Fenders

"Rose, get your fat arse up," my brother, Michael yelled from downstairs. I groaned into my pillow and  sluggishly rolled off onto the floor. Muttering a few profanities first, then I yelled back, "I'm awake." I pulled on the first sweatshirt I could lay my hands on, with eyes closed. Unfortunately I managed to knock over some stuff on my desk simultaneously. Oh well. I looked down to see that it was my Girl Almighty sweatshirt, and immediately smiled.

Trudging down the stairs, I could smell bacon.

"I swear, it's like your ears perk up every time I make bacon," Michael said loud enough for me to hear. I laughed and grabbed a plate. He plopped a pancake and a few strips of bacon on it.

"So, what's your first plan for summer before uni?" he asked me. The last day of school was yesterday, so I was originally planning on going through my close and getting rid of the clothes I would not want at uni, and donate them.

In all honesty, I have no freaking idea. Get a job? Maybe. But where? I will get bored within five minutes of practically anything.I'm supposed to go to an Irish university in the fall for sound engineering - so what job would be good to prepare me?

I just shook my head in response. "No idea," I mumbled in between bites. The buttermilk pancake's taste melted in my mouth and mixed with the maple syrup. Heavenly.

"Well, you can come to the instrument shop with me if you want," my brother offered. I smiled. Sometimes I'd wander around the mall during Michael's shift. "Sounds like a good idea. Think I could get a job there too just for the summer?" I asked in return.

I've played the guitar as long as I can remember. My mum got me my first guitar when I was four, and I've never stopped playing since. Working in an instrument shop sounds good - maybe I could help with repairs. And I'll never get bored of chatting about guitars.

Michael thought for a moment and shrugged. "Alana - the owner - will probably interview you. She always says she needs more employees. Don't worry, I'll put in a good word for you," he winked and continued eating his cereal. I grinned. "Okay, I'll go get dressed. What time do we have to be there?"

"If we leave in 15 minutes we'll get there before opening time."

"Perfect." Finishing breakfast, I put my clean plate in the washer.

I stated heading up the stairs but stopped for a second, yelling back down, "Hey, where's Mum?"

"She went get the early shift this week," Michael explained. Our mum worked in the ER at St. Thomas'.

"Ah," I acknowledged and ran up to my bedroom and sat down in front of my vanity. After applying minimal makeup, I looked at my closet and crossed my arms. What could be good for a first impression? I decided upon a navy striped shirt with white jeans and my blue converse and backpack as usual. Once I was downstairs I put a bottle of water and a sweater in my backpack along with my phone charger and a book (just in case I get really bored). This book happened to be Who We Are - the One Direction autobiography book. Yes, I can hear you internally sighing. It's actually a great read.

If you were wondering, I am a Directioner. Hard-core at that. For years I have wanted to meet just one of the boys. Now that the OTRA tour is over, I have no idea when my next chance will be to meet them. Living in London gives me a greater chance than other people, but there are over 8 million people living in London. And Niall might be in Mullingar in his free time.

"Ready?" Michael asked me. I snapped out of my trance and replied, "Yeah, let's go."

I drove to the mall where the shop was. He quickly texted Alana that he would be opening shop today and that I wanted an interview. I could feel the jitters in my stomach. While in the red light, I plugged in my phone into the AUX cord. Setting my phone on shuffle, the first song that came on was one from One Direction's newest album, Made in the A.M. - 'Temporary Fix'. Michael groaned and asked, "Why do you always listen to them in the car?"

"BECAUSE THEY ARE MY PROBLEMATIC FAVES OKAY? NOW SHUT UP AND LISTEN!" I yelled fiercely. After that came Taylor Swift's song 'Stay Stay Stay' and I sang along. My brother looked completely embarrassed - but I don't care - I'm his little sister, I have to embarrass him.

When we got there, Michael got out and led me in the back door. Who knew the small mall shops had back doors? After opening the door, we were greeted by Alana. "Hi, I'm Alana, store owner and manager. Are you Michael's sister?" I nodded and shook her hand. "Yeah, thanks for letting me come in today."

After going into her office, she motioned for me to sit down on one of those uncomfortable-looking waiting room chairs. As I sat down, my presumption was proved correct. Extremely uncomfortable. She drank from her coffee and then asked me the first question of the interview, "So, why do you want to work here?"

"Um, honestly, I just want a summer job. I play guitar and know how to fix them, and figured it would be a nice way to put my knowledge to good use. I know some stuff about pianos too. Plus, Michael's here."

Alana smiled. "Great! So since I've gotten word from your brother, and I trust him, I'll give you the job. Just help out customers and get familiar with the instruments we sell. After a bit we might transfer you to repairs."

Well that was a quick interview. She continued, "But you have to show effort. Don't think you're getting a freebie here." I nodded and replied, "Of course. Want me to start now?"

"Yes, I'll print you a name tag and give it to you in a moment." She then led me out of the room. Michael looked at me and I gave him a quick thumbs up. Alana came back and handed me a pin with my name on it. I happily clipped it onto my shirt and walked around the store.

This store had the best brands of guitars, and so many at that. A whole wall was dedicated to Acoustic, and another to Electric. The selections of Gibsons and Fenders was amazing. Hell, here I am, fangirling about guitars.

Customers came and went, I helped people choose guitars, guided them to the repairs area, Michael taught me to use the cash register. By the end of the morning my feet were killing me. Alana told me that lunch break was from 11 to 11:45 for me, so I got some food at Nando's and returned to my spot. I also brought some Peri-Peri chicken for Michael because I knew it was his favourite.

