Public Privacy (Harry Styles)

Chapter 1

And now I'm sitting on a night bus flicking through my Ipod,
Feeling kinda tired so I try to close my eyes up.
                                ~ Homeless,  Ed Sheeran

The bus stops and a few people pile in. An old woman sits next to me and I smile politely which she returns. She's slightly round and has many wrinkles around her eyes.

"Excuse me, deary, have we met?" The old woman asks with a gentle, calming voice.

"I don't think so, sorry."  I half smile and continue to watch the raindrops race down the window. It's been raining all day and I'm wondering whether it's time to dig up my yellow coat and wellies...

The bus stops again just a little down the road and a tall, lean figure runs onto the bus with his hood pulled up, covering his face. I watch his interaction with the driver. The hooded man seems frantic and rushed. The driver keeps shaking his head and gestures to the flimsy doors. I think I know what's going on.

I stand and reach for my purse from my bag. I walk up the isle and the driver seems to notice me. On my way, a few glances are sent my way, a few apprehensive of my intentions, a couple curious. The driver sees me in his peripheral and sighs under his breath. One thing I hate about people is that they expect the worst; a fight, a glare, some sort of negativity.

"Miss, I'm sorry but we are slightly delayed because this man cannot pay and must leave. But refuses." He says in a clipped tone staring down the mid-twenties male.

"Here," I say, taking a measly £2.20 from my purse and slipping it into the ticket machine. The man visibly relaxes and mutters a thank you. I reply with a swift nod as the driver looks aggravated with our exchange.

I return to my seat where the elderly woman has a smile of admiration on her face showing off her pearly whites.

"That was a very nice thing to do. You're very kind." She praises. A warm feeling stirs inside me. Similar to what I mentioned earlier, no one expects much from the human race - it's a wonderful feeling when a stranger compliments you. Especially older citizens; they don't particularly pay attention to the aesthetics, your behaviour is what impresses.

"Thank you, it means a lot." I beam

I look up from putting my purse back in my bag to see the guy looking at me from beside me.

"I, uh-" He looks to the group of giggling girls in the back with an empty seat next to them. There's another next to me. In fact the only other one. I half smile up at him.

"You can sit here if you want." He the corner of his lip twitches and he sits next to me. "I'm Blue."

"Harry." He whispers. I frown.

"Why are you whispering?" I ask quietly.

He looks over to me then back to his lap. His face is very shadowed in the dim bus lights. He doesn't answer.

 "A unique name you have there." The woman smiles warmly.

"It was my mother's last name; Dorothy Blue. " I explain. " She died a few weeks after I was born, she was very weak."

"I'm sorry to hear." She says with a look of empathy.  "Diedry Feakes." She introduces herself and shakes my hand softly, her frail fingers having a firm grip."Do you live with your father?"

"He died when I was 16. I'm living in my old home at the moment."

"That sounds lovely, many memories I'd imagine." She says with admiration.

"Mm," I mumble.

She sighs happily. "Where are you off to?"

"Home. Kingscross. And you Mrs Feakes?"

"Oh no, I feel old now." Her hearty laugh making me warm. "Call me Diedry. The co-op love, a bit of evening shopping."  The bus stops and as promised, the co-op is right there.

"It was lovely to meet you Diedry, I hope you'll be doing more evening shopping soon." I smile with my tongue between my teeth.

"I'll make sure I do. Goodbye!" I wave goodbye as she steps off the bus.

I stay quiet. I glance at Harry only to find him looking at me with sparkling green eyes. I smile and place an earphone back in my ear.

A.N. I DEFINITELY will finish this one! I PROMISE X