Clash | Harry Styles

Chapter 26

Ashley's P.O.V

The sun is shining and there's a soft breeze whipping the air, everything seems fine at the moment. I've just had a shower and got ready for a day out with Harry. Harry text me just before I went to bed - finally in back in my own bed after a week away - regarding todays plans. Although it's a 'surprise' location, I want to look ready for whatever it is.

I glance into the long wardrobe mirror studying my outfit. An Aztec bordered midi dress accompanied with my worn-everywhere black leather jacket and white wedged heals. A monochrome mood I think. I push my soft waved hair out of my face as I dangle my messenger bag on my shoulder. Retrieving my phone I make my way to the kitchen.          

Mum is clearing the table up from breakfast and dad is measuring the fridge. Things are still a little shaken between us since the 'incident' but we've put it aside. I lean over the counter and watch my dad as he flips the measuring tape over.

"What are you doing dad?" I ask frowning.

He turns around to glance at me through the top half of his glasses before carrying on.

"Measuring the fridge space so we know how big the fridge should be. Oh that reminds me..." He spins round and places the tape on the counter. "Your mum and I are going to find a new fridge and we are going up north for it."

"You're going out of town for a fridge? There are shops round here you know..."

"Yes I know but we want a new fitted one and the one that matches our kitchen is unavailable here so we are going to another branch."

I lean back up and check the time from the clock on the wall. "And you telling me this because..." I question.

"Because your mum has to babysit Noah today but we won't be here so we need you to do so."

My face immediately faces his as he's basically just ruined my plans. "What? No! You could have told me last night before I made plans!" I shout.

"What plans are they?" Mum enquires. I almost forgot she was in the room.

"Ellie and I, we're going shopping for a party and we planned this a week ago I did tell you this." I lie through my teeth - one of my not so many gifts.

"What party? Oh no, you never told us about this party. You can't keep springing these last minute plans at us." My mum ironically replies.

"Oh the irony," I say beneath my breath.

"What was that?" Dad butts in frowning at my rudeness.

"Ellie is going to a family friend's party and I'm just going to help her find a dress. I didn't even say I was going!" I once again lie hoping I didn't mention me going. I'm already getting caught up in a lie.

Mum shuts the cabinet door and makes her way past us. "Fine, fine, listen. Ash I want you home before three. Sarah is dropping off Noah and I need you to look after him 'till seven okay? She should be back around nine but we will be home by then so seven it is."

Mum leaves the kitchen followed by dad who kindly kisses the top of my head before patting my back and leaving. I stand there for a while gazing at the fridge before coming back to reality. I locate my keys and start to make my way out of the house. As I shut the door behind me I dial Harry's number and rest it to my ear supported by my shoulder as I lock the door.

"Hey," He answers quickly.

"Hi Harry, so where am I going?" I step down the steps onto the drive and flip my hair out of my way and hold my phone with my hand.