Pernicious|h.s

Two

          Valerie

The sound of my blaring ringtone slowly dragged me out of my slumber, I patted around for my phone grasping it in my hand once I found it. Squinting my eyes at the brightness of the screen that had an unknown number displayed, I hesitantly answered it.

"Hello, Valerie Tomlinson speaking" I answered, stretching out my limbs. 

"Good morning Valerie, it's Niall here, I think I may have some news for you. Um, I don't really know how to say this but you didn't get the job." My heart sunk. "I'm just kidding, you got the job, well done." I let out a sigh of relief at his words.

"Oh my gosh, thank you so much. When do I start?"

"Ah, if you don't mind coming in tonight at around six. So we can show you what you need to know and sort out your uniform, that would be just wonderful."

"I'll see you tonight sir, thank you."

Once our goodbyes were exchanged I ended the call, letting out a sequel of excitement. Looking over at the clock hung on my wall, it was already ten in the morning. 

I mentally slapped myself for sleeping in later than usual. I eventually built up enough mental strength to heave myself out of bed and padded across the wooden floor, exiting my room and walking into the kitchen. I was greeted by an empty apartment as Louis had already left for work an hour ago, sighing to myself I grabbed a piece of fruit before plonking myself down on the couch, switching on 'How I Met Your Mother'. Ignoring the fact that Louis' would have a sook if he found out I watched it without him. 

As if on cue my ringtone blared from my phone for the second time this morning, Louis' name displayed across the screen. 

"How may I assist you" I spoke into the phone. 

"Well, you know I'm just trying being a good big brother and, wait hold on a minute, why do I hear 'How I Met Your Mother'. You better not be watching 'How I Met Your Mother' without me Valerie Tomlinson."

"Louis, my dear brother, I would never do such a thing."Oops. 

"Mhm, whatever Trevor.

"Calm down Charlie Brown. Not to be rude, but why did your ratchet ass call?"

"Oh yeah, I called to see if you got the job, but instead I've been bullied and lied to." His words make me chuckle.

"Oh poor Louis, and yeah I did. I need to be there at six, so it would be greatly appreciated if you drove me there. Thanks you're the best, bye, love you Lou." I hung up on him before he got a chance to disagree.

Louis and I have always been close, hence why I decided to move out with him. Ever since my birth giver, that doesn't even deserve the title of 'Mum', decided to leave my Dad, Louis and I fifteen years ago. To go start a new family with another man half her age in a whole different country that was situated on the opposite side of the world. We never really had a choice but to be there for one another, we only had each other to lean on, considering that Dad was a complete mess at the time. It was safe to say the Louis was my rock, as tacky and cliche as that sounds, it was the truth.

.     .     .     .     .

"Guess who's home b.itches." Louis yelled at the top of his lungs as he entered the apartment. 

"Hey there lil guy." 

"As much as I would love to converse with you about how our days were, I believe we have to leave in twenty minutes and you do not look one bit ready." He said, gesturing to the clock hung up on the living room wall.

"Oh s.hit" I cursed, sprinting into my room and rummaging through my closet to find a reasonable outfit.

I rushed into the bathroom, chucking my unbrushed hair up into a bun, quickly brushing my teeth and spraying myself with deodorant and perfume. Running back into the living room, I grabbed my handbag and my phone, gesturing to Louis that I was ready. 

I can't believe it was my first day and I was most likely going to be late, nice one Valerie. 

We took the ridiculously slow elevator down to the basement car park and hopped into the car, quickly pulling out onto the streets of London. 

I dug my phone out of my bag, glancing at the time as Louis pulled up out the front of the bar. Much to my surprise I was five minutes early, I mentally patted myself on the back. I thanked Louis for the ride before hopping out of the car. Nerves swirled around my stomach as I approached the entrance of the bar.

I was immediately greeted by the woman from yesterday.

"Hey there Valerie, come on through." She said signalling for me to come behind the bar. "I believe I forgot to introduce myself yesterday, I'm Hazel."

"It's nice to properly meet you, Hazel."

"You too dear. Now, how about I show you around and sort out a uniform for you. And then I believe Niall requested to see you in his office after your shift." Hazel explained. I nodded my head in response, giving her a small smile.

.     .     .     .     .

My first shift was definitely an experience. Hazel was such a lovely lady and taught me all the things that I needed to know. I really never saw myself working in a bar before tonight, but I was more than desperate for a job especially when I'm about to start studying at university. 

I made my way up to Mr. Horan's office, curious about what he needed to speak to me about. I stood in the doorway of his office slightly knocking on his door. 

"Ah Valerie, please come in and take a seat. I promise not to keep you long, I just need you to sign some forms." He explained, peering over the top of his glasses. I sat down, waiting patiently for Mr. Horan to speak again.

He explained what each form was for, also asking about how my first shift went. After signing all the forms, he said that's all he wished to see me about and I was free to go home. We exchanged our goodbyes before I made my way back down the stairs, waving to Hazel on my way to the exit. 

Outside the bar, I saw that Louis was already here. I shoved my hands into the pocket of my coat, protecting them from the winter wind, as I made the very quick journey to Louis' car. 

And there he was, just like last night. Standing in the exact same spot, leaning against the brick wall. His figure dressed in the same attire as last nights, his hair slightly messy from the crisp wind, a smirk forming on his face as he spotted me, his emerald eyes watching as I hopped into the car.

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A/N

Hey there, I really hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please make sure to vote and comment, thank you x :)