please notice [h.s.]

chapter six

WARNINGS: alcohol, excessive drinking, violence, abuse
(please be safe y'all <3)

Hazel

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"Welcome to Casa de Horan!" A blonde-haired man slurred drunkenly as he opened the door, revealing a lively party going on behind him. "Come on in, drinks are gonna be on your left."

He was Irish.

How many Europeans live around here?

Sam, Sadia, and Ivy all piled in, leaving me standing in the doorway. All alone.

"You coming in? Or are you just here as decoration?"

I let out a short breath, laughing awkwardly. "Sorry, Blondie. I'm just not really used to the whole party scene." My hands found the hem of my plaid dress, fiddling with it. An old nervous tic I had.

Was I dressed correctly for a party? Ivy had helped, of course, but I still felt self-conscious.

She'd chosen a plaid, taupe-colored dress that reached a little higher than the middle of my thighs, pairing it with a black, long-sleeved shirt underneath and finishing off with black fishnets.

For my hair, I'd opted to leave it down and natural, my curls loose and free.

"It's Niall. Niall Horan." He smiled at me. He seemed to notice just how nervous I was, so he gestured to my arm. A silent question. I nodded, letting him take it as he led me into the apartment.

"So, I told you my name. What's yours?" He asked. It was hard to hear him though; we were surrounded by dozens of screaming college kids and the music was loud enough to burst an eardrum.

"Oh, uh-" A girl bumped into me, cutting me off momentarily as I regained balance. "Hazel! Hazel Jean! I'm with Sam and Ivy and-"

But he cut me off this time. "I know." he laughed. "Saw you arrive with 'em, remember?"

I pursed my lips, cringing internally.

Stupid small talk. I've never been good at it.

This godsend of a man didn't seem to mind though, as he just brushed it off.

"Would'ya like a drink darlin'?" he asked me, his accent thick.

Now I was even more nervous.

A note about being a sheltered kid - It sucks.

Since I'd never really gone to a party, I'd also never gotten drunk. Sure, I had the occasional glass or two of wine with Sad, but never anything more. Not that I hadn't wanted to though.

Tristan hadn't wanted me to.

But he wasn't here now. I could do whatever I wanted.

So I nodded, letting Niall lead me through the crowd towards the kitchen.