“A chocolate cooler, without the whipped cream please” my typical Costa order. The woman nodded, wrote it on a cup, handed me my change before I thanked her and waited to the side for my drink and for Hannah. She ordered her mocha before joining me. We got on well and after finding she was travelling alone decided to get a drink together as she didn’t have anywhere to be either.
“I cannot believe that just happened!” she squealed at me still super hyper as we found a table. “Like that was- oh my- he’s perfect” she concluded and sighed resting her head on her hand, leaning on the small mahogany table between us. Forty minutes passed and we stayed in Costa, conversation went from topic to topic between us and again it felt like we’d know each other ages. Harry was still nowhere to be seen, looking at the clock I started to get worried that we needed to be at the gate soon, plus Hannah still had no idea about the whole situation.
“Okay, there’s something I need to tell you” I looked at Hannah.

“You look a little on edge, what’s up?”

“So basically I’m not travelling on my own and…” I was nervous, not really knowing why in all honesty.

“Oh really?” Hannah took a sip of her mocha “who is with you? Your mom? Friend? Boyfriend?”

“Not exactly it’s just that…” I was interrupted by a bag smacking down on the ground beside my chair and the sound of a spare chair scraping along the floor. “Hi Lyss! Sorry that took longer than expected. It was nice though” Harry told me a little out of breath as he slumped down in the chair. He was totally unaware that I wasn’t alone and as I glanced over to Hannah I caught her look at me surprised for a second before it sunk in and her gobsmacked expression moved in Harry’s direction.
“Look” I began hesitant, her eyes fixed still on Harry. “We met the other week and Harry was staying near me so… ” I’d ran out of what to say “Hannah please don’t be mad I didn’t tell you”
Her eyes quickly snapped to me, but instead of being angry she smiled. “Why would I be mad?! No, aw that’s so cool!” I glanced from her to Harry who was sitting looking very, very awkward in his beanie, occasionally checking no one else had spotted him. “So” Hannah leaned across the table a little more and continued, “So are you two…y’know?” she pointed from me to Harry and back again.

“No, no, no! we’re…” I looked at Harry trying to find the right word.

“Friends.” He finished for me, smiling. I shot him a look of confusion but he just shook his head, looking down.
Realising what that meant I told him “Sorry, I know, I’m just not used to that yet” as he nodded semi-understandingly.

*****
The lights dimmed slightly and quietly the music began followed swiftly by Zayn’s voice. “You’re hand fits in mine like it’s made just for me, but bear this in mind, it was meant to be” The other four boys stood on the stage an equal distance apart, behind mic stands, whilst Niall perched on a stool plucking at the strings on his guitar, and they all pulled their best ballad faces as they swayed gently from side to side to the music. Two lines in and the newly married couple stepped onto the dance floor to start their first dance. The guests all sat around them and just watched, smiling, in awe. Every so often I could see Niall out of the corner of my eye, grinning like an idiot watching Katie and Rich dance, he looked so proud and generally happy. “I know you never loved the sound of your voice on tape, you never want to know how much you weigh…” my head snapped from watching the dance to Harry as he began his solo, yet to my surprise he was starting straight back at me “…you still have to squeeze into your jeans but you’re perfect to me.” I expected his look to be a glance, that he would stop a second later, but his eyes were fixated on me, to the point I felt uncomfortable but as he carried on we stayed just there, everything in my peripheral vision faded to black momentarily until I looked down and back up again. My setting had changed, all five boys were now standing, suspended on a platform in the air and surrounded by thousands of fans. The O2 arena was packed with people holding phones or glow sticks, standing and waving them back and forth, yet the one thing that hadn’t changed was where Harry was looking – at me, well that’s what I thought anyway. Standing in the middle of a hundred girls I felt like he was staring right at me and only me “and I won’t let these little things slip out of my mouth, it’s true, it’s you, it’s you they add up to” a few girls stopped singing to scream as Harry waved in our direction “I’m in love with you and all you’re little things” I waved with the crowd just in case somehow he could see me and as I did a small tear rolled down my left cheek, followed by one on the right and chills, which were only interrupted when I felt a tap on the shoulder. Initially thinking one of the girls had nudged me by accident I shot them a look but ended up doing as double take as one of the security guards signed that I should follow him, walking past the girl next to me he looked at me again, rested his hand on my shoulder and guided me out of the main arena. With no idea what was happening, the massive door slammed shut behind me and I faced the security guy, not going to lie to you, a little pissed off he’d dragged me away. “So I was sent here to ask you something. Would you like to come with me to the back of the stage please?” before I even had a chance to answer with more than a nod I was being whisked down corridor after plain, painted white brick corridor until the guard who I now knew by the name of Carl told me “Behind that curtain” he pointed ahead of us “is the immediate bit backstage. When the boys have finished singing the next song they’ll be back there and they want to meet you so just take a seat and any minute they’ll be back ok?”

“Er okay? Um why is this happening?” I started to panic; full on panic. It was strange and surreal, but without explanation Carl ushered me forwards “No questions asked! I will come back in a bit, but I’ll be in the next room if you need me!” and with that he left.  ‘Back For You’ came to a smooth end and the crowd erupted and banging music began which I could only assume was a ‘costume change filler’ video. I tried to catch my breath at the thought of meeting the boys but before I had a chance a hand reached up and swept away the curtain in front of me and I was greeted by Liam who smiled as soon as he saw me “Hi there!”

*****

“OH” I took a sharp intake of breath and my eyes snapped open and jumped. I didn’t immediately recognise my surroundings and I started to panic. “OH M-“

“Hey Lyss, calm down” I looked up to see Harry staring down at me, a few seconds later it had dawned on me I’d fallen asleep on Harry’s shoulder a short while into the flight. “You calm?” he looked at me again, lifting up his right arm over me and he ran his hand across my hair and down the side of my face, half sideways smiling. I nodded lifting my head up and gently sweeping my fringe so it faced the right direction again.

“Sorry I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you! How long was I out for?”

“It’s okay! Your friend Hannah came for a chat, she’s lovely isn’t she? And around 45 minutes, I wasn’t really counting” he shuffled in his seat slightly and repositioned his bandaged arm. I think maybe he’d tried not to move too much. “Harry, your arm!” I realised I’d been laying on it (sidenote: we went to the hospital too see if it was ok for Harry to fly and they took another look only to decide it wasn’t broken just sprained and badly bruised so off came the cast, on went a bandage) “I’m sorry!”

“Alyssa its fine, just a little achy, but nothing I can’t live with.” He looked me in the eye and it was the same look I’d seen before, in my dream. “You twitched a few times, bad dreams?”

“Errr” I was hesitant “Not bad, just weird and all blurred into one”

“What about?” he looked somewhat concerned.

“Yo-“ I stopped myself. How weird does it look if I say I was dreaming about him? “Just the wedding actually” I settled with that. It didn’t look like he bought it though.

“Ok sure.” nodding, Harry grinned, but his voice was full of sarcasm.

*****

“You’re sure that there are not too many people Paul? I’m definitely up for talking to them if there isn’t and it’s safe. “Harry spoke quietly sitting in the front passenger seat whilst Paul was the driver. The journey with Harry had been quiet and once we’d changed cars to Paul’s I slept in the back seat trying to shake off feeling queasy.

“Yes Harry, it’s totally fine. There are around 20 girls and they’re calm so it’ll be under control.” Paul reassured Harry, while I kept quiet in the back seat. Five minutes later we were ready to go.
Harry shuffled in his seat and turned to look at me through the gap between the front seats. “You okay with this? You’ll be fine if you just stick by us.” he smiled at me.

“Is there any other way we can do this? I mean it’s just this is all a bit weird and strange for me and I’m a little scared to be honest.” I didn’t want to be photographed and interrogated by those 20 fans. They were probably lovely people, and I could probably end up best friends with them over our common interest, but I knew that by the next day one of them was bound to say something or get an out of context photo and then bam, I’m in the media as Harry’s girlfriend and getting a shitstorm of hate head my way. Plus, I didn’t want to linger awkwardly whilst Harry was talking to people and I look a mess anyway so want to be seen by the minimum amount of people. I had my only pair of Hollister red tracksuit bottoms on, with a plain black t-shirt, plimsoll trainers, complete with minimal make-up and my hair tied up in a messy bun. I like to travel comfortably okay?

“I suppose we can go through the back way, right Paul?” Harry looked at him for approval.

“Of course. Whatever would be better for you sweetie” Paul smiled at me. He was a really just nice guy and had been nothing but genuinely lovely since I met him a few hours earlier.

“No, Harry if you want to go talk to them girls, go” I told him.

“No Lyss its fine, don’t worry we’ll go around”

“Harry, listen to me. Those girls in there” I looked towards the main airport entrance “probably found out 3 days ago you were going to be here, found the right plane time and then started to plan the possibly of coming to meet you. They then pleaded with their parents for hours to convince them to let them come, finally got a yes and then travelled from wherever they live down here and waited hours just to make sure they didn’t miss you. You just said you’re up for it, and if you don’t go in there, believe it or not they will be totally crushed. So please Harry, forget me, and go see those girls yeah?” Harry looked at me a little stunned, a few seconds later with still a puzzled look he replied with “You really were a fan weren’t you?” I didn’t quite know how to take that so I let it slide.

“One, am a fan, not were, and two, I really insist you go in there if you’re happy to. Please Harry” I smiled at him as he looked down, then to Paul and then to his iPhone.

“One, you’re my friend please don’t say you’re just a fan, it’s weird, and two I will go, but you’re either going in before me or you’re going in with Paul okay? That’s the deal” he reached round and through the gap in the seats and tapped my knee twice, sticking out his tongue at me in a ‘haha I got you back’ fashion. I just nodded in agreement.

“Go on, you first, I’ll follow in like twenty minutes or something” I told him, tipping my head to one side so I could see his face fully from where I was laying. “If you’re not done, I’ll join the crowd and pretend or something! Or go to check in, see you in a bit.”

