Gold Rush

Chapter 4

I didn’t how to react. Louis was Harry’s best friend, my friend but overall the only person who knew the truth. He was studying in another university, his family had moved  in the South after secondary school and he came back almost only one time per year. Everybody loved Louis, to be honest almost everybody. He was the sweetest guy on Earth but also the loudest and he could become crazy after few drinks. For the occasion, Josh organized a party the following Saturday. Josh’s parties had the reputation to be crazy… We did not know how his parents still let him the house after all the disasters which happened every time.

I knew Harry would be there even if we hadn’t speak since the night when he left me alone in the street. I even suspected him to skip classes in order to avoid me but it was more because Louis and him were stuck together all time.

The party took place a Friday night, I had classes in the afternoon so I hurried up to go back home just after, the girls and I were supposed to get dressed at mine before going to Josh’s. We did not speak of our last dispute, it had already been forgotten.

When I arrived at my door, they were already there, speaking with two guys.

Louis hadn’t change a bit, he was the same joyful boy with his piercing blue eyes and his warm smile. In the opposite Harry closed his mouth when he saw me, rolling his eyes back.

“Here she is!” Louis exclaimed, opening his arms, before hugging me.

“It’s so good to see you.” I replied. When he let me go, I looked at Harry and we nodded in the same time without a word.

“I wanted to say hello before the party so Hazz drove me here and we found Ellen and Beck.”

“You’re sweet, do you want to enter for a moment?” I offered without thinking of Harry.

“Errr…” Louis gave Harry an interrogative look and I saw the embarrassment settled in, in our little group, happily Ellen saved us.

“No,” she said “No time for tea, we need to get fresh for tonight! Sorry boys! See ya!” She said quickly, grabbing my arm and leading me and Becky to my house.

“Bye!” Louis laughed.

My house was empty, we ran upstairs to my room. Once we were all well-off on my bed Rebecca spoke:

“Sooo. Anything to tell us Hannah?”

“Wut? No, why?”

“Oh come on! Louis and HARRY, in front of YOUR house? The last time it happened we were 15!”

“What? I mean… Lou had always been my friend.”

“And we saw how Harry looked at you…” Ellen added.

“And it’s Harry who drove him and we know that you and him, well… You were more than friends.” They laughed in a silly way imitating kisses' sounds.

“You’re fool!” I laughed while they both tried to kiss my cheeks.

 ***

Josh’s house was one of the largest of the town. It was a white and modern house with two floors.

We arrived around nine in the evening, the party had already begun. Ellen was wearing his red dress who suited her perfectly. Rebecca had chose a short black skirt with a transparent black shirt, for my part I was wearing a black dress with a white Peter Pan collar.

I recognized many people from school and even from college, I saw Louis near a table where many drinks were available, but no signs of Harry.

“You offered me a drink?” I asked Louis.

“Sure babe!”

We talked a bit before he went out playing soccer with the others. The night had fallen but Josh had turned on the light spots in his garden.

I was watching the game from the inside not being a fan of this sport whime all the others were acclaiming the team they supported.

“Louis is a good player.” A deep voice spoke. I turned my face toward the new comer, of course it was him, with his slim black jeans, black boots and a white shirt carelessly opened on his chest. “He’s better than me.” He added.

“It’s not difficult, even I, I’m better than you at soccer.” I smiled, directing my sight to the garden again.

“True.” He said a smile on his face. “I’m going to get a drink, do you want something?” He asked me shyly.

I was so surprised by his offer that it took me a time to reply.

“No, thanks.” I said more sharply than I wanted.

After that I preferred to join the others, so he did, few minutes later, but at the other side of the crowd.

Louis’ team won and many of the players jumped in the swimming pool despite the cold. They stayed almost an hour in it, while me and the others were inside, eating and drinking.

When Louis and Harry finally get out of the pool they called us, asking for dried towels. I hanged them the towels unable to restrain myself to gaze at Harry. He had removed his shirt and shoes. His jeans were stuck to his legs and drops were falling from his curls to his shoulders and rolling on his uncovered chest. It was Louis’ voice who interrupted my thoughts.

“We did not take time to speak you and I. Let’s sit on the bench, I'm sure you have lot of things to tell me!” He said, smiling.

“Yes, let's go." I replied a little bit sad to see Harry leaving us.