Just normal guys

5. Can you call yourselves friends because you've been on the phone once?

‚Oh shoot, it's already half past 10! I really have to go now!'

I collected my stuff and went to say goodbye to everyone. I was at a club with some of my friends. We wanted to have fun for one last time before the next months would be stuffed with exams. My parents had allowed me to go, but said I should be at home by midnight. Other kids my age would probably protest, but given that my mom and dad allowed me to do many things I wanted, without saying a word, I never complained. And I wasn't really a big fan of clubbing as well, so this gave me a perfect excuse to leave, before I got uncomfortable around so many people.  And my way home was long, I'd probably be on the way for over an hour. Another reason why I couldn't stay longer: Normally my mother would pick me up after staying up long with my friends, but today she and my dad both had absolutely no time. Before midnight there were at least a few people still out, so I wouldn't be all alone in the dark. I think every girl knows, why you should not try to be out unaccompanied at night.

I promised my parents to share my location with them and to call a friend on my way home, so I pulled out my phone and thought about who I could ring. My friends at the club would make no sense, because we had no chance understanding each other. At first I tried Lucy, then Tara. They both didn't answer. Both of them were probably already asleep, though I was surprised. Normally at least Lucy was still awake.

‚Ok, I have a few other friends too', I thought to myself. But when i scrolled through the saved numbers, I saw just 3 other people who I would dare to call. However, when I phoned them, nobody answered again. Slowly I became uncomfortable. By now I had reached the underground, and was on my way to the bus. I looked around me. Luckily I didn't see anyone who seemed to follow me, no creepy guy. I just hoped that wasn't going to change.

After a few minutes I reached the bus station. I shivered when I went outside. It was already pretty cold for October. Still no one behind me. I thought. When I looked closer, I noticed a dark shadow standing about 10 m beside me, suspiciously glancing at me. Panic rose up. The bus would come in 8 minutes, I had just missed the last one. The station was not in the middle of  nowhere, actually in the middle of the city, but that meant nothing. Near an underground station were enough silent spots where no one would see or hear anything. After pulling out my phone again, desperately trying to find someone to call, I remembered the promise I had given Harry. I hesitated. Should I really dare to phone him? But i promised it. The tour was over, I wouldn't call in the middle of a concert. I looked at the shadow again. The guy had come closer. I clicked on video call and speaker mode, without hoping that he'd answer.

„Hello Ayla, is everything alright? Why are you calling at this time?"

Harrys face appeared on the screen. He was laying on a big sofa, wearing a cuddly looking sweater. He seemed surprised.

„Hey Harry, I'm fine. I just remembered the promise I gave you. The one about me calling you, do you recall?"

He immediately seemed to understand. His expression changed from surprised to worried and concentrated.

„Oh right, there was something. But why are you still out? It's already late, normally you go to bed earlier."

„That's true. I was on a party with some friends this evening, but had to go earlier, to catch the bus. What about you? How are you? Do you have more time, now that your ... trip is over?"

I didn't say tour because I didn't want to give anyone listening a hint on Harrys identity, though I supposed a guy like the one following me wouldn't be that much of a 1D fan. It was already risky that we were in a videocall.

„Yes", he answered, „way more relaxed. We can sleep in. And I have finally visited my family!"

„Oh, that's great! Are you still there, or are you back again?"