The Girl with the Purpled Streaked Hair

"You'll do it?" Lori asked with a wide smile. "You'll actually talk like an American during your entire interview?"
Lori and Harry were sat on the couch, paying no attention to what was on the TV. Harry's head rested on Lori's lap while she played aimlessly with his soft chestnut curls. She had begged him to call his driver to drive them from her house the second she saw her mom wasn't watching them anymore. During the drive she had apologized over and over again about her mom barging in on them, but Harry just laughed and told her not to worry about it. They had ordered a pizza from room service and it was on the table, half finished.
"I'll only do it if you speak in a British accent the next time you're in England."
"When will that be?"
"Halloween. If you're not going to Niall's party you have to come for Halloween."
"You've go yourself a deal."
"What do you think you want to be for Halloween?"
"I'm not sure," Lori shrugged.
"Come on, Halloween is the only night you get to be anything you want to be. What's the one thing you've always wanted to be?"
"I dunno, probably something shocking or maybe unexpected. I've got a month to figure it out. What do you think you're going to be?"
"Good question. Maybe a rapper or a glow stick; something that contributes to society." Lori laughed and yawned. "Is someone up past her bedtime?" Harry teased.
"Ha-ha, you're so clever. I guess that nap wasn't much help."
"Do you want to go to bed?"
"Would I be a dork if I said yes?"
"I guess we're both dorks because I'm tired too. Maybe all the pizza got rid of my energy."
Harry rolled off Lori and smiled up at her as if laying on the floor was totally normal. Lori smiled and shook her head before lowering herself to the floor next to him. They turned their heads toward each other and smiled gently.
"You really are a dork," Lori said matter-of-factly.
"I'm dorkalicious," Harry smiled, making Lori burst out laughing and rolling into him.
Harry got up from the floor and pulled Lori up from her hands. They walked into the bedroom and Harry grabbed some clothes from his luggage. He turned around to face Lori and showed her the clothes in his hand.
"I only packed for one night so shirt or trousers? Or we could just sleep without clothes," he added with a cheeky smile.
"Sorry Styles, not going to happen," Lori said as she took the t-shirt from his hand.
She replaced her tank top with his shirt and shimmied out of her jeans as Harry took off his shirt and pants. He put on the sweat pants and looked Lori over, enjoying seeing her in his clothes. His t-shirt stopped in the middle of her thigh, showing off her slender legs. They crawled into bed and Harry held Lori close, engulfing her in his arms. She rested her head on his chest and they drifted off into another deep sleep.
In the middle of the night Harry began to stir and muttering in his sleep. His movements woke Lori up and she saw fear etched onto his face. She thought he looked like a scared child with his eyebrows furrowed and his lips in a small frown. Lori gently tried to shake him awake.
"Harry, Harry wake up."
He only began to move around more, turning as if trying to shake Lori off. His voice grew louder, making it easier for Lori to understand him.
"N-No! Don't, stop. Wait, plea-"
Harry bolted upright, covered in a cold sweat, his breathing was heavy, and his eyes were wide with terror. Lori softly rubbed his arm and he quickly turned toward her as if just remembering that she was with him. She saw his eyes become calmer and his breathing began to slow down, but he was still shaking.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah. Y-Yeah, it was just a bad dream; I'm fine."
Lori moved his messy curls out of his face and held his cheek. She looked into his eyes, trying to see if he really was fine. When she realized she he was telling the truth she removed her hand.
"What was it about?"
"I-I don't really remember. I think we both were there and there was like a huge crowd, but then everyone started to scream and freak out. We got separated and I couldn't find you, but I could hear you scream. You yelled for me, but I couldn't see you; it was horrible."
"It's okay, like you said, it was just a nightmare. I'm right here," Lori added with a small smile.
"It was so real," Harry muttered, more to himself than to Lori.
"We don't have to go back to bed if you don't want to. We can just stay up and talk or whatever you want to do."
"Don't take this the wrong way," Harry said, avoiding Lori's gaze. "but I don't like having you in my dreams. W-Wait that came out wrong," Harry said quickly, looking up to see Lori confused and slightly hurt. "No, don't be upset! It's just like- It's just I don't like comparing you to dreams because you wake up and that's it, the dream ends and I don't ever want this to end."
Harry looked at Lori, hoping she wasn't hurt by his poor choice of words. Usually he was good with words and careful about what he said because of all the interviews, but Lori always made him stumble with his words. There was something about her that just made his mind go blank. His worry went away as he saw a smile grow on her face.
