Outcasts

Chapter 4

The next day, Liam left Harry’s house with the demand of, “Tell me immediately if anything happens.”

            Harry found himself incredibly bored. It was Saturday which meant no school, no homework, and no chores. He started playing random games on his phone and wondered idly how any could possibly find them entertaining. Just as he shot his last angry bird towards a menacing green pig, his phone vibrated in his hand indicating a text from an unfamiliar number. Curiously, Harry opened it.

Tell mummy and daddy ur going 2 liams 2night. Im picking u up at 7. Dnt ask where were going. Its a surprise

            Harry read and reread the message in confusion, before typing a reply.

Who is this?

            He received a reply quickly.

Geez curly i thought u were smart enough 2 figure it out

            Harry rolled his eyes, but smiled, as the identity of the mystery texter clicked into place. This also seemed like the perfect opportunity to put Liam’s words into action. So with a mischievous glint in his emerald eyes, Harry replied,

Okay, Louis. I’ll see you then. ;)

            Harry checked the time on his phone seeing he had a few hours before Louis said to be ready. As reality set in, Harry started to panic. He had no idea where they were going, and therefore didn’t have the slightest clue what to wear or what to expect. Harry decided that since Liam had technically gotten him into this mess, he should be the one to get him out. He picked up his phone and clicked on the familiar contact.

            “Hello?” Liam’s voice barked out from the small speaker.

            “Liam, Louis said he’s taking me somewhere tonight and he didn’t say where. I have absolutely no clue what to wear.” Harry sighed, realizing how stupid he sounded.

            “Come on, Harry, it should be obvious.” Liam snorted, “This is Louis Tomlinson we’re talking about. He’s not gonna be taking you to a fancy restaurant. Dress casual, or better yet, dress cool.”

            “Right casual – cool.” Harry took a deep breath and walked towards his closet. He threw open the door and stared hopelessly at the multiple copies of his bland school uniform.

            “I’m sure you could find something suitable in the back of your closet.” Liam reassured him.

            Harry pushed through the uniforms and was greeted with a site that made him smile so wide that deep dimples formed on each side of his cheeks. He balanced the phone between his cheek and his shoulder and reached forward to take the Pink Floyd t-shirt, which he had forgotten he even owned, and tight black skinny jeans that his mother had bought him but he had never worn, off their hangers.

            “Liam, I’ve got it.” Harry exclaimed, admiring his uncharacteristically casual clothing.

            “One last thing!” Liam said urgently, “Don’t wear a belt.”

            “Then my bum will be hanging out of my pants!” Harry said skeptically inspecting the dark jeans.

            “Just do it, trust me. And stop over-thinking this, like I know you already are.” Liam advised.

            “Fine.” Harry sighed, “Now I’ve got to go get ready. Thanks Liam.” He hung up the phone and carefully placed the outfit on his bed and smoothed out any crinkles on the shirt.