a stirring invitation: (dear Harry Styles)

zombie.

In October, my tweet had been seen by millions and was still being shared. Someone had taken a snapshot and put it on Instagram - where it was shared over and over again as well. By the end of October, I hadn't heard from Luke again. However, I had received a few calls from reporters trying to get interviews but I wasn't up for that.

Niall was known for his Halloween Bash at his gallery; he and I were busy preparing for it. He had painted several zombie like pieces also. He was feeling that mood which made the theme easier to decide on: The Walking Dead. To top it off, Selena wouldn't be able to make it, so I would be his date that night.

With responses still pouring in - yes, the entire cast and crew of The Walking Dead was invited - we realized we needed more food and drinks. Luckily, the catering company we had chosen was flexible. Everything seemed to be in order by October 29th, so Niall gave us the 30th off to get our costumes prepped and to relax.

________

It was Friday morning. I woke early to go for a jog. I listened to Ed Sheeran, Pink Floyd and the Beatles as I ran through the abnormal October heat. I wondered if Harry had seen the tweet and just rolled his eyes. I couldn't believe he wouldn't at least acknowledge it - he seemed like a pretty down to earth guy.

When I arrived home, I showered and made myself a smoothie. I picked up a magazine to flip through it. Harry Styles was in Germany filming yet another movie, costarring Kate Winslet. He was to play her younger neighbor who helped her through her divorce and they fell in love. I sighed.

As I glanced around my tidy apartment, I decided to call Danny.

"Hey, Mona," Danny said cheerfully.

"How are you?"

"I'm good, just watching some TV," he replied.

"Danny, fly down to Atlanta today and come to Niall's Halloween Bash?" I tried not to sound too desperate.

"What? Why?" He asked, confused.

"Well, I'm going to the party tomorrow," I answered honestly. "I would love to know someone there...."

"I'm sorry, Mona. I actually, um, well, I have a date," he stumbled over his words.

"A date?"

"Yeah, I've been seeing Shelly since I got back home," he explained. "I really like her."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't even think of that," I face-palmed myself. Then I took a second to imagine Danny and Shelly at a movie, or eating dinner together, or even standing in the same room together -I couldn't.

"I should've told you, but we just don't talk like we used to," he sounded sad.

"I know," I was bummed, too.

"Well, I gotta go. Good luck at the party," he said after an awkward silence.

"Thanks. Good luck on your date," I replied and hung up.

Shelly was the most popular girl in our high school. She had stayed in our hometown while most decided to get out. Working as a receptionist in her father's dentistry office proved to be her forte. Danny could do better, but I was happy that he seemed happy. I wasn't ready for him to get engaged, but I could be glad my friend had found someone.

I walked into my kitchen and grabbed a bottle of Chardonnay from the fridge. I poured myself a glass and chugged it quickly.

"Screw it," I said aloud, putting the glass in the sink and taking just the bottle to the living room.

I watched an older Harry Styles film, then fell asleep once the wine was gone.

_______

"Mona, you look awesome!" Niall complimented me.