Limerence • h.s.

32

Megan's voice is loud over the sound of the music playing in the quaint hotel room. I opted for a quiet night, with just my friends, rather than a crowded bar with loads of watchful eyes. Niall volunteered his room, moving the furniture around to maximize space. He also made the trip to the store, buying way too much alcohol for all of us to consume.

I smile at her as she rants, my beer bottle tickling my lips as I sip from it. "All I'm saying is I didn't sign up to be in this fucked up state, I cannot wait to leave."

I nod, agreeing with her. "As sexually active pro-choice women, I don't think we fit in very well."

We had gone down a rabbit hole when we got here, once she realized Idaho was a restrictive state in terms of reproductive health, and immediately hated being here. Right now, though, the good in this room is outweighing that. Frank and Niall are playing a round of beer pong. How they got their hands on the foldable table is a mystery to me, but I watch and cheer them on.

Harry plays referee, making sure each shot is called correctly. I smile at him, his eyes gleaming as they brim with tears from his laughter. Everyone is in such a good mood tonight, and it makes me so happy. I can't put into words how thankful I am for these experiences. For my friendships, for Harry. Today has been one of the best birthdays I've ever had. Arguably the best.

A knock on the door causes Megan to pause rolling her eyes, and I watch as she skips over and swings it open. I recognize Mitch and Sarah immediately, clamming up with nerves. I produce a wave to them as Harry yells for them to come in.

They smile, easing into the room and making their way over to the wall I'm currently standing against.

"Hey, happy birthday."

I smile at Sarah, thanking her as Mitch also says it.

I thank them both, offering them a drink, which they take.

I haven't spent much time with anyone from Harry's band at all. I see them here and there in passing, offering smiles. I know how close he is to them, and that makes me nervous. Niall is the only friend of his I really know. Megan returns to my side, cheering Frank on and instructing him to kick Niall's ass.

Niall scowls with thinned eyes, lining up his shot. He's down to one cup, and he can't hit it to save his life.

Frank rids himself of a cup, tying the game. Harry rests his hands on his knees, leaning in. "One to one, who's gonna take us home tonight?"

"Oh God, this is serious?" Megan turns to Mitch, laughing at his comment and nodding. I zone out as my phone vibrates. I observe the text from Kate.

Booked my room, same hotel as you! Definitely not a room as nice as yours up on that top floor, but good enough. See you Thursday!

I smile at her remark, making quick work to text her back.

Yay, see you then!

The screams in the room force my eyes up, and I watch as Niall jumps up and down with his arms in the air. "In your face!"

Frank waves him off, walking over to Megan and stealing her beer. "It was close, I'm still proud of you." She says to him, making him smile and kiss her cheek.

Harry eyes me from across the room, shaking his head in laughter at Niall's obnoxious antics. I chug the rest of my beer, tossing the bottle in the trash. "Harry, you're up," I say, walking over to the table and resetting the cups. He raises his eyebrows, standing and doing the same as me across the table.

"My money is on the birthday girl," Frank says, opening a new beer and taking over the role of referee while Megan stands behind him, her arms over his shoulders. Harry scoffs playfully, lining his cups up perfectly.