Harry Styles- hopelessly devoted

Chapter 10

"Char? Char what's wrong?" Anna questioned in concern. I quickly unlocked my phone and showed her my screen. She let out a screech and snatched my phone from me. "Wait, Anna, give me that ba-". I was cut off by her running into my bedroom. I immediately jumped off the counter and followed behind. She was sitting on my bed manically giggling to herself. 

"What did you do?" I questioned, sitting down next to her. I swear if she messaged Harry I would have her head on a pole. She locked my phone and handed it back to me. "I see what you were hiding. You can't hide anything from me and you know that." Anna stated with a smirk. I held my phone up to my face and unlocked it. Thank God there was no reply to the message Harry sent me. But she did open it. Which means that Harry could now see that I had seen it. So now I had to reply. 

The message stated: 

"Hi Char, 

Hope you've been well. Recognized your face as soon as I saw the Pleasing post. It's hard to forget your smile. Just know I'm here if you ever need anything. 

H"

It was a short message, but enough to make this girl blush. "So...you read it?" I asked Anna sheepishly. She nodded and tried to take my phone again. "Yes, now let's reply!" She exclaimed, still trying to take my phone. I think Anna was more excited about this than I was. 

How could Harry even begin to think of messaging me? Maybe he thought I was some crazy fan girl that hit his car then joined his company to stalk him and he was just trying to be nice. I really hope that wasn't the case, but my mind began to wander into the depths of my negativity.

I re-read his message over and over again, trying to find any intention behind it. He started off the message hoping I was well. Does that mean he has been thinking about my well being? Also, he called me Char. A mere nickname he must have picked up on from Anna. How could he recognize my face? I hid it for the most part the first time we met and was just another face in the crowd at his concert. "Just know I'm here if you ever need anything"? Was that an invitation for me to reach out to him anytime?

"Okay, let's reply." I whispered in defeat. Anna's head perked up and did a small 'yay' while waving her hands in circles. I had no idea what to reply back. I let my thumbs do the talking.

"H, 

I am flattered you took the time to message little ol' me. Things have been quite well. Thanks for the Pleasing sweatshirt...it's going to be a big hit. You should also know I'm here if you ever need anything. Hope you're enjoying your break. Much deserved.

Char"

Was I saying too much? Maybe I should not have let my thumbs decide what I was going to say. "Are you able to look at this before I send it? Please tell me it's not too much." I glanced at Anna before shoving my phone into her hands. Anna shoved the phone back in my hands without looking. "I was glancing over your shoulder the whole time. I already know what it says. Please just hit send so I can go about my day in happiness." 

My heart fluttered at the thought of having an actual discussion with Harry Styles over Instagram. My only hope was that he didn't think I was some numbskull based on my reply. I did not want to scare him off. Pushing my thoughts aside, I hit the send button.

It was difficult lately to come to terms with my reality. I really did not know how to go about my days. I was used to structure and monotonous work. Now I was able to actually enjoy my free time and engage in activities that I wanted. 

"You wanna grab some lunch somewhere? Celebrate our little victory of having Harry message you?" Anna suggested, standing up and holding out her hand for me to grab. Without a second thought I stood and placed my hand in hers. "Absolutely." 

***

Anna and I were catching up on what has been happening the last few weeks in our lives while we ate at Panera. Even though she technically lives with me, she has been picking up more shifts at work and I've been at the Pleasing building getting headshots done. It felt like we hardly had time for each other. 

"So, you never told me. How did the visit with your parents go?" I said quietly. Anna stopped chewing her food for a moment and looked down at her half eaten sandwich. Taking about her parents was always an uncomfortable topic, but I wanted to let her know I was there for her.

"Oh you know, just them being their typical selves. Hearing but not listening." Anna somberly said. I reached out my hand across the table and placed it on her forearm. "I'm here for you, okay? Let me know if you want to talk about it more later." She placed her hand on top of mine and gave a small smile. "I know, Char. I love you so much, you know that?" 

Just as the little moment between us faded, my phone began to vibrate. It notified me I had a new message from Harry on Instagram. Anna stared at my phone for a moment then immediately grabbed it. I snatched it back out of her hands. "We aren't gonna have a problem now, are we?" I jokingly said. She snickered. "No, we aren't. I'll leave you and Harry be. Just update me once you start fucking, okay?" "Anna, oh my God."

My phone unlocked and Instagram immediately opened. I tapped on my messages and saw a brief preview of the message. Inhaling, I tapped on his name.

"I'm happy you're enjoying the sweatshirt. Green is undoubtedly your color. I enjoy being home with family for the holiday. It is quite late here. I'm guessing it is around lunch time for you. Do you have a favorite food?" 

What the heck. His message was all over the place. A little bit of complimenting, a little bit of familial warmth, questioning time and then asking me my favorite food. I shook my head while giggling. Anna's eyes were daggers on me. I could feel them. I looked up from my phone and met her eyes. "Yes?" I questioned. "Don't mind me. As I said, just let me know when you two start fuc-" "Anna!"

"Actually, Anna and I are at lunch now. I'd have to say my favorite food is bread. Or maybe any type of carb. I've been really into pasta lately. How about you? And why aren't you getting some rest?"

I hit send with a shaky hand. I don't think I am going to get used to talking to Harry. And to think this was likely just the beginning.