His Bandmate

I wake up feeling my nose tickling. Without opening my eyes I scratch it with my index finger and sigh. I feel so relaxed and content, it's very warm and cozy in my bed. I remember yesterday and smile for myself. I can't believe that happened. I turn around and stretch my arms out, fumbling but ending up empty. I slowly open my eyes to find the bed empty. I sit up, holding the sheet to my chest. I feel my head spin a little, but it isn't as bad as it should be. The room is light by the sun shining outside my window, but the room is vacant. No, he didn't! I sigh, trying my hardest to listen to noises in the rest of the apartment. I don't hear anything so I step out of the bed, wrapping the sheet around me before walking out to the living room. I check the bathroom and the kitchen also, finding it empty.


Yes, he did. Again! I don't know why I'm so surprised. Of course he did. It's fucking Louis. I sigh loud, leaning against the kitchen counter, while holding the sheet up with one hand. I see something laying by a coffee cup on the counter. I frown and lean over seeing that it's a peace of paper. I get the thin paper between my hands and look at it. In small clean scribble it says;

Sorry, had to leave. - L.

No shit Sherlock! I groan and crumple the paper in my hand, throwing it in the sink before going back to the bedroom. I lay myself down on the bed again, cuddling into the pillows. I really need to figure out what the hell I'm doing. I can't go around sleeping with Louis. It's not healthy for me. Not in any way. I know that what I feel for Louis is more than lust and that makes everything so much harder. It gives him the prower to really hurt me. Somehow I don't feel as pained this time as I've done the times before. Maybe I'm over it? I don't know. I do know that I feel too much guilt when I do it when it comes to Harry.

I think I need to let it go. For real. Just let it go. Not feel anything for him anymore. Not care what he does or says. Concentrate on my friendship with Harry. I feel like this time, I can actually do it. The fact that I'm not even the slightest surprised that he didn't stay, that he just left...makes it easier.

I reach over to the bedside table when my phone starts going off. Time to get ready for work! I push myself up from the bed and head for the shower. I need to get yesterday away from my body. Every single moment, from the doctor to Louis. That is my past, time to go on with my future. I feel like I need a new start somehow. I think about it as I wash my hair. I need to make a real effort here, not only mentally tell myself to move on.

I pull a light grey pair of jeans on and a white t-shirt with a black cardigan. On with black converse and my jacket before I'm out the door. The sun is shining and the storm from last night is long gone. I head into the bakery and find it's pretty busy. I make my way to the back to leave my jacket and get an apron. Lisa smiles at me when I walk over to help her with the next order. I feel sorry for her, that she's been alone the whole morning. After the lunch rush is over comes Lea in through the door. I smile up at her. She comes over and gives me a hug.

“Hey, what are you doing here? Is it so boring to be off work that you have to come by here?” I ask, snickering.

“Yeah, it's so awful to be free.” She says, her voice filled with sarcasm. “I just wanted to come by and check up on you.” She smiles sweetly at me. I walk over to the nearest table with two cups of tea, sitting down. It's slow now and Lisa can handle herself while I take a little break.

“I'm fine. Actually I'm better than fine. I've decided to start over.” I say and she raises her eyebrows at me in shock.

“Oh, really?” She nods in approval. “What brought this on?” She smile before taking a sip of her tea.

I sigh, clearing my voice. “Well...I slept with Louis again.” I say wrinkling my nose, preparing for her screaming.

“What?” She doesn't scream, but her voice is louder and filled with disapproval. “I thought you had moved on from that?” She asks, looking a little more worried than angry.

“Yeah, well...he's kind of delicious, so it's hard to resist.” I smile and she snickers.

“That he is.” She sighs, looking at the wall like she's dreaming. I snicker at her. “So what did you have in mind?” She asks and I wrap my hands around the tea cup.

“I'm not sure. I feel like I need to make some physical changes too, not only deciding in my head that I'm going to stay away from him.” I say, taking the cup to my lips. “Maybe a haircut?” I say, asking her opinion.

“Yeah, that sounds good. Maybe buy some new clothes too?” She smiles and I feel her getting into makeover mode. I shake my head, but smile.

“Sure, why not.” I say and she shriek, clapping her hands, making the few people in the bakery look our way. I smile apologetic to them.

“I will book you an appointment with Tim, he will die for your hair.” She says waving her hand in my face. “I hope he has time tonight, you end work at five right?” She say, putting her phone to her ear. I nod. I do love her enthusiasm.

She leaves twenty minutes later with a fire to find me some clothes. I can't do anything but to laugh at her. She was able to book me an appointment to get my hair cut at six. I'm not sure what I'm going to do, but I will ask the hairdresser for his suggestion.

