Artwork [h.s]

twenty-five

As I was walking to school I felt my phone buzz against my hand in the pocket of my coat. I furrowed my eyebrows, not expecting a message to come at that time and I pulled it out as I crossed the street, curious to know who it could've been. The frown, though, didn't leave my face after finding out who it was.

From Harry: Should I come to yours today again?

I sighed, almost considering telling him not to, but as I remembered that I hadn't taken a single picture of him in all those days I decided it would've been better for him to be around so that I could've fixed the final touches before having to give in the drawing.

To Harry: Yeah

I sent it and looked up as I neared the building, taking in all the people that were amassed in front of it waiting for the doors to open. My phone buzzed again, and I stopped in my tracks, taking it out of my pocket. I was sure that as soon as I would've got there I would've had to talk to either Ella or Aiden, if not both, and I was willing to do anything to delay what I knew would've been an awkward encounter.

From Harry: Can I come a few hours earlier? I'm busy later.

I bit my lower lip, thinking about it. I usually tied up the house a bit before he came, which I couldn't have done if he would've come earlier. But at the same time, he'd come at mine every day for the past three days, so I was sure I wouldn't have had anything to set straight beforehand. I hoped so, at least.

To Harry: When?

I put the phone in my pocket and started walking towards the group of people. As I came closer I saw Ella sitting on the stairs by herself. She looked up, and our gazes met. I took a deep breath, hoping to soothe the discomfort I was feeling, and started walking towards her. I felt my phone buzz again and I took it out right away, welcoming the interruption and unlocking the screen.

From Harry: Right after. I can give you a ride home.

I frowned. I didn't know Harry had a car. But thinking about it, it made sense. I'd never seen him leave, and I had no idea of where he lived, but considering he always managed to come by exactly at four, often with different clothing, it made sense for him to have a car.

To Harry: Okay. Thanks

I sent it and locked the screen, resuming my walk towards Ella. I immediately stopped walking, though, when I noticed that Aiden had joined her. I sighed, leaning against the short wall on the other side of the steps, unlocking my phone and pretending to do something for the couple of minutes it took for another text to pop up.

From Harry: You're welcome. I hope you won't mind if we give Niall a ride home first.

I tapped my nail on the screen, thinking of what to reply. I didn't mind it obviously, but there was something interesting in knowing that apparently Harry usually took Niall home from classes. Harry didn't seem the kind of person to do something like that, so I couldn't help but wonder how little I knew about him. I wondered if I should've asked him about it. He didn't usually share much, but after all the things that had happened the day before I'd started to feel as if he was starting to let his walls down. I decided that nothing too bad could've happened and I typed in a new message.

To Harry: Of course. I didn't know you usually drive Niall home

I sent it and glanced around, wondering if I could've spot him in the mass of people. If he'd already arrived at all. The reply came soon after, catching me by surprise.

From Harry: It's not a big deal, we live together.

I furrowed my eyebrows, staring down at the screen. That information for sure came unexpected. I'd never thought about it, but if I had I would've imagined Harry was more the kind of person not to have roommates. But it also made sense at the same time, showing why Niall was so comfortable around him and why they so often seemed to be together when I'd called Niall a few times a couple of months before.