“Alright, see you on the other side” Harry got out of the car, pulled down the bottom of his t-shirt, walked round opening to boot to get his suitcase and disappeared towards the terminal giving me a little wave as he went.

*****

Paul and I made small talk for a little while. It mostly consisted of him telling me about the other boys and what it was like to work with them; it sounds as fun as it looks from the outside. Deciding it was time to make a move, Paul lifted my case out of the car and put it on the pavement and decided to go in and check on Harry whilst I pulled myself together. Stanstead airport is somewhere I’d been on most travelling occasions so I remembered the way in and how to get to the check-in desks, however, what I was greeted with when I walked into the building was not quite what I expected. Just through the main doors, glancing to my left I saw a mob of around 50 girls, calm but very closely surrounding Harry, all I could see of him were a few curls sticking out above the crowd. I didn’t know what to do. Contemplating where to wait the next thing I knew I was on the ground.

“Giiirl, you picked the wrong day to fly. You’ll want to move honey” and camp and bitchy voice came from above me. I looked up to see a tall guy, no older than twenty wearing sunglasses and a handbag; he’d probably try to pass off as a satchel later towering above me. “Bitch I gotta see Styles” and with that he flounced off towards to crowd. I sat on the ground in shock for a few seconds trying to figure out why the hell some camp guy decided to push me down, but hey, fans can get bitchy so I let it go. Trying to get up somebody had appeared behind me and lifted me to my feet. Turning around to see Paul behind me he smiled at me. “You okay Lyss?”

“Yeah, I’m fine I think. That guy…” I pointed towards the crowd. He was the only male there so not hard to spot “just shoved me over.” I tried to convince him I was laughing it off.

“Yes, I saw. It’s cool; I’ll go and talk to him now as long as you’re okay.” With only time to respond with a nod, I watched Paul walk away and take the guy to one side. A few minutes later he’d disappeared.

“Paul!” I shouted and his head turned towards me immediately. “Get them to form a queue! It’ll work, trust me.” Paul pointed towards me and smiled.

“RIGHT LADIES” his Irish voice boomed through the airport foyer. “FORM A QUEUE, ALL OF YOU WILL GET A CHANCE, BUT THIS JUST ISN’T WORKING. STRAIGHT LINE GUYS.” It didn’t take the girl long to shuffle backwards into a line, and with nothing to lose, I joined the back too. What’s the worst that can happen?

*****

I’d waited for a good thirty minutes watching girls, one by one, or in pairs greet Harry with a hug, talk to him, take a photo, and in some cases come away sobbing their eyes out, or in others, smiling from ear to ear. It was the best thing to see him interacting with fans and everything was calm and happy. Standing on my own gave me a lot of time to think, and I ended up chatting to the girl behind me. Her name was Hannah, she was from Tennessee and was visiting family in London on holiday and this was her last day. We cliqued instantly and by the time we were almost at the front it felt like we’d been talking for hours and hours. I’d learnt that Harry was her favourite so she was super excited to meet him and as realisation hit that that was about to happen she squealed with excitement every so often. We were very similar in some ways; it’s a shame we didn’t have longer to chat. Exchanging twitter names we promised to talk again some day. “Oh my gosh, you’re next!” Hannah tapped me on the shoulder and wished me good luck as I approached Harry.

“You’re kidding me right?” He laughed as I walked over to hug him,

“Nope, I waited like everyone else. What did I tell you earlier?” I smirked at Harry as Paul chuckled behind him. “Got shoved over and everything” I laughed.

“Really?! You’re okay though right?” he sounded concerned.

“Yeah I’m fine!” there was a small pause “So do I get a picture to then or not? Please.”

“Alright” he played along and Paul took my iPhone from me, taking the photo as we both smiled as the camera. “Aw cute, look at your dimples.” I mocked him.

“Go on then, I’ll see you later.” he winked at me.

“Okay, well I’ll go and check in and meet you in Costa the other side of security yeah?” I whispered conscious of who could hear. Harry nodded in response. “Oh and Harry, the girl there, I pointed to Hannah, she’s lovely and loves you.” again he nodded and I walked off looking back to see Hannah approach him and give him a hug. I waited for her for a few minutes after and she bounded over grinning madly. “Oh my gosh, he’s so nice, and super cute, and awwww I MET HARRY STYLES.” Harry glanced over at her and then me as I laughed and we exchanged a look. 

“I know. He’s so amazing.” I carried on. “I never did ask, where are you flying to by the way?”

Hannah took a breath in, calming herself a little. “Ireland, on the 9:30am flight, I’m going to see one last relative before going home.” That was the plane I was getting on. With Harry. Who was going to be sitting right next to me, but she didn’t know it.

Oh no. This could either be really awesome, or really awkward.

“Seriously Harry” I warned him “No horror movies, Please” This came after he’d suggested four in a row, the last one being ‘Woman In Black”

“Okay, okay” he sighed, scanning the bookshelf full of DVDs for another one.

“How about ‘Love Actually’?” he picked up the case, opening it to check there was a disk inside.

“Never seen it” I answered him quite bluntly. “Isn’t it a Christmas movie though?”

“You never seen it?! What is wrong with you?! Well that’s that decided then” Harry lent over to put the disk in the machine before I even had a chance to speak.

“But what abou-” I started to protest but I was interrupted by a quick “Nope” from Harry so decided to leave it at that.

*****

I was woken by a violent beeping noise which I soon recognised as my alarm.  Rolling over hitting snooze, I realised it was 4am.
“Urggh” I moaned and rolled back over again, I must’ve set it to 4 instead of 8 by accident. A humongous clatter came from the downstairs direction, blinking and half sitting up with a jolt I quickly realised I wasn’t at home. My heart flipped a little like when you’re about to fall off of the back of a chair as it dawned on me I was at Harry’s in the spare room. Still, what was I doing up at 4am?
I pulled on a hoodie with the intention of going down to see what the clatter was when it came to me: we were going to Ireland today. My stomach immediately tied into knots as I became anxious. Breathing and trying to ignore it, I tied my hair back into a messy bun and via the toilet made my way downstairs.
The sight I was greeted with was not what I expected. I expected Harry to be nowhere to be seen but instead I found him shirtless, crouched down on the floor facing a cupboard surrounded by pots and pans.

“Harry…”

“Oh my- don’t do that!” he jumped slightly, turning around as I startled him.

“Sorry! I just heard a bang and came to investigate, thought you were still in bed.”

“Oh right, yeah sorry about that, needed this bloody thing” he reached to his right and waved a frying pan at me. “I was Er- going to make pancakes and come and wake you up, but well, that failed”

Awh, that was cute, even if I didn’t really feel like eating anything this morning. In fact I felt sick, half with nerves and the other half, I think because I was exhausted. Looking at the clock 4:13 am stood out at me, screaming ‘it’s too early’. Harry stood up and made his way to the top cupboard in the corner and started riffling through it. An “oh shit” followed a few seconds later.

“What’s up?”

“We haven’t even got any flour” he laughed and put his hand to his forehead. “Well that ruins that plan. I was quite looking forward to pancakes” he said a little more under his breath. “Never mind! I’ll cook eggs or something instead” he looked so pleased with himself that he’d managed to come up with an alternative, and grabbing 3 eggs from the egg stand and some oil he began cooking. By now I was leaning with my back to sink just watching. The fact that he wasn’t wearing a shirt sure made it distracting.
“Eh where do I put the eggs?” he turned around with eggshell in his left hand holding it at arms length and paused. “In the sink!” he concluded.

“No, Harry, bin.” I tried but he was already awkwardly leaning around me and dropped them in with a small crunch.

“Anyway, good morning” he smiled and kissed my cheek placing his had briefly on my shoulder he walked back to the frying pan.

*****

“Wow TV this kind of morning is awful!” Harry laughed to himself.

“It is nearly 5am” I reminded him. We were now dressed and sitting with one last tea before we had to drive to the airport. Harry was apparently driving the 2 hours back to his house and then Paul would be there to take us to Stanstead airport. There was just one thing I was worried about.

“Erm Harry… How is this going to work? I mean, what’s going to happen at the airport exactly.”

“What do you mean?” he switched his attention from the woman signing a repeat of Antiques Roadshow and looked at me somewhat concerned.

“Well I just mean that people saw Louis fly out yesterday and some of these scary-ass update twitter accounts know you’re going today so fans have gathered to see you here and outside the arrivals in Ireland.”

“Oh. Well it happens all the time, it will be fine” he said it as if it was as normal as getting out of bed in the morning.

“Yeah but Harry, I’m like, sort of worried.”

“Why?”

“That doesn’t happen to me! Also no offence but I really don’t want to be in the paper again, fuelling rumours.”

“Oh ashamed to be seen with me are you?” he changed the tone of his voice.

“No! Harry, it’s just that-“

“Alyssa” he interrupted me. “I was joking. Here’s what will happen. People don’t know the exact flight we are getting on anyway an-“

“Um. Yeah Harry, they do” I spoke as he paused.

“What?! How?”

“Twitter is a scary place” I told him remembering seeing countless update accounts find out all sorts of random and scarily detailed information about their whereabouts.

“Wow, okay then” he paused scratching his head. “Well look, Paul will already have assessed the situation before we get there and decide if there are too many people. If there is then we go through a back entrance: and if there are not that many people and you don’t feel comfortable, we still go through another door, okay?”
All I could do in response was nod. Truth is it didn’t make me feel that much better, I know what fans can be like, I’ve seen it and I am one. I wouldn’t like to think I’d be standing ready to ambush them at the departure gate, or to push so close to them one of them loses a shoe in the crowds, but if I got the chance I’d be there, waiting hopefully that they, on the off chance would actually come to greet some fans.

