Hoax

Chapter twenty

Harry Styles 

It's been a little over two days since my, what I shall call an 'episode' and I'm still overwhelmingly embarrassed by it all.

Coming down from such a thing, always causes me to be embarrassed; embarrassed that I needed to use a plethora of Class A drugs to numb the inevitability of an emotional breakdown.

Usually, an unknowing Ana helps me through episodes like this, by staying the night but I texted her yesterday, only to find out she's on holiday in the South of France with her family for the next month.

She didn't tell me, which quite honestly felt like a stab in the chest.

My needs for a sexual distraction were only amplified by the thought of someone seeing me during a bad over-dose – let alone that person being Estelle.

I'm usually so careful about these things.

I tell Xavier and Richie I'm busy, so they don't come calling and I tell Poppy I'm at the studio, so she doesn't phone me.

I didn't anticipate for one second that I needed to tell Estelle some lie, so she didn't come and see me.

As for why she came, that's still a mystery to me. We didn't get that far in talking the following morning and I've been too embarrassed to call or text her about it.

However, in spite of the drugs finally exiting my system, I have felt this overwhelming urge to see Estelle – hence, why I find myself pulling up to the security gates of her house on a Sunday afternoon.

I have convinced myself that drugs have made my emotions hyper-sensitive, as I pull up against the curb opposite her house.

I feel so dumb being sat here, showing my hand willingly to Estelle, but I do have something for her, which is the least I can do.

I don't intend to ring her bell or converse with her...to be honest, I see this is a more of a 'knock-a-door-run' situation.

I plan on leaving the gift at her gates, ringing her bell, rushing to the car and driving off.

I put this plan into motion by exiting the car, with my package in hand and walking towards her gate.

I bend down and place the package just under the security button, ensuring it's tucked out of the way of anyone driving past, in the hope-

"Harry?"

Fuck.

I slowly turn my head to the side and am met with the unwanted sight of Estelle. She's stood before me, beads of sweat peppering her forehead, wearing a tight-fitting, lilac sports set, indicating she's been out on a run – this could not get more awkward...

She looks both concerned and confused as I stand up, leaving the package on the floor.

"Uh...hello..." I state, having been awkwardly caught off guard.

Her lips curve up into a small, gentle smile – "Are you okay? What are you doing here?" She asks, her voice surprisingly soft.

"I uh...well...I was just in the neighbourhood, and I needed to uh...give you-" I quickly bend down and pick up the package, thrusting it into her hands. "this..."

She looks down at the box laying in her hands and I notice her expression soften slightly at the sight of the label. Her eyes draw upwards, and she holds my gaze for a moment; a moment of unspoken gratitude exchanges between us.

"Would you like to come in...for a drink, I mean?" She questions, her eyes suddenly looking very solicitous – an expression that throws me off guard.