Calamity [Zarry Stylik AU]©️

Chapter 3: ANNIE'S CAKE!

H,

I woke up at the same time. This time, no nightmare. I felt embarrassed and sad for allowing my feelings to get the best of me and preventing me from having a good night with my friends the night before.

I couldn't fight it though. Niall and Liam brought me home and stayed with me for a bit, we chatted, but they ended up leaving - I couldn't be the reason they would miss a pint or two with some other people. I didn't do much for the rest of the night, except wallow in my misery, knocking myself across the head for allowing unresolved feelings to control my life still. I went to bed early, curled up, and slept in a house completely drenched in silence.

Coming downstairs I noticed Mum hadn't arrived yet. Whenever she worked doubles, we would end up crossing paths, with Mum coming in and me going out to work. Not today, though. Mum was late. I had my breakfast, as usual, coming out of the house at the same time as usual. I crossed paths with some of the people I knew wishing them a good morning and chit-chatting for a few seconds. Contrary to other mornings, today seemed like a cold grey day.

I arrived at the bakery just in time, as Mrs O'Leary kept her doors still closed, but there were already people outside. Liam sat out the front, by the curb, with his eyes closed. After waving at the waiting customers, I approached my friend.

"Hungover again, Liam?" 

My friend opened his eyes slowly, looking at me.

"Morning, Haz."

"Are you wearing last night's clothes?"

"I am."

"Did you drink?"

"Not at all. All I had was chocolate milk. My hungover is an overdose of chocolate."

I scoffed, crouching by his side.

"Do you want some coffee?"

"I could use a new brain. Do you have one?"

"Maybe you shouldn't go out every bloody night, Liam."

"It's Niall's fault. That lad doesn't know when to quit it."

"Niall doesn't need to work. He's a millionaire. We're not."

"I am hoping he will let me in on the action soon."

I laughed and Liam laughed as well but immediately winced.

"Please tell me you have some aspirin or something on you."

"I think we have it on the medicine cabinet. I'll get it for you."

"Please,"

"Are you okay to drive?"

"I am. I slept at Cheryl's - don't start with me, okay!"

"I wasn't going to," I replied, holding my hands up. "Your head. Your sentence, mate."

I looked up at the shop, noticing Mrs O'Leary was already coming towards the door.

"Come on. Time to go to work."

I got up, but Liam immediately grabbed my hand.

"For all intends and purposes- "

"I know, you're still sick. Sushi, was it?"

"Yes."

"Got it."

The front door opened, and Mrs O'Leary stepped out.

"Morning, boys!" Mrs O'Leary greeted me with kindness. "Liam, how nice to see you. How are we feeling today?"