ALL I NEED IS YOU
by Nikki

.script by Mirelle.

|story visited times|

Louis had just asked if he would be an up and coming artist’s vocal coach and he was not taking no for an answer.

“I don’t want to do it, Louis, I don’t have the time. Go ask , he’s the one with the monumental voice.” told Louis and Simon, who were begging him to take the job.
“But you’re the one who with the theoretical approach to it, . You’re the one who can read notes and give them meaning like none of us can, you’re the mastermind behind all those hits.” Simon said, explaining.
“Oh, alright. I’m only doing this because you said I was good, nothing else.” said, standing up and leaving Simon’s office.
“Finally, a vocal coach for . She’s got everything to make it, she just needs to get used to pop music.” Louis said, standing up from his seat.

The following day, went to the studio where he would start coaching , the new, extremely talented singer that Louis had been raving about the past few days.

“, this is . , this is , your new vocal coach.” Louis said, introducing the two to each other.
“Aren’t you in that boyband, Westlife?” asked, shaking ’s hand.
“Yeah, I am. Louis has been raving about you and I can’t wait to hear you sing.” said.
“Speaking of that, , why don’t you sing for us? I’ve never heard your voice before.” Simon said.
“Um, erm, ok.” said before she started singing.

This is my now, and I am breathing in the moment
As I look around
I can't believe the love I see
My fears behind me, gone are the shadows and doubt
That was then, this is my now

“You’re not just good, you’re fantastic. You’re better than anyone I’ve ever heard. You were pitch and key perfect.” Simon said. was speechless.
“Does she really need a vocal coach, Louis?” finally asked.
“Yes, she does. She needs to get a feel of what the pop music industry is like because she was trained classically. That’s what you’re going to do, , you have to train her to sing live. Now, we’ll leave you two alone with the score of the song she just sang, it’ll be her first single.” Louis said, handing a copy of the score and leaving the room.
“So, shall we get to work?” asked.
“Yeah, I guess so.” said.
“Ok. Lesson one, don’t be too tense, it’s not like you’re going to die or something. Loosen up and relax, you love doing this, right? Pop music is very different from classical, you can do almost everything, as long as you have the voice, which you do.” said.
“Yeah, I do love what I’m doing.” said.
“Ok. Now, let’s get to work with the first line. There was a time I packed my dreams away. Living in a shell, hiding from myself. Ok, this is slow, relaxed, and this is supposed to be a bit sad, right? I want you to sing that line and I want to hear all those emotions.” said.
“Ok.” said, and she sang the line perfectly.
“Wow. You’re good.” said.
“Is that all you can say about me?” said, smiling.
“Yeah, I guess so.” said, going along with .
“Am I really that good?” asked.
“Yeah, you are. I know why Louis chose you, you have the looks, the attitude, the discipline, the songs, and most importantly, you have a voice that no one can rival. Now, why don’t we get back to work? Next stanza. There was a time when I was so afraid. I thought I'd reached the end, but baby that was then, I am made of more than my yester-days.” said.
“Ok. How do you want me to do it?” asked.
“I want to hear you sing it first. I want to see how you interpret it.” said, motioning for to start singing.
“Perfect. There’s nothing bad I can say. Why don’t we wrap up for today since it’s the first day and be at the theatre at 10 am tomorrow. Is that alright?” asked after sang.
“Ok. Thanks for today.” said.
“No problem, you’re a pleasure to work with. I’ll see you tomorrow.” said before left and he followed.

headed to the pub, where he would meet the rest of the lads and when he arrived, the other three were already there.

“How was that session with the new artist?” asked as sat down across him.
“She blew me away, her voice is like ‘whoa’, it’s simply amazing.” said.
“So, do we get to meet her?” asked.
“I have no idea. When Louis wants you to meet her.” said.
“That’s no fair, how come you get to meet her and we don’t?” asked.
“What do you wanna do, ask her out?” asked.
“Well, um, er.” said.
“Are you kidding? You’ve already got a girlfriend. Do you want me to tell to tell about it?” said.
“No, I was just thinking. Why did Louis ask you? Is Sony BMG getting poorer?”
“I don’t know, actually.” asked.

The following day, was at the theatre first to check the sound and make sure that everything was set. Instead of the studio, wanted to train to be able to sing with a microphone, something she never learned because she was trained classically.

