Collision Course

Allie lead Meg through the house, giving her the tour before we made our way to Niall’s. I could hear Meg ogling at the place from my place perched on the sofa, not paying attention to the television show playing in front of me.

“No wonder you don’t want to come home ever any more.” Meg said while the two girls were in the master bedroom.

“It’s not that. I mean, yes, this place is beautiful and huge, but it just feels like home to me. Liam is here and he is my home, so it makes this place home. The whole apartment smells like him and it is like he is here even when he is not.” Allie said, causing me to lean forward on the couch a little. I wanted to hear what they were saying more then I wanted to hear what was on the television.

“You love him, I can see it in your every move. You have fallen so hard, it almost scares me.” Meg said to Allie. “What happened to the girl who said she was a bit of a recluse, who would not be finding a boyfriend while here? To the girl who came from the states all shy and reserved, not ready to make friends with anyone but her roommate?”
Allie laughed before she answered, “I guess I found someone who I was willing to break all the rules for.”

Begrudgingly, I walked into the bedroom where Allie and Meg were perched on the bed gabbing to each other. “I hate to interrupt, but we need to get going. Niall is not really one willing to wait for his dinner.” I said.

The car ride to Niall’s was full of questions asked by Meg. “Why did you guys invite me to this dinner?” was her first question. “I know Allie wanted to keep me away from the boys, so why now?”

“Well,” Allie started, looking at me for some help.

“We decided that if Allie and me were going to be together then her friends and my friends will have to eventually meet. So why not now?” I said.

Her facial expression depicted a person who did not completely believe what she was being told, but she never questioned me further.

Just as we entered the garage of Niall’s building, Meg finally asked about Harry. “What am I going to do about Harry?”

“Ah ha! I knew it was you. He has been moping for the past week over you, the girl who refused him.” I said.

“Liam.” Allie scolded, turning her attention to Meg she said, “I think Harry might like an explanation, but I didn’t invite you to introduce you to him, I am bringing you because I want you to come.

“Allie!” Niall bellowed in his Irish accent as we let ourselves into the apartment. He collided with me, throwing his arms around my waist and spinning me in a circle.

“Good to see you too, Niall.” Liam said from beside me.

“yeah, hi.” He replied, still holding me.

“Are you going to put me down?” I asked while my feet dangled, my big toe just barley able to touch the ground.

“Oh sorry, yeah.” Niall said. “And who is this?” He asked, realizing that Liam and me had not come alone.

“This is Meg, my friend and roommate.” I said.

“Well, don’t be shy, come meet the rest of everyone. Harry is not here yet, but everyone else is.” Niall said, leading Meg and me both by the hand into his large living room full of people. “Hey everyone, look what I found.” He bellowed. If anyone was good at getting people’s attention, it was Niall and his boisterous and commanding voice.

The noise, though still loud, died down a little as many of the faces turned to smile in our general direction. One face in particular caught my eye, Zayn. He looked at me with squinted eyes, hooded with a knowing expression. His stare bore deep into my soul almost as if he already knew my secret. “Who’s this?” He asked, nodding his head towards Meg but keeping his eyes firmly on me.

“This is Meg, a friend of mine.” I said, returning the stare.

“Hi Meg.” A chorus of voices screamed at her, like a group of kindergarten children when a new student arrives.

“Meg, this is everyone.” Niall said, not bothering to go around the room and introduce everyone.

“Come on, Meg, let me take you around and introduce you to everyone.” Liam said, leading her away from me.

Finding myself alone in the doorway, I made my way to the loveseat that Zayn was occupying all by himself. He scooted over, allowing me to sit down next to him. Throwing my legs over his knees, I sat down so that I was able to look him in the eyes.

“What?” I asked, not demanding but questioning why he was acting the way he was.

“Something is up.” He stated. After a few moments of silence, he realized I was not going to say anything. “Why wouldn’t Liam answer any of my texts today or yesterday?”

“We, ah, we needed some alone time.” I said.

“Alone time at his parents? How does that work out?” Zayn asked.

As cold as he tended to act towards me, I felt that Zayn was my favorite of the boys. He had a good heart, one that wanted to protect everyone at all cost. His intensity scared me a little bit, while at the same time, helped to calm me.

“Just let it be for now?” I asked, knowing that he would find out soon enough. He nodded. I took his moment of silence for time for me to change the subject easily. “So you know how Harry has had his panties in a wad after that experience with some girl the other week?”

“What about it?” Zayn asked.

“Look over there.” I pointed at Meg.

“No? Really?” Zayn seemed quite amused. “That is the girl?”

“I had my suspicions as soon as it happened but didn’t get my conformation until today. But Meg was the one who turned him down.” I told Zayn.

His previously hard face began to melt away and a softer exterior was exposed. His eyes became soft as he looked at me, no longer drilling into me. “Does Harry know?”

“Not a clue.” I said.

As if on cue, the door swung open and I could hear footfall coming towards the living room. Zayn and me both looked towards the door waiting for Harry to appear. “Don’t worry, the party has arrived.” Harry exclaimed, throwing his arms wide out to the side and smiling, looking like Kuzco from the Emperors New Groove.

“Three, two, one.” Zayn counted slowly. “Right on cue.” Harry’s face fell into one of shock, the color draining and smile falling.

“Hi Harry.” I said, gaining his attention. “Have you met my friend Meg?” I asked, full well knowing the answer.

Speechless, he walked to the love chair occupied by Zayn and I. Taking a seat on the arm; he looked at me still unable to articulate his words. “Megs, come here would you?” I asked. “This is Harry Styles.”

She extended her hand out to him, which he did not take. Zayn ended up placing his hand in Meg’s hand. Lightly, she shook the limp hand. “It is nice to meet you.” She said.

“You too.” Harry stuttered.

“I take it you recognize her?” Zayn demanded.

“Sorry about the other day, its just, well, I don’t really have an explanation.” Meg said, Harry’s hand still in hers.

“You mean you and Allie are friends?” Harry asked, finally finding his voice. “And Allie, you knew it was her?” Color reentered Harry’s face, but not his normal color, rather that of anger. “This whole time you knew who she was?”

“I had my suspicions, Harry. I did not get a real conformation until we were in the car earlier today heading here.” I honestly said.

Before we had any more time to discuss, or for Harry to become more flustered then he already was, Liam announced; “I’m starving. Time to eat.”