The Struggle •Unedited•

Chapter 11

My 22nd birthday has finally arrived and I'm getting dolled up for a night that Liam promised would be fun. He said he'd be here at 8:30 so we can relax before we head on over to the club he was taking us to. I suggested that we should leave earlier to get a spot, but he said there will still be space available, so I trust him. The time read 6:58 p.m. and I had just finished blow drying my hair. I always laugh at myself while I get ready because while I do my hair and make up, I'm dressed in pj's and a t-shirt. It looks pretty ridiculous.

The hair and make up were done, but now to get dressed. I was indecisive between a simple, short, black, one sleeved, cocktail dress or a glitzy, yet not too over the top, sleeves reaching just past my elbow, red cocktail dress with jewels lining the small v-neckline. Liam insisted that I should stand out so I went with the red and decided to dress it with simple black heels. Not to tall considering that I'd be on my feet the whole night, but I should bring my flats, just in case.

After I placed my shoes on my feet, I grabbed a clutch from the top of my closet and moved my I.D. and credit card inside the small holder. The mirror mocked me as if saying I didn't look good, but I reckoned. I looked pretty damn great. The clock seemed to be ticking by so slowly, so I decided to head on to Harry's next door and see if he was ready. I grabbed the flats and headed out the door.

Knocking on his door for a few seconds, he quickly opened the door.

"Lis, why so early? Wow, you look great!" he complemented.

I smiled and posed, "Why thank you,"

He let out a chuckle and opened the door wider for me to walk in. I felt bad for intruding since he was still dressed in sweats.

"Help yourself to anything in the fridge. A beer, water, anything," he offered, "I'm gonna finish up getting ready,"

Harry glided into his restroom as I made my way to his fridge. The shower turning on was heard from where I stood and I opened the door. My eyes scanned the inside of the cooler and quickly spotted the 6-pack of bottled beer. Not a great fan of beer, but I'll take it. My fingers wrapped around the cool glass and pulled it out of the cardboard holder. I closed the door with a kick of my foot while I busted off the bottle cap with a flick of my wrist. The sound of light fizzing was music to my ears. It's been a while since I've drank any sort of alcohol. I'll probably get shit from Liam for starting early, but it's my birthday, so fuck him. I took a swig and walked over to the living room to take a seat.

***

"Will you please just get dressed and come with us!" Niall pleaded as he paced around my bedroom.

I sat on the edge of my bed and looked up at him. He had this crazy idea of me tagging along with him and Zayn to what was apparently Elisabeth's birthday party. A night out seemed exciting, but I was iffy about the situation.

"No. I don't want to,"

"Lou, god dammit! C'mon! You really need it. You've been stressing and it'll feel nice to cut yourself some slack,"

This time Zayn budded in, "He's right, lad,"

The both of them were dressed in their best casual clothes. Niall in black skinny jeans with his regular white high-tops and white-shirt. The only thing dressing it up is the black leather jacket he has on. Zayn wearing a denim looking, button up shirt with rolled up sleeves and simple black skinny jeans. The shirt was slightly unbuttoned from the top and exposed his inked chest. I met eyes with both of them and they looked at me waiting for a response.

"Fine," I gave in.

Their tense bodies slouched and they pumped their fist.

"Yes!"