birds // hs

24. Empire State

I'd like to dedicate this chapter to these lovely ladies: Benchaaa , 1dcrew , domenica_bueno2000 , and hazza_1999 . Thank you all so much for reading and commenting!!! You all mean so much to me 😊

"How did you guys sleep?" Caroline had the nerve to ask as we all sat together eating breakfast.

"Like shit," Harry rolled his eyes. "There was an annoying bug that kept flying around my head. It kept me awake."

I kicked his shin hard under the table and he grimaced, but no one else seemed to notice. Caroline just kept babbling on about nothing and everything, eventually working her way around the table with questions. But she skipped me entirely. Weird.

"I would say we should go get a beer when we get to New York but..." she trailed off and shot Harry a glare, then looked at me. "I guess it wouldn't work out."

Zayn grinned. "Why not?"

"Some of us aren't old enough," Savannah chimed in pointedly. "Obviously."

"We can get a beer," Harry shrugged, avoiding my burning gaze. "It'll be fine. Not everyone has to drink anyway."

"You're right," Caroline smiled widely as her hand just so happened to fall on Harry's. "As always."

I could feel my hand tightening around my fork until my knuckles were white and Zayn was staring at me.

"Uh, Rachel?" He murmured as Harry continued to discuss the travel arrangements with Liam. "Let's go put the stuff in the car-"

"Oh, I'm riding with you guys too," the little annoying brat interrupted him. "Harry said I could."

Harry smiled apologetically at me but I wasn't having it. I quickly excused myself and made my way back upstairs, then flopped on the bed where Harry and I had slept only hours earlier. I just really hated her. Ugh.

I knew he would come after me, but I didn't expect Caroline to be with him. Fantastic.

"Here, let me carry that for you," he attempted to say softly as I struggled to lift my bag. "Rach, come on. Don't be ridiculous."

Caroline shoved her bright pink bag at Harry and smiled. "Well if you're not carrying hers, carry mine."

That little-

"This is just your purse," Harry frowned. "I think you can manage it."

"I have a hurt back," she practically whimpered. "But if you insist-"

"No, no, I'll...I'll carry it," he said quickly with another small glance towards me. "Just go start my car, yeah? I'll be down in a minute."

"Don't mess around," she sighed deeply. "We need to get on the road."

"Yes, I'm aware."

"Good."

She pecked him on the cheek and shot me the most venomous glare I have ever received, then left. Wow, what a catch.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled, scratching the back of his neck as I just stared at him. "I never said she could ride with us, she just-"

"I'm riding with Niall and Alex," I shook my head.

He looked so defeated but I felt empowered. If he was going to let her walk all over him, then I would make him feel as bad as I could. He sort of deserved it...