Ever Since New York [h.s au]

15

It was New Years Eve, and Harry knew just the party. I forgot whose house it was, all that I remembered was that one day, I would live in a place like that. It was a private house, full of foliage and an ocean view. The stone walkway drew me in immediately. It was when we walked inside that Harry smiled at me.

"I told you the house was amazing." He shoved one hand in his pocket and the other over my shoulder.

Each room had an archway and the entertainment space had open beams with cobblestone looking walls. It was amazing. The blue and green LED lights created the perfect New Years Eve party. This was California, completely different than a New Years Eve in New York, we always ended up going to the city and watching the ball drop.

This party was chic, everyone was dressed well but casual. My flowy little black dress and sneakers were perfect, they didn't match Harry's white shirt and cardigan. But we did both have rings on, which had to count for something. I'd thrown mine on at the last second, explaining that I twisted them when I was nervous. I knew I'd be nervous a lot tonight, there were going to be a lot of strangers.He looked at my decorated hands and spoke to himself, saying that he needed to get some.

I pulled out my jewelry box, it had a pair of fake pearls, some random necklaces, too many earrings, and a variety of rings. I wasn't sure if any of the ones I had would fit him, his fingers were far bigger than mine. I had a few I'd thrifted that couldn't fit me, but they were so beautiful I had to buy them. I pulled those ones out. When I had Harry try them on, and they fit, his eyes lit up. He was so excited we were going to match.

Harry introduced me to a few of the people he knew, they were all kind, but not memorable. We went to the bar, I ordered an ice tea, and Harry ordered a whiskey.

I turned to him immediately, "You're drinking tonight?"

He'd never drank when I was with him, I honestly thought he might have been sober. It never occurred to me that he could drink while we weren't together. I felt a sense of betrayal, that first night we went to Aurora together he told me someone had to watch out for me. It wasn't a promise to stay sober, but I thought on a night like tonight, when I didn't know anywhere, and he was driving a car from Columbia Records, he'd skip the booze.

"Of course, it's New Years!" He picked up the glass the bartender put in front of him and downed it.

I guess I thought wrong. I was nervous, but excited. I'd never seen Harry drunk, I thought the night could be fun. I held Harry's hand, and my other hand gripped my tea so tight I swore it was going to shatter. We talked to more people. Danced to music, and did all the basic things people did at parties. I was having fun, it was nice to see Harry loosen up a bit more.

It was nearing Midnight and I heard someone in the house shouting something about karaoke. At that point Harry had on a pair of cheap 2017. I had no recollection of him getting them, but I thought they looked ridiculous with his long hair. It was perfect.

I dragged him towards the stage, where there was a live band taking requests. I knew Harry had to get up there, for marketing. No one besides the people in our studio and Harry's old bandmates knew he was a talented singer, he needed to start showing that.

I signed him up.

When Harry got on stage, he was so drunk he was nearly falling over. I knew that would only enhance his performance. He whispered a song to the band, then they started playing.

I pulled out my phone to record.

He was singing Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana. I'd seen Harry in a Kurt Cobain and a Nirvana shirt before, but he never seemed like a fan to me. But as I watched I knew he was very familiar with the song. His voice was husky, raw. He was drunk, leaning forward, getting closer to falling with each line.