The Way Things Work

Chapter Five

“Ready?” Eleanor rose from her velvet chair and straightened her blouse. The concert had ended an hour ago, but you all waited around for the crowd to drain out.

“No.” You huffed in nerves.

“It’ll be fine babe. Harry just needs some sense knocked into him.” Sarah slid her hand comfortingly around your back.

“I hope so.” You sighed as you simultaneously rose from the chair with Sarah.

You walked out of the seating area in the arena and headed toward the lobby; there the boys, Paul, Simon and Rob awaited your arrival. 

“Ready ladies?” Simon gestured to the sea of flashes and mob of screams. You cautiously followed the others by the door but froze. The others were already out under the night sky illuminated by the flashes and you just stood in the doorway, petrified. 

“It’ll be alright. It’s always scary at first.” The voice from behind made you jump. You slowly turned only to be shocked by the face behind the words: Harry.

“Really?” You quivered taken back.

“Really?” He sighed as he grasped your hand and protectively led you out, absorbing the flashed as if they were rays of the sun. It may have been fake, but his hand and short lived generosity made you feel safe. Maybe it wasn’t an act.

You smiled at the remaining paps and shifted into the small party bus. You walked to the end of the booth seat and sat. There was room for two, but Harry shifted Niall next to you and sat as far away from you as possible. 

That confirmed he didn’t actually care. When he sat on the other end of the booth, it hurt. You didn’t know exactly why, but it did. You couldn’t have possibly liked him, what had he done for you? Avoided you? Put you down? Gave you an anxiety attack? He was useless in your life; you were only there as a ploy. He didn’t care, so why should you?

Your train of thought was interrupted by Niall nudging you.

“Y-Yeah?” You shook your head in attempt to be brought back to reality. They broke out in laughter due to your lack of concern.

“We said that you looked really pretty in this picture.” Sarah held her phone to your face as it wrinkled in disgust.

“No. I always look terrible in photos-wait is that from outside the theater?” You were slightly shocked by the urgency of the posting. You were in a fitting black dress, some flats and a loose fitting belt around your waist. Your hand was intertwining Harry’s and he was in a sleek black tuxedo and a small bow tie. He looked fit and you shook your head in attempt to rid yourself of the thought. 

“I think you look amazing! Are you kidding?” Zayn winked and the others laughed, yet still agreed.

“Liars.” You sighed and smirked releasing a small laugh.

“No! What do you think Harry?” Louis nudged him to break his concentration from his phone.

“Hmmm?” He looked up slightly annoyed.

“We were talking about this photo.” Sarah held her phone up to his unimpressed face.

“We were addressing how pretty Sam looks although she doesn’t think so.” Liam summarized.

“What do you think?” Eleanor’s grip on Lou’s hand tightened as she looked nervous.

“It’s whatever.” Harry broke the uncomfortable silence.

“Seriously?” Niall blurted out as he shifted his arm around your shoulder. You could see the boys “reprimanding” Harry. “Don’t listen to him babe, you are beautiful.” He used his free hand to place your head on his shoulder. His occupied arm rubbed your back as his cheek rested on your head.”