Extricate // l.s

1

Red and green.

Those were the colors I saw the most of during this time of year as I roamed the streets of my hometown. I spent most of my days outdoors, considering my home was unbelievably cramped with children. Usually, I sat inside of the small coffee shop on the street corner, a cuppa in my hands. I was always seated near the window so I could look out at the lights that twinkled on the buildings and trees this time around. It was my absolute favorite time of year.

I couldn't spend my day in solitude today, though.

Today was special. My mum was bustling around the house, looking hurried. My sisters were all cleaning the house before company came over while I sat in my bedroom with my laptop opened in front of me, a song titled 'Kiwi' blasting through the speakers. I didn't know who sang it, it just came on shuffle so I left it. But why would I help out on my birthday?

Right around seven, all of us were huddled around the fireplace. The Christmas tree glimmered beside us with presents underneath it, waiting to be torn open. I took a sip from my mug and looked at my mum who was getting up from the couch, announcing that it was time to open gifts. My sisters all leaped up at this, hurrying over to the tree and taking their boxes in their hands. I watched with a small smile on my lips, enjoying it while it lasted.

I continued to watch until there were only two left to open: Lottie's and my own. She grinned and gestured for me to open mine first. I returned it and looked at the tag to see who it was from. My mum's handwriting was sprawled across it and I smiled before starting to gently remove the paper.

"Hurry up! We don't have all day! You're taking 84 years, Lou!" Phoebe whined from her spot on the couch next to mum, her new doll resting in her hands.

I gave her a playful eye roll and continued to open my gift, a bit faster this time. I removed the paper and was now looking at a cardboard box. My mum was holding back a grin, I could see. I took my keys and cut through the tape before opening it completely, peering inside. What was inside made my eyes widen in shock and all my words got trapped in my throat.

"Do you like it?" My mum couldn't help but ask as she watched my hold up my new football jersey for the Doncaster Rovers.

I looked at her, the shock still present, and nodded frantically. I jumped up from my spot on the opposite sofa and plummeted into her arms. "Thank you, mum." I mumbled into her shoulder as I squeezed her tightly. She got me what I've always dreamed of since I could kick a football. There was absolutely no way I could thank her enough.

"My turn!" Lottie exclaimed, not waiting to tear open her small box.

She gave mum a confused look, holding a box of underwear. As she was about to set it down on the carpet, she noticed what was taped to the bottom.

"You got me tickets to see Harry Styles?!" She shrieked at the top of her lungs, springing into mum's arms like I had moments before.

"And your brother is going with you!" Mum exclaimed back, which caused Lottie to freeze immediately and look at mum in the eyes. Pure shock and horror was written all over my little sister's face.

"What?! Why?! He doesn't even know who Harry is! He wouldn't even like him!" She pouted, storming around the living room. "This is going to be so embarrassing!"

I gave an amused chuckle. "The concert is eighteen and up, Lots. You need an adult with you since you're only fourteen."

"All of my friends say I look older than I am! I could get in easy!"

"That's not how it works, darling-" Mum started but got interrupted by Lottie stomping up the stairs to her bedroom and slamming the door. She let out a huff and looked at me with a tired looking in her eyes. "She'll get over it."

I shot her a smile and began cleaning up the living room, picking up all of the wrapping paper and bows off of the carpet. I began to think about this whole situation. I've never seen or heard any of this Harry Styles' music, but I know how happy he makes my sister so maybe this won't be too bad...

"Hey, Lou, I'm heading up to bed. When you come up, just make sure all the doors are locked. I love you." Mum yawned, slowly climbing the stairs.

"Love you too, mum." I replied, blowing her a kiss and locking the front door.

Before I could head to the back door, mum's head poked around the corner at the top of the stairs. "Oh, and Lou? Don't shoot down this Harry thing so quickly. He's quite handsome." She winked before disappearing again.

I rolled my eyes and smiled. Ever since I came out to her and my sisters last year, they've teased me about boys. Not that I'm complaining, though. It's nice to have family that accept you for who you are.

I finished locking up the rest of the house and headed up to my room. I opened my laptop and opened my search engine. I typed his name into the search bar and my eyes widened at what I found. My mum was right... He was quite hot. It's not like I would ever have a chance, though. That kind of shit only happened in movies.

After looking through articles, songs, and pictures (maybe saving a few), I shut my computer and climbed under the covers. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad. He's good looking and a great singer. What could go wrong?

-

"So, Harry. I had this brilliant idea."

I rolled my eyes at the annoying sound of my manager's voice. I flipped the channel on the TV to the football game. I've never really cared for football that much but I've enjoyed watching the Doncaster Rovers since I was a kid.

"What do you want, Jeff?" I sighed, keeping my eyes on the television. My manager has been bothering me about my love life for weeks now and it's really starting to get to me. As soon as I came out as bisexual to him, I knew it was a horrible idea. "Are you here to terrorize me about my nonexistent love life again?"

He stepped in front of me, crossing his arms and looking down at me. "Actually, yes. You need to take Kendall on a date. It's Christmas Eve and fans are expecting you to be out doing something to celebrate."

I scoffed. "Why would I celebrate the day my mother died? It's been five years but the pain is still there, Jeff.  I'm a fucking human. Start treating me like one."

I stood and shoved him to the side so I could see the TV once again. I wasn't going to put up with his bullshit today. Today was my day to sit in my tour bus in solitude. Five years ago on this damned day, my mother passed away in the hospital from lung cancer. My step dad, Robin, passed away from the same thing a year before. My sister, Gemma, is the only person I have left but she rarely talks to me anymore. She always says she's too busy with homework and shit at Uni but I know the real reason.

"You're digging yourself into a bigger hole, Harry. Your tour starts next month. It's almost winter and the fans are expecting a new girlfriend. It's time to get off your ass and get over something that happened five years ago."

I clenched my fists so hard that my knuckles were white and my nails dug into my palms, probably breaking the skin. "Shut the fuck up and leave if you know what's good for you." I said through gritted teeth. I didn't want to do something I would regret, not again.

"I'm only trying to help, Har-"

I slammed my fist down on the coffee table. "Get out!"

Jeff flinched before quickly scrambling out of the tour bus, leaving me alone once again. That was my sixth outbreak this week. It's been getting worse.

Why wouldn't people just leave me alone?

No one understands.

-