UNKEPT

Chapter 3: Long way home

The crowd fades. I stand there, looking for a man with a girl, or maybe waiting for them to find me. I turn around to see if Harry is still there, but he's gone. Why did I get so nervous and sweaty when he touched my hand? I am unable to understand that reaction. 

"I'm sorry?" I feel someone tapping on my shoulder, I look back and I see a huge and tall man, with a thick mustache. He looks so sophisticated and elegant, I would even say majestic. He's wearing a white silk shirt, black trousers, a black blazer and a hat, not to mention his over-expensive italian shoes. Right next to him there's a young brunette lady, she's wearing a black dress and a brown bag. I'd say she's elegant too, but I'm not really into women's fashion.

"Are you Mr. Tomlinson's son?" He says with an almost unnoticeable smile. "Yes!" I say while shaking his hand, "Louis, my name is Louis." I try to smile but my frozen face is still numb and trying to get used to the warmness of the station. "I'll take you home, Mr. Calder." I say while pointing at the exit. 

When we walk through the exit door I notice a green piece of cloth on the floor, half hidden in the snow. I bend down to pick it up, "It's that boy's bandana!" I think. I look around to see if he was there but not a trace. I look at the bandana again, "Harry" I whisper.

"What are you doing?" I hear a soft voice behid me. It's Mr. Calder's daughter. "Oh, nothing. I found this on the floor and..." She doesn't let me finish the sentence, "Ew! Leave it there, don't touch it!" I stand up and I give her an offended look. "Thanks for the warning." I say, and I put the bandana in my pocket.

The way home becomes so uncomfortable. They don't seem to have anything to say but neither do I. I just want to get home, have a warm cup of tea and take a nap, but I know my father won't let me do any of that. It's my birthday and more than twenty five people are going to arrive during the day and since I'm the host I must greet them all.

"What was your name again?" Mr. Calder's daughter asks. At least she broke the awkward silence. "Louis" I answer. 

"I'm Eleanor" she says. "It's not like I care what your name is but hi." I think before saying "Nice to meet you Eleanor." And faking a smile. 

I can already see my house at the end of the street. It was the only one that had three floors, really large windows all over the ivory facade, five enormous terraces and an astonishing garden.

We don't say a word until we cross the garden and we reach the door. I'm about to knock on the door when I unconciously put my right hand in the pocket of my coat, my heart starts beating faster and my hands start sweating, I had almost forgotten but here it is, the soft touch of Harry's bandana.