A Single Daffodil [Harry Styles]

Rookie Mistake.

"I always forget how much I hate flying until I'm actually on the airplane." Jayden fell into the seat opposite me, lifting his chin as he inspected our surroundings. "And on a tiny one, no less."

The private jet felt minuscule in comparison to the regular airplanes I was used to, I'd agree with Jayden on that, but hell, was it fancy. The interior of the plane was minimal, with its beige carpet and a white ceiling that cast a lovely glow from the hidden lighting. There were beige, plush leather seats to match, each one of them looking incredibly inviting for a nap (I could barely sleep a wink last night because of how anxious and excited and nervous I was about today). Some of the chairs were grouped in fours with a slick marble table in the middle, while others were only grouped in two and facing the other direction. It was cozy, quaint, and perfect for the two-hour flight to France.

Three days ago, when it was decided the trois amigos trip—I'm practicing my French!—would actually turn into a neuf amigos trip, Niall wasted no time calling up their management and requesting private air travel for this lovely, late afternoon. Niall also went above and beyond and even booked an SUV that picked us up from the hotel and drove us straight to the parked airplane.

"What are we waiting for?" I asked Jayden as I feverishly snapped the seatbelt across my lap. I pulled out my new French-English dictionary and placed it on the table between us. He raised an eyebrow at the dictionary before aiming it at me. I shrugged. "In-flight entertainment."

"What are we waiting for?" Jayden reinstated my question as he peered out the window next to him. Everyone, save for Niall, was already on the plane, settled in their seats as they chatted excitedly to one another. Niall was standing right outside the airplane with a phone glued to his ear as he used his free hand as a visor over his eyes. Why was I not surprised that we would be waiting on Niall?

I shrugged and went back to my bag, pulling out my new leather notebook. I picked up a pen and began writing out the itinerary for today. Day One, I scribbled at the top of the page, London, Caen, Bayeux. Three hours.

I didn't know how exactly I wanted to format this notebook, but I did know I needed to document every single thing that happened in the next four days. I wanted this notebook to be filled with memories and thoughts and polaroid pictures I would take of beautiful things. I would collect flower petals, train ticket stubs to Saint-Malo, receipts from restaurants. I needed everything so when I would feel myself missing Grandpa Gene, I could have all of the memories in one place. I wanted to catch his soul and place it right into this book.

Jayden's sudden low whistle snapped me right out of my thoughts. "Oh boy..."

I looked up to see Jayden looking out the window. Wordlessly, I followed his gaze out the window.

I dropped my pen.

A second SUV pulled right up to where Niall was. The backseat door swung open and out came those stupid familiar brown Chelsea boots, paired with the stupid tight black jeans and black t-shirt combo.

As Harry swung the strap of his duffle bag over his shoulder, I turned back to face Jayden. I pushed my whole body back into my seat with frustration, letting out an ugly noise of frustration, annoyance, and agitation.

Jayden was smart enough not to laugh right on cue however, Liam, who was sitting in one of the seats opposite us, caught my reaction and couldn't prevent his mirthful giggle.

I picked up my pen and tapped it loudly against the table before pointing it in Liam's direction. "You're dead."

"We couldn't not invite him!" Liam defended quickly. "I'm sorry. I didn't warn you because I didn't think he'd actually come. I thought he'd be wise enough to give you space after, ye know, everything."

Before I could retort with 'Okay, but we all know he's a fuckin' idiot SO', Niall and Harry boarded the plane.

"Awoorigh'!" Niall cheered the second they entered the cabin area. "Party's all here! Let's take this rendezvous to France!"

He earned himself a couple of cheers from everyone behind me. I remained silent, crossing my arms defensively across my chest as I deliberately turned my head to the window. I didn't want to acknowledge his presence. If Harry didn't want to be an actual moron-slash-ass, he would be smart enough not to take the empty seat across from Liam—

"You alright, Harry?" I heard Liam greet Harry as the sound of shuffling happened next to me. I glanced over for a split second to see Harry did take the empty seat across from Liam. Now he was sitting less than a couple of feet away from me.

I refrained from raising my fists and shaking them, cursing the Gods.

"Yeah, I'm good. Sorry, we got a bit lost around the Heathrow entrance." Harry responded.

I bit down on my tongue, hoping this would prevent the loud and aggravated sigh my mouth wanted to make.

Jayden, already reading my expression, raised his hands slightly and made a waving down motion. Easy, he mouthed.

Without breaking (angry) eye contact with Jayden, I lifted my pen up, made a satisfying click and then quickly scribbled down the words An idiot just boarded the plane. I'm pissed. into my book.

I needed to document everything, right?

The plane ride wasn't as incredibly awkward as I anticipated it to be once we were in the air. I knew there was no way in fuck I was going to have a tête-à-fucking-tête with Harry for the next two hours, so I busied myself with my French-English dictionary. Of course, I could only read Bonjour, ca va? Je m'appelle... so many times before I started hardcore eavesdropping on the conversation between Harry, Liam, and Jayden. Especially when Zoe came up as a topic.

"Oh, could Zoe not come?" I heard Liam question, Harry, as I kept my eyes glued to the 'Conversational French Phrases' page.

"Er, no." The struggle in Harry's voice was apparent. I knew he was feeling uncomfortable talking about her in front of me. I silently mouthed random vowels in hopes to look more convincing that I wasn't totally listening in on this conversation. "She's busy with work. Had a couple of photoshoots and all that. She sends her love, though."

How about she sends it somewhere far, far away from here, like North Korea because fuck her.

I guess I was tickled pink by my own joke because without realizing it, I snorted. I turned red immediately when I noticed the three of them stopped talking and were looking right at me.