Make This Feel Like Home

Chapter 10

Harry's POV:

It's been 3 days since Mal and I went to get coffee, she's back at work now and I've been going there everyday, just like I have the first week I met her. I can't quite put my finger on why but I guess I like monotony and routine and it's been hard to find in a different country.

So, I guess that Waffle House is the only routine I've established since I've been here.

My apartment still isn't fully unpacked and usually that would bother me but I kind of always have to be ready to go home. I go back there every few weeks anyway so why unpack everything if I have to always have a bag packed? I don't know, I guess I'm just in denial that I'm out here while my mom is all the way back home.

I miss her.

It's almost 7:00am so I better be on my way. I grab my sunglasses knowing it's so freaking sunny here.

I miss the rain

I take one last look in the mirror. White t-shirt, cuffed, black skinny jeans and Chelsea boots. Maybe I should put a button down on? I look kinda plain. Get it together Styles.

After taking an embarrassingly long time picking out an outfit, I decide on something more comfortable.. a hoodie with basketball shorts, and my Nike sneakers. Cool.

I pull into the Waffle House hearing the click of my engine.. I turn off my music. I wonder what kind of music Mal listens too? Does she like pop, rap, jazz maybe? I get lost in thought but I'm pulled out of my head by a ding. I check my phone and see a text.

Mal: you're late ;)

Huh.. it's 7:25.. damn it.

I walk in and greeted by the same smiling face, I see flowers and a little picture of Mr. Neil and his regular order framed next to it at his regular spot.. I hope they keep it that way, that will  always be Mr. Neil's spot.

I make my way to my regular table and Mal brings me my black coffee, not needing to ask anymore. It seems to be a slow morning so she comes and sits down with me.

"So.. I was talking to Ree last night and she wants to hang out tonight if you're free." She says with an anxious smile. "No good morning? Just springing plans on me at half seven in the morning" I say with a yawn.  She smiles and looks down. "Right, good morning" she says and rolls her eyes jokingly. "So tonight?" She looks at me with her charming smile as she fiddles with her chipped polished fingers. "I'm down, where are we going?" I finally give a response.. I'm not sure if she looks relieved or stressed?

"It's our regular place, it's called Daddio's pub and Restaurant." She says.. I pretend to think and contemplate, and finally say "yeah sounds good.." she lets out a sigh like breath, it looks like she's been holding. I chuckle as someone walks in the door. "Duty calls" she says with a laugh and gets up..

...

After the Waffle House, I decided I wanted to go for a drive and explore.

Here's the thing, before moving out to central California (Santa Maria to be exact) I honestly didn't know a lot about it. I knew I didn't want to go to LA because there was no way I could go from Holmes chapel to LA.. that was just not in the books for me. So I decided on the central coast of California and Santa Maria sounded like the best place for me. Who knew I would have the luck that this place has a lot of open roads and shorelines at my disposal for writing, walking, driving, biking, and anything I could ever want.

It's difficult to enjoy though whenever I see yellow flowers or something else that reminds me of my mom. She has been with me since day one and has always supported me and my dreams.