How To Love Again. (Sequel to 5YIN)

-twelve-

January

After a dramatic Thanksgiving, and Christmas at home, Brandon and I decided that it would be nice to spend our first New Years together in New York. 

I stood infront of my mirror sticking the diamond studs I recieved from Brandon into my ears. I turned my head both ways to watch them shine when the light caught them the right way. I'd been living in New York for months now and I always planned on attending the huge New Years party in Times Square but of course Brandon wasn't up for that. The longer we were together, the more I realized we couldn't be more different from eachother. And it really hurt me to think that way because I do love him a lot.

Besides our differences, I was more than shocked when agreed with me that we should spend the night with Harry and Liz at their apartment. I wasn't quite sure how it would go, but nothing could be worse than my last new year spent with Harry. Images of a long bus ride to the airport and walking through the cold with a tear stained face made me cringe. 

Just when I was finished getting read, I stared at myself in the mirror. The black dress that ended at my mid-thigh hugged my waist. The nude heels I wore added at least four inches to my actual height. My still short hair was in waves. I hadn't dressed up in such a long time I forgot about the sense of confidence it gave me. But for what? Who was there to impress? Harry. My conscience added in and I tried my hardest to disagree. 

"Al?" A voice called from the other side of my door. Brandon.

"Come in." I said looking away from my mirror. My jaw nearly dropped when I saw brandon in a suit. I was used to seeing him in worn band tees with his ripped jeans and sneakers. I was speechless.

"You look incredible, babe." I gaped as I walked to him and ran my hands over his chest feeling the material of his suit.

"Thanks. You too." He wrapped me in his arms.

"Where the hell did you get this dress." He ran his finger tips over my waist. I just smiled as I felt my cheeks flush.

"Let's hope the British douche bag keeps his hands to himself." His attempt at a joke made me more anxious than I was a second prior to it.

"Brandon, be nice to him. Tonight is supposed to be fun. They were nice enough to invite us don't make it awkward." I grabbed my purse off of my bed and headed out the door into the empty halls of my building. 

I hesitated to knock on the door infront of me. This would either be enjoyable, or I could end up wanting to rip my hair out. Knowing Harry, it could be the second one. My fist met with the door and before the second knock, it swung open revealing a semi-casual Harry.

"Hey guys." He said 'guys' but only stared at me with a wide smile while saying it.

"Hey." Brandon interupted the awkward moment and stuck his hand out.

"I'm Brandon. Ali's boyfriend." He smiled sarcastically and Harry just politely nodded.

"Nice to meet you. C'mon in." I walked into the hardwood floor apartment and took it in. It was gorgeous. The white walls covered in amazing paintings and their wedding pictures. I nearly forgot the current situation before I saw Liz walk into the living room with a tight red dress on showing off her thin body that I didn't have. 

"You must be Ali!" She smiled widely and hugged me briefly before pulling away.

"Harry has told me so much about you!" From those words alone my heart started hammering in my chest. He talked about me? I just nodded. Hoping the redness of my cheeks wasn't too visible. 

We all sat in the living room on their tan couches. Drinks in hand.  

"Brandon, you look like your attending a funeral. Why are you so dressed up, man?" Harry jeered at Brandon. I looked to my left as I saw annoyance brewing behind Brandon's eyes. I answered for him.