Love Bites - Louis Tomlinson

Chapter 18 - Harry's POV

Harry's POV

 I breathed in the crisp air as I walked down the slightly crowded foot path of some near by village. All the bars that lined the road were open, different music blaring out of each. I found a convenient store, walking in. It was almost empty, apart from the few people out on the Friday night buying sweets or alcohol. I walked up to the counter, my face reflecting my mood. Pissed of.

"Pack of cigarettes please." I mumbled taking my wallet from the back pocket of my trousers. The short man behind the till eyed me for a moment, his sparse grey hair had been slicked back, his glasses perched on the bridge of his nose, he sounded as annoying as he looked.

"Busy night out there." He said turning around to the large shelves of cigarette boxes, each with a graphic photo of the consequences that would happen if you smoke. I didn't know if they applied to us.

"Sure." I replied, not interested in starting conversation with the man.

"You seem a bit down, what girlfriend problems?" He set the box of cigarettes on the counter, pushing a few buttons in the cash register. "6 pounds fifty."

I ignored his assumption, handing him a ten pound note, leaving before he could give me change. I got outside, ripping the plastic of the small box, taking out the stick and lighting it with the lighter that was always kept in my pocket for emergencies, like now. 

I took a deep suck of the lit cigarette feeling the long forgotten flavour of smoke fill my lungs and mouth. I breathed out a sigh of relaxation, the smoke mixing with the cold air around me. I slumped against the wall of the shop taking long breaths of smoke every few minutes.

Few people pass me, taking second glances as I'm slumped against the wall. I take one final suck of the smoke, before dropping it on the ground, stepping on it getting the last bit of spark out. I stand for a minute, not knowing were to go. I feel relaxed and calm, better than I did before I got to where ever here is.

Music was flowing out of each bar opening across the road from me. Men and women, who's dresses were far to high, were shouting drunken phrases and howling out loud noises as if it didn't bother anyone.

The four pubs along the road were filled, bright lights radiated from inside, and usually I would turn away, but tonight I need to be numb. I needed alcohol. I coughed roughly, the remains of the cigarette smoke still in my lungs as I walked across the road, waving curtly to the man in the red car who let me pass.

I studied each one for a brief second before entering the one that seemed the least crowed. I pushed past people who were to stoned to see me coming, pulling myself onto the stool at the bar. I sat with my shoulder slumped waiting for the bar tender to make his way over.

"What can I get you?" The brown haired guy asked, standing infront of me.

"My life back." I mumbled quietly. He didn't hear. "A large guiness."

"No problem." He grabbed a glass from the shelf below him, putting it under the freezing cold pump, filling it up with the black frothy liquid. "You hear alone?"

I looked up from my arched position. "Does it look like someone would want to spend time with me? Especially here."

He didn't reply, handing me the pint of beer, asking me for 3 pounds. I gave him the exact change, hoping he'd leave my sight.

I wouldn't feel the effect of this for while so I ordered more and more as the night drew on. On my 4th pint, I asked for shots, and on my 4th shot I asked for a 5th for when I returned from outside. I stumbled my way out, past all the people, the outside air being taken into my lungs. I was drunk, feeling numb, but I felt so real, so human. I loved it. I took a cigarette from the box, and the lighter from the back pocket of my trousers, lighting it quickly, taking in another deep breath. Once again the familiar feeling took over, the nicotine giving me a sense of calmness.