About an hour before it's time to end work I feel my phone buzz in the back of my pants.

From Harry
Ah, my head still hurts! Are you alive?

I snicker at his text. I wonder when they left last night. I didn't get away too late, though I didn't really get to sleep when I got home. I wrinkle my nose at the thought.

To Harry
I'm actually good, but I did get home fairly early. Take a pill and stop being a baby! ;)

From Harry
I am not a baby...okay...maybe a little. :P Wanna come by after work?

To Harry
Sorry, can't today. Going to hang with Lea. Call you later?

From Harry
Fine, just leave me. I'll manage. :P

To Harry
You always do. x.

I put my phone away with a smile and end my shift. Lea comes by the bakery when I end and we walk over to the hair saloon that she always uses. I haven't actually done anything to my hair in a long while, I've just let it grow.

I laugh a little as Tim looks at my hair with an disapproving look. He looks up at me through the mirror and smiles when he sees my grin. He's a nice looking guy I his early thirties with a very fashionable style and absolutely gay.

“So, what do you want to do?” He asks, running his hand through my hair.

“I don't know. I want to try something new, get a new start you know.” I say and he nods knowingly.

“Well, I don't want to cut too much of your lovely curls away, but we need to do a real trim, it's pretty worn.” He say and I nod. “And how about we give you some highlights? Go with a bit of a lighter color? How about we do honey-blond highlights and do a sun-kissed over everything do give it a good glow?” He say, grinning at me through the mirror.

“Sounds perfect, I'm all in your hands.” I say and he laughs.

“Just what I want to hear. We're gonna make you even more gorgeous. Come on, lets go wash it up.” He say and directs me to the chair in front of the washing bowls. I close my eyes and enjoy the scalp massage he gives me, trying to forget everything that's happened in the last couple of weeks. New start, that's what I'm going for.

I watch myself in the mirror with big eyes. Tim got finished a minute ago and I've been staring at myself in the mirror since he pulled the cloth away. A smile slowly creeps up on my face, soon splitting my face in half. I look good. Fresh! The curls even more outstanding than usual and the lighter color makes me look healthier.

“I guess that smile is a good rating.” Tim chuckles.

“Definitely.” I whisper, I'm speechless. I turn around in the chair when I see Lea walk into the shop and watch her shocked expression as she sees me.

“Holy shit! You look so freaking hot!” She exclaim and the smile gets even bigger on my face. I stand up and touch the ends with my hand and shake it a little. It's hanging down my back, ending just under the shoulders in various lengths. “You did good Tim.” Lea compliments the wonderful man standing beside us.

After I've paid, more than I'd like to admit, we head for the first store that Lea says that she's found a perfect dress for me. I feel so good with my new hair, holding my head held high as we walk down the street. I smile as I get a couple of looks and I feel confident. The dress that Lea had found was a black dress with a laced back. It ends just about my knees, fanning out over the hips. I can't wear a bra under it, but it's beautiful. Soon it lays safe in a bag in my hand. I smile wide as we leave the store. I have no idea when I'm going to wear it, but I hope soon.

“Maybe we can get the old gang together tonight?” I ask Lea as we're trying on jeans. I haven't met Kelley and the guys in so long. I've been wrapped up in Harry and his would. Which I like, but I can't forget about my other friends.

“That sounds fun. We could go to Green House?” She suggest one of our usual pubs.

“That's perfect. I'll text them.” I say and pick my phone up as I get out from the changing room. I found two pair of jeans that I liked, one pair in a deeper grey color and one that is dark purple. I get them both and on my way to the checkout I find a t-shirt that I'd just had to have. I get an answer from Kelley and Rob saying that they will be there. I smile big as I tell Lea.

We decide to go over to her place to get ready before going down to the pub. Lea forces me to wear the dress, even though I think it's a bit much for a pub night with friends. I do feel good, so I go with the feeling and put the dress on. It really is cute. I borrow some makeup and end up wearing my converse with the dress since Lea's feet are bigger than mine and I don't feel like going home to get another pair of shoes. She's not pleased with my shoes, but I think it looks kinda cool.

I feel so happy when I spot Kelley, Rob and Noelle at one of the tables in the pub. We haven't all been together in months. I go over and hug them all one and two times.

“I can't believe how long it has been.” I say as I hug Noelle.

“Me neither. You've gone awol girl.” She say and smile. I sit down beside her.

“Well, you left the country.” I say and stretch my tongue out at her.

“Yeah, I know.” She laughs.

