The Antidote [A Short Story]

Chapter 5.

This is not the Christmas Eve Harry had planned for himself this year. It's not like he had solid plans but it surely could have been better than this.

With his mother and sister taking their planned girls trip all the way to Bali and some of his other friends traveling, he finds himself alone with his dark thoughts.

Two days ago, Mona lashed out and he watched her emotionally breakdown before him. It felt like a fragile piece of ceramic shattering in his hands and he felt deeply responsible.

Not because he understands why but because he truly believes he ruins whatever he touches.

This is something he has dealt with in his top secret therapy sessions and it sucks to have it fully materialise with his best friend. The one that holds a special place in his heart. He cannot see his life without Mona in his corner. It doesn't make sense to him.

This friendship has been there for almost all their lives and he cannot believe he's about to lose it to some silly lack of proper communication.

Of course, Mona has blocked his line and has banned him from her place. It seems dramatic but he knows there's more to it.

He gently pours the mixed berries into the batter and licks the juice off his thumb as he prepares a simple Christmas dessert for his lonely holiday.

Maya has also put him on blast and she's also keeping her distance until he fixes all of this. He doesn't know where to start from and it sucks.

Niall enters with a soft smile on his face and admires how he's deeply concentrated on the meal prep.

"Oi Gordon, isn't that too much berry mix?" he chuckles.

"I should collect my keys from you," Harry frowns.

"Told ya I was on my way, swear it," Niall shrugs.

"No, you didn't," Harry folds in his lips, concentrating on his batter.

"Where's your phone, Jamie?" Niall quips.

Harry pauses and does the triple tap. He checks the wide pocket in front of his apron and frowns in confusion.

Well, since the world has banished him, he hasn't exactly used his phone much. He knows he has a christmas message waiting to be sent out to his fans and that's pretty much it.

Gemma and Anne are in a completely different timezone so there's no hurry to wish them.

"Must be in, then," he breathes out.

"Whose recipe ya following?" Niall raises an eyebrow at the mixture.

"Nigella, who else?" Harry rolls his eyes.

" 'Cos she looks like your mum? Weirdo," Niall laughs.

"I know you didn't come to insult me in my own 'ouse, mate," Harry glares at him.

"It's actually a mix of both, came to also check on ya before Love bites my head off," he says, staring at him.

"Love sent you to me? Are pigs flying already?" Harry bitterly chuckles.

"You know she cares about you, just annoyed. As she should be," Niall says.

"Alright. I'm okay as you can see," he clears his throat.

"Sure? I know the last visit ended as a bloody mess," Niall points out.

"Told you it was nothing," Harry gets out a pack of film from a drawer.

"We heard everything," Niall is blunt.

"So you were eavesdropping? Very adult like," Harry hums.