Let Go

Six

-Aliyah-

“Aliyah, wait!” I could hear Niall shouting for me as I continued walking down my long gravel driveway to the stables with my hands crossed against my chest. It’s still summer but it gets a little chilly at night. I just need some time alone. I hate being around people. I’m too awkward and claustrophobic. I’m too blunt and I hurt people’s feelings with my logic and smartass comments. Harry did a fine job of it himself tonight so I have no reason to be there.

“Aliyah!” I stopped in my tracks and turned around still fuming.

“I just want to be alone Niall.”

“You’re always alone. Just talk to me for a second,” I don’t want to talk.

“There’s nothing to talk about.”

“What happened?” he came closer and took his teal zip-up jacket off, wrapping it around me. I slid my arms through and felt a little better as he hugged me.

“Harry spilt his beer all over my couch and rug because he was laughing at my bonfire,” I feel like a child pouting but I can’t help it.

“He’s just nervous and drunk Aliyah. He’s been drunk for a while. I just hate when you storm out like that. Everyone is so excited to meet you.”

“Please Niall, just make them leave,” I sighed, sitting down on the uncomfortable gravel beneath me. I picked at the weeds popping up around the rocks, hoping he'd let me poout for a while. 

“I’ll carry you if I have to Aliyah Tabitha Hayes.”

I giggled, knowing full well he’d do it.

“Whatever, but I’m just going to my room.”

“Yeah, okay.”

-- 

I sat by Niall as all of his friends were laughing and having a good time. They all seem like nice people, especially Gemma who is the complete opposite of Harry. Maybe he used to be like her but right now he’s sulking like every other time I see him. The only time he smiles is when he’s with Leigh-Anne and he still looks gloomy. Niall took the beer out of Harry’s hands and finished it off.

“No more Hazz, got it?” his eyes narrowed on Niall and then he caught my gaze which made his intense emerald eyes fade softly. I looked away quickly as Liam began talking to me. He’s a nice kid too. I like everyone; I just wish I could make my own friends. I guess that’s kinda hard when you don’t leave your home. I still need to go grocery shopping. I haven’t been in three months since Niall refuses to go shopping for me anymore and my parents are beginning to realize I’ve been taking their food.  

-Harry-

I watched Zayn and Perrie share a s’more while Louis told stupid ‘campfire’ stories until I decided it’s time for me to leave. I don’t want to be here anymore. I’ve already ruined her night and everyone else is pissed that I was drunk before we got here.

“I think I’m going to leave,” the conversation stopped as I stood and tripped over the damn log I was sitting on. The guys laughed as I caught myself. Aliyah is two steps over and she could have definitely caught me. I guess I wouldn’t catch me either.

“And how do you think you’re getting home Hazza? You didn’t bring your car and you’re drunk,” Gemma said clearly annoyed.

“I’ll ride a horse,” I snickered but quickly wiped the look off my face as I realized I made fun of Aliyah for the second time tonight. Again, everyone got quiet and stared at me. Aliyah tossed her beer can by the fire and passed me quickly heading towards her house but refused to look at me. Good job Harry, good job.

“What the fuck is wrong with you? She’s letting your kid go to her school for like two hundred dollars cheaper than everyone else, she gives Leigh-Anne a free ride, and then she invites you into your home and this is how you treat her? You get drunk and poke fun at everything she does?”

There was a long pause before I said anything. I could apologize and sit back down. I could even try to find Aliyah and tell her sorry but none of it is worth my time.

“I didn’t ask for any of this,” I shook my head and walked back into her house grabbing one more beer and sitting on her front porch stairs. I’m tired of this shit. If Chelsea were here this wouldn’t be a problem. We’d all be having a good time and Aliyah could be her awkward self while Chelsea made fun of her on her own, whispering it all into my ear. I’d scold her but laugh along because no one would hear us. I’d still feel bad but it wouldn’t matter. Chelsea would be with me.  

“Have fun tonight?” I jumped, spilling the beer my friends told me I couldn't have. Aliyah sat on her porch swinging slowly with a beer in her hands. That girl knows how to down em’, that’s for sure.

“Why’d you give me a discount for Leigh-Anne’s school?”

“Because you seemed like you needed it.”

Her answer was short and kind of reminded me of Chelsea. But this is just when Aliyah’s mad; Chelsea’s tone was always sharp.

I watched as she hugged her knees to her chest and leaned her head back against the metal links holding up the swing.

“Why’d you give her a free birthday ride?”

“Niall asked and I can’t say no to Niall,” I chuckled and sat on th eporch steps.

It was quiet for a while besides the crickets chirping and frogs croaking. I could see the full moon behind a few trees and stars filled the sky. I don’t think I’ve ever seen something so beautiful. I’m used to busy streets and crowds of people. It’s quiet out here. It’s peaceful.

“Can we start over?”

She scoffed, “I didn’t know we ever started.”

My head shifted towards her quickly, not quite expecting that reaction. I expected maybe a "sure" or "whatever" but not that.

Aliyah stood up and called for her dogs, Gismo and Copper, letting them come back inside. She followed behind them and walked inside leaving me alone without another word. 

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This is super short but I haven't written in a while and I wanted to get something up! I kinda got distracted so I'll try to post more!