Please don't leave me (Harry Styles)

Chapter 10

Waking up to the gentle touch of Harry’s hand on my shoulder, I slowly opened my eyes, adjusting them to the light, seeing Harry hovering over me, with breakfast on a tray. For both me and Ingrid - who was just starting to wake up in the bed next to mine.

“Morning girls,” sung Harry, placing the trays on our lap.

“Morning,” we both replied in unison, taking a mouthful of cereal.

“Thought I’d make you breakfast in bed as it’s your last day here, Ingrid,” Harrys smile half sunk.

I knew he loved having Ingrid around as much as I did. She bought back what life was like before the X factor. The times when he could walk out of his house without being mobbed by fans. Or without being displayed on headline newspapers whenever he did something. Don’t get me wrong, Harry absolutely loved how everything had changed, but there were times when he wished he could just go back to Holmes Chapel and relax with all his old friends. And I guess Ingrid, for both of us, bought back life from Holmes Chapel.

“Well, I’ll come and visit again soon.. you could even come to Holmes Chapel. Your dad asks about you every now and then, Melissa.”

I winced at the word 'dad'. He hadn’t exactly been a dad ever since him and my mum divorced. Once we moved to London, he didn’t make much effort to see me or Archie, and when we did see him… well, it was only every 2 or 3 months for a weekend. Even when we visited him he didn’t seem to care much. He had his new family now. His new wife. Her kids. Even their new 1 year old girl. Who already at the age of one, was the most spoiled little brat I had ever seen. So to hear that he asked about me was all but a joke. He had my number. If he cared, he would ring. 

“Oh right…” I mumbled, chewing on my cereal, not knowing where to look.

Harry lightly placed his hand on my leg, squeezing it, reassuring me that everything was okay. That I didn’t need him in my life. And he was right. It was just a sensitive subject when bought up. Ingrid realised I found the subject tough and tried changing subject, but it just turned the situation more awkward. It wasn’t her fault though, it would have happened with anyone. Thankfully, Niall popped his head round the door, and walked in. Out the corner of my eye I saw Ingrid ever so slightly pull the cover further up her face. 

“Morning!” chimed Niall, instantly looking in Ingrid’s direction. Shyly smiling, he quickly looked away facing down to the floor. What happened with them two last night? I still hadn’t got the chance to ask her. Hmmm. I would find out before she leaves, one way or another.

“So! What are we going to do for your last day in London, Ingrid?” I asked, placing my bowl on my bedside table.

“I don’t mind, it’s up to you guys.” 

“Well, why don’t we just stay in and watch a load of films. There’s no point going out, and risking getting crowded by fans… it’s not fair on your last day,” Niall piped up, now creating eye contact with Ingrid.

“Sure. That sounds cool. Then I’ve got to get the 6 o’clock train to be back in Cheshire for around 8 ish.” 

*

While me and Ingrid were getting all the films ready, the boys popped out to go and get some food. Louis was spending the day with Eleanor, and I weren’t to sure where Zayn or Liam were. 

“So… how did last night go?” I casually asked, making sure I didn’t sound to eager. 

“It was…nice,” she replied, shuffling in her seat.

“Nice?” I repeated. “Just…nice? C’mon Ingrid, I’ve known you since Primary school… I’ve seen the way you act when he’s around, I know you would have enjoyed last night a lot more than that.” 

“Okay. Okay… it was amazing. He was the perfect gentleman. Pulling my seat out for me to sit down. Opening doors. Offering me everything first. Telling me how beautiful I was,” her cheeks flushed a vicious red, highlighting her shyness. “It was perfect Millie, he’s an amazing lad.”

“He is isn’t he. You know, Niall doesn’t date many girls. Or even take them out places. And when he does, he really likes them Ingrid. He’s not the kind of guy to treat you like crap. He knows how to treat a girl, and he’s just looking for his princess.”

Just as I finished speaking, the boys walked through the door. 

“THE FOOD IS HERE!” screamed Niall, as if it was an important announcement. 

*

We spent the rest of the day until 5.30 watching films, all squished up together on the sofa. It had been a nice weekend having Ingrid coming down. It had totally taken my mind off things, especially the whole drama with Harry and his fans yesterday. Which I hadn’t actually spoken to him about this morning. Well, I’d speak to him later - once Ingrid had gone. We took her to the train station for 5.45, making sure she wasn’t late for her train. I embraced her in a huge hug, telling her “I’d see her soon”. Harry then took his turn to hug Ingrid, fluffing up her hair as he did so. 

Then there was Niall. I couldn’t quite tell if he was crying or not,. But he certainly wasn’t happy that Ingrid was leaving, and I don’t think she was either. It was cute how close they had gotten in the 3 days of knowing each other. I was glad Niall had found a girl he liked, and visa versa for Ingrid. A boy that would finally treat her in the way she truly deserves. He moved his way over to Ingrid, and without saying a word, he wrapped her up in a hug, gently kissing the top of her head. It was adorable seeing her standing on her tiptoes, trying, but failing to reach his height. I just about heard there goodbye conversation.

“I’ll see you soon okay Ingrid? I… I really like you. I know we’ve only just met… but, I don’t know. I just feel something I’ve never felt before.”

“I’ll be down soon Niall, don’t be upset. I like you too. I’m really glad we met. I’m going to miss you.”

Before releasing her from their hug, he slowly reached down towards her, planting a kiss on her lips. Eventually letting her go, she boarded the train, waving goodbye as it sped off back to Holmes Chapel. As Niall walked back towards us, he discreetly dried his eyes with his wrist.

“You’ll be alright, buddy. She’ll be back soon,” Harry whispered, wrapping his arm around his best friend.