Everything's Changed. Harry Styles.

19

Now

Harper

The next week went by with nothing exciting happening, thankfully.

David didn't try anything else and I had purposely avoided Harry at all costs. I stayed in for the week and didn't respond to any texts. Which, thank god, he only texted me a couple times. Each time I quickly read what it said and deleted it, hoping I had seen it quick enough that David didn't see it. 

Which, I assume he didn't see any of the texts seeing as we've been avoiding each other all week and when we do interact its all small talk and avoiding glances. 

Today is my last day of school before winter break, and I only have one more hour before I can get out of here and go prepare for Christmas. I was letting the kids watch a Christmas movie while I finished up some grading. I always let them watch a movie before a break because they're too wired to do any work and I always have too much to grade and get done. 

The last hour thankfully went quickly and then I was instructing my kids to gather their things and meet the dismissal teacher. Once the halls were clear I let out a sigh of relief and grabbing my things, practically running out of the school. 

My first stop was mom and pops. I stepped in, sighing in comfort at the familiar warm smell. I spotted Teddy at the counter and gave him a confused look. 

"Where's Aggie?" He smiled as he turned towards the pastries, grabbing me a slice of cake from the display. 

"She's over talking to that boy you know?" 

"What boy?"

"That one british fella. They're over in your spot." He handed me my cake, leaning on the counter to get closer to me. I looked over to the corner I usually sit in, seeing Harry and Aggie talking and laughing together. "You know, he's been in here everyday this week asking about you. I think he's been waiting for you to show up. He usually stays for a couple hours until it gets dark and then he leaves. He tends to look a little sad whenever he leaves." 

"What?" I looked at Teddy with furrowed eyebrows. He nodded with a smile, winking at me. 

"Go on over. I'll bring you a drink in a second." He pushed off the counter and I turned back to Harry and Aggie, sighing before forcing my feet to move towards them. Aggie noticed me first, standing up to give me a hug. 

"Hey honey, how was school?" I kissed her cheek before pulling back. 

"It was good, finally on winter break now." I looked over at Harry to see him stood with a smile. I turned back to Aggie to see a knowing look on her face. 

"That's good, now I get to see more of you! Well, I'll let you two be. Holler if you need anything." She winked at me before walking away and meeting Teddy behind the counter. 

I looked back to Harry, setting my cake on the table and my bag on the chair. 

"You've been ignoring me again." 

"No I haven't."

He gave me a look, "you have."

"I have not, I've just been busy this week." That wasn't a total lie. 

"Okay, whatever you say." He held his hands up with a playful smile. I looked down at my feet, not meeting his eyes. 

"Hey, are you okay?" I looked up at him to see a concerned look on his face. I snapped my eyes back up to him, putting on my best fake smile, hoping he couldn't read me as well as he used to. 

"Yeah, I'm okay. Just a busy week for me, little tired." He gave me a look like he didn't believe me but didn't say anything about it. I sat down on the chair, moving my bag to my feet and grabbing the cake in front of me. Harry sat back down on the couch next to me. 

I took a few bites of the cake while we sat in silence, thanking Teddy when he brought me over some tea. I took a sip before turning to Harry, seeing him just staring at me. 

"What?"

"Nothing." He had a small smile on his face. 

I raised my eyebrow at him, taking another bite of my cake. When I looked back at him he had a smile on his face, seemingly holding back a laugh. 

"Oh, my god, what?" I dropped my cake on my lap, giving him an exasperated sigh. 

"You have cake on your face." My hand shot up to my cheek, trying to brush off the cake. 

"No, it's right there." He pointed to my other cheek and I moved my fingers to the other side. "No, down. Too far, go back up." He laughed and shook his head before leaning forward. 

"Move your hand flower, this is getting hard to watch." I dropped my hand and sat really still as his hand touched my face.  A chill went down my spine as his thumb brushed against the edge of my lips, brushing off where the cake was. 

He hand lingered as he stared at me, my body stuck in its spot. He slowly pulled his hand away and I snapped myself out of whatever trance I was in, clearing my throat and taking a sip of my tea. 

"Thanks." He nodded but didn't move from his leaned forward position. "Do you want a bite?" I motioned towards the cake, suddenly feeling bad I was eating in front of him. 

"Sure" I scooped a piece on the fork, bringing it up and moving it towards him. He leaned forward more, taking the bite from my outstretched hand. I laughed as he got cake on the corner of his mouth and I mimicked what he did earlier, brushing it off with my thumb. 

This thankfully seemed to break the ice and we started to have a casual conversation while we finished our treat. 

"Shit, I gotta go." I stood up quickly when I realized the time, grabbing my bag and starting to make my way to the door. 

"Wait, where are you going?" I turned back to see Harry standing not too far behind me. 

"Last minute Christmas shopping." 

He smiled, "can I come?" 

I hesitated until I saw the hopeful look in his eyes and his adorable smile, dimples on full display. I felt my heart warming at the look, a look I haven't seen in a long time. 

"Fine, but do not distract me. I'm on a mission." I pointed my finger at him, digging my keys out of my purse. 

He walked towards me, waving at Teddy and Aggie. I waved at them as well, promising I would come say hi tomorrow. 

As Harry passed me, his hands brushed my waist and he gave me a cheeky smile before responding to my stipulation for him coming, "Yes ma'am." 

I rolled my eyes, pushing him out the door. But as he moved forward with a laugh I couldn't help but smile at his retreating frame. 

***

Hi everyone, I know the past 24 hours has been insane. For a lot of us it hasn't felt real and for some of us it's hitting really hard all at once. I know we were all supposed to be old before one of the boys passed away, and that the boys were supposed to be old. But unfortunately it happened way too soon. 

I hope you're all doing okay and remember to be kind and respectful to everyone right now, especially his family, friends, and the other boys. 

If anyone needs to talk I'm here, either in the comments of this story or in my direct messages. 

I love you all, 

Shelby