Derailed || Harry Styles AU

3 | The Lucky One

"New to town with a made up name

 in the angel's city,

Chasing fortune and fame.

And the camera flashes

Make it look like a dream"

Entering The Wilted Leaf Diner I was immediately hit with the strong aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the mouth watering scent of early morning breakfast. It was a darling establishment. The walls were painted in a light gray color that was covered with sage green leaves placed sporadically across the walls.

It felt strangely familiar, in a sense I had felt as though I had been here before. Knowing good and well I had never stepped foot in the state of Louisiana until today.

Looking at the seating arrangements, it was set up like a typical diner. A countertop that had plenty of stooled seating options. The stools were covered in a bright white vinyl. The booths, that littered the walls, were also covered in a bright white upholstery. The back of the booth seats themselves had a leafy print similar to what covered the walls.

All together, this place was a tourist's dream. It was bright and lively even if it currently had no customers. Speaking of which... is this place even opened yet? Because there is absolutely no one around. I don't even see chefs or servers.

Right as I was about to exit the diner to see if it had its times listed outside I was startled by the loud voicing of someone who was located... behind the counter?

"Ah Shit! Not again." This unfamiliar, womanly voice echoed. I walked my way over to the counter and took a peak over it to see what was going on. But right as I looked over, the elderly lady looked up.

Both of us were startled. The lady placed her hand over her heart and took in a deep breath, I did the same. "Oh gracious, Darling. You scared the Bejesus out of me." She stated while still taking in deep breaths.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry" I announced while still sucking air. "I heard you sound annoyed at whatever you were just working with, and I came to check it out. I didn't expect for you to be looking right up at me when I walked over." I said with a touch of remorse.

"Darling, it's not sweat truly. I was just as shocked as you were seeing as though," she takes a look at her watch, "we dont open for another 35 minutes."

"Oh. I didn't realize. I'm new to town actually, just arrived a mere 10 minutes ago." I said inconspicuously.

"Now, please excuse my asking but Dear, why on earth are you covered in soot? I understand a long day of travel, I do. But dear girl this looks like you were held up at a truck meet at the sonic across town. " She says with concern held in her expression.

Oh. I completely forgot about that minor detail.

"Right. You see here's an explanation to that, you know how I said I only just arrived here today?" She nods as if to say yes. "Well, on my way into town this uncharming and unattractive man offered to give me a ride into town, seeing as I walked here from New Orleans." Her eyes widened at my admission. "So after I rejected his offer, with my own safety in mind might I add, he revved his engine and blew his exhaust all over me as a response to my short and evidently warranted no." I looked down to see that my jeans and sweater looked even more dirty in the fluorescent lighting of the diner.

"Oh deary, that is simply awful. And to hear that it was someone from Green Leaf that did it? This town is as safe as can be and filled with the nicest people you could ever meet. Makes me wonder what coward did it." She looks at me with empathy almost like she is apologizing for the rude man I encountered earlier.