“Lyss” Harry snapped his fingers in front of my face. “Time to go” I’d obviously been in my own little world for the past few minutes. Harry took my empty mug from my hands, and took them through to the kitchen. A few minutes later, after hearing the faint sounds of running water and washing up, he returned grabbing his phone from the back of the sofa, sliding it into his pocket and headed over to the front door where our suitcases; mine purple and white spotted, and his just plain black stood next to each other. I picked up my black cardigan knowing that it may be summer but at 5am it’s no vest weather, opened the front door and dragged my suitcase across the stone driveway to Harry’s Range Rover. It was so heavy, I probably packed twice the stuff that I need, and knowing me I will find some excuse to come back with more than I started with. Following suit, Harry locked up and appeared unlocking the car door. A few minutes later I was sat in the passenger seat, whilst Harry fiddled with the air conditioning, trying to adjust it so we didn’t feel like it was arctic weather. He put back on Ed Sheeran’s album and began to sing quietly to ‘Give Me Love’. I rested my head as comfortably as I could half on the seat; half on the window and stared at the road straight ahead, listening to Ed’s and his voices merge together.

“Louis its Harry. Seriously, please ring me or at least text me to say you’re okay” I hung up having left him a sixth voicemail. I didn’t know why he’d got so angry all of a sudden  Letting out a sigh I dropped my phone down beside me on the sofa and picked up the remote.
“Nothing” I threw the remote on the floor in front of me in anger after switching the television off after flicking through all the channels. The back covering the batteries flew off and smacked against the coffee table making a faint clink overshadowed by the thud of the controller landing and rolling across the carpet. This whole situation was ridiculous, it made me so mad. There was only one thing to do.
“Hello?” the voice was serious and sleepy.

“Hey it’s Harry. How’s things?”

“Good mate it’s been ages. How are you?” Liam’s voice cheered up a bit, it was good to just talk to him again.

“Um yeah.” I proceeded to tell him everything. Everything. From Victoria, to Alyssa, to Louis, the argument, and the arm.

“Wow mate seems like life has been pretty hectic. Well I spoke to Louis like an hour ago and he seemed okay to me. Maybe just give him some time” Liam suggested.

“You’re probably right. So how are-“

“LIAAAM!” I heard a voice scream, sounded a little like his Mum, “YOUR DOG IS PISSING ON THE CARPET. SORT IT!”

“Oh g- yeah alright!” he shouted back.
“Bloody dog.” I heard his mum mumble in the background, I chuckled a little and told him to go.

“Speak to you later, sorry Harry” and with that he hung up. I dropped my phone down on the sofa beside me, stood up and put my coat on. There was only one other place I could think of going to cheer myself up.

*****

I knocked on the door again with 3 more forceful knocks. Maybe no one was in. Just as I was about to take out my phone to ring them I heard a voice and footsteps running down the stairs. “COMING!” I took a step back smiling at the fact this wasn’t a failure of an idea. The door clicked open but I wasn’t greeted by the face I thought I would. “Erm hi” the girl just started at me, I couldn’t quite make out the expression on her face “is, Er-“

“ALYSSAAAAA!” She turned her head slightly shouting up the stairs in an urgent fashion as she dropped her hand from clinging onto the side of the door.

“Amaia is everything okay?” Lyss’ mum appeared from the kitchen. “oh hello Harry dear, come in” she smiled and tapped the girls shoulder indicating she move out of the way.

“But you’re not- are you?” she still looked a little startled.

“Depends on who you think I am.” I paused as she continued to stare at me “Are you okay?” I asked a little concerned, but she continued to stare at me. Standing just inside the shut front door with a girl just staring at me not saying anything was making me a little uncomfortable. The floorboards began to creek above me and a few seconds later the sound of footsteps came from the top of the stairs.

“Hello you” Lyss smiled at me, walking straight passed the girl and gave me a hug after I held my arms out minding the broken one.

“Hi” I smiled back and then half nodded towards the other girl who was now staring at Lyss instead of me.

“Oh right yeah. Harry this is Amaia; Amaia, Harry” she introduced us. “She’s a fan too” she whispered at me.

“Ooooh. Um…nice to meet you” I smiled at Amaia and suggested a hug to her too.  No more than a second passed before she smiled and hugged me too; for a little longer than most people would too, but that was okay. She gave good hugs, it made me feel slightly better.
“Er Amaia, can I just talk to you for a sec please?” Lyss half pulled her away standing just inside the kitchen. I couldn’t make out what she was saying until I heard a “… so just try and be normal because….”

“Sorry Harry. Hello.” Amaia came back through smiling, Lyss’ hand resting on her left shoulder lightly. I nodded at her not really knowing what to say, she didn’t really have anything to apologise for as far as I was concerned.
“So, tea?” Lyss asked. I nodded but  Amaia gave her a look. “Okay, not tea, Pepsi?” the girls grinned at each other. I didn’t get it.

****

“So what brings you over here?” Lyss asked placing a cup of tea on the British flag coaster on the table in front of me.
“Thanks” I looked up at her.

“Louis still isn’t answering his phone. I rung Liam, and I the house felt empty so…” I laughed at how stupid that sounded.

“Louis was here?!” it was the first thing Amaia had said for a while. Saying that she seemed more relaxed and less stare-y than before, even if she didn’t sound totally comfortable yet. I hate that but I don’t really notice it anymore.

“Yup” I said taking a sip of tea. “He left though, yesterday morning. I don’t know if he’s coming back.”

“Oh” was all she responded with, I think I’d made it a little too clear I didn’t want to talk about it. “I’ll be seeing him on Sunday though” I added to make it sound less harsh.

“Sunday?” Lyss pipped up “What about the wedding?”

“My mistake I got the date mixed up, it’s on Sunday.” I smiled at her. As I glanced between the two girls, sat next to each other on the sofa opposite me, Amaia looked somewhat awkward, and I wondered if maybe wedding talk was a no-no. So instead of carrying on that conversation, I put my tea down,

“So” Amaia began to ask me when I got back “How did you actually” she glanced over at Lyss “meet?”

Lyss looks awkwardly put on the spot. “It’s not the most exciting of stories, but I got it.” I threw Lyss a cheesy grin and began. “We I was on a very busy bus and…”

*****

“She cried?!” Amaia laughed breaking into laughter as I paused looking at Lyss after I told her I caught up to her outside work. “and there was me thinking you’d be the calm one!”

“Yup” by now we were all laughing “I saw her in town…” I didn’t really need to bring up the fact I chased her did I? “… And when I got to her she was in floods. Bless”

“HEY! stop picking on me!” she giggled. “I was having a bad day” she threw a small cushion from the sofa the girls were sitting on and narrowly missed the arm of the matching chair I was on. Even though she was laughing, there was something not right. She had this look in her eye; like whatever got to her that day was still there. Getting up to take my mug through to the kitchen I tapped her on the shoulder discretely as I walked past and a few seconds later she got up to follow. Opening the door of the dishwasher I pulled out the draw and put it upside down on the top with a faint clink, shut it up and turned to lean my back (well… arse) against it and speak to Lyss. “Everything alright?” I asked her.

“Uh huh, fine” she took one last sip of her tea before putting it on the side.

“You’re sure?” I raised my eyebrows at her.

“Yeah” she nodded, not reassuringly, but I was prepared to let it go for now. “What are you doing here anyway?” she asked.

“I felt lonely at the cottage” I answered her surprisingly honestly. “and I was wondering if you were going to come and stay there tonight so we can go to the airport together tomorrow?”

“Erm” she was hesitant “I don’t see why not” smiling she checked her phone for the time “how about we leave at 6?” I began to nod “Wait, how the hell did you drive over here with that broken arm?!”

“Um carefully” laughing I told her “its not paralyzing you know”

“Mmmm. Yeah if we can get my stuff in the car then. I don’t really mind.”

“Okay. We’ll order in some pizza because I really don’t feel like cooking” to which she didn’t say anything, but just grinned. I think that was a yes. For some reason I thought she would say no so I was excited. I remembered what I said to Louis that morning we watched the sun rise. “Are you falling for her Harry?” “Yeah, I think I am”.

An evening with Lyss, pizza and a movie; sounds perfect.

My bed and floor were scattered with clothes; some folded, some still on the hanger, whilst my purple spotted dress hung from the top of the wardrobe that me and Amaia were sitting on one small tidy path of the floor leaning on. Letting out a sigh I buried my head in my hands “How the hell am I going to narrow and down?” I said aloud, very stressed.

“Right, c’mon” Amaia stood up, held out her hand to help me up and shuffled me toward my bed ushering me to sit down, moving a pile of clothes aside.

*****

“…and do you need this?” she held up one last shirt - one of my favourite shirts.

“Yes I do” I smiled “defiantly put that in”

“Are you sure”? She asked raising her eyebrows.

“Yes I’m sure! Take out that second plain white t-shirt you snuck in there 5 minutes ago, I saw you” I stuck my tongue out at her as she did so, flattening everything down in the case.
“Right I think you are all packed! Just need to put that in later” Amaia pointed toward my dress.

“Thanks hun, I really appreciate it.” I smiled exhaling loudly.

“Okay” she said as we both crashed out on my bed after I flipped the lid over on the suitcase with my foot. “It’s about time you got me up to speed. What’s going on?”

“Well not much really” I answered her “College is pretty dull and …”

“Alyssa” she paused “You know exactly what I mean.”Harry” she said bluntly “Also where are you going to a wedding? Whose?” I wasn’t sure I wanted to tell her, but I’m sure she’d find out sooner or later.

“Well, I’ve spent quite a bit of time with Harry recently and Niall’s cousin…” he face lit up at the mention of his name. “Niall’s cousin is getting married, the boys are performing and Harry asked me to go as his date, it was total last minute.” my voice trailed off quietly not quite sure how she was going to take it.

“Oh, my, god, Lyss!”
I couldn’t sense her tone, I was hesitant to say anything unsure of what that reaction actually was.
“You’re going to meet all the boys!” she squealed and I finally concluded it was from excitement. “That’s absolutely crazy”

“Yeah well, I’m not holding out too much hope of meeting all the boys, I mean there’s going to be more important people to them there” I looked down and picked up my phone and started swivelling it around absent mindedly.

