Make All This Pain Go

Chapter Four

Day 2: As I was wrapping my hair in a towel, I went over to my bed to check for any missed calls or texts from a certain member of a popular boyband. Nada. I know I shouldn't be obsessing and that it's a long shot, but I just can't help it. I walk into the kitchen and make myself a cup of coffee. I scroll through my tumblr dash and see various, but very fuzzy and distant, photos of Harry last night. Well, at least they aren't good photos. So I guess I did my job? I don't even know what to think. The whole situation is just so weird. I hear my phone begin to ring across the room. I jump out of my seat and run. It's an unknown number. As I answer the phone, I remind myself to breathe normally and just act cool. 

"Hello?" 

"Erm, hello. Is this Ashleigh?" 

"Yes it is.. Who's this?" 

"Um, Harry. Harry Styles. From the club last night?" 

Breathe. Just breathe. I can't believe he's actually calling ME. Like, I'm on the fucking telephone with Harry Styles. 

"Oh.. Hi! Listen, I'm sorry about last night.." 

"Sorry? What for?" 

"There are still a few photos that got out.. I probably should have reacted differently." 

I all of a sudden began to feel dreadful. Why hadn't I taken better care of him? He deserved that much.. 

"That's expected babe! I just wanted to say thank you. I probably made a complete arse of myself last night, and you had to put up with that. I was probably extremely rude, yet you treated me with such kindness. I really am so appreciative of your actions last night. You stopped me from doing something dreadfully stupid." 

I felt my nerves creep in, hearing his kind words about me. I felt my hands start to shake, and felt my eyes fill with unexpected tears. I swallowed the forming lump in my throat. 

"I just did what I thought was right. People were being so rude, and it just bothered me. Really, it was nothing. I really appreciate you calling though." 

"Not just a call. Let me take you to get a coffee or something. To pay you back. Please?" 

I swear my stomach is going to jump out of my mouth. Coffee? Like.. he wants to actually SEE me?  

"I really can't accept that.. That's too much!" 

"A coffee is nothing! Really, please! Don't make me beg, Ashleigh." 

Hearing my name come from his lips for the second time almost floored me. He was so charming, even just over the phone. Would I be able to meet him and act like a non-lunatic? 

"Alright! That sounds absolutely lovely." 

"Where's your flat? I'll pick you up in a hour." 

As I tell him my address, my heart is jumping out of my chest. An hour?! I'd be standing in front of Harry in such a short time. What if I get so nervous I cry? Or what if he thinks I'm ugly? Ugh. Was this a mistake? 

"Alright. See you soon Ashleigh. I can't wait." 

"See you soon. Bye Harry." 

"Bye love."