The Beacon [h.s]

9

Nyla West

I'm leaning back against the passenger side of my car completely speechless, watching Harry speed out of the parking lot in his sleek black car.

My mind can't comprehend the interaction I just had with him. I noticed him right as I was about to get into my car and I kept replaying the moment where I grabbed his wrist in my head. I wanted to apologize once more, never intending to hurt him. But I didn't expect to be threatened the way I just was. I get that what I had done was wrong, but he didn't need to be so aggressive and rude about it. This whole day has been a whirlwind of emotions and I feel drained already.

I'm honestly still trying to get over the fact that I got accepted to this job in the first place. The pay and experience I will get from it is too much to ask for and I'm extremely grateful for it, even if it means I'll work with Harry. Now all I'm thinking about is how I'm going to handle his attitude if he continues to act the way he just did.

The second I recognized Harry from that night at Cheers and Beers Bar, my heart plummeted down to my stomach. I remembered the way I watched him wash his hands and how close he came to kissing my neck. Now though? After that encounter of me grabbing his hand, I'll make sure to never touch him again.

I huff out a sigh after standing here, staring at the spot that was once occupied by Harry's luxurious car. I force myself out of my thoughts, walking around my car. Slamming the driver's door closed, I tilt my head back to rest against the head of the seat. I run my fingers through my hair which I kept down this entire time, not having enough time to do anything with it before I left my house.

That's when I'm reminded of Louis. Even though my interview and interactions with Harry were kind of off, I should still be happy that I surprisingly got this job.

I grab my phone from the passenger's seat and click Louis' contact to call him and let him know the news. The line rings only once before he answers.

"You were waiting by your phone for my call this whole time, weren't you?" My eyes squinting as I immediately ask.

"You know I was! But nevermind that, did you get it? Tell me Nyla! I can't wait any longer!" He rushes his words.

I laugh under my breath at his eagerness, deciding to mess around with him a little. "No Louis, I didn't get it. The guy practically told me off when he saw my previous jobs and laughed at my face and asked me how I could ever expect my low qualifications to get me this type of high position job." I keep my tone serious but cover my mouth at the end of my sentence, containing my urge to laugh.

The other end of the line goes silent for a while and I check my phone to see if I accidentally hung up or something. It's still on the line when I check. "Hello? Louis, did you hear me?"

"Yeah, I heard you. Um, are you sure they weren't like messing with you? I could've sworn you'd get this job...I'm so sorry Nyla. I made you get all dressed up and I gave you so much hope. You must be so sad, here, tell me where you are right now I'll come to you and we can get ice cream or something-"

His apologetic tone makes me lose it. I physically couldn't hold back my laughter.

"Are...are you laughing?" Louis questions through the line.

"Yes. Oh my god, my stomach hurts. Ho-hold on, I can't stop laughing. Wh-why did you sound so guilty, this is too funny." I stutter over my continuous laughter, tearing up a little over his concern, holding my stomach with my free hand.

"What the fuck? Nyla, why the hell are you laughing?" He now sounds irritated.

My laughter dies down to me taking deep breaths. "Louis calm down, I got it. I got the job."