Baby Doll (Harry Styles)

Chapter 42 - Him

Thalia's POV

"Yes, I'm sure I'll be fine. Don't worry." I assured Darren for what felt like the hundredth time.

"Alright, just... walk quickly." He said, zipping up his hoodie.

"The apartment's five minutes away." I reminded him.

I appreciated how vigilant he was but I was sure that I was capable of finding my own way back home. Other days we would leave together, as we lived in the same building but apparently something important came up and he needed to take off earlier than usual.

He wouldn't elaborate much, though. I knew that he worked two jobs. Besides waiting tables and making coffee, he tuned up vehicles and pumped tyres in the afternoon - he was a part time mechanic. He had mentioned that a truck broke down and that he was needed at the scene.

"Alright." He said under his breath before reaching to hold my hand. Working the whole day had drained most of my energy but I managed a smile.

Darren didn't touch me this much when we were younger. In fact, he would even cringe at the thought of our fingers brushing momentarily. Maybe being away from Fleese had taught him to be more expressive and human.

His fingers slipped through mine, and I shuddered. Harry had been the only one to hold my hand this way. I had gone through a whole evening without being reminded of him but now memories were rushing in.

Darren and I were like siblings, so I didn't feel uneasy. I was even enjoying the warmth, as I was certain that it was nothing but a friendly gesture. I forced thoughts of Harry to the back of my mind with hopes that they will remain there. If Harry actually meant everything he told me, why hadn't he come to see me yet? It had been too long. Peppercat wasn't exactly the most difficult thing to spot, as it was the only cafe in this area and before I left, I'd told him to come in the afternoon because that was when Darren was never around. An agonising burn accompanied the acceptance that he had forgotten about me.

Darren pulled the hoodie over his head and stepped into the drizzle outside, the bell chiming as the door swung closed. I spun around on my heels and was met with the sight of messy tables and disorganised chairs. I had been cleaning the whole day, only for dirt to pile up again.

But keeping myself buried in work was a good way to prevent my mind from wandering off to stressful things. There were only two customers left and I couldn't wait for their departure so I could fix a 'CLOSED' sign at the front door. I would be able to complete my list of tasks without any interference. I needed to have two batches of red velvet cupcakes ready for tomorrow, and there were also dirty dishes that needed cleaning. I might have to stay till midnight.

"You really should be getting home." Pablo the chef advised. Gretchen's shift was over hours ago so he was the only one left at the cafe with me. "You're overworking yourself. Not healthy."

I smiled at his concern, and his funny accent. "It's alright, Pablo. I just want to get everything done." I moved the wooden spoon in circles and watched the cake ingredients gradually mix. I might have added too much flour.

"Cafe's supposed to be closed now. You can go home and sleep." He attempted to change my mind one last time as he stood infront of the kitchen door, grappling at the knob.

"I'm good, Pablo." I told him then waved goodbye.

The harsh rain outside consumed the silence. I had an umbrella with me but I hoped the rain would atleast go back to being a drizzle by the time I left the cafe. Thunder was what I was really anticipating with horror. I just couldn't stand loud noises. I decided to take a break and tame my growling stomach. I hadn't had proper dinner yet.