Guarded

Chapter 3

Harry Styles

I stand outside their house talking to Liam, I watch her go into the house and I can tell that she's different. I laugh at something Liam says but I can't focus on what he's saying there's something about Christin that I really like.

"Well, it was nice seeing you again, thanks for walking Chris home." He says

"Chris?" I ask

"Yeah, my sister...it's her nickname. It's weird to call her on her name, or even hearing it."

"Oh, you're welcome, I have to go or I'll be late." I say remembering about my plans

"You should come around tomorrow, goodnight mate."

"Goodnight Liam." I walk back home and text Niall

Sorry, can't make it tonight. Another time maybe...

I go inside the house, finding my mom in the living room. I sit down next to her, "Where's dad?" I ask

"Asleep, he has a headache...you were gone for a while." She says

"I spoke with Liam, I didn't know that he was her brother."

"They aren't very much alike which I guess is why Liam moved on from his dad's passing and Christin is still struggling."

"Her dad passed away?" I ask surprised

"Yes, about a month ago and he was an old friend. We helped them get back on their feet after what happened, Christin, though hasn't really moved on."

"Is that why she's so held back, if I can say that?" I furrow my brow as I ask the question

"Yes, she has a hard time letting anyone else in except for her best friend, Louis. He knows her very well even though he's slightly older."

"How much is slightly?"

"Three years, they've always gotten along better. I used to see them at the beach or in the park when I'd have my breaks, they were like you'd say 'friendship goals'."

I chuckle to myself, "If I tried to get close to her, d'you think she'd let me in?" I ask

"You'd have to prove to her that you can be trusted and that she shouldn't be scared of letting you in. For all I know, Louis is still the only person who really does know her."

"I can try, well goodnight mom. It was nice having a little chat."

"I thought you had plans." She says getting up with me

"Canceled them." I say leaving the living room

"Don't tell me you already fancy her." She crosses her arms as I turn to look at her

I raise my eyebrow, "Wasn't that what you planned, mom?" I walk to my room and stand in front of my window looking at her house

There's only one light on, which I'm guessing is her room. Her window is still open...I can make out someone climbing through, could it be Louis? Why wouldn't he use the front door like a normal person?

I close my curtain and climb into bed to get a good night's sleep...

****

I wake up and climb out of bed, I walk to the window and see that a woman, I'm assuming is her mom climbing in a car and driving away. I think about going over and remember that Liam had asked me to visit, I walk to my closet and get dressed in ripped skinny jeans and a Rolling Stones T-shirt.

I walk across the hall to the bathroom and brush my teeth, I leave the house and walk across the street to their front door. I knock, waiting a few minutes before knocking again.