Loose Change (Harry Styles) [BOOK 2]

Jane’s POV:
“Where the hell have you been!?” Katherine screams as she practically tackles me as I walk in.
I try to balance myself as she let’s go.
“I’m sorry I just lost track of time.” I say.
“Well your father has been worried sick about you!” She states.
I feel my eyes widen.
“He didn’t look for me or anything right? He’s still here?” I ask frantically.
“Don’t worry, he’s still here. He was about to search the whole town, but I told him that he should just wait a while longer. You know, just in case you would show up again.”
I feel my whole body calm.
“Thank you so much Kat. Do you happen to know where he is?”
She looks up, trying to think.
“I think he’s in his bed.” She replies unsure.
I give her a soft smile and a hug.
“Thanks.”
She responds with a smile and I walk away, in search of my father.
“Dad?” I ask as I walk in the room that is suffocated with beds.
“Jane?!”
I see my very concerned dad run up to me and hug me tight.
When he pulls away I see how his face is soaked and his black hair is very messy looking.
I feel my heart break and I hug him again.
“I’m sorry daddy. I didn’t mean to worry you.” I whisper.
He kisses the top of my head.
“Never do that again. Where we’re you? Did anything happen?” He quickly pulls away once again, and begins to scan my body for any injuries.
“No, I’m fine. I was just caught up in a drawing, and I guess I lost track of time. Sorry.”
He looks at me confused and grabs the sketch book out of my grasp. He begins to stare at it with one raised eyebrow.
“I thought you said it fell in the water.” He states as his light brown eyes meet mine again.
I feel myself redden. Oh no… What do I say?
“Um, Katherine bought me a new one and gave it to me this morning.”
I praise myself. I really hope he doesn’t ask Katherine about it.
He looks back down at the book before looking at me again.
“Well that was nice of her.” He says a little saddened.
Even though my father loves me and likes it when I’m happy, I can tell he doesn’t like it when people give me things. I don’t know if it’s because of a ‘pride’ thing or because he feels bad that he can’t get me things. I think it’s the second reason, more than anything.
He hands me back my sketch book.
“Dad..” I begin to say.
He notices my concern and quickly smiles.
“I’m glad you have a sketch book. I see how happy you get when you draw.” He states.
I respond with a smile and I kiss his cheek.
“By the way, when am I finally going to get the honor to see these beautiful drawings?” he asks.
No one has seen any of my drawings besides me… and Harry. I suddenly feel saddened, but I quickly hide it. I don’t want to make my dad even more stressed than he already is.
“One day.” I simply state.
“Well I can’t wait till that day then.”
I don’t want anyone to see any of my drawings because some of them are quite personal to me. Ya Harry saw my sketchbook, but I’m guessing he didn’t see the ones all the way at the end. I skipped about eighty blank pages and began drawing many ‘deep’ drawings toward the end.
I nod my head and he begins to fix his hair.
“Dad… when are we going to leave?” I ask.
“After lunch.” He retorts.
“Where this time?”
“Well, I was thinking the mall again. We got a good amount last time.”
“Okay.”
Today is Tuesday, which means that tomorrow we’re going to have to leave the shelter. My father doesn’t like depending on people for food and money so from Wednesday through Sunday, we walk to wealthy places in town and ask for money. It’s a little embarrassing, especially due to all the glares I receive, but I do it for my dad. We usually sleep in either a bus stop bench or a gas station bathroom. I prefer the bathrooms, because they’re warmer and they have toilets.
I usually just draw as I wait for people to approach me. It helps me pass the time.
If it wasn’t for me, he probably would just do ‘this’ every day. The only reason we even go back to the shelter on Monday and Tuesday is because of me. I like sleeping in an actual bed from time to time and he respects that.
After Lunch
“Do you have your jacket?” My dad asks.
I nod my head and show him the jacket in my hands.
“Okay, well say your goodbyes and let’s go.” He adds.
I respond with a forced smile and begin to look for Katherine.
“Katherine!” I yell.
She spins around and smiles.
I walk up to her and give her a tight hug.
“See you on Monday.” I say.
She lets go and looks at me concerned.
“Are you going to be okay until then?” She asks.
I nod my head.
“Ya I’ll be fine.”
“Are you sure? Ever since Carly left, I have an empty room in my apartment. You can stay if you want, I’m s-“
“I’ll be fine Katherine. Thank you for your offer though. But I’ll be fine, as long as I’m with my dad.” I reply.
