Six months later…

We are creatures of habit, and while I've heard it takes 21-30 days to break a bad habit, I'd like to believe I cut it off instantly. It had been several months since I was last diagnosed with the Horan's disease. Yes, I'm referring to Elizabeth and Niall Horan. Two individuals I've had the pleasure of avoiding and cleansing from my life.

Almost entering into winter break, I'd have to say that my junior year has been very…challenging. I tried brainwashing my mother to let me transfer schools but she wasn't having it. I gave her a lame excuse and she thought whatever the itty-bitty issue was couldn't compare to the hardballs in the real world. Therefore, I had to work this situation out and not run away from it. I was glad to take her advice, she was quite the strong example that I needed and forgot I had.

Louis had finally come around and we managed to put Izzy behind us and stay friends. That didn't mean the tensions weren't there when we'd cross her in the halls. And how could we miss her, shockingly, she had dyed her hair bright red. It suited her well, devil-woman. Izzy had tried to call me once after that dreadful lunch, but after learning what I did from Niall, my sketchy prank, she began to ignore me as well. At first it started with mean looks and then it turned into me not existing at all. I had no problem with that whatsoever. Although when chatting with Louis, the mean glares would reappear.

I decided to join the Student Council and talked Louis into doing it with me. As representatives of our grade, we participated in various school projects and events. Which not only kept me busy and submerged in a different crowd but my mother loved the idea. I'm not the studious type but I'd have to say that this motivated me to be a better student academically and gave me a new set of goals; where if I would have stayed alongside Izzy that might have never happened.

I kept my job part-time at the ice cream shop, working only in the weekends during the morning shift. I can't tell you how thankful I was to have my own car with such a demanding schedule now. So I eventually picked up some pieces to my messy life and was on a colorful road to recovery. I can't deny that the last month of summer was horrid. I had turned into a hermit and didn't know what to do with myself. Yup, I had my hair back in that ponytail for a while.

Not to worry, it's down again along with my sparkly silver locks. It took a morning, or a whole week, of realization that I needed to break free from this cocoon of self-pity. Let the past be past. Oh, in case you were also wondering, I had given the whole boy-crazy phase a rest for a while. That and a weird case of mono had spread leaving a dozen students sick for weeks; that was enough to traumatize me.

---

The Vice-President of the Student Council had assigned me to gather fun decoration ideas for our upcoming winter festival before the last day of class. I had checked out previous yearbooks and magazines at the library but they were so outdated that it left me stumped. I decided to go to the book store at the mall after school; no doubt they would have holiday racks set up with many creative ideas. Louis agreed to meet me there in a little while, and that gave me plenty of time to get a quick latte.

I was scouting the bargain tables and had a few magazines in my hands, when I bumped into someone who was equally distracted.

"Oh excuse me…hey, don't I know you?" she said. It took me a second, but I smiled when I recalled our last encounter.

"Yeah, I was the girl in the bathroom," I smiled foolishly.

"I knew you looked familiar . . . It's funny running into each other again. You know my cousin Harry right?"

"Yeah…we're friends. I haven't seen him since he left for Hawaii."

"Well he's back now, since the beginning of December. I'm sorry, I'm Lilah."

"I'm Elise. Nice to meet you." I chuckled nervously. I figured if she mentioned anything to Harry about meeting a certain Brynn, he'd bad mouth me or something.

"You know what, his birthday is coming up next weekend; he'll be turning 21 so it's a big deal. You should come! Let me give you my number."

Gosh, she was like the sweetest person I had ever met. It was the biggest contrast from Izzy, both being blondes and all.

"I remember Harry saying that you'd come visit, are you here visiting again?" I asked curiously.

"Actually I moved into my Uncle's, Harry's house, this summer. I'm going to the same University in Long Beach, where I'm boarding as well. So Harry and I will be coming back on the weekends."

I remember Harry telling me that. I also remembered how sweet it was on those occasions where he'd drive all the way down here just to give me those wonderful kissing lessons, to then drive almost an hour back. Oh those sweet memories.

"So this is your first year?"

"Yup and I love it! It's a great campus. Maybe you'll get to see it sometime, since we are having the party over there at The Queen Mary. It's going to be in one of their ballrooms, I'm so excited! The theme is old mobster movies, like Dick Tracy. For some reason my uncle talked him into it. Just so you know what to wear and don't feel out of place," she kindly added.

"Hey, there you are. You weren't answering your phone," Louis interrupted.

And with his unexpected arrival, I saw an immediate spark in Lilah's hazel eyes; one that I was all too familiar with.

"Lilah, this is my good friend Louis," I introduced gladly. This was one blonde, and only blonde, that I didn't mind Louis taking an interest in. We were just friends and nothing more.

Louis shook her hand and put on that boyish smile of his; quite the charmer he was. And then I had a brilliant idea.

"Do you mind if I invite Louis to the party?" I imposed, but thought it more good than harmful.

Louis was clearly lost but I would update him later on the facts. And then I just remembered that Lilah had no clue what age we were or that we were in high school. Which to Louis's advantage, I'd keep on the down low for a while longer; at least till they talked a little more.