“Well if you want my opinion, Harry will introduce you and you’ll be in the same room as them for however many hours, so it’s kind of inevitable really” she laughed “plus you’ve been spending so much with Harry recently, I’m sure he will want to get the boys approval. If you know what I mean” she winked at me.

“What?! Noooo” I shook my head letting out a nervous laugh. I looked at her but her face stayed straight and serious. Was she right? I’d always wanted it to be true, but now I was actually in the situation I thought I’d never be I was scared.

“You look happy” Daisy teased after I’d walked into the form room grinning.

“Yeah I’m alright thanks” I told her.

“Alyssa. Spill”

“What?!” my voice went all high pitched and squeaky, to which she just raised her eyebrows. “Okay okay”. There was no getting away from it, she knows me too well “So yesterday I went out with Harry and…”

“Oh God, again?” she muttered.

“Hey! You asked!” I mockingly hit her shoulder. She laughed and nodded for me to continue.
“So, it ended up with him locking himself out and he stayed at mine for the night. No big deal”

“LYSS!” she exclaimed.

“What?! What’s wrong with that?”

“A boyband member stayed at your house? Of course it’s a big deal”

A voice came from the other side of the room “What’s a big deal?” in Daisy’s outrage neither of us had heard the door to the form room open and that Mya had thrown her bag down on the table to my right.

“Harry Styles stayed at her house last night” Daisy blurted out pointing at me before I had the chance to say anything. I wasn’t going to tell her yet; I wasn’t sure how she’d react. Guess I was about to find out.

“Oh” was her response as she looked down at her phone to resume texting. Was that it? I expected at least some small scream or something of a more fangirl-y reaction. Daisy and I exchanged glances and could both sense the awkward silence. I think she expected more too.

****
‘What do you think was the most important factor in the Nationalist victory in the Spanish Civil War?’
I’d been staring at that question for the past twenty minutes, flicking through random worksheets and notes I’d been given, that were now spread across my entire double bed, then staring back at the question. There’s no hope for me I don’t think.
‘During the Spanish Civil War military organisation, territory, and social and economic issues were all factors that contributed to the Nationalist victory.
Firstly,’

I got that far and then my phone vibrated. Just when I’m getting started. Rummaging for it amongst my duvet cover I finally saw it flashing and the caller ID was a withheld number.  I answered it anyway; I guess you never know…
“Hello?”

“Hello am I speaking with Alyssa?” a man with a deep voice asked me formally.

“Yeah. Sorry who is this?” I was so confused.

“Ah Hello Alyssa, my name is Craig, I’m calling from the St. Mary’s Hospital.” was this a prank? “No need to be alarmed but I have a Mr Harry Styles here with us. This afternoon he got hit down by a car and…”

“What?! Is he okay?!” I interrupted him, by heart started pounding and my hands shaking.

“Yes, it’s nothing to worry about miss, he’s fractured his arm and has a little concussion but apart from that he’s perfectly fine. He asked me to ring you though and pass on a message saying” he paused for a second as a faint crumpling of paper came from the background. He’d written it down obviously. “Sorry, he said that he will now be flying to Ireland tomorrow on the later flight with you and that if you are done with school could you visit him in the hospital?”

I started to nervously laugh a little. “Shouldn’t you be ringing Anne- I mean his mother?” I corrected myself.

“Oh yes, I will ring her after but he asked for you specifically and wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

“Oh” I was a little taken aback. “Um yeah I’ll be up there in an hour if I just figure out some bus times.”

“Okay miss. Well come into the east wing and just ask reception when you get here they’ll guide you in the right direction.” his voice was so formal, you could tell this was routine for him.

“Okay, well thank you very much. Oh and you’re sure it’s nothing to worry about?”

“I’m sure. He’s in good hands and apart from the arm it’s just a few scratches. Goodbye Alyssa”

“Bye” I said faintly but he’d already hung up. Oh jeeez. I’m going to kill that boy; he’s stressed me out so much this week. I looked at the clock - 13:37. Mum wasn’t home so she wouldn’t miss me and so I opened up my laptop and started to google the bus times.
Fifteen minutes later and piece of paper in hand with the bus timetables and pick up points on I was ready to go.

*****

“What the hell have you done?” I laughed quietly, shaking my head as I approached Harry’s bed. I kindly thanked the nurse for bringing me the right way; she nodded and smiled before walking off to the other side of the ward.

“Err, yeah, hi” he laughed back at me, waving with his left arm in plaster. “It’s not as bad as it looks honest”

“Ah hello young lady” a voice came from behind me. Turning round I saw an elderly man in the bed next to Harry.

“Um hello” I was quiet not quite sure why he was addressing me as he was.

“Is this the girl?” the man lowered his voice and looked at Harry. Harry nodded at him and looked awkwardly back at me.

“Well, you were right. Hold on to her Harry” again the man looked straight passed me as if I were invisible. Harry just nodded and smiled.

“Umm” I began.

“Mr Hughes would you like to come with me?” a nurses voice came from nowhere before I had a chance to say anthhing and with that a few minutes later he was gone. Harry and I sat not speaking for I don’t know how long. Finally I had to break the silence.

“What was he running on about?” I asked.

“Oh it was nothing. We just got chatting before and he wanted to know if I had anyone to visit me, so I told him you were coming. Anyway, so it looks like I’ll be out of here tomorrow morning. I’ll get a taxi to your house and then we can go to the airport from there. That okay?” All I responded with was a nod. I should really start packing to be honest. This was all so surreal. I’m going to a wedding with Harry Styles in two days. Madness.

I sat at Harry’s bedside for a good few hours. Chatting and laughing and just doing what friends do. Or what they can do with one of them restricted to a hospital bed. It is safe to say I learnt a lot about him in those hours; the real him to just the media version of him, more than I had all week. From little things like his favourite food and first concert to his political views and views on largely debated social issues. Actually it was very enlightening. Soon it was time for me to leave but I had one more important question to ask him before I left.

“Harry how exactly did you get hit by that car?”

“Oh yeah that. Okay truth is me and Louis got into a bit of a fight, he stormed off to who knows where and I went to try and find him. Stupidly I thought it would be quicker to walk to the bus stop and get on the next bus, but running across the road I didn’t look properly, and well bam” he held up his plastered arm.

“You and Louis fighting?! What about?” I was genuinely shocked.

“Yup, that’s the truth. It was just something silly to do with the house. Haven’t spoken to him since. I’m pretty sure it’ll all be fine tomorrow when we get there” he smiled. Although I don’t know what it was but I had a feeling he wasn’t being completely truthful; I don’t believe for a second it was just something petty. Deciding not to pry I thought it best I left. 

“I’m sure it will be” I played along “Well I have to go home and pack I guess. Urgh I feel bad for leaving now”

“Nah its okay Lyss, you go. Thanks for coming to visit me!” We said our goodbyes and awkwardly managed to hug it out before I grabbed my bag from the floor beside my chair and left, strolling out of the east wing doors. Putting my worry about Harry and Louis arguing to the back of my mind, I began to focus on the packing I had to do. Then it occurred to me, I have nothing to wear to the wedding itself. “Bugger” I said aloud. Looks like I’ll be stopping off in town to do some shopping on the way home.

“Shorts?”

“Shorts” Louis repeated patting the three pairs he’d packed in the suitcase.

“Right so that’s everything in your case done?” I asked him.

“Yup, now to look through yours.” He sighed, bored I think.

“Right” I lifted my case up onto the bed as Lou took the check list from me.

“Shirts?” Louis asked.

“Shirts” I repeated.

“Ramones shirt?” Louis raised his eyebrows at me. I shuffled through my case, but I couldn’t find it.

“Oh shit” I said lifting out a pile of immaculately folded shirts and jeans, and an odd high top converse. Now I had to rifle through to see if I could find it.

“Harry?” Louis started lowering the checklist.

“Uh huh” I sighed, still unable to find my Ramones t-shirt.

“Where were you the other night?”

“Just with Lyss” I told him straight, not looking up.

“Right, so, what happened?” he laughed.

“Nothing. Where the HELL is that top?!” this was getting frustrated.

“Harry. What is this thing with Lyss?” Louis was blunt, only this made me stop what I was doing and look straight at him.

“Louis it’s nothing, honest. You weren’t home and I didn’t have a key so I went with her to go pick up her brother from school. We went home and fell asleep on the sofa. I drove her to school yesterday morning. That’s it” I explained. Louis just looked at me, like he didn’t believe me or something.

“Louis I’m serious!”

“No Harry. I mean this whole thing. You’ve known her a week, and you’ve already spent more time with her than you have with me! Also, you’ve invited her to Ireland. I wouldn’t say that’s nothing Harry.” He raised hiss eyebrows at me, as I thought for a second and then laughed nervously.

“Okay, so I kind of like her, she’s nice! Plus, I don’t know I have  a feeling she’s got  some… emotional baggage, I think maybe she needs to get away for a while.”

“Oh.” I don’t think he was expecting that response. Putting down the list he sat down on the bed. Looks like I’m in for a grilling. “Harry do you need to be involved with someone with ‘emotional baggage’? What even do you mean?”

I too put down the clothes I was holding and sat down. “I don’t know. I just get the feeling she’s a  little sensitive and her life might not be as sweet and good as she makes out. Plus, everytime we’re together she doesn’t seem totally comfortable, like she’s not being totally herself. I thought maybe going to Ireland with us would give her a chance to feel a little better. Also, she’d love to meet the other boys, I think she’s more of a fan than she lets on, y’know, she’s just playing it cool”

“Huh okay. Well say that’s the case, do you need it? Really?”

“What? No Louis, if you’re trying to say I shouldn’t talk to her anymore then you aren’t going to convince me.” I was a little in shock.

“But really though…” he tried again.

“No Louis! What is this all of a sudden? Since when do I need you to tell me who I should spend my time with?”

