Forbidden Fruit

Chapter - 18

Harry's POV

To say I was nervous about my presentation would be an understatement. I was a complete mess. Mr.Tomlinson called out my name to present first and that does help with how I was feeling already.

So many pairs of eyes were on me as I made my way toward the front part of the lab but I only really cared for the one pair- the gorgeous blue orbs, fixed right on me.

Taking a deep breath to somewhat calm my nerves I began with my presentation. It went like a dream. I didn't hitch on my words, bearing in mind how skittish I was earlier, I didn't mess up the practical bit and even received an applause at the end.

The rest of the performances went swiftly, with only a few bumps when someone accidentally dropped something but no major harm was done.

I remember how last year an exchange student literally set the practical bench on fire and the time Taylor and her friends failed miserably at a presentation and the entire floor had to evacuate because of their chemical catastrophe.

I was so distracted by the memories I didn't realise the hour had been dismissed by Mr.Tomlinson and I started gathering my books.

"You did an amazing job Haz!"

"Thanks, Zayn. You were great. I told you-you would figure something out, It was so cool!

"Yeah I know I was-"

"Mr.Styles if you could kindly stay behind for a moment" Zayn was cut off by a voice that I could hear talking for hours, even days but dreaded more than anything at this moment.

I thought of how he had me feel for the past 18 hours and decided to put a stop to this. I will not be used.

I turn to face him " I'm sorry sir but Mr.Higgins will not appreciate my tardiness" and with that, I leave the lab.

Presuming I would feel better by acting cold towards Mr.Tomlinson couldn't be more of a disastrous thought. I could feel my heart thumping against my chest as I made my way towards the staircase.

Zayn walking next to me had not taken his eyes off me. I felt exempted that he wasn't bombarding me with the questions I knew he was dying to ask.

We made out way down and I gave him a reassuring smile and headed to my next hour which I shared with Liam.

Both of my lessons went with me dreading. I couldn't imagine what Mr.Tomlinson must be feeling. It suddenly dawned upon me that I had left the playground without an account. Then behaving in such a frigid manner made me feel more culpable.

I believe that he was trying to talk to me for either seeking explanation or rather provide me with one.

Ashamed of my actions, which were clouded by my sorrow I thought of how selfish I acted. Even after returning, I didn't eat the meal which Zayn had worked so hard on, I didn't even thank Liam and Niall for staying and caring for me.

I still refused to open up to zayn even though I knew It was bothering him and now I acted rudely towards Mr.Tomlinson just for the sake of my feeling. How can I be so selfish?

Making my way to the cafeteria, I sat with the boys and I knew I looked distressed because of the way they were looking at me.

I thought of how it would be the best for them to know what went down the previous evening.

None of us had uttered a single word so I took the opportunity for myself.

"Um... I have something I want to talk about"

They all looked at me with a pleased expression.

"sure go ahead harry" Niall smiled

"First I want to thank you and Liam for being such good friends even though you don't know me for a long time-"