"It was nice to meet you, Lilah. I have to excuse myself for a minute. Where are the restrooms here?" he said bashfully.

After she pointed in the opposite direction, watching him leave, it was obvious that she had taken an interest in him. Which was only confirmed when she cleverly said:

"Be sure to tell your DATE to wear the correct attire for the party."

"Oh, he's not my date. We're just friends going as friends. Besides I would feel better driving out there with someone instead of by myself," I explained.

"Oh good," she was ever so relieved to hear that GOOD news.

Wouldn't want her confusing us as a couple…a mistake I had already made once. So she was what, 2 years older than us? That's not bad and I'm sure she wouldn't mind it once she'd find out. Lilah had to leave, so we saved each other's phone numbers and said our good byes. Only Louis was a little disappointed to find me alone.

"Oh, where did your friend go?" Nice try Louis. I'm aware of these subtle plays.

"She said good bye, she had to go. Oh and by the way, whenever we hang out with her call me Elise."

"But no one calls you by your middle name," he said puzzled.

"I know and that is why. I think it's time I tell you a little story," I motioned to the café right behind us there in the bookstore.

I told Louis every single detail of what had happened between Harry and I. Minus the kissing descriptions, but I also included the Niall catastrophe. Now Louis knew everything. I had traded in my best girl-friend for a guy-friend. So even though at one point I was devotedly attracted to him, that died down. We kept that special connection after all converting it into a solid friendship; something I lacked.

"So what are you thinking about?" I asked him afraid he would judge me.

"I'm thinking we REALLY need to go to this party," he smiled.

"I know they still have a clearance on Halloween costumes here in the mall…" I smiled back.

---

Louis kept readjusting his black fedora to see how it looked best. My eyes rolled as he'd continue to model in front of the mirror in my entryway. But the nervous guy did look great with his black and white striped mafia suit. He was equally excited about this party, for his own reasons, and to support me of course…yeah I'm sure.

We contrasted well as I had a white Flapper girl's dress with the swinging fringes. I side swept my hair and added those tamed bulky waves at the ends. And for the finishing touches, I added a white feathered hair piece and red lipstick. We looked like quite the couple…only we weren't.

We took Louis's truck and were on our way by 7 o'clock. I kept burning Louis's ear off by repeating how nervous I was about seeing Harry again. And although at first he played it cool, for half the car ride, he finally confessed he thought Lilah was cute. I knew it!

After carefully reading Lilah's directions from her texts, we arrived at the fancy location. She waited for us outside while Louis left the car with the valet. She looked elegant yet modest; wearing a black off the shoulder gown that suited the rich women of that era. Her hair looked gorgeous in a similar style to mine along with a red lip. Lilah seemed really excited to see us, and quickly escorted us to the reserved room.

The guest of honor was about to arrive: we were just in time. We walked into a full room of disguised characters and even spotted a guy dressed as The Mask with a white suit. But according to Lilah, Harry was the only one allowed to wear the official Dick Tracy yellow suit. We continued to the back of the room and waited as everyone got ready to shout.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY!" Chorused the entire room when signaled by a fake open fire from a toy tommy gun.

There he was, glowing and looking ever so handsome than from the moment I last saw him. He definitely stood out with his mustard colored suit as he played along. It did take me a moment to see a Jessica Rabbit look-alike with her sparkly ruby red dress holding onto his arm. I couldn't see them well for there were too many people in the way hugging the birthday boy.

I didn't need to say anything to Louis for he already read my face and knew what I was thinking. We went towards our table and heard the funky jazz music begin to play. It felt more like a wedding reception as Harry was passing through all the tables greeting his friends and family members. The closer he got to ours the more shaky I got. I literally could not control my knees from twitching.

"Brynn relax…stay…stay…" Louis kept whispering to me.

I couldn't stay. I excused myself to the bathroom like a coward and remained there for almost 20 minutes. The thought of Harry ignoring me devastated the crap out of me. I would fall apart right there before him like the pathetic lovesick girl that I am. Now that I didn't have any part of him, I wanted him so much it hurt. To know we shared passionate kisses and now I wouldn't even be able to shake his hand because he was disgusted with me...where to find courage?

"Elise, hun are you okay?" Lilah asked once entering the powder room.

"Oh yeah I'm fine. I just got dizzy all of a sudden and thought I should wait here just in case,"

"You're not pregnant right?" she laughed. "I'm just kidding. You just missed Harry though. I introduced him to Louis but you hadn't returned so I got worried. Do you want me to stay with you?"

"No, I'm ready to leave now anyway," I smiled and walked out in front of her.

When I returned to the table Louis gave me a sympathetic smile and asked if I wanted to dance. Maybe a dance would shake off these jitters. The music was just like from the classic movies. Countless couples were swinging their partners, tossing and spinning. The dance floor was pretty dynamic and it's just what I needed. I saw Lilah observing us from our table and hinted at Louis that it was her turn now.