“So how was it?” I ask her and the other listen. She's been to Paris for work a couple of weeks. It feels good to hear about someone else's life for a change. I've been to wrapped up in my own. We order a couple of drinks for the table and the conversation runs wild.

“So Juli, you have to tell me every dirty little detail about the gorgeous men of One Direction.” Rob way and wave his hand in front of his face. I feel my cheeks flush a little as I look over at Lea.

“Eh...what do you want to know?” I ask, feeling a little shy.

“Like you being like best friend with Harry Styles. Honestly, is he really straight? Because I really could lick that butterfly on his stomach.” He say and I spit my drink. Everyone laughs. I pat my chin with a napkin, getting all the drink away as I snicker. God! That man and his mouth. I could never tell him that I've probably already done that.

“Yeah, his wonderful and very straight.” I say and smile.

“But there's nothing more with you two?” He ask raising a brow at me.

“No.” I shake my head, but my cheeks reveals me a little.

“Is there something we don't know...?” He press and I bite my lip.

“It's not him.” Lea not so silently whisper to him. He opens his mouth big.

“Really? Hmm...Zayn is about to get married, so not him.” He thinks out loud. “Liam is dating that Danielle right? So Niall or Louis...hmm...” I feel my cheeks get bright red. Why did Lea say anything? “Niall is too sweet for you, so I'd say Louis is the one.” He say and look at me.

“Holy crap, that's amazing” Lea laughs, revealing the truth.

“Oh, wow. Louis? Yeah, I can see that. He's beautiful. So are you together?” He asks with big eyes.

“No.” I say, taking a big sip of my drink.

“Why not?” Kelley ask and I really feel like going through the ground. Can the earth please swallow he whole?

“She's better than him.” Lea say and then changes the subject to something else. I give her a thankful gaze and she winks at me.

After a couple of drinks I feel my purse vibrate and I pick my phone up.

“Oh, it's your love-boy.” I exclaim to Rob and answer the phone with a smile. “Hi Harry.” Rob swoons in the background, making me snicker.

“Hey, what are you doing? Who's that in the background?”

“I'm at the pub with Lea, Rob, Kelley and Noelle.” I say with a huge smile.

“What? Why didn't I get an invite?” He ask with an fake wounded expression.

“I don't know. The carrier pigeon probably never got there.” I snicker. “Come! Rob wants to lick your butterfly tattoo.” I say and hold my hand in front of my mouth as that slips out. Robs eyes are huge and the others laugh. I hear Harry's booming laughter on the other end of the phone.

“Well, I don't know about the licking part, but I do love to come. Where are you?” He say, still chuckling.

“Green House.” I say laughing before we hung up.

“I'm so sorry!” I say to Rob when I hang up the phone. He gives me the evil eye and I stand up and walk over to him. I sit down on his lap and wrap my arms around his neck. “It just slipped. You shouldn't let me drink.” I say snickering. “I promise that I will do everything in my power to try and make Harry gay during the night.” I say and feel Rob shake from laugher under me.

“Fine! But I want to see that power.” He say and tries to sound mad, though his smile deceives him. I kiss him on the cheek, but stay seated in his lap when he wraps his arms around me. I've missed him.

Half a hour later we're still sitting by the table, me on Robs lap. We've order another round of drinks and Kelley is telling us about a guy she met a few weekends ago. That's when Harry shows up, of course with Louis with him, and Liam. I sigh a little. This was suppose to be my moving on thing and now he's here. I see his eyes narrow a little when he sees me sitting on Robs lap. Does he look hurt? Jealous maybe?

“Hi.” Harry greets as he gets to the table.

“Oh, move Juli. Now there's three other people here I'd rather have sitting on my lap.” Rob say and push me off him. I stretch my tongue at him as the others laugh, but stand up to hug Harry. I see Louis expression change when he realize how gay Rob are. Was he really jealous? That's just crazy. He has no right to be.

“Nice to see you again Rob.” Harry say and hold his hand out. Rob looks like he's gonna faint. I snicker as I walk over to sit on my chair. The guys walk over and introduces themselves to the other girls and kiss Lea on the cheek. When Louis come up to me I feel everyones eyes on me. Why did we tell them about Louis? Not that they know much, but still. Please don't let anyone say anything. He kisses my cheek and sit down next to me. I sigh, looking over at Lea. She gives me a sweet knowing smile. I once again feel like melting through the floor.

“Wow, Juli. You look beautiful, when did you change your hair?” Harry ask and I smile.

“Today.” I say proudly.

“Isn't she gorgeous?” Rob say and I snicker, shaking my head.

“Very! So what's going on?” Harry ask, looking around the table.

“We're drinking.” Lea say and hold her glass up.

