“Where have you been?” My grandma asked as I walked inside, it was almost 10 PM and Louis was not with me. I had no idea how I was going to explain this, because A. I didn’t want to get in trouble and B. I didn’t want to snitch on my cousin.
“Oh, I was studying at the library…then I went for a walk and I guess got lost in my head…” I lied, hoping maybe she’d buy it.
“Your books were here, what were you studying exactly Summer?” She had a bite to her tone, I hadn’t made her mad at all since arriving.
“I was studying…” Fuck, I have to come up with something to make her forget this even happened, I need to go right for the gut.
“…about alcoholism. I found some books and wanted to read them, make sure it wasn’t something that would happen to me…” I felt a little bad, milking a bad situation and all.
Her face changed immediately and she walked towards me, wrapping her soft arms around me and pulling me into her chest. I inhaled that now familiar scent of fresh baked bread with a hint of rosemary. I felt like such a bitch.
“You’re not your mother sweetie. You make the right choices and you’re going to be fine.” She smoothed her palm over my hair, I could hear her gulping back tears.
“Thanks gran.” I say sweetly, yawning a little. “I’m beat though, I got lost walking and… well I’m definitely familiar with the place now.” I keep on lying, just lie after lie. Fuck it, all or nothing right?
“I bet, I saved you some dinner, but I’ll put it in the fridge if you’re too tired. I have to find that crazy cousin of yours now. I thought for sure he’d pulled you into his crazy antics!” She exclaimed, throwing her hands into the air and turning to go back into the kitchen. I cringed, hoping that Louis would come home soon. The last I’d seen him, he and some girl named Mel looked more than cozy. It was gross.
I walked up the stairs and into my bedroom, falling straight into my bed. I sighed and pulled out my phone, I had two texts.
Sir Harold:
You really did look smashing in that dress. ;)

I suppress the giddy sensation in my tummy and click on the next one.
Nialler:
Sorry I got angry, I just have a bad history with Harry. I hope you’re not upset with me.
I frowned, thinking back on the evening.

[earlier] After we had gotten nice and stoned, Niall arrived.
He had this look of sheer disappointment on his face; I still didn’t know what the beef was.
“Seriously Lou? You will smoke anything, really.” He said with a tone of disgust. I was blazed at this point, stifling my giggles as Harry and I made eye contact.
“C’mon mate, it’s just a spliff. Have some.” He said holding the joint up to him, Niall smacked it out of his hand and Louis quickly stood up. Harry and I both sat back, our eyes wide now.
“What’s your issue bruv? You have to let it go.” Louis said standing his ground, I blinked out of my daze and stood up.

“What is the issue here boys?” I say, inserting myself between them. Harry remained on the ground, his knees pulled toward his chest and his arms resting on top of them. He looked straight at Niall, their gaze locked and I swear I saw some remorse in Sir Harold’s eyes.
“No issue.” Niall said before turning and walking away from us. He didn’t say goodbye, he was just like…gone. I looked at Louis and arched a brow.
“What the hell? What’s wrong with him?” I was certainly confused.
“It’s me. He and I have a spotted past.” Harry said, he was now towering above me, his eyes still glassy from the drugs.
“Well, what did you do?” I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.
“It’s not exactly my story to tell, you should talk to him about it.” He said sincerely. I chewed on my bottom lip, looking to see Louis had already sauntered off and found a new party mate.
“Did you hurt him?” I asked, my eyes locking on Harry’s.
“I did. He hurt me too though…” He said “Honestly, it’s nothing to be concerned with. It was years ago, we were just boys.” He was rubbing the back of his neck now, looking down at his toes which were digging into the dirt.
“Fine.” I said decidedly. “You got me stoned though, I need food.” I said with a smile.
He smiled, holding his hand out for me to take and led me off into the house. I noticed a very severe side eye from Lucy as we passed by the table. I suppose she had an eye for Harry too?
“There’s this little diner, they’ve got some awesome food. Fish n chips, yeah? You must eat them since you’re foreign.” He said matter-of-factly before opening the door to his car for me. I was mortified.
“We’re not driving? You’ve been smoking and drinking.” I said, probably sounding like an absolute square.
He arched a brow and chuckled, “I’m good Summer. Just get in.” I shook my head, a wave of panic washing over me. I stepped back, what was I thinking? Smoking? Drinking, this wasn’t me.
“No I will not!” I raised my voice a little higher than intended; I felt those fucking tears trying so hard to make their presence known. I turned quickly, looking the other way and trying to breathe.
I felt his hand on my shoulder and his voice had taken on a softer tone before he spoke.
“What’s wrong, I won’t drive. I’m sorry, we can walk.” He pleaded. I turned to look at him now, feeling an overwhelming urge to confess why I was so hesitant.
“My mom… she died, driving drunk. I just can’t.” I say and swallow my sobs. I see his face change completely; he looked so ashamed for even suggesting it. He put his arms around me and pulled me close in for a hug.
“Honestly, I didn’t know. I’m sorry love. It’s not far, we can walk. Pretend I never even suggested a car ride?” He said, looking down at me. I smiled slightly, wiping a tear from my eye.
“All right.” It was a quick cry, but I felt so much better. Having him know what was going on, really took some weight off of my shoulders.
He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and we set off in the direction of the diner.
“So, on a totally unrelated topic, because you probably want to stop thinking about sad stuff…. You look absolutely smashing in that dress.” He gave me a wink and I shook my head, laughing loudly. He was great at making me laugh.
“Lay it on Harry, go for it.” I retorted, nudging myself into his side a little more.

“Oi, you disappeared!” I hear Louis say as he sticks his head into my room, I had been lying there for almost 20 minutes just thinking.
“I did, you looked busy.” I said with a cringe.
He laughed and nodded, walking over and sprawling out on the bed beside me.
“Harry gave me a ride home, he told me what happened. You okay kid?” He asked, true concern in his voice.
I nodded. “I am. He is really nice, I wish you’d get along…” I tempted.
“I think things will be okay there from now on, I just… it’s a very long story. You should really talk to Niall about it. Get some sleep though; I’ll see you in the morning.” He gave me a big hug and kissed my forehead before standing up and walking off to his room.
I pulled my phone over, sighing as I typed.

“We’ll talk tomorrow, okay? Goodnight.” I sent the text to Niall, plugged my phone in, and then hopped up to go shower. School was going to be hell tomorrow.

Notes

Harry stop it. Seriously I love you. Ugh.