Once Louis switched partners I remained at the table and thought this would be the perfect moment to grab some food from the buffet along with a fizzy drink. There were a few people ahead of me but I patiently waited and admired the creative outfits. I saw an eye-popping purple suit and couldn't stop staring. The guy stepped back to reveal Harry laughing with him. And what I feared the most happened. He accidentally caught sight of me. I thought he would turn fierce and even order me to leave but surprisingly he gave a short smile and patted his friend on the back while walking around him.

He was walking my direction. I looked a couple of times to the floor before he stood directly beside me.

"This is a surprise. What are you doing here?" he spoke calmly.

"I-um…Lilah invited me… Happy Birthday." I smiled timidly.

"Oh right you had met my cousin already. And I met Louis. Is that the same Louis from before?"

"Yes, but we are just good friends," I answered as we looked to the center floor, catching them dancing.

Harry's hair was growing out a bit which only added to the magnitude of his cuteness. I wished he would simply grab my hand and drag me off somewhere. He gave off the impression he was holding back and I wanted nothing more than for him to see me like he did before.

"You look nice by the way. I'm glad you came… Enjoy the party," he smiled and walked off.

Although polite, those words were so cold they stung. With a sudden loss of appetite I grabbed a glass of sparkling wine and returned to the table. Well the hardest part was over. At least he didn't ignore me. But now I was a sappy dateless wannabe flapper girl. Reluctantly, I sat and tried to distract myself with the fabulous dancers.

Just then the new lovebirds returned and Louis stuck out his hand for me to dance with him again. I didn't want to keep him from Lilah but after his assuring look I followed him.

"How are you doing?" He asked worried as we danced slower than the rest of the crowd in order to talk.

"I don't know Louis. I'm beginning to think that this wasn't the best idea."

"Well I was observing from afar, and while he was sitting with his date he kept looking to your table."

As Louis revealed this very useful information, I glanced around to lock eyes with Harry momentarily as he was talking to his friends. Once the song was over we returned and Louis went to scope out the buffet whilst I stayed with Lilah. I was surprised she stayed at our table and not her cousin's. However, Louis wasn't at her cousin's table. I sat in a different chair where I could somewhat spot that yellow suit, supposing I was a tad bit obvious.

"Do you like my cousin?" Lilah stunned me.

"Uh, why do you say that?"

"I just sensed something, aside from the way you look at him."

"Yeah…has he ever mentioned a girl named Brynn before?"

"Brynn? Oh yes. He didn't go into much detail, he said it was complicated. But he didn't even have to say it. I knew he liked her a lot."

I nodded as I sadly noticed the lady in red standing next to him.

"Has he been dating that girl for long?"

"I'd say a few weeks. Her name is Ana, and I don't know why but I don't like her much. I think they met at a beach. Oh the one they call The Pit."

I cringed once I heard that they met in OUR spot. To not be with him was one thing, yet to see him with someone else was a painful reminder of what I had lost. I didn't want to be the party pooper but I didn't think I could stick around much longer. I had lost sight of them and thought I should try the food line again. I turned around to almost lose all feeling in my legs.

"Hey Brynn, my friend said she knew you and wanted to say hello," Harry announced while holding her hand.

"Hi Brynn. Nice to see you again."

Ana huh?

I charged right passed them heading for the bathroom. This time I really did feel nauseated. I held on to my stomach and watched as my eyes released the tears. They felt more like blood tears. And just then the door slowly opened. Thank goodness Lilah followed me, I could use the consolation.

"Lila…" I went mute.

Jessica Rabbit, no the red witch, had walked into the bathroom.

"Hi Brynn, it's been a while."

"How… How? I never told you H was Harry." My chest involuntarily began to breathe harder and faster.

"No, but I figured it out when he mentioned you anonymously."

Looking at Izzy through the mirror, I imagined myself punching it and stabbing her with a piece of glass.

"And you continued to date him anyway? Knowing how I still feel about him?" I strained my eyes.

"Touché bestie. You've never seen this side of me before, but you brought this upon yourself when you pulled that little stunt with Louis."

"Why is he calling you Ana? Or are you keeping secrets from everyone now?" I pried.

"Not necessarily, it's my middle name, ELISE. And I like it," she shrugged while arrogantly fixing her hair in the mirror.

I had a feeling it had more to do with hiding who she was. She's not an honest person to begin with so who knows how many lies she's fed him. I bet you he doesn't even know that she is Niall's malevolent sister. But I couldn't be the one to tell him that and have him pick me by default. I was lost for words… Elizabeth had won.

Smacking her lips and removing the lipstick smudge from her teeth she walked towards the door.

"Oh and one more thing…you never said Harry was THAT experienced. Oh that's right, you never had sex with him. You don't know what you were missing."

And just like that she drove that final stake through my weak and broken heart. Then poured some acid just for good measure. After she slithered away I flopped to the floor no longer able to sustain myself against the counter sink. I never would have predicted such a night. I quickly called a cab from my phone to meet me out the front. I didn't want to spend one minute longer here. Determined to dash straight for the door I didn't bother to find Louis or Lilah. Instead I texted him later that I had made it home okay.

In my bed, I lay like a corpse, replaying the whole night and the last words Izzy said. Monday stay away for I don't know how I'll ever recover from this.

Notes