About an hour before closing, a group of four guys in hoodies and sunglasses came in. Well, three had hoodies, but the fourth was wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses. They looked a bit odd, but I went up to them and said, "Hello, welcome to Riff Instrument Center. My name's Rose, how can I help you?" The one in a baseball cap smiled and said, "'Ello Rose. Er, just looking' at the Fenders. I heard they're comin' out with a limited edition collection." The Irish accent sounded so... familiar. Why?

My eyes widened. Finally someone who understands my love for guitars! Excited I responded, "Yeah! I'm really excited. I think they're coming in on tomorrow's shipment. Do you want to reserve one?"

"Do you have a catalogue or somethin' I could look at?" I nodded and said, "Be right back," and went to grab it from the counter. When I went back to the mysterious boy, he was talking to one of the other boys in a hoodie.

"Niall, hurry up. Simon said he wanted to meet up with us at six. It's 5:30," a boy with a caring voice said. I immediately made the connection - this was Liam from One Direction. Holy schnitzels. One Direction is standing in front of me, and Niall Horan talked to me. Do NOT fangirl, I told myself.

"What d'you say?" Another one asked me, and from the voice, it sounded like Harry. "Uh, nothing. Here's the catalogue," I said, handing it to Niall. My hands felt really cold and his just happened to brush mine. It felt so soft and warm. "Sorry," I muttered.

"It's fine, love, you didn't do anything," Liam said. I cleared my throat and asked, "Is there anything else you need help with?" Niall was quickly flipping through the pages. "Do you sell microphones as well?" Asked Niall.

"I believe so. Not much of a selection though."

"Alright. So can I jus' come back t'morrow and take a look at all the new Fenders?" he asked.

"All of them?" I repeated.

"Yeah, can you put one of each new one on hold for me?" I nodded. I led the boys over to the desk and wrote on a piece of paper.

"Reserve new Fender Limited Edition shipment (one of each) for Niall Horan."

"How did you know my name?" He asked me with a confused, yet a bit scared look on his face.

I laughed and said, "Well, I didn't notice at first but when Liam called over to Harry and he mentioned Simon, it made total sense."

Niall took off his sunglasses and I could see his bright blue eyes boring into mine. After a few second I looked back down at my paper. "Alright, so I'd suggest coming as soon as you can because we can only reserve for 24 hours. We open at..." I looked at the chart. "8 A.M. tomorrow." Niall nodded and remained silent, still staring at me.

Liam must have noticed, so he grabbed Niall's arm and said, "Thanks, Rose. He'll be back tomorrow. We have to leave right now," he stressed the last two words. I waved goodbye to a dazed Niall and the rest of the boys. I hope he's okay, I thought. The boys waved back.

I could hear their chatter as they left the store, and as soon as they were out of my eyesight, I went to Michael. I jumped up and down with excitement.

"Whoa, you are like a Mexican Jumping Bean! What happened?" I hurriedly answered, "One Direction was here and ordered one of each new fender shipment and oh my God NIALL HORAN TALKED TO ME AND I ACCIDENTALLY TOUCHED HIS HAND!" I fangirled. Full on fangirling. I felt like I was in a fanfiction. This does not happen every day. And not only did I just meet Niall Horan, he's coming back tomorrow.

Michael put his hands on my shoulders and I stopped jumping. "Okay. 1 - you need to calm down. Two - I'm going to teach you to close shop." I nodded, still grinning from ear to ear. Today had to be the best day of my life. We went to the front entrance - the one connected to the rest of the mall - and Michael locked the glass door and pulled down the metal railing thing (y'all know what I'm talking about right?).

*******

I jumped onto my bed and screamed into my pillow. Then an idea popped into my head. I should probably google news about Niall Horan to make sure this was not me daydreaming. If it confirms he is in London, then I really did meet him.

Opening up my MacBook Pro, it seemed I had already left the website on google for "One Direction" - haha well you might say I am slightly obsessed (but the obsession is bigger on the inside) (and yes that was a Doctor Who pun). I refreshed the page and the first thing to come up: "One Direction spotted at the Westfield London Mall" - YES. Exactly what I was looking for.

"Michael, Rose, I'm home!" Mum yelled from downstairs. Mum was the one who first bought me the Up All Night CD back in 2012, so she knows how much I love these boys. I ran down the stairs and saw Mum's exhausted face. "Are you okay?" I asked her, concerned. "It's fine. Just a busy day," she waved off.

"Oh." I paused then smiled a little. "I have really good news, maybe it will make you feel better." She raised her eyebrows. I continued, "First, I got a job at the music store where Michael works. Second, I met One Direction. Niall came in to buy a guitar and he's coming back tomorrow."

Mum smiled back and said, "Sweetheart, that's great. I think I'm going to go take a long bath now. Where's Michael?"

"He went out on a date with Lucy. He said he'll be back by 10."

"Alright. Good night." Mum kissed my forehead and I gave her a hug. Then I headed up to my room and climbed into bed after brushing my teeth and getting into my pajamas.

Soon, I was surrounded by darkness and had a golden slumber.

A/N
Hope y'all like the first chapter! I'm so excited to write this because I literally had a dream where I was Rose... so that's where the idea came from. So let's see where this takes us, eh?

Okay, so if you didn't read the thing at the beginning of the book, the boys are NOT taking a hiatus in this story. They are getting a few weeks break then going on the MITAM tour.

All the love as always,

Juliet