“So, why the theatre?” asked as she climbed up the stairs to the stage.
“Here.” said, turning on the microphone and handing it to .
“A microphone?” asked, a little puzzled.
“Yes, a mic. Yesterday was a great session, but I’m worried about the volume of your voice. I want to see if your voice is too loud for a microphone, since you’ll be singing live a lot. If it’s too loud, we’ll have to work on that. Can you sing the chorus of your song?” asked, before he quickly went down the stage all the way to the back of the theatre.

This is my now, and I am breathing in the moment
As I look around
I can't believe the love I see
My fears behind me, gone are the shadows and doubt
That was then, this is my now

“Ok, that was a tad bit loud. I was at the very back, and still, it was like I was at the front row of a rock concert.” said, making his way to the stage again.
“Was it really that loud?” asked. just nodded.
“Ok....” said, a little shy.
“It’s not a really bad thing, actually, but if it’s too loud, sometimes the listeners are put off.” said.
“So, what do I do?” asked.
“Sing a bit softer. I’ll start from the back, I have to hear you, but your voice doesn’t have to be over the top loud, just make sure that I can hear you. Ok, sing from the start.” said, running to the back of the hall again.
“OK!” said once he was at the back, and started singing.
“SOFTER!” screamed after had sang the first 2 lines, stepping 2 rows forward before sang again.
“EVEN SOFTER!” screamed again, moving another 2 rows.
“C’MON, SOFTER!” screamed yet again.

By the time was near the front row already, ’s voice was significantly softer.

“Good. That’s the volume I want, keep it up.” said once had finally gotten the right volume.
“That was miles different from what I used to do.” said one she had finished the song.
“We used to do the opposite when we just started Westlife, our voices weren’t loud enough.” said, climbing up the stage again.
“Really?” asked.
“Yes. Next thing on the agenda, let’s go through the song again, this time with a piano.
“Ok.” said, following to the piano on the side of the stage.
“We left off yesterday, with the verse. Let’s do the chorus, although I don’t think it needs that much work.” said, opening the piano and starting to play before sang.
“So?” asked.
“Let’s carry on, you’re performing this song at the Brits in 3 days and so far, all the public has heard is your recording, this has to be good.” said, reading the next stanza and motioning for to sing it.

I had to decide,
Was I gonna to play it safe.
Or look somewhere deep in side,
Try to turn the tide,
And find the strength to take that step of faith

“Be careful with the flats and sharps in that line, they’re a bit tricky.” said, pointing out certain measures.
“Ok.” said, and they carried on with the session

By late in the afternoon, and had gone through every line, perfected every note, and tried singing it with the instrumentals, to finish the session.

“That’s the end of the sitting down and running through the song with a piano, alright. Tomorrow, wear extremely comfortable shoes because you’ll be standing all day, and bring more water.” said before hugging and leaving the stage with her.

That night, was at his penthouse, surfing through the channels when he came across MTV playing ’s song. His whole body froze for a while and shivers shot along his spine, the hair on his arms standing up.

“I can’t believe she only got her big break now. She must’ve been really good when she was younger.” said to himself before he turned off the TV and slept, tomorrow was going to be a very long and tiring day.
That morning, arrived at the theatre and saw already there.

“You’re early, really early.” said, hugging .
“I don’t know, I was just suddenly excited.” said. Over the past few days, they had gone from vocal coach and singer to quite close friends.
“Well then, we can start early. Get to that stage, missy.” said, playfully pushing towards the stage.
“What are we doing today?” asked, getting behind the mic stand.
“Since you’ve already warmed up, let’s get to the song. Do one run through of the song, then we’ll take off from there.” said before the music started and got into ‘singing mode’.
“Excellent, for a small concert with fans who’ll always like you no matter what. You need more than that to be able to wow a Brit Awards crowd. Let’s take it from the first verse, you’re going off a bit on the second line.” said and the session started.

By the time they were halfway through the day, they had done almost everything. The performance was the following day, and the only thing that was still pending was the last note.

“We’re actually almost done, we just have to fix the ending. How do you want to do it? Do you want it grand with a high note, or quaint, with a long note?” asked.

The session ended and told to get a good night’s rest and to get ready for total mayhem at the dress rehearsal.

The following day, went to the venue for the rehearsal, only wasn’t going to be there, it was just her and Louis. would be with Westlife tonight and they’d be performing as well.

