Panic Attack - H.S. AU

Chapter Twenty-Two

-Harry-

I hadn't heard from Valerie since Zayn's big event. This was usually the part where she'd randomly drop by my house and apologize with an apologetic smile and a cup of coffee. This time was clearly different. I knew I had every right to be upset then, but now I felt silly about the whole thing. It didn't even matter that Zayn was the mystery fiancé. She was with me now, not him. Sure she kept it a secret, but maybe she figured it was something I was better off not knowing.

I ran a hand through my hand and sighed. I was overthinking again. I just wanted her to talk to me. She didn't even get back to me after I asked about Zayn. I hoped she was okay. Feelings of worry began to fill me. What if she was a wreck? What if she needed me right now and I was too busy being stubborn to realize it. An even worse scenario entered my mind. What if she was getting back together with Zayn? Surely seeing him in that state would spark some sort of feelings between the two. I needed to stop. I was becoming paranoid.

Thankfully, a knock on the door followed by Niall swiftly entering the room interrupted my thoughts. "Guess what lucky man just went on a date with Angie?"

"I'm going to guess you." I chuckled.

"Your guess is correct, my friend," He said with a smile.

"You and Angie huh? How'd that happen?" I asked him.

After pouring himself a glass of water, Niall sat next to me on my couch. "I've had my eye on that one since the day I first saw her. I knew she'd eventually would fall for the Horan charm."

I raised an eyebrow at him. "Horan charm?"

"You heard me. Why do you think I get more dates than you? C'mon Harry keep up."

I playfully rolled my eyes at him.

"Hey, can I ask you something?" His face grew serious.

"Yeah, of course," I replied.

"Do you think it was bad idea telling her about Alexis?" He asked me.

Her name didn't ring a bell. "Alexis who?"

"Alexis Brookes," he answered. "You know, Sexy Lexi"

My eyes widened at the name and suddenly burst out laughing. "Oh God Niall what did you do?"

"It may have slipped to Angie that her and Malik may or may not have a thing going on," he nervously replied.

"If we know Angie then there's no doubt in my mind she told Valerie," I reminded him.

Niall began to panic, "And if we know Valerie, she definitely confronted him about it which means he's almost figured out who spilled by now."

"It was nice working with you," I joked as I patted him on the back.

"The one time I need you to be serious, you start making jokes."

"Alright, I'm sorry."

"Maybe I'm just being dumb. Call Valerie and see if she's in a bad mood," he suggested.

"I don't think that's a good i—"

"Just do it," he cut me off.

"Fine. I'll do it." I rolled my eyes at him.

I was surprised to see that Niall genuinely looked afraid, so I put aside my pride to try to help him out. Valerie answered on the second ring, but before I could get out a "Hello", she gave me a stern, "I can't talk right now," and hung up the phone.

I reluctantly faced Niall. "She didn't seem too happy."

He ran a hand over his face. "What am I going to do?"