Outcasts

Chapter 7

The next morning Harry slouched down the stairs to find his mother had made him breakfast. He hadn’t got a wink of sleep the night before, but he definitely didn’t regret it. Although he was exhausted, Harry had never felt so happy in his life.

            As he ate his food, his mother sat down at the seat across from him. Harry could feel her watching him closely, but he kept his eyes on his breakfast and swallowed down his paranoia. In all honesty Harry had been pretty loud last night. He could only hope that his parents hadn’t heard and weren’t suspicious of him.

            “Harry you weren’t feeling well last night?” Harry’s mom questioned him.

            “Um no not really, but I’m gonna go to school today. I can’t miss it.” Harry muttered and shoved a bite of food into his large mouth.

            “You don’t look too good. You look like you really just need to rest. Are you sure you’re fine?” His mom asked concernedly.

            “I’m fine, Mum. I just didn’t sleep well last night.” Harry said trying to keep his irritation to a minimum.

            “Well if you’re sure. You’re so passionate about school, Harry. It’s great that your father and I will never have to worry about any of that. We don’t tell you enough, but you’ve got a bright future ahead of you, son.” She smiled warmly.

            “Thanks, Mum.” Harry mumbled, and fled the room quickly.

            Once he had made it to the safety of his bedroom, Harry leaned back against his door and let his body slide to the ground. He was consumed with guilt. He had lied to both his mother and father in the past few days, and yet they still showered him with praise and love. The worst part was, Harry knew he would continue to lie if Louis asked if to.

            Thinking of Louis instantly perked Harry up, and he rose from his spot on his floor to get ready for the day. Remembering how he had looked the night before, Harry decided not to wear a belt or tuck his shirt in. It was a change, but he really did look nice. For an even more dramatic change, he skipped over carefully combing his hair and kept his messy bed head.

            With a bit more confidence in his stride, Harry strolled through the house and outside to his car. Normally he wouldn’t be quite so thrilled to go to school, but then again he had never had been able to look forward to seeing his lovely boyfriend in the parking lot.

            As Harry drove cheerfully to school, he found himself wishing he had actually invested in some CDs to listen to in his tiny car. The thought was foreign to Harry. He had never had any real interest in anything musical. Harry much preferred math problems over the rhythmic strumming of a guitar.  But Harry ceased all pondering of his new found desires when he pulled into the parking lot.

            Harry exited his car much too giddily. He was happy to see that Louis and Zayn were already waiting for him. Upon his arrival, Louis tackled Harry in a tight embrace, knocking the breath out of the taller boy. Harry was the first to pull away, but not before giving Louis a lingering kiss.

            “Glad you’re here, Harry.” Zayn smiled warmly, “Now maybe Louis will shut the fuck up about you.”

            “Hey!” Louis exclaimed, flicking Zayn roughly in the ear.

            “You talk about me?” Harry blushed shyly.

            “Only all the god damn time. Oh Zayn, Harry is so lovely. Harry is so sweet. Harry’s just so smart. Harry looked so fit this morning I just wanted to slam him down on the hood of your car and do filthy things to him.” Zayn mocked Louis, forcing his voice an octave higher.