“I’m just saying that maybe, she’s not good for you if you think she’s already has issues. We’re FAMOUS Harry. We can’t do anything without being tracked.” He continued, raising his voice as he stood up.

Now I really was angry. “Of come off it! This is NOTHNG to do with the fame. She’s just a girl Louis. She’s a nice girl. I don’t get your problem” I stood up off the bed “but whatever it is you need to get the hell over it.”

“FINE” she shouted grabbing his suitcase storming out of the room. I sat back down on the bed, putting my head in my hands. I don’t quite understand why that escalated, we never fight. Ever. A few minutes passed, when I heard the jingling of keys and footsteps rushing down the corridor. Opening the door to the bedroom I looked out to see Louis almost at the door with his suitcase.

“Louis, what are you…”

“I’ll see you in Ireland” his voice was quite but angry. With that he slammed the door behind him, threw his case in the car and drove off leaving me alone.

Hand in hand we walked down beside the river until we reached the big oak tree. He took the big blanket, unrolled it and slay in down on the ground under the shade of the tree. I placed the picnic basket down opposite to where I sat and opened it, hunting for the sandwiches I’d made earlier. “Here” I threw some sandwiches in tin foil over at him and they landed with a thud just beside his left knee.
“Thanks babe” Louis smiled over at me. “Are there-“

“Yup!” I interrupted throwing him over a bag of crisps.

“You know me so well” Louis broke into a smile, opening the packet of crisps before unwrapping the tin foil. “Prawn sandwiches with prawn crisps. Legendary” he winked at me popping a crisp into his mouth. I took out my food and leant back on one hand, both of us looking out onto the river. It was bright with the reflection of the sun, boats were juddering past and there were about seven kids playing football on the bank across the river from us. Looking over at Louis he was smiling at me. “What?” I asked him breaking into a smile myself.

“Nothing” He looked into my eyes continuing to smile.

“Okay” breaking the eye contact I looked down, shy, and let out a nervous laugh. Louis put out his hand and with his index finger lifted my chin up, forcing me to look back at him.

“You’re beautiful, you know that?” he smiled. Before I could say anything, his lips touched mine, just for a second before he sat back again still smiling and…

*****

“Morning sunshine!” I heard a bright chirpy voice call out.

“Huh?” I slowly tried to sit up; a shooting pain ran through the side of my neck.

“Good morning sunshine, I hope that you’re well…!” the voice sung, a little quieter this time. I forced open my eyes slowly but was disorientated by my surroundings. After a few long blinks and sitting up slightly leaning on my forearm, I realised I was laying of my sofa, a blanket covering me up to my waist, still in my clothes from last night.

“What?” I groaned again, I had a feeling it was too early to be woken up, and by some stranger at that.

“I made you a tea. Your Mum said it would be the best way to wake you up” the voice laughed as a mug appeared in front of my face, being placed onto a coaster. As the mug was put down my eyes followed the arm up, for me only to see Harry towering above me smiling.

“What are you doing here?!”

“I, um…” he spoke slowly “We fell asleep on the sofa last night and I woke up when you’re Mum came home. She said I could stay as it was late, but to wake you up for school because she had to pop out early”

“Oh” I didn’t really take his words in, I was more concerned about the fact I was in front of Harry, having just woken up and I look a horrific mess. Also, that was the third dream I’d had about Louis since meeting Harry last week. Weird.

“Come on, get up lazy bum, I’ll drive you to school”

My response was no more than a nod.

******

“Right” Harry let out a sigh pulling up outside the sixth form gate “I guess I’ll see you in Ireland”

“What?”

“Yeah, remember we’re going to Ireland” he laughed. “Paul will be in touch and he’ll speak to you about checking out in and all that”

“Okay. Sorry Harry I’m just really tired okay? I’m looking forward to it!” I really was but in reality I was really nervous. I’ve never flown alone before, let alone to go and see a bunch of people I don’t know.

“Okay babe. Well have a good day! Give me a hug. Leaning awkwardly over the gear stick and handbrake I hugged him with one arm as one hand was still clutching my bag.

“Hey” he pulled away and put his hands either side of my face making me look at him. “You know what I haven’t reminded you in a while?” I just shook my head confused. “Smile that beautiful smile” he told me smiling himself.

Speechless I nodded. Grabbed my bag properly and started to get out of the car for the second time. Harry caught my hand and squeezed it as I turned around and smiled at him for a last time. He let go and I hopped out, feeling a little weak.

It was going to be hard to concentrate today.

We sat, neither of us speaking, for the first fifteen minutes except for me giving Harry directions every so often. Ed Sheeran’s voice filled the car. Suddenly thinking about it I hadn’t actually heard Harry sing yet, not while he was around me. I might ask him to later, I absolutely adore his voice.
Grade 8 came to close and the next song clicked over and the first few bars of “You need me, I don’t need you” had me grinning. I felt Harry look over to me quickly asks then back at the road. “You like this song or something?”
Still smiling I nodded. “Yeah. And it reminds me of someone” I told him, but I didn’t tell him I meant Matt.
I felt him look over at me and smile but he didn’t say anything.

Soon we pulled up at Marcus’ school; Harry stopped but didn’t turn off the engine. “Are you…” I started but he interrupted me,
“No you go ahead, I’ll park up and see you back in the car, I want to ring Louis again because I’ve no idea where he is” I nodded at his reply, smiled and gave him a little wave before turning my back and heading for the door of the third classroom on the left where the kids club is held. After collecting up Marcus’ bags and paintings he’d done that day and a very awkward conversation with the club helper because I had to reassure her three times that I was his sister and not his mother, we finally got out of there. She must have been new because I didn’t recognise her and most of the women there know exactly who I am; it isn’t the first time I’ve had to pick him up. Smiling, Marcus grabbed my hand as I carried his book bag in the other and we skipped out of the school ground like we normally do until reaching the car park.

“We’re not getting on the bus today” I looked down at him and squeezed his hand.

He looked up, so innocent “Why?”

“Because I came with a friend to get you so we wouldn’t have to” I know how much he hates the bus journey; his little face lit up at the thought of not having to go on it for once. I lifted him up to into the backseat of Harry’s range rover and put the seatbelt over him and his car seat that Harry and I had to wrestle into the car before we left.

“Okay, bye!” I heard Harry say and then hit the off button on his phone before swivelling around in his seat and smiling in Marcus’ direction.

“Hey buddy! You must be Marcus, I’m Harry” he introduced himself, but Marcus just stared at him. “Did you make this today?” he continued taking a painting out of Marcus’ hand; Marcus let him take it.

“Is that Lyss?” he asked. Marcus until this point hadn’t said a word but just stared at Harry but at this question he broke his silence.

“Yeah it is. This is Lyss” he pointed at a girl with long dark hair “and then this is Harry and Louis and Niall from One Direction because she loves them” he pointed to each of the boys in turn. I hadn’t looked at the painting myself so felt my face turn red as beetroot as Harry looked from me to Marcus and back again chuckling to himself.

“Riiiiiight” I interrupted looking back at my little brother “Come on little man lets get you home… and Marcus you too” Harry looked at me with a smirk so I gave him a cheeky grin sticking out my tongue, shut the back door and hopped in the front. Harry fired up the engine and reversed out of the car park and headed for our house.

“Harry” a little voice came from the back around five minutes into the journey.

“What’s up mate?”

“You have the same name as Harry from One Direction don’t you?”

“Yup” Harry smiled over at me and I rest my head in my hands, preparing myself for further embarrassment.

“And you have curly hair” Marcus continued.

“Yes I do. You know Marcus, sometimes people actually think I’m him!”

“Really?” his tone lifted.

“Yeah really” Harry continued. “Do you like them?”

“Yeaaah kind of” Urgh why are six year olds so innocent sounding? “But Lyss really loves them a lot, she does.”

“Oh really? Like how?” Harry was really going to milk this for all it’s worth.

“How about we talk about something e-“ I was interrupted by Marcus who didn’t take a blind bit of notice of me.

“Well she has posters of them in her room. She talks about them a lot, especially with her friends. Oh and she aaaaaalways is singing their songs” Harry was laughing to himself and nodding throughout. “Baby you light up my world like nobody else, the way that you flip your hair gets me-“ he stuttered and stopped.

“Overwhelmed…” I finished helping him out.

“Yeah but when you smile at the ground it ain’t hard to tell” he continued back into it. “You don’t know, -ow –ow” suddenly the car filled with a much thicker sound, Harry had joined in. His tone rang through my ears. I hadn’t heard him sing before, not when I was around.

“You don’t know you’re beautiful” they finished together, all of us with massive smiles. “Woo!” we clapped and laughed together as we turned into the house driveway. Harry switched off the engine as turned back to give Marcus a high five, which he gladly did.

*****

“Tea?!” I shouted through offering to Harry.

“Sure! Thanks” he shouted back through.

Ever since we’d been home Harry and Marcus had been inseparable. More on Marcus’ part but Harry seemed quite happy just to go along with it, sitting on the rug with this back leaning against the three seat sofa. They’re playing cars I think now, either that or Harry’s getting the ‘ranking of cars’ lecture as me and mum like to call it, when Marcus will line up every single toy  car he has and then proceed to spend thirty minutes telling you which one is best, second best, third best, and so on and so forth until he’s talked you through every single one. From the kitchen I could see Marcus kneeling and picking up a car, with Harry lent over looking and showing he was paying attention. It was cute really.

The switch flicked up on the kettle, so I added the water, took out the tea bag, poured in the milk and hoped that he didn’t mind how strong the tea came.

When I walked it through Harry looked up smiling, said “Thanks love” and took the tea from me, placing it down on a coaster on the low black table to the side of him. I nodded back at him as a ‘you’re welcome’ gesture and turned my attention to the clock – 8pm, and then to Marcus. “Right, time for bed mister!” I told him. I’d had a text from Mum earlier telling me that the hair dilemma was all sorted and she was staying there to have a cuppa with her friend before she came home, so it was my duty to put Marcus to bed.

