Let's Be Alone Together

Mᴇʟᴏᴅʏ

After the interview, the boys and I drove to lunch. We didn't get back to the house until about 3. For some reason, the minute I got there, I was exhausted. I didn't want to do anything; I just wanted to lay down and sleep. Unfortunately, Niall made that impossible.
"Hey! Mel!" He came running down the stairs to intercept me in the hallway. I glanced up suddenly, surprised at his appearance.
"Uh... yeah?" I replied, raising an eyebrow.
He grinned, "I can do that too, you know." He said as he quirked one eyebrow up.
I couldn't help a smile from crossing my face. "Okay, get to the point!" I shoved him lightly by the shoulder.
"Alright, alright." He paused, dramatically holding up his hands, "I can't find that leftover chicken from a few days ago."
I rolled my eyes. "That's because there weren't any leftovers. You ate it all, you pig." I teased lightly.
Niall swore under his breath, and then sighed before walking away. "I'll just eat the pizza then." He called on his way to the kitchen, and I shook my head a little as I turned to walk back up the stairs, in need of a shower.
The door to the bathroom was open, but I knocked just in case, since the light was on. When no one responded, I walked inside and called out into the hallway, "I'll be in the shower!" I hoped one of them heard, so they would know not to walk in. The bathroom door, for some inconvenient reason, did not have a lock.
"Sure thing, Mel. I'll make sure no one walks in on ya," Zayn poked his head out of his room down the hall and gave me a quick, sheepish grin.
I returned it best I could before shutting the door, leaving myself with the silence.
I peeled off my dirtied, ratty clothes and took a whiff. Near gagging, I wondered how the boys tolerated it this long. I found some nice-smelling air-freshener and sprayed it all over my clothes, turned on the venting systems, and then lay the clothes out on the counter before stepping into the hot shower.
I don't know how much time I spent soaping off my rough, dry skin; peeling away months' worth of grime and sweat. It took even longer with my hair. I went through several rounds of rubbing citrus-scented shampoo all through my scalp, rinsing, and repeating. Eventually, I finished off with the conditioner and turned the water off.
After drying off most of my clean, glowing skin, I bundled my hair into the towel and changed back into my clothes. They felt even worse after I'd showered. Ugh. I needed new ones, but I so didn't want to ask. Awkward. Louis was the only one who knew I couldn't afford another pair of clothes... how was I going to explain?
I slowly opened the door and walked swiftly across the hallway to my own room, shutting the door behind me again. Then I noticed the bundle of cloth on the bed.
I made my way over. Clothes. I held them up to my body. Sure enough, they looked like a perfect fit. I was yanking the dark blue jeans on when I noticed a note stuck to the knee. Peeling it off, I read it and smiled.

Figured you could use a fresh outfit. Don't be shy to ask next time.
--Lou ツ
They were simple clothes; just some dark blue jeans, a red cotton V-neck shirt, and a soft gray hoodie, similar to the one I already had. I smiled to myself. He knew my clothing taste better than my mother already. As I put them on, they felt both comfortable and fresh. I bundled up my old clothes and threw them in the corner, deciding to worry about them later.
I grabbed a promising book off the shelf next to the door and tip-toed down the stairs. Settling myself into a tall armchair, I sank back into the cushion and opened the book, my hair still damply cascading down my shoulders.
Hood off.

Notes

GUYS!
I MISSED YOU ALL SO MUCH!
Sorry I haven't been on in like 3 months. I have no idea how long it's been, but it's been too long!
Those of you still subbed? Woah. You're cool.
Those of you seeing me for the first time? Woah. You're cool.

Thanks loves.
xx
~MM