I woke up to a loud beeping coming from outside. I always left my windows open in my bedroom; I loved the fresh air. I stood up from my bed and went to the window. My bedroom was at the front of my house and overlooked the street. I had a large walk in closet and my own ensuite bathroom. I liked it because it meant I could avoid my parents as much as possible. I looked out the window to see a moving truck backing into a driveway across the road. The house one over from the one across from me had been empty for about a month. Now it seemed we were getting new neighbours. A lot of my friends lived in this neighbourhood. Maybe it was someone else from my school.
I was about to make my way to the bathroom when some brown curly hair caught my eye. It couldn't be. Could it? I put my hands on the window and stared, hoping the person would turn around so I could see who it was. He turned towards my house, taking a look around.
Harry Styles.
This was just my luck. Of course the one guy in school that didn't want to talk to me moved in right across the street. Just great.
I was still contemplating my bad luck and just staring out the window when I realized he was looking at me. I gasped and ducked down. How embarrassing. I practically had my face pressed up against the window, just looking at him. I'm sure I had my mouth hanging open or something. After a few minutes I sat up to look out again, and he was still looking up at me, now smiling. Probably laughing at me. I couldn't help but notice the adorable dimples that formed in his cheeks before I stood up and ran away from the window.
I went downstairs to get a snack and make myself some tea. I heard my mom's car pull up. Fantastic. Exactly what I need today. I'm grateful she seems to be taking her time coming inside. I try and hurry myself along so I don't have to talk to her, but she walks in while I'm still preparing my tea.
"Oh, hi darling. I didn't think you'd be home already. How was school?" She asked, seemingly in a good mood.
"Not that great. I have homework, though. When's dinner?" I ask, wanting to keep this exchange short.
"Around 7. Oh, and dress nice. I invited the new neighbours across the street to come over for dinner."
I stop dead in my tracks. "You did what?" I ask, hoping I heard her wrong.
"I just went over and met them. Anne and her husband, Robin, just moved in. Oh, and they have a son. He looks to be about your age. They're still getting settled and would probably have just ordered in, so I invited them over for a nice home-cooked meal," she explained, dumping her bags on the counter.
"Mom, why would you do that? It'll be so awkward! Can I just stay in my room?"
"Nice try, Langley. They'll be over at around 6:30. Make sure you're ready for then."
I sulked as I walked up to my room. This is just great. Another chance for my parents to try and show what a perfect family we are. All the money and the nice house and cars, and of course the perfect daughter. I hated that. No one knew that we were all miserable. I hated it when I was home. There was always fighting. My parents should just get divorced to be honest. It would make everyone happier. But they would never do it. My dad like that he had a trophy wife. My mother was gorgeous, and that made him proud despite the fact that she only stayed for the money. My mom liked the stability. I, clearly, had no choice in the matter.
I didn't know Harry. I didn't want him to see my home life. I just hoped my parents would behave. I went upstairs and did some of my homework, then started getting ready for dinner.
At exactly 6:30 I exited my room in a simple black ensemble http://www.polyvore.com/black/set?id=100040778. I got to the top of the stairs and heard my mom talking with another woman. Must be Anne, I thought. I started walking downstairs and went towards the kitchen, where the talking was coming from. As I turned the corner, I bumped into Harry. Again.