“Noooooo!” he complained.

“Yup, come on. It’s already later than normal” quietly I told him, holding out my hand for him to take so I could lead him upstairs.

“But I want to talk to Harry” he moaned again.

“Nope, I’m sure Harry will see you again one day, but you need your sleep. Up now, let’s go.” My voice took a slightly more authoritative tone. With one last glance of ‘please help me’ over at Harry, Marcus unwillingly got up and took my hand.

“Look Marcus” Harry piped up “If you go with Lyss now, I’ll come and read you a story before you go to bed. How does that sound? Good?” Marcus broke a smile, enthusiastically nodding. “Off you go then” he gestured, sticking his tongue out at as both.

****

“Right, that’s one asleep” Harry whispered running down the stairs with his hands placed in his pockets. “We read some Winnie the Pooh story” he laughed.

“Oh yeah? They’re his favourites. Thanks for doing that” I yawned and stretched, and then set my tea down on the table.

“Its no problem, he’s cutie. Must run in the family” he winked at me, falling onto the sofa next to me. Nervously I laughed and gently hit him on the shoulder. Truth is guys who are good with kids are always so much more attractive, so in Harry’s case his attractiveness was getting a little too much. As he smiled I got butterflies.

“So, do you have to go yet?” I asked him, kind of hoping he’d stay.

“I probably should” he looked down and shuffled around “Louis should be home soon”

“Ah okay. Well I’ll just find something on television to watch then and wait until Mum comes home”

I must have sounded a little disappointed because his next words were “Come here” he lifted his arm. With the remote I shuffled towards him and leaned on him sideways as he placed his arm around my shoulder. I could feel the tips of his fingers resting just below my collarbone. It felt weird that it felt so natural. However, I was a little uneasy in that I didn’t want to get too comfortable with being close to him, because to tell you the truth like I wrote in my diary, I think I really have started to fall for him. But I’m sure now, because I sure am falling hard and fast.

He took the remote from me, switching the tv on and flipping through the channels. Eventually he stopped at ‘FRIENDS’.

“It’s cool, I can stay for a little while” he told me smiling over at me, shrinking further down into his seat making me rest my head lightly but comfortably on his chest.

“What?” I just stared at him.

He started laughing at me, I couldn’t tell whether it was nervously or not.

“What do you mean what? Like I said come to Ireland with us, it’ll be fun! Plus wouldn’t you like to meet the other boys?”

“Of course, I’d love to meet them!” I started to go weak at the thought of being around them all at once. “But” I carried on “I don’t think Mum would let me go either, and Niall’s cousin doesn’t know me! I cant just turn up to her wedding.” It seemed like he’d totally disregard everything I’d babbled at him a few minutes ago, it was like the words had never come out of my mouth.

“Ohhh ask her once, and then leave it to me” he grinned cheekily. I’m not sure whether to be grateful or worried to be honest with you.

“Also, isn’t it the start of the summer holidays next week?” I nodded. “So it isn’t like you’ll be missing any school or anything. 

“Yeaah but…”

Again Harry interrupted me “Seriously Lyss come.” His face changed to a serious one as he placed one hand on my knee. “Come”

I looked down and then back up at him, slowly smiling.

“Okay. But I need to tackle Mum first.” I told him. Rather than saying anything he took out his phone, scrolled through it for a second and then put it to his ear.

“Hi Paul!” His first words made me freak out a little, not only because if felt like he actually meant he wanted to go, but also PAUL HIGGINS IS ON THE OTHER END OF THAT PHONE. He’s so awesome. Get a grip I thought and focused back on what Hary was saying.

“Yeah, so you know Lyss? Well I was thinking she could possibly come to Ireland with us? I’ll text Niall in a bit to see if Katie minds her coming to the wedding but could you please please sort out an extra flight?” he spoke fairly quickly. Unusual.

Wait, a second ‘You know Lyss?’ I thought about it again. Does that mean he’s told Paul about me before?

“Friday night. Uh huh.” He carried on.

“Yes! Thanks Paul. See you soon… Yup… Bye!”

“Right well that’s that all sorted excuse me whilst I phone Niall” Harry continued to which I nodded.

“Niall! Hey buddy!” wow his tone changed to an extremely cheery one.

“Good mate. Heard we’re coming out on Friday.”

“Yeah, well I was wondering, do you think I could bring someone to the wedding?” he paused.

“Uh huh…” “Ah okay….” “Cool thanks bud, speak to you soon!” and with that he hung up. 

“So, you still want to come?” He smiled as I nodded at him. I did. I really did.

“Right, Paul is sorting you a flight on Friday evening, so you won’t miss any school. I don’t know how long we’ll be there for so pack a suitcase full! Oh and pack something for a wedding. I don’t know the technicalities and fine details of girls trying to pick an outfit, but just look wedding-y”

“Is that the technical term? Wedding-y.” I laughed at him. He nodded at me                                 “So I just have to tackle Mum now. Thanks Harry.”

“Its no problem!” he pulled a silly smile at me.  “Wow its 5:30 already, I should probably be going, need to cook dinner for me and Louis an all. He tried to cook lasagne the other night, kitchen was almost alight. See you soon” he got up from the sofa as did I and pulled me into a big bear hug, towering over me. Walking him over to the door, I double checked the clock 5:32. Where was Mum? Must’ve been some hair disaster, she’d been gone tow hours. “Bye Harry” I saw him out, and locked the door behind him.

*****

I hit the dial button.

“Hello?” Mya answered.

“Hey! Guess what!” I wanted to get straight to the point.

“What? Sorry Lyss I need to get to the bus stop I just came out of H&M!” I forgot she was still in school, I think she has double Spanish this afternoon, she must’ve gone shopping afterwards.

“Okay well talk to me while you’re walking there, I’ll make it quick.”

“I have news!” I practically squeaked at her. “So the boys have to fly out to Ireland for Niall’s cousin’s wedding on Saturday and he asked me along! He got Paul to book me a flight and everything.”

The response scream I got from Mya was a little more high pitched than I was expecting, forcing me to hold the phone away from my ear slightly.

“Oh Lyss! Aaaaaaaah.” She couldn’t formulate any words I don’t think. “Wow, you’re so lucky! Why did you tell me this when I was in public, you have no idea how many funny looks I just got.” She didn’t half make me laugh sometimes.

“Oh bus is here, look I’ll ring you later okay. About 8-ish after dancing, you can tell me all about it then. Byeee” and she was gone.

I hung up. Fifteen minutes later there was a knock on the door. Expecting it to be Mum, I jumped up remote in hand, went to the door, flicked the key around unlocking the door and half heartedly pushed down the handle to let her in. What I heard what not what I expected.

“Uhhh. Lyss?” a familiar voice giggled quietly, as I heard the door being pushed open. I swung around, remote up in front of me in case it was a murder. I don’t know, it was instinct okay? It wouldn’t be my weapon of choice.

“Woah.” Who I saw was Harry, standing in the doorway hands up, laughing. “Put down the remote and no one gets hurt” he winked at me.

“What are you doing back here?” I was confused. 

“Well. Louis must’ve gone out again before we got back, and he’s still not home, so I’m um, stranded. Can I please stay here until I can get hold of him”

I don’t know why I found it so funny, but I burst into laughter. “Of course you can” I waved him in. “Sit down”

Before I could say anything else, my phone started ringing “I’ve tried playing it cool, but girl when I’m looking at y-“ I cut Liam’s vocal off and answered seeing it was Mum on the caller ID.

“Hey darling are you okay?”

“Fine, thanks, you?”

“Yes I’m okay” she took a deep breath in and sighed “this has been a disaster, her hair has gone a funny colour and we’re having to try and strip the colour out and redo it. I could be here for at least another two hours.”

“Awh. Is there anything you want me to do?” I asked her.

“Well yes. I was supposed to pick your brother up from the school kids club at 6 but I’m not going to make it. Can you please go and get him on the bus; I’ll ring them and tell them you’ll be a little late. But I can’t just leave him stranded there.”

“Sure.” I told her.

“Got to go sweetie, thank you so much!”

“Bye mum, good luck!” I told her as she rung off. I feel sorry for her; this added stress is the last thing she needed. I looked at Harry as I’d forgotten he was still sitting to my right.

“Um. I have to go and pick up my brother from kids club, want to come on the bus ride?” I asked him. “You get to meet Marcus; he um likes to sing What Makes You beautiful from time to time.” I laughed.

“I’m sure it was his sisters’ influence” Harry glanced over cheekily. I’m sure meeting my 6 year old brother is the last thing he wanted but he agreed anyway.

“Come on, I’ll drive us there.” He told me assertively. I agreed and grabbed my bag and him his keys. We hopped into the car and Harry turned the radio on and switched it to Ed Sheeran - +. I recognised it from the first few bars of ‘Little Bird’ as it began.

“This okay?” he asked.

“Perfect.”

“I’ll start nicely” he chuckled to begin with but 30 minutes in we’d already been through family, pets, school, bad habits and embarrassing moments.

“Tell me about you then” that was the next question.

“Well, like what?” I didn’t know where to start.

“Anything. Random as you like.” he smiled, poised ready to listen.

“Okay well… You know I’m seventeen, a little crazy, my friends and I weren’t always the most popular but we had the most fun in our own little way. They tell me I’m a blonde airhead, but in a cute not annoying way. My nicknames at school were Wombat, Kinderegg and Malteaser. I’ll explain another time. FRIENDS and the Fresh Prince of Bel Air are my favourite all time shows. Every kind of music is my favourite, except techno/dance stuff, that drives me crazy. I don’t wear my heart on my sleeve, but I’m always the one my friends come to for a hug. I like to think I’m good at photography with my big SLR camera and all, but really that’s debatable. Also, I’m quite self critical, but hey lets not get too deep here. Apart from that I’m not really that interesting. Oh and I have an unhealthy obsession with comedy youtubers” That was pretty much a summary of my life.