The rehearsal went great and by 3 PM, went back to her penthouse and got ready for the show, a make-up artist and a hairdresser came to fix her up and by 5, she was in a limo, on the way to the biggest award show in Britain.

was whisked backstage and she quickly changed, the show was starting at 7 and she was the opening act. She nervously waited for Louis to come into her room and tell her that it was time, before he finally did so.

“You’ll be fine, , you’re a phenomenal singer, you’ve got a number one single in the UK, Ireland, and the US, you’re already a star in your own right, just remember everything taught you these past few days and sing your heart out. Now, go!” Louis said before stepped onto the stage and the curtain was lifted. Suddenly, the whole venue was silent and started singing.

There was a time I packed my dreams away.
Living in a shell, hiding from myself.

There was a time when I was so afraid.
I thought I'd reached the end,
But baby that was then
I am made of more than my yesterdays.

This is my now, and I am breathing in the moment.
As I look around
I can't believe the love I see.
My fears behind me, gone are the shadows and doubt
That was then, this is my now.

I have to decide,
Was I gonna to play it safe.
Or look somewhere deep in side,
Try to turn the tide,
And find the strength to take that step of faith

This is my now, and I am breathing in the moment.
As I look around
I can't believe the love I see.
My fears behind me, gone are the shadows and doubt
That was then, this is my now.

And I have the courage like never before, yeah.
I've settled for less now I'm ready for more,
Ready for more.

This is my now, and I am breathing in the moment.
As I look around I can't believe the love I see.
My fears behind me, gone are the shadows and doubt
That was then, this is my now.

I'm living in the moment
I look around I can't believe the love I see.
My fears behind me, gone are the shadows and doubt
That was then, this is my now.
This is my now.

couldn’t believe it, the best and most influential people in the music scene were giving her standing ovations, it was a dream come true.

Five years later, year 2007

After her debut performance, continued to coach her until her second album. Over the next few years, achieved worldwide success, she was famous in both the US and the UK, something only a few UK artists had managed to pull off.

“You’ve got a press conference for the album at 9 followed by lunch with Louis, then a flight at 3 to the US.” ’s PA briefed her on her day as she had her hair and make-up done.
“So, I’ll just have breakfast at the press conference?” asked.

hadn’t become a prima donna like the other younger stars had, she had her two feet firmly planted on the ground and she remembered how much she longed to become a singer, before all this happened. She remembered , how they had become very close friends over the time that he coached her for her debut performance, for her first album, and the final time for her second album although they had both became so successful over the past few years that they lost touch.

became even more successful with Westlife, and he too was so busy that he too couldn’t manage to call up.

“, watch this.” said, referring to a VH1 documentary on that was just starting.
“What is it?” said before he saw what wanted him to see.
“So?”
“She’s a great singer.” said. Deep inside, he knew what was talking about.

Flashback

“I think I’m in love with her, .” told one day while they were watching football and it was break time.
“Tell her, then.” said.

End of Flashback

A few days later, the lads were back to work, in preparation for their new album. As usual, they were at the Sony BMG HQ everyday to plan for the album, gather or write the songs, and get ready for the next promotional year, which included the single releases, the release of the album itself, the guestings they would have to do, and the tour the following year.

“Who’s the lucky singer who you want to do a duet with on this album?” Louis asked during the meeting.
“That completely escaped my mind. Any suggestions?” Simon asked.
“I know, ’s the perfect person. She’s planning her new album as well and doing a duet with her is a good way to try and break the US again, we’ll kill 2 birds with one stone.” Louis said.
“That’s perfect! Does everyone agree?” Simon asked the lads.
“Yeah.” They all said in unison.

After the meeting, headed to ’s apartment. When saw him there, he attempted to slam the door shut in his face but jammed his foot in between the door frame and the door itself.

“We need to talk, . I know you better than all the other lads do, combined, and when you try and slam the door on me, something’s wrong.” said.
“Oh, alright.” said, opening the door to let in.
“Why didn’t you tell Louis that you’re actually trying to avoid her?” said.
“Because I want us to break the US, . It’s been something we’ve been killing to accomplish ever since we started Westlife and I don’t want my feelings to get in the way of making it in the US.” said.
“So what are you going to do when we record it and shoot the video, just ignore her? You can’t possibly do that, .”
“I was planning on apologizing and winning her back earlier but now that I’ve thought about it, she won’t possibly take me back. After all, I was the one who let go.”