“You're always drinking.” Harry say and chuckle. Lea looks like she wants to through the drink in his face but satisfies with a grimace at him. He grins at her, before ordering a couple of beers from the waiter going by.

I feel Louis eyes on me, but I forbid myself from looking at him. I will pretend that he's not even here. I feel every move he does, he even tries to bump his knees with mine a couple of times, but I recoil instantly. I see Lea trying to get contact with me and when I look at her, she nods towards the bar. I nod and stand up and walk with her to the bar where she order us another drink.

“Are you okay?” She ask and look over at the table with the others.

“I don't know. This was suppose to get my mind off him.” I say raising my eyebrows.

“Yeah, not so much.” She snickers. “He looks at you every minute.” She say and I look down, I don't want to know that, though I already know since I can feel it. “Hey, I have to go to the loo, be right back.” She say and I turn to the bar, waiting on our drinks.

“Hey.” I hear a far too familiar voice say beside me and when look over, Louis is leaning against the bar. I bite my upper lip and narrow my eyes at him. “Are you mad or something?” He ask and I roll my eyes.

“Me? Mad? Never.” I say ironically. It feels like it's all I am when it comes to him.

“Well, did I do something?” He ask and I feel the anger build inside me. Is he serious? I take a deep breath, trying to control my anger, not wanting the others to know. “Is it that I left? I didn't want to wake you.” He say and sound so regretful and uncertain, he lightly touches my arm. I narrow my eyes at his hand. I feel so confused. I want to be mad, or to not care at all, but then he looks at me with those puppy-eyes and it messes with my head. I close my eyes and hear the drinks be put in front of me. I open them and see two orange drinks on the bar.

“Why?” I ask, not looking at him.

“We had a meeting with management, it was early, I really didn't want to wake you.” He say and sounds so sweet and frank. Why can't he just stay an ass when I want him to be? “Don't be mad at me.” He pleads, making me sigh.

“What are you doing?” I ask, looking down at the bar. We should probably go back to the others. I see Lea walk out from the bathroom, but she goes directly to the table when he sees us.

“What? I just want us to be good.” He say and when I look up into his eyes, he seems sincere.

“Okay. Fine. We're good.” I say, letting it go. He did leave a note this time, even if it was a poor note. It wasn't like the last time. I don't have the strength to be angry.

“Can I come home with you?” He ask as I take a hold of the drinks on the bar. I freezes. My heart starts to beat a little quicker at his words.

“No.” I say and see his face fall.

“Oh.” He says, before taking a step backward. I feel a little bad for being so blunt.

“You can come by tomorrow at lunch.” I say and see the light come back in his eyes. “We should talk about this.” I say and when he nods, I take the drinks back to the table and sits down. A minute later he sits down with a new beer in his hand.

No one seems to care about our exchange at the bar except Lea. She gives me a questioning look and I give her a small smile as I hand her the drink.

“So, none of you think it's time to go over to men?” Rob slurs at the table, moving closer to Harry. It's been two hours since the guys came and Rob's a little too drunk, probably from masking his nerves. He will regret this tomorrow. I have stopped drinking, not feeling like I should get too drunk. Harry's laugher fills the pub and Louis and Liam chuckles. The girls laugh too, Noelle almost falling of her chair from laugher. I just shake my head as I snicker.

“Sorry lad, we're kinda fine with the ladies.” Harry says and pats Robs shoulder.

“Yeeeah, I get that. They are beautiful.” He sighs, looking over at me.

“Maybe it's time to go home now Rob?” I ask sweetly, not trying to hurt his feelings.

“Yeah, not like I'm gonna get some here.” He say and stands up, the others laugh.

“I'll walk you.” I say and stand up. I hug Noelle, promising that we're going to see each other soon. I hug the others, promising to call Harry in the morning and see Lea at work. I end with Louis, the others seem to have gone back to talking amongst each other and Rob stands swaying, waiting for me.

“Bye.” I hug him, closing my eyes when his scent hits me, my pulse automatically raising.

“I'll see you tomorrow.” He whispers, releasing me and kissing my cheek. He stays with our cheeks touching, whispering into my ear. “You do look gorgeous both in that dress and with that hair.” He say and pull back. I feel my cheeks get hot and I give him a smile as he sits down and I walk over to Rob and guides him through the door.

Notes

My chapters get much longer nowadays! I don't know why, hehe!

What do you think? I hope you like it. There isn't too much happening with votes and subscribers, but I do hope your fans of it. As I've said, your comments make me happy.

What do you think is going to happen? And how funny isn't Rob? ;)

Keep it up!
xx.