“Interesting bio” he laughed. “Thats a lot of information to take in!”

“Hey you asked!” I laughed back at him, playfully hitting his knee, opposite mine.

“True I did”

He paused.

“Okay next one. Are you going to miss me when I go to Ireland?” why did he have to ask such a difficult question. I looked up at him, looked him right in the eye.

“Yes”

He looked a little taken aback, like that wasn’t supposed to be the answer.

“Why?” I wasn’t expecting him to ask that. “Why would you miss me?”

I took in a deep breath.

“Because I like you. You’re a nice person, and it’s been so bizarre but NICE to get to know you. For you. And when you come back, you’ll have to go back to London, and you’ll carry on living the amazing lifestyle you do, and probably forget all about me because I’m nobody special. There was me thinking that for once I might have actually been the lucky one, and crazily found a friend, someone I can rely on and someone who I think genuinely is accepting me for who I am, and happened to already be one of my favourite people before I even met you and I was crazy to thi-…” I stopped suddenly, my voice trailing off.

Shit shit shit shit shit.

What did I just say? Oh my god, please tell me I didn’t just say that out loud? No. There was a long silent pause, I daren’t look at him.

“Um….” I said after a while.

“Come.” He said interrupting me, making me look up at him instantly.

“What?” I asked confused.

His face lit up like I hadn’t seen it before. “Come to Ireland with us” 

I heard the front door slam and then a woman call out for Lyss. “Alyssa! Are you home?” she shouted. I kept quiet as I heard the clunk of keys hitting a hard surface in the kitchen. Taking out my phone I started to pretend to text to keep my head down. After a minute or two I heard the voice head upstairs so thinking I was safe I slipped by phone back into the front right pocket and took a look around. The living room was small but cosy. Opposite to me was a massive window looking out into the small close with around four other houses. Nothing exciting happening out there. Another sofa sat adjacent to me facing a large mirror making the chocolate brown carpet seem lighter and reflecting a large, beautiful painting of the New York City skyline that was hung on the opposite wall. This along with a few personalised touches of family photos and cute ornaments made it really nice and homey. As I was half appreciating the painting in a slight daydream my phone suddenly vibrated in my pocket. It was Lyss.

‘Hey. Mum is home, don’t worry she knows who you are but please say hi if she comes in to talk to you, and I’ll be down in a minute! x’

Brilliant. Oh I should be fine. Mum’s - they love me. Just as I put the phone away again, my knee involuntarily bouncing up and down, Lyss’ mum walked through the living room arch from the dining room. I stood up to greet her; it was only polite to do so.
“Hello Mrs…” I realised I didn’t know her last name. “Hello there I’m Harry” I didn’t know whether to shake her hand or whether that was a bit too formal. I kind of assumed she knew who I was but it would be rude not to introduce myself.

“Yes, so you are. Hello! How are you?”

“Good thank you, yourself?” I replied.

“Yes I’m okay thank you, busy day!” she said laying her shopping bag on the table and starting to empty its contents while appearing to search for something. Before I could respond she began…

“Harry” she looked up at me “I don’t mind at all, but why are you in my house?” she laughed.

“Um…” I began. “Well a few days ago I met Lyss on the bus, she notice who I was and…” her mum started to laugh.

“Oh I’m pretty sure she’d notice you a mile away! Anyway sorry carry on.”

I smiled at her “well I spoke to her until she got off, I bumped into her again that night at a gig and she’s a nice girl so I asked her to show me around town. And now I’ve locked myself out of my own house, so um I’m here” I finished saying quickly.

“I see” she pondered without saying anything else.

“I’m sorry…” I paused again not knowing her name.

“I’m Julia” she smiled at me, she sensed it.

“Well I’m sorry Julia, if I’m interrupting or troubling you I can leave.” I gestured towards the front door

“Oh no no no dear, you’re fine! Excuse me, it’s just this morning you were on my radio and now you’re on my sofa. It’s a little bizarre.” again she laughed but more nervously this time. I nodded not really knowing what to say. I guess I’d not thought of it like that.

“Sorry but what did you mean by she’d spot me a mile off” I asked, just curious.

Julia laughed at me “Well what I said. She’s huge fan! Posters everywhere, album always on, she watches interviews and videos, I often hear her laughing from upstairs! Oh and God knows what she says on these websites, twitter is it? She’ll probably kill me for saying that but yeah, she loves you boys.”

Taking it in I thought about it for a second. Lyss had been a little quiet around me but she never struck me as the typical ‘fangirl’ sort. So many of them walk up to us and scream and well, she just, didn’t. Made for a change. Before I got a chance to say anything a phone started ringing. Lyss’ mum rummaged under the pile of things frantically, grabbing a phone and answering.

“Hello?”

“Okay, I’ll be there asap. Bye” she hung up. Talk about short phonecall’s.

“Right” she looked back up at me “It was nice to meet you but I must go! Please tell Lyss I should be back soon”

“You too and I will” I smiled as she gathered her things together and headed for the door. Just as she did Lyss came running downstairs.

“Alright?” she beamed at both of us.

“We’re good” her mum looked from Lyss to me and then back to Lyss smiling. “Look sweetie I need to go to Pam’s, some sort of hair disaster with one of her clients, I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Lyss nodded.

“Okay bye Mum!”

“Bye” I smiled as she stepped outside closing the door gently behind her.

“So.” Awkward silence. “What now?” I asked her.

“I don’t know…” was her response.

“Right. Sit down” I told her. We both sat on the 3 seat sofa, Lyss with her legs crossed facing me and myself with my knees up facing her.

“I’d like to learn a little more about you, so lame as it sounds we’re going to play a game of truth.” We both smiled. I wasn’t sure if that was weird but I’m curious since I don’t know much about her, especially after what her Mum said, she’s quite hard to read.

“As long as I get to ask you some too” was her response to which I nodded.

After a second, she looked down and then me in the eye.

“Right, I’m ready. Shoot”

“um sooo” Harry started as I looked up at him. He looked down to the ground uncomfortably stretching his arm over the opposite shoulder.

“I don’t know what to say” I spoke bluntly “so you don’t have to either, it’s fine.” I looked over at the bustling market and then looked back at him.

He cheered up his tone and made a decision “Right c’mon we’re going to Starbucks, you must have one around here somewhere. You look like you need a tea or something” I nodded at him, forced on a smile and led him in the direction of the nearest Starbucks.
After ordering a my regular frappachino and Harry a mocha we waited in silence until they were made and we made our way upstairs, making a b-line for the comfortable sofa seats by the window in the corner. We sat in silence for a good few minutes; I looked over at Harry who was contentely staring out of the window. I didn’t know what to say. Eventually he looked at me. He opened his mouth to say something but was stopped by the ringing from his pocket. “Excuse me” he smiled at me. I nodded at him as he pressed the answer button. “Hey mate, what’s up?” …
“yeah good you?” …
“I’m with Lyss, what’s up?” he spoke quietly. He paused to let the other person speak for longer this time.
“Riiiight. Why?” again he paused for a long time.
“Okay, I’ll talk to you later. Bye!”
“Aaaaah” he sighed after hanging up.

“Everything okay?” I asked him.

“Yeah! It was Louis. He got a phone call from Niall a few minutes ago. We’re umm, we’re going to Ireland”

“Ah that’s nice. How come?” I was genuinely interested.

“Niall’s cousin is getting married and she needs us to play at the wedding, something about their original band had to cancel or something” I nodded in response. “We fly on Friday morning” he finished.
I just looked at him; stared at his face. Friday? That was two days away. In reality I knew this whole thing with Harry had to end, but I didn’t realise it would be so abruptly. Two days and he’ll be out of my life. It’s not like I’m special or worth sticking around for. We’ve met three times, that hardly makes us friends. Right?
“Lyss!” Harry waved a hand in front of my face and I realised I was still staring at him. “Snap out of it! Are you okay?” he laughed.

I jolted upright slightly at the motion of his hand in front of my face. “Uh-a yeah I’m fine. Sorry. What were you saying?” I shook my head.

“Nothing, I just mentioned we were going to Ireland. Paul’s calling me later with flight details. Aaaanyway! Should we get out of here?” he asked.

“Yeah, come on if you’re leaving in two days, I’ve got lots to show you!” I smiled as did he and we got up simultaneously.
Just as we walked out of Starbucks I heard a giggling to my left and then an almighty scream. Before I knew it, Harry was surrounded by about 5 girls, slightly younger than me I would say.
“Harry! … Oh my god it’s you! … Please can I have a photo?… Harry! Harry!” after that the words become muffled and disjointed, I just heard a group of ecstatic fangirls. Once I’d probably have been exactly the same. I stood aside not really knowing what to do and waited for Harry to do whatever he needed to do.
“GIRLS!” I eventually heard him ‘shout’ except it wasn’t really a shout. It was a Harry shout. They shut up immediately as I noticed more and more of the public had stated to stare our way. I heard more mumbling but couldn’t quite work out what he was saying to them. Soon he stumbled his way around them and smiled at me standing by my side.
“Just walk” he told me, so I set off towards the top of the street. I didn’t really know where to go; everything was in the other direction. I looked behind me after a few paces, only to see the girls walking briskly behind, following us down the street.

“Uh- Harry…”

“Yeah I know babe, keep walking.”

“Okay” I said slowly. “Why don’t you just give them a photo or what they want? They’ll leave you alone then right?”

By this time I decided a trip to Chapelfield gardens would be the best option right now so started to take Harry is that direction, turning the corner.
He looked over at me and laughed.

“Babe, I said hi, gave them a hug and then told them I was having a day off. They need to accept that. I want to spend some time with you!”

“Aw” I couldn’t help but grin.

