The Perks of Being a Wintergirl

Pints & Scars

Two rows of bracelets dangled at her wrists, covering up the bandages. Today was too hot for a hoodie.

Miranda didnt say a word to her when she colleted her for school, not because she was angry at her, but bc she knew not to bring it up when she saw the bracelets. She took Alison's hand as the walked into school. Kids there were mean and they knew why the quiet girls with long sleeves wore bracelets. They would stare, laugh, even shout instults. 

Miranda gave Alison's hand an encouraging squeeze as they navigated the halls to class. Miranda was her saviour.

Saturday morning came and the cuts finally were starting to heal a little, but still needed a bandage. What could she wear to meet Niall and his friends at the airport? It was 6 am and she was searching for an outfit to wear. She decided on jean capris and a 3/4 lenght top with a light scarf and some comfy flats, and bracelets. Lots of bracelets.

She practically knocked herself and Niall over when she jumped into his embrace. His bandmates chuckled at the potential misshap as he wrapped his arms around her tightly. They both were in tears. 

"I'm sorry." He finally said, once they had collected their composures. "I'm being awfully rude right now. Let me introduce you to the lads" He said, his arm around her waist.

"This is Liam, Zayn and Louis." He said motioning with his hand to each boy as he spoke their name. Alison greeted them all.

"And this, this is Harry. The one I told you I really wanted you to meet." Niall said directing her attention to Harry, the lanky one with curly hair and beautiful eyes. "Harry, this is my lovely friend, Alison."

"Hi." He said "How are you doing?" He asked, smiling and offering his had to shake.

His voice was raspy... that's soooo attractive, she thought, forgetting to speak.

"I'm good. Glad have my best friend home for a spell." She answered.

They all decided that Niall would pick her up later that evening for dinner and a night out.

Whilst at the bar, Niall noticed all her bracelets, he moved one to look at it closer and saw the bandage. Being the gentleman that he is, he didnt make a scene but he did ask her to come outside with him so he could make a  "phone call". She followed, knowing she was caught. This is not how she wanted to tell him, not at a bar, not while she was out with his friends, not in front of that cute boy named Harry and definitley not in public bc she knew she would cry.

"Niall I-" She spoke first but got cut off.

"Tell me that's not what I think it is." He pleaded. 

"Niall not here, I was going to tell you. But please, not here, not with all your friends. Not in front of Harry, I really like him."

He pulled her in close and wrapped her up in his arms, burrying his face in her neck. "Tonight your staying at my house."

She nodded and they went back inside. Niall let it go. For now.

She sat down, next to Harry in the booth. He was drunk and his cologne smelled amazing. 

"You really are a lovely girl." He whispered in her ear. 

"I think Harry fancies your friend," Louis told Niall quitely. Niall smiled.

"Good. She deserves a good guy and I know he's been wanting find somone as well."

"But what had you rushing off so suddenly to make that call?" Louis asked, noticing that Niall's entire demeanor hd changed since he'd gone outside.

When they had arrived at the bar, Niall had been upbeat and ready to celebrate. Now it seemed as if his entire mood had gone south and Louis wasn't the only one of the boys that noticed. Liam was sat across the table from him and once he had Niall's attention, he tilted his head slightly as if to silently ask if everything was ok. He only half-heartedly smiled in response.

Even Zayn noticed Niall's change in mood, "Who's up for another round?!" He shouted playfully, hoping to take the attention away from Niall's somber mood and give him an out.

"WOOOHOOO!!"  

"PINTS, LADS!!"

This was excatly the reaction Zayn had hoped for, kissing Perrie sweetly before gesturing for the bartender to come.

"Another round for me and the boys." He said "And hang on." he said motioning with his index finger that he planned on adding to the tall order. "Would you like a drink, baby?" He asked the purple haired beauty.

"Gin and tonic." She replied.

"My girl will have a gin and tonic, and sorry, one more drink, hang on.." He trailed off leaning over the table and calling to Harry.

"Harry, mate, what's she having?" He shouted so that the he could hear him over the music pounding from the juke box stereo.

Harry looked over at Alison "Want another drink?" He asked leaing in, his lips barely touching her ear as he spoke. Chills ran up her spine. He made her blush.

"I-I'll have whatever she ordered." She barely got out. He was so distracting.

"She wants what Perrie got, mate!" he answered.

"Alright, man, make that two gin and tonics and the round of beers." Zayn said handing the man 40 quid.

"Thanks" Alison smiled, looking down at her hands.

"Why do you always look down?" Harry wispered, leaning in to close the short distance between them, gently touching her chin with his fingers so that she was looking at his face. "You have a prett smile, don't hide it." He encouraged.

This made her smile. She was not used to taking compliments.

"See that's not so bad." Harry smiled back at her, his eyes bright.

He looked as if he was about to say something else, but the bartender returned with the second round and her and Perrie's drinks, and Niall was shouting jubilantly, finally, the new round of beers seemed to perk him up.

"Come pick as song with me!" Perrie called to Alison, hoping off of Zayn's lap and offering her hand to her.

Alison accepted the invitation and took her hand and the two girls made their way to the juke box.

"They're a wild bunch, those boys!" Perrie laughed turning to face her. 

"They sure are!"Alison laughed. "They're good fun!"

"Niall's told us all so much about you, I almost feel like I already know you. You're a really special girl, he never talks about any girls besides his mum."

"We've known each other since-" She started.

"Since year 1." Perrie finished for her "I told you, he's very fond of you. But enough about that... What songs should we get?" Perrie changed the subject, grabbing her softly by the arm.

They chose : Break Your Heart - Ludacris ft Taio Cruz, Wild Ones - Flo Rida, Just Can't Get Enough - BEP  and lastly Boyfriend - Justin Bieber

As they approached the table the boys were getting rowdy, but in a fun way. Laughing and joking..telling stories from the tour. 

Zayn held out his arm for Perrie to lean into and Alison took her seat next to Harry.

"What took you ladies so long?" Zayn asked playfully "We were just about to send out a search party"

"Yeah it looked like it!" Perrie teased kissing his lips. "We were picking out songs and getting to know each other." 

The fun night continued on well past midnight and lack of a good night's sleep was finally getting to her and she rested her head on her arms, folded up on the table.

"Are you feeling sick? Did you have too many drinks?" Harry asked, putting his arm around her shoulder.

"I'm good. Just a little sleepy. I don't know how you guys aren't tired yet after your flight." She said, lifting her head up and looking him in the face. He really did have such a lovely face. Beautiful eyes, too.

*No way would a boy as lovely as him fancy you! Don't get your hopes up* The voice in her head told her *Don't be silly girl*

After another round of pints, they called it a night and Harry had to carry her out to his car because she had fallen asleep in the seat and Niall was far too drunk to carry her, Louis and Liam had to help him walk out to the taxi.