She gives me a doubtful smile and another hug.
“If anything happens, you can come to me okay?” She whispers.
“Yes and thank you for that.” I retort.
We both pull away and I wave once more, before walking out with my dad.
…
“Are we almost there?” I ask my dad.
“Ya, it’s just around the corner.” He responds while continuing to look forward.
I sigh.
We stop in our tracks when we reach a cross walk. I really hate walking, and we’ve been walking for about a half hour.
A woman dressed in an overpriced fur sweater walks passed me and snickers as she observes my appearance. I roll my eyes and ignore her.
I hate coming to this part of town, because everyone always thinks there better than everyone else. It disgusts as well as aggravates me.
“Can at least one car let us pass?” I complain.
“Patience Jane. It’s almost our turn to walk.” He comments.
I roll my eyes and cheer to myself as the cars begin to stop.
Finally.
As we begin to walk past the intersection, I spot a huge white building. The mall.
Great. We’re almost there. I can’t wait to get criticized and insulted by random snobs.
When we reach the front of the mall I begin to see people staring at my father and I. I don’t understand why they always do that, I mean ya I’m not as well dressed as them, but I’m a human being not an alien.
My father taps me on my shoulder and I turn around to face him.
“Okay so you stay here in the front of that store over there-“
He points to a store all the way at the right that’s called Chanel
“And I’ll be by the bistros at the back, okay?” he adds.
I nod my head and he kisses the top of it.
“Be safe, okay?” he says.
“You too.” I whisper.
He gives me a slight smile and walks off, leaving me alone.
I hold my sketch book and jacket closer to my chest and I slowly begin to walk towards the store.
When I reach the store, I walk far to the right of it and I sit down on the floor. Maybe they won’t kick us out this time?
I chuckle at my own ignorant thoughts. Ya right.
I grab a little jar from the pocket of my jacket and I place it in front of me. The jar has a label stuck to it that says: ‘Hungry, anything will be much appreciated.’
I feel myself redden from embarrassment as I read it to myself. I hate this, it’s utter humiliation but I need to suck it up for my father.
I take a deep breath and I begin to hold my jar out as people walk past me.
Some people have faces of pity as they pass me, while others look at me in disgust. To be honest I prefer the ones of disgust. I despise people pitying me.
“Thank you.” I say as an elderly man with a mahogany cane hands me a five dollar bill.
He gives me a soft smile and I mirror his expression.
A middle aged woman and her mother I’m guessing begin to converse in front of me while sipping there cups of coffee.
“Oh mother do you think he’ll really like it?” The younger woman says.
I was right.
I look down on the floor so they won’t suspect anything. I have nothing to do, so sometimes I eaves drop in conversations. Sometimes I feel as if they’re talking to me and I mentally give my opinion. I guess it’s like a little game.
“Sweetie, it’s a real leather watch imported from Germany. If he doesn’t want it, then I’ll be glad to take it for myself.”
I can’t help but chuckle at her mother’s response. The women both turn there gazes to me and the elderly one scowls at me. Oh, I think they heard me.
“Why don’t you mind your own business?” The woman’s mother says as she approaches me.
“Mother!” the younger ones says as she grabs her mother’s arm.
“I apologize.” She says.
I nod my head a little and look back down at my sketch book as they walk away.
I hate people.
I open to an empty page and I begin to draw a watch. I wish I could buy one for my father. He used to love watches. He always got excited when someone would ask him the time. It was quite amusing to see, he always reacted like a happy small child.
“One day.” I whisper to myself.
I continue to shade in the detail of the watch and I begin to hear new voices.
“Oh my gosh I can’t believe they’re actually here!” I hear a young girl say.
I hear an excited high pitched squeal and I look up confused. There are two girls who look around fourteen and next to them is a tall older woman holding a handful of shopping bags. The taller little girl has dark brown hair, while the other one has a lighter shade in a neat ponytail.
“Mom can we please go?!” the ponytail girl pleads.
“Honey, we have to go back home. Your grandparents are coming for dinner and I have to clean.” Their mother says.
Both of the girls groan.
“Mom it’s One Direction! Anyways the studio is only a few blocks away! Please!” The ponytail girl continues.
“Ya mom please! They’re recording there new album and everyone is going to be there. Michelle’s mom is letting her go!” The taller girl adds.
Who’s One Direction?
