Hard to Love

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

I was finishing up my homework for my art class- a modern take on one of our favourite art pieces. I decided to do the Mona Lisa with wild colors and vibrant symbols, hoping I would do well on this project. I set down my paintbrush when I heard a knock on the door and made my way to the now continuous knocking.

I was visited by the familiar face of my best friend Stella, who had a bright smile on her face. “Hello darling!”

My face immediately lit up, “Hello love!” I curtsied to her as our mega posh accents surfaced.

Stella giggled and grabbed my hand. "Let's go, the boys are all waiting!" I pulled off my apron, snatched my keys and purse and followed her out.

The boys wanted to have a small get together to celebrate them finishing their new album. The lads, the girlfriends, Liam’s mate Andy, and me were all meeting at an ice cream parlor. Apparently Louis chimed in and wanted to celebrate the occasion over ice cream. Gotta love Louis...

We arrived at the ice cream parlor within minutes as it was a block from my flat. It was a cute little place, quaint with the look of an old fashioned diner to it. We walked in and saw the lads with their girls in a booth and waved to them. Niall was sitting with Olivia, Liam with Andy, Louis with Eleanor, and Harry with a blonde and blue eyed girl sitting next to him. I caught eyes with Harry right away and we just stared at each other. I turned away and fake smiled at Stella who had told me something which I didn't even hear. I couldn’t help but feel an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of my stomach.

"Hey beautiful ladies." Zayn greeted me with a smile and Stella with a kiss on her cheek. They were so cute together!

"Hey Christina! Long time no see!" Niall gave me a big hug and not long after, so did the rest of them.

"Are you ready to order now?" The waitress, looking about sixteen and upset that she's working on a Saturday night instead of with her friends, came to our booth.

We all scootched into the booth and I grabbed a menu, sharing it with Stella. I looked it over thinking the Oreo Milkshake sounded devine right now.

"What are you getting?" I looked to where the voice had come from and saw Harry. He was wearing a green jumper, hoodless, with blue skinny jeans.

"Umm, I think the Oreo milkshake.”  I simply stated, looking back down at the menu. I realized I was being rude so I asked, “What about you?"  Then handed the menu to the waitress.

"The Flake milkshake!" He smiled like a little kid would when they got a milkshake. His dimples were indented deep and his eyes almost sparkled as he was so excited.

"Yum." Was all I could think of saying. The chick next to Harry, I guess her name was Amber, kept glaring at me like I did something wrong.

"So Christina, what are you doing next Saturday?" Liam asked me from across the table.

"Not much, why?" I was curious and also because I don't have much planned in my schedule.

"We're having a show that night and we were all thinking you should tag along!" Louis interjected, smiling widely.

I thought it over and decided why not! "Sure I'd love to, I've never been."

"Wait, what?" Harry questioned next to me, astonished. Then Niall spoke up, "You've never been to a concert?" Everyone looked stunned.

"No, why?" I looked around at how everyone's eyes were on me, making me extremely nervous in this moment.

Amber started laughing. At me. Nobody joined in though. So she stopped laughing and sat there looking extremely ridiculous.

"You're almost nineteen and have never been to a concert? What else haven't you done?" Louis asked, eyes big and round ignoring Amber.

"Umm..." Everyone was staring at me, fascinated in me but all it did was make me overwhelmed and I think Stella noticed.

"Guys, it doesn't matter about what she hasn't done. She wants to make memories starting now. That's all that's important." She spoke up saving me.

I noticed that out of all the boys, Harry was still looking at me intently. He was probably wondering what a freak I must be. I kept quiet the rest of the time, and when our milkshakes finally came I only made small talk.

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"I think I'm gonna head home." I told everyone finishing off the last of my milkshake. All this with Amber and the intent questioning before was making me feel uncomfortable and I only wanted to go home and paint. “Congrats on finishing your album lads, can’t wait to hear it!”

I told them I wasn't feeling too good and decided to step out. Just as I was putting on my coat and walking out Harry pulled my arm back so I was looking straight at him. His big green eyes looked anxious and worried.

"Let me give you a ride home if you aren’t feeling well." He pouted and his beautiful eyes were pleading with me. A new emotion settled in my stomach and I knew I should get away from him before I feel anything else unwanted.

"It's fine, I think the fresh air will do me some good. I'm sure Amber wouldn't like that anyways." I told him and he let my arm go, stunned by what I said. "I'll text Stella when I'm home." He nodded still speechless and watched as I left.

I walked out of the little parlor and down the sidewalk. The moon was out tonight and was very bright. The stars were shinning around it lighting up the night sky. It was dark already, past ten, and there was an eerie chill in the air.

I felt kind of bad leaving so abruptly, but I didn’t like the feel of Amber’s eyes always on me trying to send me a message. I just didn’t want to deal with that, it was making me uncomfortable and I just wanted to go home.

I took a short cut through one of the side streets and continued walking. I was about three minutes from home when I heard the crunch of a twig behind me. I thought I was alone, until I turned around and saw two dark figures walking toward me. It looked like Louis and Niall so I waved, but they didn't wave back. Maybe they didn't see me? They just kept walking, coming closer and closer.

I was in the light under the nearby lamppost, how could they not see me? I waved again, but no reply. They kept getting closer and closer, stepping in rhythm now.

When they reached the light I was under, I realized it wasn't the two boys I thought it was.

A/N: OH CRAP! Who is it that's following her?! Better wait for the next chapter...tell all your friends about my story cuz I'm not going to update the next chapter until I get at least 10 votes on this chapter. Please and thank you loves :)

COMMENT CHALLENGE:

1. Tell me what your favourite part of this chapter was!

2. WYR go out for ice cream with all the lads, or just one of them?

Hope you liked this chapter! Have an amazing day, and don't forget that you are beautiful! If you ever need someone to talk to or to get advice from, feel free to message me. I'd love to help you lot :) Bye loves xx