Lori liked seeing him fumble with his words, it made him seem more normal; more human. The media hardly showed that side of him. All everyone ever saw was Harry Styles, the pop star, the member of One Direction, the womanizer. They only saw what the media made him out to be, not the beautiful, kind, funny, sweet Lori knew.
"You're so cute when you get flustered," Lori said before leaning over and giving him a kiss. "I don't want this to end either," she said softly.
They stared at each for a few moments, each of the thinking of two totally different things. Lori thought of how her life would be like if she hadn't met Harry, how boring it would be, and how there would be less meaning in it if he wasn't with her. Harry thought of their future together. He thought of her moving to England, waking up next to her every morning, maybe having kids with her one day. He knew they hadn't been dating very long, thinking of them getting married so soon frightened Harry and yet he still enjoyed thinking of their potential future together. Suddenly his eyebrows furrowed and his lips formed a small pout, making Lori confused.
"I'm not cute," he whined. "I'm a very manly, macho male."
"Whatever you say, macho man," Lori chuckled.
"I think I can go back to bed now," Harry said before kissing Lori's soft lips and laying back down.
He pulled her back down into the warm comforters and held her against his body. Having Lori with him made things easier. She saw him and understood him in a way no one else did. Her even breathing made falling asleep easy for Harry.
***
An alarm in the morning is probably the most annoying sound in the entire world. A groan slipped past Harry's lips as he reached for his phone to turn off the blaring alarm. His eyes slowly opened and adjusted to the sunlight coming through the window. Lori began to stir and Harry smiled, loving the fact that she was the first thing he saw when he woke up.
"Good morning," he said, his deep voice still raspy.
"Hi there. What time is it?" Lori asked, removing her hand from Harry's bare chest to rub her tired eyes.
"Eight-thirty. We have to leave for the airport in an hour. We have to relax though, I'm already packed. Any ideas for breakfast? There's a buffet downstairs if you want to check that out."
"Sounds good to me. Let me just brush my teeth and get dressed."
"You haven't got a toothbrush. How do you plan to brush your teeth?"
"Finger," Lori said as if it was obvious.
Harry laughed and shook his head. Lori slipped out of the bed and picked up her jeans from the floor. As she put them on Harry pulled a t-shirt over his head. After Lori finished brushing her teeth they headed down to the lobby and got in line for food. Once their plates were filled they decided to eat breakfast downstairs. There weren't many people around, but a few girls came up to them and sat with them while they all talked over breakfast. After they finished they headed back upstairs to their room.
"Alright, we have forty minutes until we have to leave for the airport and I've already called a cab to pick us up at nine-thirty. What shall we do for forty minutes?"
The mischievousness in Harry's voice made Lori bite her lower lip nervously. He leaned down and gently pressed his lips against hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing her body closer to his, and they slowly moved to the bed. Harry sucked on Lori's lower lip as they laid down on the bed. Lori lifted his shirt over his head and let it fall to the floor. Her fingers slowly brought his sweatpants down his legs until they accompanied his shirt on the floor. Harry pulled Lori's shirt over her head and softly pressed his fingertips into her bare hips. He rolled them over to Lori was underneath him and he sucked on the sensitive skin just below her ear. She moaned as his tongue glided over her skin. Harry slowly sucked down her neck until he got to her collar bone. Lori tangled her hands in his curls and pulled slightly, emitting a throaty growl from him. He pressed himself down on Lori, slowly grinding his hips into hers. A gasp slipped past Lori's lips as Harry's teeth grazed her skin. He smirked, enjoying the responses he got from her. Lori rolled them over so she was back on top. Hesitantly, she lowered her hand to his clothed erection and began to palm him through his boxers. He groaned at her touch and she smiled, knowing that she could make Harry feel as good as he made her feel. Her name came out of is mouth in short gasps. His groans vibrated through her lips as she sucked on his neck, a vein making itself visible. "Harder," he groaned.
Lori applied more pressure to his hard member as she continued to suck on his warm skin harshly. Harry's hips jerked up to her touch. Warm liquid began to seep through the fabric of his black boxers. Hearing her name emit from Harry's mouth only encouraged Lori as she pressed even harder and moaned into his skin. Her vibrations sent Harry over the edge and he released into his boxers, pleasure shooting through his body. Lori grazed her teeth against his skin, increasing the pleasure that was already consuming his body. She finally disconnected her mouth from his neck to look at him and saw serenity etched across his face. His chest rose up and down quickly and Lori silently prided herself. The entire time she didn't really know what she was doing, she just wanted to pleasure Harry and went with her instincts. His eyes fluttered open and he smiled at her.
