new year's day [h.s.]

Three

"Memory's old, but I just can't let it go

The idea's gone, but I just can't let it go"

SONG: In The Light // The Lumineers

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— Eden —

I've lost count of how many times I've said this over the course of my life, but I never want to drink again.

As I slowly begin to wake up, I realize I fell asleep sitting up somewhere. I refrain from opening my eyes right away, unsure of how late I've slept in but wholly aware of the sunlight bleeding in through the blinds. It gently warms the side of my face and arm, while the half of me covered in a blanket starts to feel stuffy.

I shift how I'm seated, turning away from the sun and kicking my legs from under the blanket. Peeling my eyes open, I find myself facing my bathroom door, my cheek resting on the velvet of my headboard. I bring a hand up to rub my eyes before swinging my legs over the edge of the bed, fully sitting up and attempting to wish away the migraine I feel beginning to take over.

I hope Mattie put my Advil back in my bathroom because I really don't want to walk in on a naked Marcus... again.

Finally standing up, I reach for my phone and unplug it, checking the time to see that it's just before 11. I also notice a glass of water and a couple of ibuprofen pills sitting on my nightstand, already prepared for me. Glancing at my bedroom door, I find it cracked open, leading me to believe Marcus was likely the one to leave them out for me – he's never been good about fully shutting things. Yet out of the corner of my eye, I spot one last thing that's out of place.

Harry fucking Styles, also asleep and leaning against my dresser.

Anxiety slowly begins to fuel my migraine, leading me to quickly pop the ibuprofen and chug half of the water before making my way to the bathroom. I shut the door quietly, trying not to disturb Harry's sleep before throwing my back against the wall and staring at myself in the mirror.

Well, at least I remembered to throw a bonnet on and take out my contacts.

Resting my arms on top of my head, I shut my eyes and try to recall the events following our departure from The Twisted Tit instead of focusing on the fact that Harry fell asleep in my room.

I know we only waited outside for about 10 minutes before his driver showed up.

I know Mattie ordered a pizza when we got back, then left Harry and I on our own as she went to take a bath.

I know we cracked open a bottle of wine after I practically inhaled three glasses of water and changed into comfier clothes.

I know we put on some Netflix docuseries, Mattie eventually joining us in time to sign for the pizza and plop herself on the floor, while Harry lounged on the sectional and I sprawled across our loveseat.

I vaguely remember Graham and Marcus coming home? I remember Harry getting a text from Graham and sending his driver back to get them... but after that, things get a bit fuzzy.

"Maybe I should've listened to Brandon," I mumble to myself, stretching out my back before moving to turn on the shower. I allow the steam to build up before flipping the switch for the fan, praying that somehow, magically, it'll help to clear the fog surrounding my memories of last night too. Checking my phone before undressing, I see a couple unanswered texts from Brandon.

iMessage

B <3: Back at my place. Take it easy the rest of tonight. LY baby x – SENT AT 12:14 AM