Aftermath (h.s.)

I.

I tucked the tattered sheet of paper back in its envelope and placed it in the bottom drawer of my desk under a stack of folders. I wasn't sure why I had taken it out and read it again. It had been a good six years since I had even opened it up. I kept it in the bottom of the last drawer in my desk. I knew it wouldn't be bothered there. My office was permanent at this point and there was no reason for me to move my things around like when I had first begun teaching at the university.

I was now part of the administration board and one of many that headed the psychology department. I loved my job. I loved teaching and helping to expand our department. Other than the guys, I hadn't known anyone when deciding to settle in London. So, working my way this far up in a matter of years was astounding to most people. It took some nearly twenty years to get where I was. But, if I was anything, determined would be it. Especially after Harry and Zayn and the band and the mess.

I had picked up and moved thinking Harry would be the one I would be spending the rest of my life with. Instead, I was here dedicated to my work and loving every single second of it. This was what I was made for. I threw myself into my career and it's what has kept me sane. Granted, I enjoy all of it despite how hard it seemed sometimes.

"Delani? Are you ready or what? I've been standing out here being given the evil eye by your secretary for a good ten bloody minutes." Cat said as she stuck her head in my office. It had slipped my mind that I was meeting her. I hadn't seen her in months so I don't know how I could forget so easily. This was a rare occasion, her in town.

"I'm so sorry! I forgot I told you to meet me. Please forgive me." I said as I got up and came around to give Cat a well deserved hug. It had been so long since we had physically seen each other, it was crazy to see her in the flesh. She was doing photo journalism now and never seemed to be in one place for very long. I loved to travel but I don't think I could do it for any sort of job.

She hugged me back with enthusiasm that matched my own. I missed her like crazy every time she left. I had talked her into moving back to London after I finally decided to settle in. It took quite a few talks and fending off multiple nasty name callings. She was a cranky one. But I had eventually talked her into it and we even lived in the same apartment building. Granted she wasn't there very much.

"I guess I can forgive you this time. Wench." She said as she hooked her arm around me. I drug her with me as I grabbed my purse off my desk and then allowed her to practically drag me out of my office. I waved goodbye to the secretary, hoping Cat hadn't put her through too much while she had waited on me.

"So, what is the plan? What have you concocted for us to do this evening?" I asked as we climbed into my car. I threw my purse into the backseat and quickly maneuvered out of the crowded parking lot. I headed toward our apartments as I waited for Cat to answer.

"Well, I called your bestie and he isn't busy, surprisingly. I invited him out to dinner with us before we hit a few pubs. Nothing fancy. Just three of us. Louis said he might join in on the festivities. He never likes to pass up a chance to see me pissed." Cat said with a large smile gracing her beautiful face. I was happy to hear about Louis coming out. Since  Freddy was born he spent the majority of his time with him, now eleven, and the other bit of his time as a judge on X-Factor or helping sign new artists.

After their hiatus, they put out one last album. It was a compilation of original songs, unreleased songs, and a set of a few remastered favorites. There was one last tour and they all went their separate ways but still kept in touch regularly even if they didn't see each other often. I only knew all this because Niall kept me pretty up to date on any and all things One Direction. I thanked him for it because I certainly couldn't keep up with anything. I denounced social media when I gave up the idea of having a happily ever after with Harry. I could have easily picked it back up but not having it felt freeing.

"So, you want to stop by the apartment and change before we go eat?" I asked as my thoughts circled back around to the present.

"You're asking me if I'd like to change? Have you seen yourself? Ms. pencil skirt. Have you not got anything better than that to wear?" Cat asked as she eyed my outfit shrewdly. It was a gray pencil skirt, white silk button up, matching gray blazer, with black stockings and black wedges. It was pretty normal every day attire for me. The only accessories I bothered with were earrings and those were usually studs. I sighed. I should have known she would say something. She loved to make conversations about my lack of excitement in my wardrobe.

"I guess I can stop and change." I said with my signature eye roll.

"I would hope so. We're out, not at a board meeting with the lot of stiff shirts you work with." I couldn't help but to laugh. I did work with quite a few people who were older and thought chess and crossword puzzles were the best past time. As well as catching up on Psychology today and the newest scholarly articles. I shuddered to think I would one day be like that.

--

"How'd ya get er in that?" Niall asked as he giggled like a girl. I shot him the evil eye as I signaled the bartender for another drink. Cat laughed loud and obnoxious. I rolled my eyes. These two.

I glanced down at my outfit thanks to Cat. I wore a loose fitting silk white tank, cut a little too low paired with a pair of skinny jeans so tight I can't remember how I got them on. The outfit showed off every curve and dip I had developed over the last several years. My top was tucked in at the front and hanging low in the back. Cat had been ecstatic when she found my brightest pair of red pumps, red lipstick, and dark red clutch. I looked like I had walked out of a magazine add. She had even done some amazing thing with my hair where it didn't look like it wasn't frizzing in a million different directions. I mean it was probably just product sense I normally didn't touch my hair.

"Well, first, I had to thoroughly insult her. Then, I had to rummage through her dreadful closet in order to find something halfway decent." Cat explained to Niall as she shot me a smile with a wink. I tried not to smile back. I really had been offended when she started to talk about all my boring clothing choices. She had ended up raiding a part of my closet I hadn't bothered to touch in so long there were dust on the outside of the drawers. Probably since I moved into the damn apartment to be honest.

Niall laughed harder than he should at Cat's digs at me so, I decided to punch him in the arm.

"Oye! That hurt. You been goin to the gym or something. Ow." Niall said as he rubbed the spot I had hit. I smiled.

"Oh, don't be a baby Nialler! Also, I have been hitting the gym a bit." I said proudly.

I saw Niall scan my body and smirk at me. I rolled my eyes before giving him the finger which only enticed him to wiggle his brows and take a step closer to me. I narrowed my eyes at him and he let out a loud boisterous laugh before pulling me into a hug. I could hear Cat chuckle from beside me. I shook my head as I leaned back to stare at Niall. The heels Cat had talked me into wearing made me almost his height. It was nice not to have to lean my head all the way back just to see his face.

"You two are absolutely hopeless. Teaming up on me and shit." I said with a huff as I crossed my arms over my chest. Niall rested his arm around my shoulders and kissed me on the cheek.

"Who else would give ya a hard time, babe. I've gotta get it in while Cat is around. She's hardly ever here." Niall winked at Cat and she laughed again.

"The man has a point Delani. I have to take it all out on you now since I don't see you for months at a time." Cat smiled sweetly as she threw back her shot and slammed it on the counter. A smile graced her lips. She was the only person I knew who could take shots of anything and keep a straight face.

"Now, let's get pissed!" Cat held up three fingers to signal she wanted three more shots. One for each of us. I wasn't sure how well this was going to end. I hardly ever drank anymore and Cat was a pro. She could drink the best under the table and still come out unscathed the next morning.

I took my shot and let the liquid fire explode along my veins. I swayed to the tune on the radio. All things considered, my life had become pretty comfortable over the last few years and I was thankful for that.