“Yeah” he smiled at me again. He really seemed happy. He put his arm around my shoulder and pulled me towards him sideways, so I rested my head on his shoulder. We carried on walking like it for a second, but it was a little awkward so narrowly avoiding two old ladies with walking sticks I stood up straight and he dropped his arms putting his hands in his pockets.
 Suddenly I heard a squeal and a gasp from behind me. Turning round I saw the girls were still following and they looked PISSED OFF. I heard more mumbling and after a few seconds they crossed the road. Oh god. They think we’re together don’t they? Brilliant. Here come the rumours.
I will write about it in my diary later. ~Note to self~
Before I had a chance to think about it any more I felt spots of rain, which turned into proper raindrops, which within a few seconds turned into a torrential downpour. Quickly we ran into Chapelfield mall for cover as other office workers and women with  buggies were battling their way through the automatic doors. After going to Millie’s Cookies and back to the door it was still throwing it down.
Harry finished his mouthful of cookie and suggested “Well this is great for sightseeing” he chuckled to himself “I think I’m parked in here, I brought the car today, why don’t we go back to the cottage and have a cuppa? Sound good?”

“Sounds good” I assured him, nodding so we headed for the car park. As we found the right car park floor – floor B I couldn’t help but think it was a crazy. I was standing outside of Harry Styles’ car. His shiny black pristine Range Rover sat parked one space away from the old Renault Clio next to it. He automatically unlocked it from a distance and I climbed inside using the step because I’m too short, put on my seatbelt as we pulled away and began wondering how I ended up in Harry Styles’ car. Me. Harry Styles’ car. It baffles me.

The journey was quite with just the voices of the Radio One presenters in the background. Finally we broke the silence as we got out of the car at the cottage as a faint “Shit” came from Harry.

“Whats up?” I asked.

“So I think I forgot the key and Louis has the spare” he laughed. “Ummm”

I laughed back at him. “Come on, come to my house. Mum is at work and the brother is still at school.” He nodded and we headed back to the car.

After a few misinterpretations of my directions we eventually pulled up to my drive and I took out my keys. I stepped inside followed by Harry, walked down the corridor past the kitchen and directed him to the living room where he took a seat on the far left of the three seat sofa.

“Drink?” I offered.

“Sure! What do you have?”

“Eh the usual. Coke, Orange juice, squashes, tea, coffee…” I reeled off the list.

“I’ll go for a coke please”

“Sure, glass?” I asked even though I always drink mine from the can,

“Nah its fine thanks” he replied politely. I ventured into the kitchen and picked out two cans of coke from the back of the fridge and took them back through to the living room. Grabbing coasters I handed Harry his drink and put mine down.

“I’m just going to get changed!” I told him “Feel free to put something on the television” I told him handing the remote as he nodded. I ran up the stairs two at a time, going into my room and quickly changing from jeans to some denim shorts with leggings, and hunted for my ‘Boyce Avenue’ band tee which I found folded in a draw.

“Alyssa are you home?!” I heard Mum’s footsteps on the stairs.

“Yup in my bedroom!” I shouted back whilst reaching up into my wardrobe pulling down my black oversized cardigan.
She reached the door and pushed it open slightly, popping her head around the door  

“Alyssa, why is there a member of One Direction the living room?”

I’m not really sure what to do while Harry’s out. I’m not even sure where he is. There was nothing on TV and I don’t really know where I can drive to. Plus there’s always the chance I’ll get noticed. I love fans but I really need a normal day off today, you know what I mean?

Hmm.

I felt really weird, like I needed to just use some energy so I decided a trip to the gym might be just what I need. I ran up the stairs two at a time and went into my room. Somewhere I must’ve packed an old t-shirt and some shorts. Eventually I came across some in the bottom of the bag I brought all my clothes in. I obviously forgot to unpack them. I quickly changed and headed back down the stairs to turn on my laptop. After wading through a million google search results for the nearest gym in the city I finally found what looked like the best. It was the on campus sportspark of the nearest university around 30 minutes away. That’s fine by me.

I hopped in my Porsche just taking my phone, a £10 note and a bottle of water and set out to follow google map instructions. You can’t go wrong following Google. I hope.

After about 45 minutes and a few wrong turns here and there (no major disasters) I pulled up in the car park, locked up and headed in happy to have some downtime to myself. I walked through the automatic doors and made a b-line for the front desk. The lobby was massive, sign posted to different sporting facilities. Seemed fancy for a university. The walls were beige with thick black window frames and huge windows letting the sunlight stream in, making the room feel warmer than it should be. They had a café, a pool, main hall, gym, squash courts, everything you could ask for.

The woman on the main desk, smiling politely directed me to the men’s locker room for the gym area. Again the room was massive, with every piece of workout equipment you’d ever need; weights, running machines, cross-trainers and even arm bikes. I have a feeling I might be coming here more than once during my few days here.

*****

iPod in, I pushed the big green ‘START’ button and began to walk with the treadmill, increasing the speed slowly until I was at a comfortable running pace. Twenty minutes later I slowed up and came to a walk to cool down. I stepped off, taking a sip of water and headed for the floor mats to do some sit up and press ups.

I saw some girl out of the corner of my eye staring at me. I think she was a member of staff, can’t have been more than 17/18. I’ve been spotted. I tried not to make it obvious and soon enough I noticed she’d gone. Thinking I was safe I carried on, until I heard a “LOUIS! How’s the gym?” luckily I was one of about five people there and the rest were middle aged men obviously trying to get fit in their breaks from work before the kids come home. I laughed knowing where she was going with this.

“I like Jim” I looked over and nodded at her smiling.

“Who’s Jim?” she giggled back at me.

“What?! Not Jim, he’s a different guy. I like THE gym” I put on a stupid voice.

“Love you Louis!” she shouted and then carried on walking, laughing to herself after nodding in my direction.

That was nice, maybe some people can actually accept that I don’t want to be photographed 24/7 or screamed at. I might try and find her just for a high five on the way out.

Time passed quickly after that. I felt good, doing something to use my energy. I decided to finish with another twenty minute run and then I’ll go home and take a shower. Just as I set up the timer and speed for the treadmill once again two teenage girls walked through the door. One, short and brunette, wearing small denim shorts and a light tie-dye tank top. The other was tall and blonde, full face of make up and in a strapless white summer dress. They were not dressed for a workout. I had my suspicions but maybe I was jumping to conclusions so I carried on running. Eventually after huddling in the corner for a few minutes I watched them approach the girl who had spoken to me earlier, pointed vaguely in my direction and then see them shake their heads, turn on their heels and storm out of the gym.

“Bitch” one of them muttered on the way past.

I slowed the treadmill to a stop, stepped off and approached the girl.

“Sorry to take a minute of your time love, but they weren’t bothering you were they? They seemed a little pissed off for want of a better word” I asked her.

“Um…” She stuttered in what seemed like shock. “N- no. They were just asking about you actually.”

“I thought” I muttered looking down and then back at her “Well what did they want to know?”

“Um, just if I could stop you and ask you to take a few photos on your way out. But I told them no. I mean, you’re on holiday right? I didn’t think you’d want to, or I didn’t want to make the decision for you. I’m sorry if that makes you mad” she spoke quickly and quietly looking down. I nudged her chin up with my hand so she was looking at me and smiled. She seemed a little more at ease. 

Remembering what the girls had muttered on the way past I looked straight at her and told her “Thank you. It is my day off, and I don’t exactly look ready to take photos!” I laughed as she did nervously.

“Well then you’re welcome. Sorry for shouting at you earlier, I just wanted to say hi without disturbing you because I understand you need time to yourself”

“Yeah. No its just fine, you weren’t all in my face, it was nice. I don’t mind sometimes you know, you work here; those girls came in all dressed up for a summers day at the beach, know what I mean?” She nodded and I carried on. “Well I must go, but it was nice to meet you. I’ll be back during the week” I winked at her.

She smiled and said “Well thanks; it was nice to meet you anyway. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me!”

I wasn’t quite sure what she meant but I went with it. “Goodbye!” I said cheerily as did she and I turned to walk back to the locker room. I saw the girls to my left but they were sitting on the floor looking at their phones. I managed to quickly grab my phone and money and slip past the girls without them noticing and jump back into my car. I’ve had a few strange fan instances recently…

*****

I locked the front door behind me and took off my shirt. I was so hot. Running upstairs I threw the shirt on my bed before heading straight for the shower. A while later, I was showered, changed and feeling much better. 2pm. I doubt there’ll be much on the television but I switched it on anyway, but just as I did, my phone started ringing. The caller ID flashed ‘Niall Calling’

“Niall!” I answered cheerily.

“Hey mate, what you up t?” his accent had gotten a little stronger again. It always does when he comes home.

“Just got back from the gym, some crazy girls came in dressed like it was a nightclub but apart from that just chilling, it’s nice having time off. What about you?”

“Just sitting at home, just had lunch but I’ve got to go and get my suit fitted for giving my cousin away later” he replied. His uncle had died a few years ago and although he won’t admit it he was overwhelmed when Katie asked him to give her away instead. Cutie.

“Anyway” he continued “We’ve hit a bit of a crisis, and Katie needs us to perform, I’ve asked Liam and Zayn and they’re happy to fly over. Whatdya think?”

“Aw of course I’ll come out mate! I’ll speak to Harry when he gets back”

“Alri! brilliant” Niall started, he seemed so happy “Paul is sorting out some flights for Friday morning so I’m sure he’ll be in contact soon, I’ll text you later”

“Okay, bye bud”

“Bye Louis!” Niall’s voice trailed off and he hung up.

Well so much for our time off. I guess we should be working anyway. Im so excited! We all love going to see Niall’s family, Mummy Horan always takes good care of us anyway. I couldn’t wait until Harry gets home, mostly because I had no idea when that was going to be so I found his number in my contacts and hit dial.

“Hey, what’s up?” he answered after three short rings.

“Not much, where are you?” I asked him.

“I’m in town, with Lyss. What’s up?” he sounded a little weird.

“Harry when you get home, pack your bags. We’re going to Ireland.”