"That was a pleasant surprise," he breathed out as he sat up, his back leaning against the headboard.
Lori shrugged. "I guess I just wanted you to have something to remember me by before you left."
Harry burst out laughing and kissed Lori's forehead. He got off the bed and grabbed a pair of clean boxers from his suitcase. As he changed in the bathroom Lori put her old tank top back on and checked her phone which was nearly dead. Christine had texted, but that was it. Harry came out of the bathroom and changed into a t-shirt and jeans. The room phone began to ring and Harry was the one to answer it.
"Hello?.. Alright thank you." He hung up the phone and turned to Lori. "Cab's here."
***
Fans' screams seemed so far away to Lori. While they waited for Harry's flight to call for passengers they were in a little store buying snacks. Harry snuck up behind Lori and snaked his arms around her waist, making her jump, but without even turning around she knew who it was. He rested his head on her shoulder and looked over the colorful packets of food.
"Anything catch your eye?" Harry asked.
"I'm not very hungry, the breakfast at the hotel was pretty big."
"You wouldn't know," Harry smirked. "You barely had any food."
"I had food! I had a banana-"
"Yeah, but I ate half of that," Harry pointed out.
"I also had coffee and a bowl of cereal and I took a bite of your waffle. See I had a big breakfast."
"I still see you eyeing those M&M's."
Lori's eyes flickered over at the blue packet of pretzel M&M's and Harry reached over her shoulder to grab them. They walked over to the cashier to pay for them and Lori handed the guy a five dollar bill for her M&M's, Harry's bottle of water, and his container of grapes. The guy behind the counter smiled at Lori as he handed her back her change.
"Have a good flight," he said.
"Thanks," Lori smiled before turning around and walking out of the store. "Here are your grapes. Can I pretty please have a sip of your water?"
"Sure." The speaker overhead called for the passengers of Harry's flight, making the corners of his mouth turn downwards.
"What?" Lori questioned, pulling the bottle from her lips. "They can't be calling you for boarding now, it's too early."
She looked at a clock on the wall and realized it was time for Harry to board his flight. Reluctantly she handed him back his water bottle and was pulled into his body. Her arms clung around his torso and she rested her head on his chest. He kissed the top of her head and held her tighter.
"Don't worry, we just have to wait until Halloween. Until then I'll call you every day and we'll text and video chat; it'll be like I never left."
Lori looked up at Harry and gave him a brave smile just so he wouldn't worry, but on the inside she was dying from how much she was going to miss him. He leaned down and gently pressed his lips to hers, cherishing their last moment together. When they both reluctantly separated he picked up his bag and headed for the gate. It was like all the fans, all the people in the airport, the entire world had gone silent as Harry walked away. He looked back one more time and gave Lori a small smile. She smiled right back and gave him a little wave before he continued to walk away. Once he was gone she let out a disappointed sigh.
"Don't worry," Lori thought to herself. "You'll see each other again."
***
Silence occupied the house when Lori entered through the front door. No one was home which wasn't a surprise. After cleaning up the house a little Lori quickly took a shower and got dressed because Christine was going to get her so they could hang out before Lori had to go to work in the book store. She slid on a pair of ripped up jeans and a Hunger Games t-shirt before tying up her shoes. Too lazy to blow dry her hair, Lori put it in a high ponytail and just added some cover up and eyeliner. She checked her charging phone and sat on the couch, waiting for Christine. Before she could turn on the TV she heard a noise come from the kitchen and jumped when her mom walked into the living room.
"When did you get home?" they both asked at the same time.
"Just now," Lori's mom answered.
"About twenty minutes ago. Why are you home so early?"
"My boss let me go home early today."
Neither of them said anything for a moment, unsure of what else to say to one another. Her mother's eyes looked into the bottom of the beer bottle she was holding. Lori expected her mother to walk back into the kitchen, but was surprised to hear her speak again.
"Lori," she said slowly, her eyes still on the half empty bottle. "who was that Harry boy you were with yesterday?"
"H-He's my boyfriend," Lori answered quietly, shocked that her mother had brought up the subject. They hardly ever talked much less talked about the boys in Lori's life or the lack of boys that is.
"He's very handsome," her mother said sheepishly, gently smiling at her daughter.
"Um, yeah, I-I think so too." Lori was more than uncomfortable.
"It looks like he cares about you a lot. I-Is he good to you?"
