Fireproof

1 - New Beginnings - H

Harry 

'Are you sure that you have everything packed? " Mum asked me for maybe the hundredth time. I subtly nodded.

It was my last day in Cheshire, at least for the next few weeks. Gemma and mum were already seated in the car, and I was just keeping the last of my suitcases inside. Back inside, I was behind the wheel, mentally preparing myself for this new adventure. To be honest, I was really nervous. University was going to be big, something new and different and much better than my monotonous life. Something I was eagerly looking forward to.
But I was guilty as well because I considered it more as an escape. From everything.

We soon hit the road. It was a good and calm day with a clear sky. The journey was short and rather cheerful. Gemma looked tired but better. She almost looked happy. Mum was also just fine. I felt happy. Really happy.

Bradford was beautiful. The weather was just fine which immensely lightened my mood. And yes, I am a "weather decides my mood" kind of guy. Well that ended up sounding pathetically poetic.

My dorm was an average-sized room with two single beds and a small table separating them. There was a closet on the wall opposite to the beds. There were also two desks and a closed door, which probably lead to the bathroom. The room looked rather lavish with a few paintings hung on the walls and the sunlight falling through the long windows. My kind of place.

My roommate looked like a messy person because his bed was unmade and some clothes were thrown around. However, he wasn't physically present.

Mum and Gemma helped me unpack a bit. By the time they were ready to leave, they already had tears in their eyes and I would be lying if I say that I didn't feel emotional.

"we'll miss you so much baby"

"yes mum, I will too"

Then Gemma started hugging me tightly and said, her voice cracking in between, "I'll miss you so much Harry, promise me you will take care of yourself and not worry much about us. We will be fine. You deserve to have fun. And finally get yourself someone". A small smile formed on my lips.

"And bring them home as well" Mum chimed in, before laughing slightly.
"Oh stop it you two"
"Alright but" Gemma continued, Promise me you will have fun and take care of yourself. We love you so much"
By now she was completely crying, her eyes and cheeks red. I assured her softly, "Yes Gem, I will take care, and you do too. Don't hesitate to reach me if there's anything wrong. I'm only a few hours away."

Gemma slowly nodded and stepped back, allowing mum to hug me and give a few instructions. Teary eyed, both of them drove away. 

Inspite of being tired and emotional, I unpacked a little more. I arranged all my books and clothes as neatly as I could and sat down on my bed, texting Ed that I had reached safely. Ed was my best friend, and I had known him for more than ten years now. He was like a brother to me.

Then, just to kill time, I tried taking a nap. Soon I was startled awake. In front of me stood a boy, standing in the empty space between the two beds. It looked as if he had somehow walked right into his  bed. 

"Hey" he said, looking towards me with a somewhat apologetic look on his face.  I smiled faintly. 

"Sorry for waking you up" he  laughed lightly. His laugh went just like hahaha. "You're my new roommate probably"

"yeah I'm the one" I said, before sitting straight up on my bed. 

" I'm Niall by the way. Niall Horan. Made in Ireland." There was a hint of pride in his voice. He was still smiling and it was quite endearing.

"I'm Harry. Harry Styles."

" Nice to meet ya buddy" 

"Nice to meet you too"

He smiled. I nodded.

"you smile a lot" I remarked.

He chuckled "ah yes, I get that a lot. I just like smiling in general. Just a happy person I guess." I was awestruck for a moment at how lightly he had made use of the phrase "happy person". Well awestruck sounds a little too dramatic but you probably get what I mean. Well, all people and their circumstances are different so I should probably not think too much about it. 

"You're british right?" Niall asked. I hummed in response. 

"And I guess you're Irish?" He proudly nodded. 

Then we talked a bit more, here and there about our subjects and other interests. We both had an adoration for music. He was more into playing the guitar and singing sometimes (he told so himself) whereas I was more interested in the writing part of it. It felt like we both connected instantly with each other.  Niall Horan was like a blond ball bursting with energy. He had that amazing vibe which could make anyone around him comfortable. And happy. 

After a few minutes,  his phone rang. The person on the other side was rather loud.

"yes Louis, on my way" Louis. Good name. I couldn't hear what this Louis was saying on the other side.  

"m bringing my roommate along"

I froze. I wanted to do new and different things but I was never very social. I just had a few friends throughout highschool.

"yeah" 

"Lou, be nice, he's new."  Niall sternly said. They were probably talking about me.

"Cool, we're coming" And he cut the call. 
Turning towards me, he asked, "you hungry?"

" Yes, a bit" I said. This may be one of my only shots at happiness.

"Okay, let's go"

"Where?"

"You wanna meet my lads? They're waiting for me at the cafeteria. Rather us now"

"Oh yeah sure, if you're okay with it"

"C'mon Styles, we're mates now, follow me"

Saying that he headed out the door. I got up, brushed my hair, and ran to catch up with him. "You're gonna love them!" Niall suddenly said. He sounded chirpy. "Hope so" I mumbled to myself before we reached the cafeteria.

It had been a good day so far.

--------------------
hey hey, you made it to the end of the chapter!! I love you so much!!
if you like it then maybe drop a comment and vote for it?
I'll update soon!!

stay safe
lots of love,
ausie <3