Flashback

“I think it’s time to move on, . We don’t see each other for months and when we get the chance to be together, something always comes in the way. I love you, I know you love me, but with our schedules, this relationship will never work out.” said.
“So, we’re breaking up? You’re giving up? You just wanna end this? Throw everything, the bond we have, the bond we worked for, all away? Do you really wanna do that?” asked, tears starting to flow down from her eyes.
“I’m so sorry, .” said, moving closer to so he could hug her one last time.
“GET YOUR HANDS OFF ME!” said, leaving ’s penthouse and never talking to him again.

End of flashback

“You never know, , she might miss you as much as you do. She might even LOVE you as much as you still love her.” said.
“Have you been reading the news, ? SHE HAS A BOYFRIEND FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE!!” said.
“Calm down, man. Ok, she has a boyfriend. What if they break up?” asked.
“And how are you sure that they’re going to break up before or during the recording or shooting?” asked.
“Ok, I haven’t though about it but you never know. Where’s your Mac Book Pro? Let’s see what the latest scoop in her is.” said, getting up from the chair and getting ’s Mac Book Pro from the living room.
“For your information, Mr. Smart-Alleck, THAT’S MY COMPUTER, so you don’t have the right to tinker with the controls like you’re doing now.” said.
“Oops, sorry. Here we go.” said when he hit the search button on Google News.
“ plays 25 dates in Wembley.” said.
“That’s rubbish. Here we go, ‘Singer quietly ends 1 and a half-year relationship with celebrity boyfriend, ex Blue member, Lee Ryan.’ Exactly what we’re looking for” read the article.
“So, you were right. But that doesn’t mean that she’ll take me back.” said.
“Well, it’s a start, isn’t it?” asked.

was in the studio one day when Louis came over to tell her about the duet she would be doing with Westlife for her new album, and their new album.

“WHAT?” asked.
“Why? I though you said before that you would love to work with Westlife.” Louis said, a little confused by ’s reaction.
“But.. Oh, I’ll just tell you. I haven’t gotten over yet, and I don’t think I want to see him right now, especially after breaking up with another bloke of a boyband member, who coincidentally, also has hair and eyes, and is the bad boy of the group. Promise me you won’t tell , please?” said, pacing across the sound booth, trying to calm herself down.
“Of course, . Just do it. It’s not like you mix your work with your personal life, you and Westlife are too professional to do that.” Louis said before he left to continue recording.

didn’t think about the duet with that much during the next few days, he just locked himself and the lads in a studio all day and kept on writing and writing songs for the album until they finished 16 songs, all of them good enough to make it on the album. It was only when they finished the songs that remembered the duet, and that they had to re-arrange one of the songs to fit 3 parts.

“So, what are you going to do next week when she comes to rehearsal to practice the song with us?” asked one night when the lads and their girls went out to a posh club in London.
“I haven’t been thinking of it, to tell you the truth. I only remembered when we had to re-arrange one of the songs.”
“Well, we’re meeting her tomorrow morning, so I suggest you start planning, or start getting sick or something, just don’t make a scene.” said.
“Me? Make a scene? You have got to be kidding me.” asked.
“Yeah, right, whatever. See you tomorrow, man.” said, getting in his Ferrari and driving off as did the same.

got to his penthouse and moped around. Sitting on the sofa, he thought of how he was going to face again after 2 years, and parting on a sour note. After a while, thoughts of being with flashed through his mind before he snapped himself out of his absurd imagination.

“I’m going crazy, she’ll never take me back, she might not even speak to me.” said before he went into his bedroom and got some sleep for the next day.

The following morning, arrived at the rehearsal venue and saw the other three lads there, but not .

“She’s not yet here, mate.” told as he handed him the score to the song they’d be singing.
“Just relax, man. It’s not like she’s out to kill you, she might even be emotionally unstable at the moment and might need someone to help drown her sorrows.” said.
“Just shut up, .” said, giving him a bad look.
“She’s here.” said when he saw two bodyguards coming into the room, followed by a shadow of a female.
“Calm down. You haven’t seen each other in 2 years, you should be happy to see each other.” said, patting ’s back as entered the room.
“, long time no see. You haven’t changed a bit” said, making the first move and hugging .
“Yeah, . Can’t believe it’s been 2 years.” said before and greeted her.
“Hey, .” said, smiling a bit.
“Hi, .” said, hugging . He couldn’t believe he was getting this close to her again, it was killing him.
“So, let’s start practicing, shall we?” The vocal coach said before everybody got to work.

During the first break, went up to and asked the inevitable.

