."

Amanda shook her head. "No. At least not the main reason. She has her final tomorrow. She is doing clinicals to become an RN. I guess being a great CNA/Admissions/Discharge nurse wasn't good enough for her, so she's gotta perfect the RN too." Amanda laughed.

Harry nodded. "Oh well, that's a good thing right?" he asked because Amanda didn't sound so convincing.

"Yes, of course." Amanda nodded. "I can't believe I'm telling you this, but she's pretty hard on herself; everything she does she does great, but she never thinks she's good at anything. She's still trying to find her way, I guess. She works harder than anyone. I hadn't seen her since the day Niall was in the hospital, except at work, until today. She was either at school or at work or at the library studying. Just wish she could have enjoyed the rest of the night with me."

"Me too." Harry said quietly. "I guess I should excuse myself then; no need for me to be here. But Amanda, maybe you could help me with something. I'd like to do something nice to wish Julie luck on her exam. Think I could have your address?"

"Oh, um, well...." Amanda thought about it.

"Don't worry," he said. "Just some flowers or a card. Not like I'm going to show up on her doorstep naked or something." He joked.

"Oh well, yeah, sure, of course." She wasn't sure if he was completely joking with that last statement but gave him their address and watched him walk out.

"Alone at last." Niall laughed. "Did you have a good time tonight?"

"Alone at last?" Amanda asked. "So this was your plan?"

"No," Niall laughed a little nervously. "But it definitely isn't a bad thing. You seem worried about Julie though. Are you ok? Is she ok?"

"Yeah everything's fine. I promised her I'd help her study though and I kinda feel bad about bailing on her. Even though I know she doesn't need any more studying, she's not convinced. I probably should have gone home with her. But she convinced me I should come here instead. I just want her to be happy." Amanda said.

"I knew I liked her." Niall joked. "She seems to be pretty smart and know what she's doing. I'm sure she will be fine. So come sit down and talk to me." He sat down on the couch and patted the spot next to him.

Oh geez, Amanda thought. Best. Night. Ever. She would make it up to JJ somehow, and she would thank her for making her come tonight too. This was the most amazing thing to ever happen to her. She walked over and sat next to Niall. They talked for hours. About everything. They got along so well and had so much in common. She loved it when he would touch her hand gently or put his hand on her knee. He was such a great guy. So easy to talk too, so easy going, funny and just perfect. She never wanted it to end. They eventually fell asleep, hand in hand on the couch.

Julie grabbed her bag and keys and was getting ready to leave when there was a knock at the door. Great, she thought. Just what I need, a distraction. Amanda didn't come home last night at all, and although ecstatic for her and Niall, I'm freaking out here about this final, and I don't even have her to talk too. This is the last thing I need. She opened the door and saw a delivery person standing there with a small but beautiful arrangement of flowers. "Julie?" he asked. Julie nodded and signed for them and set them on the table as she closed the door. Who would be sending me flowers? She thought. She opened the card and gasped. It read, "Good Luck today, although I'm sure it will be easier than getting into my pants. All the Love Harry" Harry Styles just sent her flowers to wish her luck on her final. Yes, he had to be a smartass on the card, but she had a feeling that was just him. And it was kind of cute and funny, she found herself thinking. No! No No No No No! There is no time to think about Harry Styles, especially now, so she grabbed her keys and rushed to the car. Or ever really. Why would she even think she has a chance with him? Good lord, he's Harry Styles. He dates people like Taylor Swift and super models like Kendall Jenner. The flowers were sweet, and the comments were funny, but he was just trying to be funny; don't read anything into it. Final! You have to pass this final!

Amanda openned her eyes and immediately saw Niall's face next to hers and felt his hand still in hers. I could have sworn this was a dream but it's not. Holy crap. I wonder what time it is. The sun's up. It's really bright, oh no! It has to be late. She sat up quickly and startled Niall. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to wake you."

"It's ok." He smiled at her. "Is everything ok?"

"Yes perfect. I've had a great time. Really. But what time is it?" She looked at the clock. "Crap it's after 10. I didn't get home last night, and I didn't get home this morning in time to see JJ before she left; and now she's already started the test, so can't even call or text her good luck. Damn." Amanda sat down.

"Oh." Niall put his arm around her. "She will understand. She knows all of that. And that no one loves her more then you."

"Thanks." She leaned into him. "But I still feel bad. I have to go soon to make sure I'm there when she gets home."

