running through the shadows (harry styles)

Chapter 5

Him. Fuck, what is it about him? Why am I so intrigued by this strange man? I can hardly focus on  the story Liam is telling me about the time mum caught him doing some dumb bullshit when he was around my age and-

"Lace, you alright?" He asked, waving a hand in front of my face.

"Yes, you dufus, I was just thinking," I giggled. "This is going to sound horrible but I wish mum didn't have to come back so soon. It's horrible having just the two of us here, she never leaves me alone and nothing I ever do is good enough. I'm too fat, too dumb, too different from her prissy friends and their daughters," I continued, getting more and more irritated by the second.

This began as a cover to hide what I was truly thinking about, but it's not wrong. I can't stand living alone with mum. Ever since dad died. everything's gone to shit.

"I get it, Lacey. She did the same shit to me, and that's why I left."

"That's exactly it, Li," I argued, beginning to get upset. "You left me here with here."

"It's not like that. I'm a grown man." He pushed his chair back and got up, letting out a frustrated sigh while pacing the kitchen.

"You don't even come around anymore. You know she shits on me day in and day out. She makes me feel horrible and I fucking-" he cuts me off before I'm even able to finish my thought.

"It's because I've got a fucking job, Lace. I'm a big boy now. I'm nearly ready to graduate university EARLY, while working. I'm busy. You just don't get it because you're a little girl and you have yet to grow the thick skin you need in order to make it in this world." He angrily argues with me. "I've got shit to do. Maybe one day you'll grow up and understand that the world doesn't revolve around you." He spits.

I've heard enough of this shit. I quickly get up from my chair and shove the table. running upstairs to my room. God, my brother is an ass. All I want is for him to come over more than every six weeks, or maybe even check up on me now and then. I see all the bullshit he's up to on his social media's- nightclubbing. going to the gym daily, bullshitting around with his friends. He doesn't prioritize work nor school nearly as much as he claims.

I throw myself onto my unmade bed, wanting to scream.

Why is the first thought in my head wanting to text Harry? He's been nicer to me than my shithead brother has today.

"Hey." I sent, before I could even give it a second thought.

This is an unhealthy habit. I can't go running to my brother's best mate whenever he's pissed me off, no matter how unbelievably attractive he is. This needs to end tonight. Before I can get another thought in, my phone buzzes twice.

"What's up baby girl?? Xx"

"Shit, that was inappropriate. Sorry Lace, I'm a bit tipsy."

Baby girl. My stomach erupted in butterflies, but was followed by a sinking feeling as I was reminded of Harry's age and likely life situation. He's a twenty-one year old man living on his own, attractive enough to bring home any girl he wants, any time he wants. Give it up, Lacey. You're just a silly little girl. 

I tossed my phone onto the rug on the other side of my bed after locking it, deciding I wasn't going to respond. Tears blurred my vision before I squeezed my eyes shut and buried my face into my pillow. Before I knew it, I was drifting off to sleep, with the same gorgeous, curly-haired man on my mind.