“, can we talk in private?” asked, pointing to the patio.
“Sure.” said, following .
“I missed you.” said, smiling.
“What is it?” asked.
“Huh?” asked.
“What do you want to talk to me about?” asked.
“Oh. , I love you.” said.
“No, you don’t. You broke up with me, said our jobs always got in the way, left me heartbroken, and now, right after I broke up with my boyfriend, when I’m emotionally unstable, you tell me you love me. Make up your mind, . Do you or don’t you love me?” said, walking back to the studio, leaving dumbstruck.
“Great job, . She just loves you now.” said sarcastically under his breath.

The next few days were hell for , seeing and not being able to hold her hand, take her home, and do all the other things they used to do while they were dating.

“So, how’s life at the moment?” asked, sitting down next to on the sofa during one of the breaks.
“It sucks. ’s always with us and I can’t avoid her. I’m trying to, but I can’t. I love her but she won’t believe me.” said.
“Well, just talk to her again. Keep on trying, or plan a surprise for her or something, make her fall for you again. What did you do for her before that she liked?” asked.
“I forgot about that. Thanks, man.” said before they went back to recording.

After the recording session, asked if she would want to come to his penthouse the following day to celebrate finishing off the recording. Reluctantly, agreed and gave her his address.

The following night, appeared on ’s doorstep dressed in a black swinging skirt, a black plunging top, black strappy sandals, a thin silver belt, a black Tag Heuer Alter Ego Diamond watch and a dainty diamond necklace to top everything off.

“Hi. You look great.” said, letting in.
“Hi. You do, too” said, noticing ’s dark blue Armani shirt and his black Calvin Klein slacks.
“Do you want anything to drink?” asked.
“No, thanks.” said before sat down beside her on the sofa.
“So, how’ve you been?” asked.
“I can’t take it anymore, I’ve got to tell you. I love you , I never got over you. So there, I’ve admitted it. Do you think I’m crazy of something?” asked, slowly looking up to .
“No, but I do want to do this.” said, kissing softly.
“I’m in love with you, . I know I am.” said after they pulled away.
“How about that dinner, then we can sort things out.” said, standing up and taking ’s hand, leading her to the dining room.

The following day, went over to ’s penthouse and they talked and asked her to be his again, of which she said yes.

“Hmm. So I’m taking you out tonight to the bar with the lads and we’re going to have a great time, ok?” said, stroking ’s hair and looking straight into her eyes.
“That sounds nice. Do the lads know we’re together again?” asked.
“I want to surprise them tonight.” said.

That night, picked up at her place in his brand-new Porsche 911. They headed for the club and when they got there, instantly noticed.

“Look at and . I think someone has some explaining to do.” said as the couple came nearer.
“Hey guys.” said as he and sat down.
“Hey . Hey .” they all said one by one.
“So, you’re back together?” asked.
“Yeah, we are.” said, putting his arm around ’s shoulder.

Over the next few days, and got closer and closer, and eventually were at the point where they had left off 2 years ago. had moved in with already.

“Good morning. What’s the agenda for today?” asked as he walked into their room after a shower.
“I don’t know. What do you want to do?” asked.

and came across a magazine shop and saw Lee’s face on the cover of almost all of the tabloids and headlines saying that cheated on Lee with even before they broke up.

“That’s absurd.” said, paying for the magazine and walking out of the shop with .
“Let’s go to Louis’ office, he’ll definitely help.” said, getting in the car as did so too.

Louis said that they would hold a press conference the following day to clear up any misconceptions.

The following morning, and arrived at the press room of Sony BMG UK and Ireland and sat down beside each other on the stage. Pretty soon, press started to come in until everyone invited was inside the room and Louis started the press conference.

“Good morning everyone. News articles concerning and have been circulating among tabloids and entertainment columns. According to ex-Blue member and ’s ex-boyfriend, Lee Ryan, had been seeing even before they broke up. I personally do not believe that would do such a thing and at the start of the recording for Westlife and ’s duet, they were even avoiding each other constantly. and will now take questions from the members of the press.” Louis said and all the journalists shouted at once until pointed to one of them and the press conference continued. After all the questions were answered, and went back to their place.

“You open the door.” said, giving the key.
“What’s so special about me... Oh my gosh, .” said when she saw the living room filled with red roses and balloons.
“Surprise.” whispered into ’s ear from behind, slipping his arms around her waist.
“Why?” asked.
“Simple. ‘Coz I love you.” said, spinning around to face him and kissing her softly.

The End