Across the Road (Harry Styles Fanfiction)

Chapter 40

Once again I was avoiding Harry. I had woken up with a hangover and a sore face from all the crying, but, despite my miserable state, I managed to get in the shower and get ready for the day. It was a week until Christmas and I was spending the day shopping in Oxford Street with Lucy. The original plan for travelling home was for Harry and I to drive up to Holmes Chapel together for Christmas, but god knows if that was still going to happen. I couldn't think of anything more awkward.

Not being up for driving through the city or the nightmare of parking less than a week before Christmas, we opted for the tube instead.

Hugging my coat closer to me and adjusting my scarf a little tighter around my neck I scanned my oyster card and caught up to Lucy on the platform. The tube was unbearably crowded, but I knew driving through Central London would piss me off even more.

It took about 10 minutes before we were exiting at Marble Arch station. Lucy immediately linking her arms with mine as we began the gruelling process of Christmas shopping. Lucy wasted no time dragging me into Topshop and beginning to browse.

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"I'm telling you Ella, that shirt was perfect. We have to get it for Tyler."

"Okay fine." I gave in, struggling up the stairs in Starbucks.

Finally spotting the only free table, Lucy quickly nabbed it whist I struggled to balance my multiple shopping bags, phone, wallet and coffee, plus a piece of crumpled paper wedged in between my fingers and a pen resting in my mouth as I tried to manourvere around the small table.

Letting out a breath of relief and brushing my hair out of my face, I could finally relax. I was relieved to finally be out of the manic chaos, that was Central London a week before Christmas.

"So who have we got left." Lucy asked as I unfolded my list, placing it on the table.

Clinking my pen lid I began. "We've done shared presents for Louis, Liam and Finn, we've both done our parents and I've done Luke. So that just leaves Tyler, so we'll go back and get that shirt and he also hinted at Gok Wan's autobiography which I've seen on sale at Waterstones. Then that just leaves the rest of the boys. I've done mine for Zayn, you still need to, you've done Niall and Harry I still need to."

"Ok, what about Beth and Rosie."

"Shit I forgot about them, we probably should, but we hardly know them."

"That's true, gift cards it is!" Lucy laughed. Both of us finishing our coffees and continuing down the hellish street.

I eventually bought Niall a vintage record and decided to investigate Derby tickets online when I got home.

I didn't have a clue what I was going to get Harry. Eventually after Lucy found something for Zayn I decided to give up for now. Feeling too claustrophobic and worn out.

Once we got home I rung my mother arranging plans for next week.

"So what time will you be arriving sweetheart?"

"Um I'm not sure, it depends if I'm going up with Harry or not."

"Harry as in Harry Harry"

I had completely slipped my mind to mention that Harry and I were in contact again.

"Actually now you mention it, I remember Anne saying something about the two of you talking again."

Harry had spoken to his mother about me?

"Well let me know as soon as you do poppet. We can't wait to see you! Congratulations on the modelling as well darling." She cogratulated. "We are so so proud of you my love"

"Thanks mum, I love you, see you soon."

After hanging up, I continued mindlessly throwing items of clothing into a medium sized suitcase. I carefully placed the Christmas presents for my family in between layers for protection. I had forgotten the get gifts for Anne, Robin and Gemma but after explaining my mistake to Mum on the phone she said she would add my name onto the gift tags on theirs.

Despite my awkwardness with Harry at the moment, I couldn't wait to be back in Holmes Chapel for Christmas.