Summer (A 1D Love Story)

Chapter 11

Chapter 11- Liam’s POV

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Everyone takes their time getting dressed. Zayn takes the longest to get ready, as always. We load up again into my car. The drive to Bournemouth will take a while but we’re all up for it and plan to grab some lunch on the way. I’m really glad to have Zoe and Sophie here. It’s good to have some variety in the day when I’ve got the boys staying at my place until they get their flats lined up and straightened out. But something’s been bothering me; it seems like she’s not telling me something. I try to shake off the feeling and turn on the radio.

We drive by Poppins and get some food. Harry and I share a massive basket of chips. Soon we arrive at the beach and park near the many rows short colorful beachside shacks. Zayn and Sophie take off, laughing and racing toward the sand, and Louis calls after them,

“Be careful, you lot! Use protection!”

Niall rolls his eyes. Zoe runs ahead also, to lay out her towel and such. The rest of the boys and I walk over and Louis and Harry go galloping off into the water, tripping over shells and play fighting the whole way. Sophie calls Zoe into the water, and Harry lifts up his head. I feel my expression turn into a frown. She is hesitant, but skips towards Sophie. I can see Harry get uncomfortable. I wasn’t sure why. He and Louis play tackle for a while, but once Zoe gets in all the way, he slips out of the water. I can see him walking back towards Niall and I, sitting on some towels. Harry shakes his hair out and plops down beside me, not saying a word.

“Alright man, seriously. Tell me what’s on your mind.” He looks at me with sorry eyes. I guess Niall takes this as his cue to leave, because he hops up and goes chasing after Zayn with a fistful of sand.

“So you and Zoe were really close when you were young, yeah?” Harry asks. I nod, encouraging him to go on. “You know her parents, right? Well, uh, I was on holiday with my Mum in the US, right, okay, and... Zoe’s Dad is a consultant for a recording studio, er, record label, and this was around the time of White Eskimo and... I just wanted to talk to the guy and see what I could do to...” he falters. “Shit.” Harry looks down and swallows. “Remember that fling I may’ve said I had in America that one time?”

“Some girl named Rebecca... Yeah, I think I remember.” I reply, still puzzled. “But what does that have to do with...” and then it hits me.  “...her name wasn’t Rebecca, was it?” Harry shakes his head.

Suddenly this all makes sense... But why did she never tell me? Why didn’t Harry say something earlier? I feel a pang of anger run through me, and I stand up.

“She’s like my sister, man.” My throat is tight. Harry rises defensively.

“I didn’t even know you then, and-” I cut him off.

"It's not about that! I know something happened- you must’ve done something to hurt her- or else neither of you would be acting this way!" my voice is raised but I try to calm down by taking a deep breath. Harry’s eyes dart towards the others, holding a lasting glance on Zoe.

“You didn’t...” I stop myself at the thought and close my eyes. Of course. They did. And then he left. Oh God. Then I look up and can’t help but laugh. This is ridiculous. Sure, I’m miffed that nobody clued me in until now, but it’s really none of my business. Harry sees my change in attitude and he relaxes into a sad smile. I step towards him and give him a clap on the shoulder.

“So what’re you gonna do now?” I ask.

“Dunno. Just see what happens, I guess.”

-Sophie’s POV-

“Ahhh!!! Put me down!!” I shriek as Zayn grabs me and acts as if he’s about to throw me into the water. Laughing, he lowers me until we are close and at eye level. A new wave foams up around our feet and the salty breeze blows my hair back. I sort of get lost in his eyes before I realise he’s asked me a question.

“You’re 18, right?”

“17.” I correct him. “My birthday is in about 2 weeks though.”

“So... You’ll be here for your birthday?” I nod. “We’ve gotta celebrate then... I’ll make sure the lads fix up something special.” He smiles but lets go of my arm. Did I say something? Liam and Harry come jaunting up and push Zayn over. He lands in the shallow water, scowling. For a moment I think he’s serious, but when Liam gives him a hand up, he pulls him down with him. The boys fall into a fit of laughter as I turn around to find Zoe. She’s laying on her towel next to Niall, and when I walk over they’re talking about food.

“‘Ello love.” Zoe says, mimicking a British accent. I sit down next to her. The sun starts to fall lower in the sky and a spell of tiredness washes over me. Niall offers me a sip of his water but I decline, settling back with a magazine. While the three of us make fun of the advertisements splayed across the glossy pages, I can’t stop wondering about the mixed signals I’m getting from Zayn.