Every word that came out of her mom's mouth surprised Lori. Talking wasn't common between them, mostly because Lori thought her mom hated her, but hearing her ask how Harry treated her started to change her mind. Was she sincerely concerned for her safety? Did she not want her daughter making the same mistakes she did when she was her age?
"Harry's very good to me. He's kind and sweet and takes care of me."
"Good," she said, nodding her head slowly before going retreating back into the kitchen.
Christine honked her car horn and Lori picked up her phone before heading outside.
"Hey!" Christine greeted as Lori got in.
"Hey yourself. How have you been?"
"I've been really great, college classes aren't too bad. How have you been? How's that talk thing you do? You know, the talk for depressed teens?"
"It's been going good. So where are we going?"
"We are getting food. I'm starving! Anywhere specific you want to go to?"
"Nah, you can pick."
"Red Robin's here we come! So what have you been doing for the past few days?"
"I've been working at the book store while Martha's in the hospital."
"Martha's in the hospital?!" Christine turned toward Lori, he eyes wide with shock.
"Keep your eyes on the road!" Lori shouted in terror and Christine did as Lori said. "Didn't I tell you Martha was in the hospital?"
"No! What happened?"
"She had a stroke while she was working in the book store and Bill called the hospital. She's been in for a few days, but she'll be out tomorrow. She's really lucky that she won't be effected, but the doctor said she'll definitely be weaker."
"Oh my God, that's awful. Next time you see her tell her I hope she gets better soon."
The girls got out of the car and walked into the busy restaurant. A girl about their age seated them at a booth near the back and handed them menus. After the waitress wrote down their orders the girls' eyes scanned over the menu.
"So I heard Harry came to visit you," Christine said, her eyes still on the menu.
"Whoever your source is they're very accurate. How'd you know?"
"Never underestimate a teenage girl's obsession and Twitter," Christine said with a mischievous smile. "I'm telling you, directioners all around the world know your name. Your famous now."
"No," Lori moaned as she leaned her head on the table for a moment. "I don't like the attention and I certainly don't want it. Why is being the girlfriend of Harry Styles make me famous? If I'm going to be known I at least want to be known for contributing good to the world."
"If you want to do something then do it. You have the world's attention use it for whatever you want."
"I want to use it for something good like a charity or I dunno just some way to help people."
Just then their waitress appeared and handed each of them their drinks. She took out a small notepad and a pen.
"Have you ladies decided what you want to order?" she asked with an obvious fake smile.
"I'll have the Chicken Caesar salad," Christine said.
"I'll have the mac n' cheese."
Their menus were taken away and Christine looked back at Lori.
"So, since we're on the topic of you and Harry, how was your guys' day together?"
"Pretty chill. We didn't really do much. It's actually pretty weird. My mom walked in on us-"
"Making out?" Christine suggested, a teasing look in her eye.
"Dancing," Lori said. "After I introduced them we went back to his hotel. When I came back to my house today-"
"You spent the night?!" Christine exclaimed in excitement.
"Hush up you psycho!" Lori loudly whispered, her face turning a deep shade of red. "I've got to get you to be more patient. Yeah, I spent the night, but that's not the point. The point is when I got home my mom started asking me about Harry."
"What'd she ask?" Christine asked.
"If he was my boyfriend. And..." Lori trailed off, her eyes no longer meeting Christine's.
"What?" Christine urged, curious as to what Lori was hiding.
"She asked me how he was treating me," Lori said quietly.
"Maybe she's concerned for you or something," Christine offered as their meals were put down in front of them.
"We never talk. Why would she suddenly care?" Lori asked before putting a spoonful of cheesy goodness into her mouth.
"She's your mom, why wouldn't she care?"
"Because she hasn't cared for eighteen years. I think she just feels guilty," Lori added, more to herself than to Christine.
"Guilty about what?"
"Nothing, I was just thinking out loud."
"Tell me," Christine urged. "What would she feel guilty about? Not being there for you?"
"In a sense I guess you could say that. I just think she's starting to feel guilty for not ever standing up to my dad when he'd you know, go on one of his rampages."
Christine didn't seem satisfied, but she left it alone. Lori still couldn't get over her and her mother's last conversation. It was true that whenever her dad would get drunk and enraged her mother was only loud if they fought verbally, but when he hit her or Lori she was silent. Neither of them got hit too often, just a few times a month, but Lori's mother was the one who got it the most. Lori learned at a young age that she should just hide whenever her parents would start to scream. She didn't want anymore bruises or yelling or tears. Being invisible was her only armor.

Notes