Pony tail turns to me wide eyed.
“You don’t know who One Direction is?!” She says shocked.
Why is she talking to me? Wait did I say that out loud? I really have to stop speaking my thoughts.
I shake my head, unsure how to respond.
Her sister, I’m guessing, walks up to me as well with her mouth wide open.
“They are kind of the most amazing and hottest boys in the world!” The taller one states.
I’m guessing they’re some band.
“How do you not know about them!?” She continues to speak to me.
Before I can answer they’re mother grabs them both by their wrists.
“Ashley and Hannah! Don’t just talk to a random stranger.” She scolds them.
She then Stares me down and chuckles.
“Especially not a homely looking one. Now let’s go.”
Jerk.
I just look back down at my drawing as they walk away.
Why do people have to be so cruel? I shrug at my own thoughts and stare at the watch that is drawn on my paper.
The little girls’ words begin to echo in my mind.
‘Everyone is going to be there.’
‘The studio is only a few blocks away.’
Hmm. Maybe I can go… Wait no. Your dad wouldn’t like that. Ya but if a lot of people are going to be there, I can get more money! I might be able to buy my dad a watch. No. Yes. You’re going to regret it.
I bite my bottom lip and begin to contemplate with myself.
The heck with it.
I get up and I grab all my stuff.
I walk into the Chanel store to ask for directions. As I walk in, a fresh breeze of air conditioning hits my face and I hum in comfort.
“Hello Miss. Is there anything I can help you with?” A man with gelled back blonde hair asks as he walks up to me.
“Um what are the directions to the nearest recording studio?” I ask shyly.
“Well they are…”
…
As I walk closer and closer, I begin to hear screaming.
Dang. A lot of people are here.
I wish my hands weren’t full so I could block out the sound.
The amount of people that are here is insane. I begin to walk through the crowd and I notice how there is a huge gate guarded by strong looking men surrounding a building. I’m guessing the studio.
Dang. Where can I go? I can’t just sit in the middle of the crowd? Can I? Nah. You would get trampled.
My eyes begin to scan my surroundings and I decide to just go all the way to the back of the crowd.
I feel myself smile and I begin to walk to it, slamming into people.
When I finally reach the area, I sit down and I begin to rub my arm. Those little girls are pretty strong. I chuckle at my own thoughts and place the jar in front of me.
Hours later
My jar is completely filled and I’m smiling like a complete maniac. Wow! My dad is going to think I robbed a bank.
I stuff some money in the pocket of my jacket, to have more space in my jar.
It’s been like six hours and many people have left. There are only about twenty people left. Since it’s Tuesday, I guess people have to leave since it’s a school night.
I look through my sketch book and I analyze the three new drawings I have. The first one is the watch from earlier, the second one is of a pigeon I saw picking at a bread crumb and the third one is of a crowd of people. I wish I owned colors. It would enhance and define the details of the people.
I shrug and continue to stare at them satisfied.
“That is really good.”
I turn my head up to see a guy wearing sunglasses, a hoodie with the hood up, dark jeans, and black sneakers standing in front of me.
Why the heck is he wearing sunglasses at night? Wait why am I letting him look at my sketch book?
I quickly close it and I stare at him.
“Um thanks.” I state shyly.
“Sure. Now how much money do you need?” He asks.
I look at him confused for a second until I remember my jar.
“Oh anything is fine.” I respond a little red.
He takes out a wallet from the pocket of his jacket and opens it, revealing many cards and green paper.
Um woah.
He hands me one of them and I stare at it wide eyed. I practically choke.
It’s a hundred dollar bill.
“I-I can’t take this.” I say while handing it back.
“You obviously need this more than I do. Don’t worry I have more.”
“A little cocky are we?” I comment teasingly.
He chuckles and scratches the back of his head.
“Maybe a little.” He responds.
I laugh at his response.
“Liam! Come over here!”
I turn my gaze to the two men standing behind the guy.
“Well I gotta go. Have a good night.” He states as he begins to walks away.
“Thanks Liam.” I yell.
Girls begin to yell at my words and they start running towards the guy. The men barricade him and start pushing girls out of the way. Um okay...
I stick the bill in my pocket, I get up, and I begin to walk away. That was odd…
As I walk back to the mall, I stick half of the earnings from the jar in my pocket. I did it for two important reasons.
First, my dad would get suspicious since we don’t get that much money from the mall and second, I want to save money for his watch.
