Chapter 3
I woke up feeling the exact same way. The sensation of remorse slapping me in the face the instant I opened my eyes. I had never cheated before, and even if I did, why would I decide to cheat on my boyfriend with my enemy?
After eating breakfast, I thought it had been too long since I’d spoken to Aaron. Maybe he was avoiding me because he found out what happened? How did I know Harry wouldn’t tell everyone? This was the largest error I’ve ever made. How could I be so dim?
“Hey this is Aaron, leave a message.”
Uh, his voicemail. Why was he ignoring me?
“Hey, babe. It’s Aaliyah. Listen, I miss you. Can we talk? Call me ok?”
If I lost Aaron because of Harry, I don’t know what I’d do. I’d almost certainly move countries just to get away from all this sorrow. And just as I was about to creep back into my bed and cry, my phone rang.
“Hope you’re awake because we’re going shopping.”
“Good morning to you too, Sophia; didn’t see you at the party last night.”
Sophia was one of my best friends; I knew her since I was an infant and trusted her with everything. She detained my deepest secrets; maybe I should tell her about Harry?
“That party was boring I heard all about it.”
“All?”
“Yes, Aaliyah. Harry Styles is a twat and I don’t know why you don’t just get Aaron to fuck him up.”
Hearing Aaron and Harrys name in the same sentence made my heart miss a beat. I needed to deal with this crisis sooner or later before it eats me alive. Maybe shopping would be good; I could take my mind off things and tell Sophia what happened.
“I just don’t want Aaron in that sort of conflict. I’ll see you soon anyway. Pick me up in half an hour.”
“Ok, see you soon.”
***
“Now that top is adorable!”
I watched as Sophia picked up a small, tight crop top, she walked towards the mirror as she held it beside her body.
“I wonder if it would fit.”
I laughed; it looked as though she was holding a top made for an 11 year old.
“Isn’t it a tad small?” I giggled.
“The smaller the better! I want to show off these bad boys” she said as she grabbed hold of her breasts.
We both laughed uncontrollably as we walked towards the register. I knew this would be an excellent idea; all my concerned thoughts had fled as I spent dollar after dollar. But just as I was thinking about nothing but Sophia and her crop top, Harry Styles entered the store.
I felt my heart descend to my belly as he approached me. I closed my eyes firmly, hopeful that when I opened them he would be gone; instead, he was directly in front of me.
“I need to talk to you.”
“Not now, Harry.”
Sophia paid for her item of clothing and turned- her face instantly altering from that of a content look to one of revulsion.
“Harry Styles, my, my, what a pleasure.”
Harry nodded his head, “Sophia.”
I could feel my heart thrashing against my torso as Sophia looked from Harry to me a few times. Sophia wasn’t a dumb human being, and she could effortlessly catch on when something was going on.
“So, what’s up with you two?”
I could feel the sweat building up on my palms when Harry finally broke the silence.
“I’ll see you later then, Aaliyah. Bye, Sophia.”
Sophia waved as Harry left the store. We followed behind him, walking to the nearby bench to sit down. I wanted to make clear to Sophia what was going on. As I recalled the night to Sophia, she was shaking her head at me, the dissatisfaction on her face obvious as I told my tale. When I finished, her face was in her hands as she rested her elbows on her knees. I knew she had a lot to say, but being my best friend, she would keep it short and straightforward.
“You know what I want to tell you. But I won’t say it. Just go, catch up with Harry and tell him that last night was a mistake and that it needs to never happen again.”
“Are you going to come with me?”
She stood up, “Nah, I’m going to go home. Call me and tell me what happens yeah?”
And with that, I walked away to find Harry. I ran in the path he had walked off in, at last finding him lined up at a fruit drink shop.
“Harry.” I spoke softly behind him.
He turned, grabbing my arm and pulling me away from the line right away. He took me out of the shopping centre and into the car park, his hand never leaving my arm as he led me to his car. I was impressed with the fresh look of his shiny scarlet car.
He opened the door for me, waiting for me to get in before he slammed the door shut ruthlessly. I was worried by this powerful act as I waited for Harry to climb into the driver’s seat.
“So, let’s talk.”
He looked annoyed. His brow furrowed as he spoke and his jaw line tensed and prominent. I swallowed as I stared at the veins in his neck; I wanted to jump on him.
“Harry. Last night, I was full of emotions and obviously not myself. It can’t happen again. That’s all.”
“Do you forgive me?”
“What?”
He was still going on about that?
“I said, do you forgive me?”
“I guess… but-”
“Alright get out.”
I was so puzzled. Why did he guide me all the way to his car just to hear that I pardon him? Did he really have sex with me just so that I could excuse him?
