Protect Me (Harry Styles)

Chapter 16

Bailey's POV

We wandered around Topshop for about a half hour; picking out and trying clothes on. The girls bought a couple articles of clothing, and we began our journey to the next store. Eleanor said she wanted to go into Urban Outfitters, so that is where we are at the moment. Since Perrie and El are trying on clothes, I walk around the store, nonchalantly pulling clothes off the racks and observing them.

I end up putting the shirt that I was looking at back on the rack and begin scanning around the spacious shop looking to see if Perrie or Eleanor are done trying on clothes. As I turn towards where the dressing rooms are located, I see the same girl who I saw earlier, leaning against the wall. Once she sees me looking, she quickly grabs a magazine from a small table and covers her face. That's odd.

I brush off this second encounter with the stranger, and go back to looking at clothes. Out of the corner of my eye, I see the peculiar blonde lower the magazine and begin watching me like a hawk. I spin around to face her, and she immediately shifts her gaze to the magazine. I begin to feel uncomfortable, chills tingling down my spine.

I study her while she isn't looking. Pale green eyes are open wide, reading over words in the magazine. Her tall frame is paired with a skinny figure.  All in all, she is gorgeous. However, there is something off about her. I just have this uncertain feeling towards this stranger.

As I was about to go into the dressing rooms to drag Perrie and Eleanor out due to my anxiety towards the girl, they both walked out with a pile of clothes in their hands.

"Done?" I ask hopefully. I really want to get out of this store so I can escape those pale green eyes watching my every move.

"We are, but you aren't," Eleanor smiled.

"I'm not buying anything today," I respond.

"Oh don't be silly! You can't go to the mall and leave empty-handed. That's absurd!" Perrie said.

"I don't have money though," I say, hoping they will get the hint that I want to leave.

"Then we will buy something for you," Eleanor butted in.

"Oh, no. Really, it's fine," I say taking slow steps towards the exit.

"Come on! It'll be our treat," Perrie smiled grabbing my hand, and pulling me back to the racks.

"Now you stay here and pick out a few outfits while we go check out. Be right back, lovely!" Eleanor said, dragging Perrie over to the check out line.

I huffed out an aggravated sigh and began scanning through the wide variety of clothing. I don't mind shopping-- in fact, I love it. I just need them to take me back to Harry's house. I know I'm safe there. 

I sneak a peek at the odd girl watching me, and see that she is now talking on the phone while continuing to steal a few glances at me. I've had enough of this. I place the multiple articles of clothing back on the racks, and stalk over to where Eleanor and Perrie are checking out.

"Can we go?" I ask El.

"Have you picked out anything?" she asks, ignoring my question.

"No," I say.

"Then no. Not until you buy something," she responds giving me a smile.

"Could we go to a different shop then? I want to get out of here," I whisper to her.

She gives me an odd look, but nods her head. I stand beside her, waiting for her to finish checking out.

"Alright, let's go!" Eleanor smiles, as she grabs her multiple bags, hooking them onto her wrists.