I stop in my tracks and turn around to face the studio again. I feel a smile creep on my face. What? Today was a pretty good day. Maybe I’ll come tomorrow.
Thursday
I feel someone shake me.
“Wake up Jane. The mall opened an hour ago.” I hear whispered in my ear. I groan and slowly open my eyes to see my father staring at me. I sit up and I rub the back of my neck. Bus stop benches aren’t very comfortable.
I rub my eyes and everything begins to become more clear. I smile at the recognizable bag my father is holding.
Mc Donalds!
Ever since, Tuesday I’ve been going back every day to the studio. I’ve gotten so much money that my father can now afford breakfast, lunch, and dinner for both of us. He doesn’t know that I go to the studio. He actually thinks I stay at the mall.
He hands me the bag and I lick my lips at the sight of hash browns and an egg mc muffin.
I hum in satisfaction as I taste egg and cheese. Perfect combination.
“So same thing today?” he asks as he stuffs a forkful of pancakes in his mouth.
I nod my head and he smiles.
“Whatever you’ve been doing to get this much money, keep doing it.” He adds.
Oh trust me I shall. I almost have enough money to buy the watch. I’m so excited.
…
As my dad and I say our goodbyes for the day in front of the mall entrance, I wait till he disappears and I walk straight to the studio.
When I’m there, I sit in my usual spot and wait. Wow. It’s actually pretty empty right now. Everyone is at school and work now, so I guess no one can come. Should I go back to the mall? Maybe I sh-
“Hi.”
I look up and see a light brown haired boy towering over me.
“Um hi?” I say awkwardly. Do I know him?
He chuckles.
“It’s me Liam.” He says.
Liam? I feel my eyes widen as I remember him. He’s the sunglasses guy!
“Sunglass- Liam.” I quickly recover.
“Sunglass?” He asks confused and amused.
I mentally face palm.
“Um forget it. Ugh hi.” I state still unsure why he’s talking to me.
He smiles at me and looks down at my jar. His smile soon fades.
“Is everything alright?” I ask.
He looks back at me.
“You’re wearing the same clothes and you’re back again.” He states, his tone filled with….pity.
“Um ya. I don’t really have ‘clothes’.” I respond.
Am I really having this conversation?
“You’re all alone? Where do you sleep?” He asks.
“I’m not alone. My dad is somewhere else and usually a bus stop bench.”
Wait, why am I telling him this?
He looks down and begins to take out his wallet. Is he doing what I think he’s doing?
“I don’t want your money.” I say with guilt.
He ignores me and puts a bill in my jar.
I get it out, I stand up, and I put it in his pocket.
Woah he’s pretty tall.
“Look, Niall and I have noticed how you’re here every day in the exact same spot. You obviously need this money so please take it.”
What? They’ve been watching me? Wait, who’s Niall?
“Who’s Niall and I seriously don’t want your pity. I don’t accept money from the same person twice.”
I have dignity. I don’t want anyone to pity me. It makes me feel even more terrible about myself.
“He gave you money the other day. He’s blonde and has tattoos.” He retorts ignoring my other statement.
Oh Niall. Now I remember. He also was wearing sunglasses at night. What’s up with these kids and sunglasses?
“Ya I remember now… why we’re you two watching me exactly?” I ask uncomfortably.
“Well um…”
“You felt bad for me.” I finish his sentence.
He bites his bottom lip and nods slowly.
“Like I said, I’m fine. Please don’t pity me. There are worse people than me.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to insult you in any way. You just remind Niall of his girlfriend in a way because she used to have trouble with money herself and I just hate passing by someone who needs help.” He replies honestly.
I nod my head in understanding.
“Well thanks, I can tell you’re really kind. There aren’t many famous people as kind as you.”
His eyes widen.
“How did you know I-“
“Really? It’s kind of obvious. You either see me every day because you are recording here or you just stalk me. And I don’t think anyone would randomly stalk a homeless person, so I’m going with choice B.”
He laughs a little and I can’t help but smile. He’s really charismatic.
“Well I guess I didn’t think of it in that way.” He says.
“Well y-“
“Liam! Come in, we need you!” A voice from behind interrupts me.
“Just a minute!” He yells back, before he turns to me.
I feel my heart stop as the guy who called him begins to walk up to us.
“Liam we ar- Jane?”
Liam looks at me confused.
“H-harry.”
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Notes