All Along

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Eleven

“My god, it’s hot.” I complained to Harry pulling the ponytail off my wrist into my hair.

“I know, my body is unbelievable. Just do me a favor love and stop drooling.” He said smirking.

“The weather, you idiot.” I slapped his chest playfully.

“Keep lying to yourself, Ellie but one day you’ll see.”

I laughed. “Alright, Harry, whatever lets you sleep at night.”

We hadn’t talked about the other day and the weird moment in his room and honestly that was for the best. We were so close and we weren’t going to let a little awkwardness get in the way of us. We’re way past that.

Ugh, I swear it felt like it was hotter than the center of the earth.

“Come over after school, we can go into the pool.” He suggested.

“Yes, yes, yes, you don’t have to ask me twice.” I said as I fanned myself with my hand.

After school was over Harry drove me to my house to pick up my bathing suit and a change of clothes for afterwards. Thirty minutes later, we pulled into his driveway. Niall was washing the car shirtless in the driveway. I giggled, what a sight. If I put this on twitter right now the whole world would erupt into flames.

“Hey Irish boy! Put on a shirt!” I yelled, getting out from the car.

He stroke a pose and pursed his lips. We both just ended up laughing at his attempt.

“It’s damn hot, no way.”       

“You’re going to get burned Niall.” Harry said from behind me.

“Since when are you the responsible one? That’s Li-

Niall froze and looked down. I looked at Harry and he looked hurt. Niall didn’t mean it that way. We all knew he was joking around but the air suddenly felt heavier. It felt hotter (if that even possible) and the silence was uncomfortable. Niall looked back up at me.

“Ellie I’m sor-

“No Niall, it’s okay.”

“I didn’t mean to Ha-

“It’s fine mate. It’s going to take time, we all know that.”

 I hugged Niall and gave him a soft squeeze. “I’m here for you, whenever, whatever.” I whispered.

“Me too Ellie.” He whispered back.

I lightly smiled and headed inside with Harry. When we were in the kitchen Harry pulled me by my elbow, back around towards him.

“You’re okay?” he asked with his eyes soft.

“Yeah, you said it yourself. It’s going to be a long time before my heart doesn’t drop every time I think of him or hear his name.”

He nodded. “Just please don’t shut me out.”

“Shut you out?”

“If you’re feeling something or need someone, talk to me Ellie please.” He said almost pleading.

“Besides Niall isn’t the only one here for you.” He added, a bit upset.

“Harry I know, I just…”

“Just what?”

“I just don’t know what to say anymore.”

“Anything. You can say anything.”

I nodded.

I walked back to the pool while Harry went to his room to get his swim trunks. There was a nice bathroom right by the pool area so I slipped into it and quickly stripped off my clothes from school. I put on the first bathing I had seen when I went home. I’m pretty sure this was the only one I have, actually. That is aside from the extremely old and faded black piece I had to use for camp many years ago.

This one was pretty old too but it wasn’t as uncomfortable as the other one. It’s a royal blue bikini that now as I’m putting it on might be a bit tight against my body. Nobody would see me though so it’d be alright. Except Harry of course but I don’t really care.

I left the bathroom and saw that Harry was already in the pool swimming. After putting my clothes and shoes on a chair, I went to the edge and sat down to put my legs in so I could slide in. But apparently Harry had another idea because as soon as I put one foot in, without warning he grabbed my leg and pulled me into the pool.

The water was freezing and it felt amazing against my hot skin. I swam to the top and gasped for air.

“Harry!”

I heard a low chuckle before a wave of water hit me. Instinct took over and I splashed him back.

“Take that Styles!” I screamed over the water.

We laughed and fought, splashing each other like children on vacation. After we got tired, I sat on the little seat on the side of the pool while Harry kept swimming around. I swear that boy either has never ending energy sometimes or is as lazy as a sloth. There was no in between. What a weirdo.  

The sun was starting to go down. I loved seeing the colors of the sky at this time of the day. The reds, oranges, pinks and purples just combined into one beautiful painting that looked too stunning to be manmade. I could stare at it for hours.

Harry’s voice brought me back. “What are you thinking about?”

“I was just looking at the sunset.”

He swam towards me and then turned to where I was looking so he could see it from my view.

“It’s striking, isn’t it?” I asked, still looking up.

“Mhmm.”

I went to sneak a peek at him but found he was already looking at me.

“And you, what are you looking at?”

He didn’t answer me. Umm… why wasn’t he answering me? Earth to Harry, I thought. Instead he pushed a wet strand of hair that was stuck to the side of my face out of the way. It fell onto my shoulder with the rest of my hair.

He seemed to be getting closer. Why was he getting closer?

That weird awkward feeling was back. I didn’t know what to do with it. I tried to bury it but it was still there.

And Harry was still moving closer. It was if time was moving in slow motion.

I realized what was happening.

Harry was going to kiss me. My best friend was about to kiss me and I wasn’t doing anything about it. I was going to let him.

I could feel his breath now.

Why is this happening?

When this even happen?

Everything is about to change, I keep thinking.

His nose touches mine.

He’s about to-

Liam

I can’t do this. Right before his lips brush mine I move my head to the right and he kisses air. I stare down at the water, nervous, ashamed and feeling absolutely horrible. I didn’t move at first, I lead him on and then I didn’t let him in the end. What kind of person does that?

“I’m gonna go.” He mumbles but I refuse to look at him. I’ve never felt like such an awful person.

I feel him get out of the water and when I look up, he’s already gone.