"Why don't I come with you?" Niall offered.

"You want to come with me? To my apartment? Really?" Amanda asked shocked.

"Yeah, sure. Why not? Why do you seem so surprised?" Niall asked amused. "I hope she does well on her exam too."

"Oh, I know. It's just you have so much to do and another show; I just didn't expect it. I think the test gets out at 2, so I want to be home by then." Amanda states.

"Ok, that should give me a little time before we have to be at the stadium for tonight. You're going to come tonight again right? Maybe you will have something to celebrate anyway." Niall asked.

"Um, I will come to any and all of your shows." Amanda laughed. "Hopefully JJ feels like celebrating."

They spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon talking over brunch and then got ready to leave. They ran into Harry in the hallway.
"Where are you two headed?" he asked.

"Going to Amanda and Julie's to wait for Julie to get home from her final. Amanda's mad she wasn't there to see her off this morning." Niall answered.

"Oh, I wanna come. Can I come?' Harry asked. He had no idea why he wanted to go so badly, but he hadn't been able to get Julie out of his mind since last night.

"Sure." Amanda said. "Why not? But I have to warn you our apartment is smaller than Niall's hotel room." They all laughed as they walked out together.

Julie walked into the apartment and threw the keys onto the table by the door next to the flowers Harry had sent her. She instinctively bent down to smell them.

"Beautiful aren't they?" Julie instantly recognized Harry's voice and stiffened up. What was he doing here in her apartment? Before she could even ask though, he took a step closer and asked, "How'd your test go?" She looked up to see Niall and Amanda walk in from the small balcony they have. "They are beautiful. Thank you, and let's just say I'm glad it's over." She looked at Amanda. "Can I talk to you for a minute? Excuse us please." She said to Niall and Harry and led Amanda to her bedroom. "Why did you bring them here? And today, of all days?"

"They wanted to come to see how you did. To show you support." Amanda said, she was slightly caught off guard.

"They barely know me. This isn't a good time. I stressed out last night. I didn't get much studying done. I didn't get hardly any sleep and woke up home alone this morning with no one to freak out too, only to get flowers from Harry with a card that says 'good luck; but I'm sure it's easier than getting into my pants.' I'm completely freaking out here, and I'm pretty sure I completely tanked that test." Julie plopped down on the bed.

Amanda sat next to her. "You're stressing over nothing. I'm sorry I wasn't here. I should have been. I wanted to be. I didn't mean not to be. But as far as the test, there is no way you failed. You're you. You can do anything you put your mind too. I'm sure you did perfectly fine."

"I'm sorry." Julie gave Amanda a quick hug. "I shouldn't have gone off on you. Go, spend time with Niall. I'm going to shower and take a nap and just have a pity party with myself tonight."

"No you're not. You are coming to the concert tonight. Niall invited us back and you have no test as an excuse for tomorrow. Please. I have so much to tell you too. Please bestie." Amanda pleaded.

Julie gave her a look. "You will never be redone paying me back. Now get out, so I can shower."

Amanda went out to Niall and Harry. "She's a little stressed out, but she's going to come tonight. She's gonna shower now and get ready."

"Great!" Niall said. "I was hoping she would because I didn't want you to turn me down to stay with her."

Amanda blushed. She couldn't believe she found this guy, and that he was interested in her. How lucky was she?

Harry saw Amanda and Niall, but was paying no attention to what they were saying. As soon as Amanda had said Julie was taking a shower, that's all he could think about. Her in the other room in the shower. He was in trouble. This girl clouded his mind, and he barely knew her. He had to fix that. But how? She was proving difficult to even get close too. He would figure it out, and either he would be more intrigued, or he wouldn't be interested, and he could get her out of his head. He doubted that last part. But it was always possible.

"Harry? Uh, Harry?" Harry looked at Niall who was talking to him, but Harry barely heard a word. Niall continued. "We should probably go. The girls can meet us there."

Harry nodded. "Of course. If we're too late, we won't hear the end of it. See you soon Amanda."

Niall took Amanda's hands. "See you soon." He looked her in the eyes, and she could tell he was thinking about kissing her. Oh please do, she thought. Just as she finished her thought, she felt his lips gently touch hers. It was a short but very sweet kiss. "See you soon." She said as she watched him walk out the door with Harry. She instinctively touched her lips. This is not my life, she thought again. But I will take it!

*if you are enjoying the story please vote/comment/share. I would love to be able to respond.

*the story is complete fan fiction