Idiosyncrasy (Harry Styles AU)

Twenty-six

Chapter 26

Harry

The sun has almost disappeared behind the buildings by the time Bethany and I step into the door of the pub.

For once, it’s been a decent day today. It warmed up a bit before the shadows became long again. I almost feel bad for staying indoors for the night.

Since it’s a Saturday night, it’s quite crowded in the bar. The music is loud, and I think I saw a sign when we came in saying its Karaoke night.

Upon entering fully, my gaze rests upon the man up front slurring a song that is unrecognizable due to him being drunk. I roll my eyes.

“Want a drink?” Beth asks me, flicking her hair over her shoulder and turning to me.

I nod eagerly/ “Yes, Ma’am.” I follow her up to the bar and watch her as she orders an apple martini. I smile crookedly and order too.

I turn in my seat, facing Bethany as she crosses her legs. She tucks a strand of wavy hair behind her ear, exposing a collection of earrings and a feather tattoo behind her ear.

I smirk and lean forward, my lips hovering close to her earring.

“Nice tattoo,” I whisper just loud enough so she can hear.

She smiles slightly, then points to the inked rose on the side of my elbow. “I like yours too.”

“Thanks,” I smirk, pulling away from her ear.

The bartender slides our drinks across the counter to us, and I sip mine slowly.

Over all that’s happened between Bethany and me, I know I like her. She’s fun to hang out with and damaged like me. I may not trust her, but I do like her.

Be careful. The doubtful side of me always reminds the curious side.

I want to move on but I just can’t make myself.

My one drink turns into three, and three turns into five. Soon, I’m feeling a bit tipsy and my thoughts are centered around nothing important. I’m so used to this relaxed feeling.

“Harry,” Beth’s voice comes from beside me.

I raise my eyebrows in question, setting my glass down.

“I’m gonna go use the girl’s room,” she says, standing from her stool. “Be right back.”

I nod, and then watch her disappear around the corner.

My thoughts once again wander to Bethany. My curious side says she’s sweet and sensitive; but my doubtful side says that she’s just here to hurt me.

I know that I shouldn’t listen to that side of me because not everyone comes into my life just to break me.  But then again, most people I come across want to hurt me in one way or another.

I scratch the back of my neck, closing my eyes and sighing. I don’t know what to think anymore.

So I decide not to think anymore. We came here tonight to have fun. I’m done dragging myself down.

I stand, stumbling a little as I walk through the hazy room over to where she disappeared.  I wait outside the door, lighting a cigarette and placing the white stick between my cracked lips.

“What are you doing?”

I turn, smiling a little as my gaze meets Bethany’s. I shrug, taking a drag from my cigarette. “Smoking.”

She rolls her eyes, leaning against the opposite wall from me. “I can see that.” Her lips curl up into a small smile.

I take the cigarette away from my lips again, exhaling the white smoke.