Night: Harry Styles

Chapter Nine

The air was frigid when I stepped off the bus, and the gusts of wind blowing in weren't helping the situation much. I shoved my hand into my pockets and ducked my head to try and keep warm as I conformed with the rest of the people walking. I had ridden the bus downtown, since it was too far of a walk from my apartment, to help Leslie pack her things. I'd offered last night after rushing out before she could fill me in on her big move, again. It was the least I could do and besides, it kept me from thinking too much.

I passed shops filled with knick knacks, sweaters, mugs, candles, and other quaint things. I used to love coming here with my friends, but the only thing attracting us were the sleazy bars that let us in, ignoring the fact that we were underaged. I hurried along the streets, trying to out run the memories that seemed to be catching up to me. Turning the corner, I found myself on the street Leslie had given me.

The area seemed nice enough, just slightly worn down. Children played, confined to their limited yards, and parents sat on the porch, most smoking or ironing their laundry. The houses were close together, some of them even combined side by side. They were small, but comapred to my apartment they were luxurious.

I re-read the small slip of paper Leslie had given me and stopped in front of the house. It was combined with another one, the paint peeling, showing the dirty brown exterior beneath. Her door was a deep red, contasting with the yellowing white paint job. The grass was surprisingly well-kept and I imagined it was her new neighbor who was responsible for that.

I closed the distance between me and the brash red door and knocked lightly three times. I heard commotion from inside and after a couple beats, Leslie appeared. Her hair was a mess atop her head, a few tendrils loose, and she wore a faded t-shirt with baggy gray sweats, but she still looked pretty. I envied her for her effortless beauty.

"Hey! Come in, its freezing." She ushered me inside and I smiled thankfully. I turned to her as she closed the door behind me.

"Wow, you've done a lot already." I mused, removing my coat. "Is Damien here?"

"He went to pick up some pizza, I hope you like meatlovers."

"Fine by me." I smiled.

"I'm almost finished, I just have to pack up the kitchen." We walked into the kitchen and began rolling mugs in bubble wrap and placing them into boxes.

"So where are you moving?" I asked, trying to start a conversation.

"I cant remember the name exactly, but its so nice. Oh, Carmen, its got houses with their own yards. Enough room for a garden, or a dog," she sighed. "You'll have to come by one night."

I couldn't help the jealousy that surged through me. "Absolutely."

"Are you quitting your job at the club?"

She thought for a moment. "No, not yet. But Damiens helping me save up to maybe go back to school. To be a teacher!"

"Thats amazing! I'm so happy for you." This was genuine. Leslie was getting another chance and more than anyone I knew she deserved it.

"So, whats the deal with you and that tall guy?" she giggled like a little girl. I give her a puzzled look. "Oh, come on. Everyone knows! He comes in every night!"

Oh, Harry. I mull over the thought for a moment, deciding how to go about explaining it. "Honestly Les? I have no idea." I sigh. "He took me to lunch the other day, but we left before we could eat."

"Thats weird." she scrunches her nose. "He looked pissed when you were talking to that guy at the bar last week." She saw that? I remember the way he had reacted; angrily. It was so strange.