Spaces

CHAPTER 2 - 18

FLASHBACK

2011

CASSY POV

“WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?” I kept asking my mom while she was helping me tidy up my closet that seemed to not have anything nice on it. It’s been hours and we have to leave soon, but I haven’t picked out what to wear. “Honey, don’t stress yourself, it’s just a barbecue. Just like old times.” she suggested. I am fully aware that it’s nothing fancy, heck it’s just a street away from our house. But she doesn’t get it. I’m going to see Harry again after months of not being able to annoy him. It’s the first time he’s come back since his stint at the X Factor and I missed that cupcake.

“Mom, Harry’s gonna be there.” I explained, hoping she would somehow understand. “And since when did you care about what you look like in front of Harold?” she asked, intrigued. I thought about it for a second and decided to just let her know the truth. “Okay maybe it’s not Harry. Maybe it’s someone he’s bringing to this barbie.” I said, pulling out a grey dress underneath my pillow. I have been watching the show since it started and frankly, I could not get enough of Zayn. I haven’t told Harry but in between our chats and calls these past couple of months, I would make sure to ask him about everyone in the house when all I really wanted to know was how Zayn was doing. I’m not sure if Harry figured it out by now but I think he will after this day out.

My mom and I left our house 10 minutes past the time Anne said the barbecue would start. I like how we can go earlier than most people but not seem too eager. Walking towards the backyard where I could remember memories from our childhood just hits me home. I haven’t been here since Harry left and I never realized how much I missed hanging out with him until now. As we were approaching the patio, I saw him. I saw the one person I was so anxious to see today. I didn’t want to believe what I was seeing, but there he was, right across Anne. “Hello, Cassy, darling! And Miranda!” Anne greeted with the warmest hug anyone could possibly give. “Hello Anne.” Mum said hugging her back. “Hello, nice to see you again.” I greeted back trying to keep still. “How have you two been? It’s been a crazy couple of months.” she started, looking at my mum and then me. “Oh it’s been the same, really. Cassy here could not wait for today. I think she missed your boy a lot.” Mum blurted out and it could not have been more embarrassing. “You did? Well, I’m sure Harry’s the same. Why don’t you go and say hello to him and the boys?” she asked, as if I wasn’t planning on it. “Yeah, okay. See you later, mum.” I politely exited the mums’ conversation and walked towards the bunch of boys lurking around the grill.

Harry immediately saw me and ran to hug me like he always does. “Whoa. Put me down, Harry!” I squealed. I wasn’t supposed to but he was spinning me around and I was feeling a bit dizzy already. “Oh, sorry Cassy! Cass! Omg I can’t believe you’re here!” he said as he put me down on the ground. “Why wouldn’t I be here? I live a street away from you.” we both laughed as we walk towards the other boys. “Cassy, I’d like you to meet my band. This is Louis, Niall, Zayn, and Liam.” he pointed at each one of them who all gave me small smiles. I was already staring at Zayn from across the patio, I cannot believe I’m seeing him this close now. “So, you’re the famous Cassy.” Louis said, taking a sip of his drink. “Famous? How so?” I asked a bit confused. “Oh it’s just cause Harry always excuses himself after rehearsals to have “a chat with Cass”” Liam explained. “Oh well, I didn’t really think it was that much of a big deal, like don’t you guys have friends or family you always talk to at home as well?” I asked but somehow still distracted by Zayn’s presence. “We do, but we all have our favorite people to talk to. And I think you’re Harry’s.” Niall ended, flipping the steaks on the grill one at a time. “You’re my favorite girl! Cause I get to bully you around.” Harry said jokingly, “Yeah, I’m the only girl who’s older but gets bullied around. Thanks.” I rolled my eyes and somehow all the boys laughed. Maybe I’m a comic? Who knew? Oh but that laugh of Zayn, when his eyes crinkle like that and when he flashed his pearly whites, how can I not love being here at this moment? “Are you alright?” he finally spoke. “Uhm, yeah.” I must have been staring at blank space with his face plastered in front of me. If this is what being a fangirl feels like, then I am a fangirl. Zayn Malik got me into this.

The afternoon was lovely. We all had a great time catching up and getting to know new people in our lives. I’m so glad Harry’s back, I’m so happy he didn’t forget us, the little people, now that he’s made it big. And I’m so glad I met Zayn. I finally met Zayn. Today was wonderful.

2012

“I still cannot believe you’re dating him.” Harry said in between bites of his burger. “Harry, it’s been a year, what’s taking you so long to believe it?” I asked almost laughing at his remark. “I mean, I introduced you guys yeah, and now you’re all lovey-dovey.” he mentioned, wiping mustard on his face. “You do know it did not happen overnight, right?” I asked lowering my eyes at him. “Tell me, how did this happen again?” he just won’t quit. “I don’t want to bore you with the story Harry.” I hesitated. “Oh come on, I leave for tour knowing you’re single and come back to visit to see Zayn there. I didn’t even get an explanation, you guys just kind of showed me.” he’s getting frustrated, I can tell. “Uh, okay. If it means that much to you, and after all you’re kinda like our matchmaker.” I surrendered. “It’s good that you know.” he said patting himself on the back. “Well, remember after that barbecue, I swore I didn’t think I’d get to see him again. But you know what they say, when you’re cute, you’re cute.” I paused, taking a sip of my iced tea. “What, nobody says that Cassy!” he frowned at me. “Just kidding, but anyway, yeah, he kind of just followed me on twitter and asked for my number there. I’d like to tell you the rest, but I don’t kiss and tell.” I winked at him. “Oh good god Cassandra. Are you a groupie?” he mocked. “Harold, you know what I mean.” I warned with a stern look on my face. “Yeah, but man I just. Wow. And we’ve been on tour the whole time? How do you guys date?” he continued. “You know what, for a man of few words, you’re quite talkative today,” I noticed. “yes, while you boys were on tour, I spent most of the time with him when you had short breaks. We made the most out of it.” I ended hoping there won’t be any follow up. “I still have so many questions but I wanna say I’m happy you guys are happy. Just keep doing that.” he smiled and gave a peck on the cheek. If I didn’t know any better, Harry’s whole “I don’t speak much” could just be a facade. Or maybe he’s just really intrigued at how Zayn and I fell for each other.