Red Sparks

Chapter 40: Sleepover

Jane’s POV

Niall can really cook, I said to myself. I helped myself to another piece of grilled chicken and settled down by the pool. Lynndra couldn’t make it I found later from Niall as she had plans with her mom. If Niall was disappointed, he certainly didn’t show it. This is my last piece, I said to myself silently. I saw Paul Higgins and the other bodyguards having a drink at the other end of the pool, Niall and Zayn cooking, Louis and Liam were talking; but Harry was nowhere to be seen. I wonder where he’s gone, I thought. I finished my chicken and went in the house to the kitchen. As I rinsed my plate, I saw a shadow cast over the sink. I whirled around and was greeted by a lingering kiss. I closed my eyes. I knew it was Harry. When he finally let me go gently, I smiled shyly at him. “What was that for?” I said, still smiling. “Dessert?” he said laughing. I blushed. “What are you doing in the kitchen? You’re the guest, and I’m on kitchen duty” he said, as he narrowed his eyes pretending to be stern.

“I don’t mind really, just keep the dishes coming in” I said as I turned back to the sink. “Okay” he said, “You wash, and I’ll put it away”. “Good. Because I’m short and I can’t reach most of the shelves” I joked. He just smiled and went out to collect more dishes. The dishes started piling up and I washed them as I talked with Harry.

“So this Taegan lad” he began. Does he think something is going on between me and him? I thought. “You’re close with him huh?” he said. I nodded. “Yeah. He was my first friend here Harry. It wasn’t easy” I said, “He has helped me a lot; especially with that Phillip Carson guy.” “What did he do?” he asked urgently. “Nothing. Don’t worry about it. Taegan put him in his place” I said, giving him a weak smile. “Ok” he said, after a while. “So what are you going to do for the summer holidays?” he asked. “Summer holidays?” I repeated, giving him a confused look. Were the summer holidays really around the corner? I hadn’t noticed, being caught up with other things. That must be why Mrs. Bank said I’d have the time to travel around here if I wanted to. I shook my head. “I haven’t got anything planned yet” I began. The other guys came in at that moment, followed by Paul Higgins. I glanced outside, the bodyguards were still there having their drinks and dinner.

“What’s she doing in the kitchen?” Paul said, looking at the One Direction members. “Helping Harry?” I said nervously. “Nope. You’re our guest, come on over to the living room. You too Harry” he said, as he walked into the living room. Harry nodded and walked with me to the living room. I sat on the nearest arm chair I saw and shifted uncomfortably. I was nervous, meeting Paul up close. Paul seemed to notice and smiled at me. “Harry has told me a lot about you” he began. I managed a nod and a small smile. “It’s a bit unfortunate how you two met” he added. I blushed and began to relax. Paul chuckled. We chatted for a while then Paul excused himself as he wanted to Skype with his family back home. As he left the room, I glanced at my watch. It was a quarter to ten, so I still had an hour left to kill before going home. Liam called out to me. “Jane” he said. “Yeah?” I replied. “So what time are you going for the camp out next Friday?” he asked. I hesitated. I was hoping they had forgotten about it, I thought. “Around 4 o’clock?” I said, “I’m meeting Taegan over at Baker’s Park.” “That’s not too far from here, we can walk there” Liam remarked.

“So lads, don’t forget to pack only what you need, and not want” Liam said sternly looking at the others. The others merely nodded in agreement. “We’ll see you then Jane” Liam said as he got up and left the living room. Zayn, Louis and Niall soon joined him. Then it was just me and Harry. Harry beckoned me to join him on the couch so I walked towards him. He held me close and we began talking. “Harry, you know right that there’s nothing going on between me and Taegan?” I said slowly. I had to clear the air, I thought. I don’t want them to be enemies. I loved Taegan as my own brother. I didn’t want a barrier between my boyfriend and him. I heard Harry hesitating. I looked up at him. “You do believe me right?” I said, not taking my eyes off him. He smiled. “Of course I believe you” he said as he leaned in for a kiss. I put my finger to his lips. “You sure enjoy kissing huh?” I teased. “It’s better than kissing Zayn” he joked, as he leaned further to me. I put my hands on his chest to hold him back. “You’ve kissed Zayn?” I said, giving him a look. “What was it like?” I said smirking back. “Well” he began. He moved my hands and put it around his neck. “I think it was something like this” he added. He held me close and kissed passionately. I laughed a little and kissed back. I could feel sparks flying as he kissed me again. I heard a camera click and spun around. Harry looked surprised too and turned around. We saw Louis laughing as he held a camera in his hands. “Awh, that was so cute!” he teased. “Gimme that photo!” Harry yelled as he got up from the couch. Louis stuck his tongue out and started running around the living room. I laughed as I watched Harry chasing Louis.