Mutual

Chapter Three

Hannah's POV

I'm sat watching my favourite show in the living room whilst drinking tea. The doorbell rings. I smile to myself, knowing it's Andy. I'd invited him round to hang out. I skip to the door and open it.
"Hey, An- Thomas? What are you doing in London?" I pull him into a tight hug.
"I came to see my little sister of course! I know I should have told you, but that would've ruined the element of surprise! Mum said I could stay for a week tops, but that's only if you'll have me."
"Oh my God Tom! Did you drive three hours to see me? I actually love you." I kiss his cheek gently.
"Well no, I got an Uber. bloody expensive these days. Mum said she come down for the day on Saturday, and take me home with her if that's alright?"
"Of course! I'm so happy you're here."
"Me too. So what's the plan for today?" I pick up his bags and wall over to the guest room. He follows.
"Well, I've got an old friend coming over today, as I didn't know you were coming. We can get food tonight though, just us two?"
"Sounds great." He hugs me.

After catching up with my brother for a while, I hear my phone ringing from the kitchen. I excuse myself and head through.

"Andy?"
"Hey, Han. Are you in?"
"Yes, why? I thought you were coming over?"
"Erm well, I've been stood outside for ten minutes now. I saw your car but was wondering if you'd walked to the shops or something."
"Shit, sorry Andy. Just come in, the doors open."
"I know. I tried the handle but I didn't want to invade your privacy. I know I used to just wander in whenever but we're just getting to know each other again"
"Oh, Andy, you are welcome at my house any time. If it's open, come in, if it's not, the keys under the mat."
"Alright. I'll see you in a second."
"Yeh, bye."

"Who was that?" my brother asks inquisitively.
"Thomas?"
"Andy!"
"Oh my gosh it's so good to see you - it's been too long. I'm so happy! Come here, bro." Andy gives Tom a hug and we sit down around the table and catch up. After a while, Thomas excuses himself, stands up, and leaves the room.
"So Hannah, What do you think of the boys?"
"Well I haven't really spoken to them properly, but they seem as lovely in real life as they do on camera. Especially Brooklyn. God, he's so sweet but I just get so insecure around him and clam up. I can't believe I cuddled up to him yesterday and then ran off. I'm so sorry. I was so overwhelmed."
"Awh you like Brook?"
"Err, no! Forget I said anything. Honestly."
"You'd be so cute together! He totally likes you back."
"He'd never like me back the way I like him though. I was so rude to him."
"Who do you like?" Thomas says, sitting back down.
Andy and I speak at the same time. "No one!", "Brooklyn."
"Who's Brooklyn?"
"One of Andy's bandmates." I clammer.
"Wait Andy's in a band? Sick!"
"Yeah, I am. Anyway, I think you should DM him and ask to meet up for coffee."
"Yes, that sounds like a good plan. Safe and simple. I'll do that right now." I notice he's already sent me a follow request. I accept and start following him as his account is public. "We could all meet up after and go bowling or something with the rest of the boys," I say as my fingers slide across the keyboard.
"That would be awesome! I haven't been bowling in so long!"
"Err, would I be invited?"
"Of course, I could never leave you out. You can meet Andy's bandmates."
"Thank you."

Me: Hey Brooklyn. I was just wondering if you'd like to meet me for coffee tomorrow?
-read 1:39 pm

"Right he should text back in a second, he's already seen it.
We sit and chat for a bit longer but I start to get fidgety. I unlock and relock my phone a few times and drum my fingers on the table. Andy notices and shoots me a look filled with concern. He knows that is a sign that I'm about to have a panic attack. After all these years, he remembers.
"Excuse me." I say, trying to ignore the growing burning pain in my throat. I run to the bathroom and lock it before sitting down on the floor in a small ball. I ride out the panic attack telling myself that it's okay. When it's definitely over, the tears start to come. I wipe them away and splash water on my face.
"Hannah? It's okay. I'm here." I open the door and he hugs me. "I'm sorry you have to go through this."
"It's fine, don't worry. It's not your fault."
"You don't deserve this."
"Maybe but I didn't choose to have anxiety. How long was I?"
"About fifteen minutes. Thomas was worried but he has gone for a nap."
I check my phone. Shit. "Do you know what might have caused it?"
"He aired me." I start to cry again. "Sorry I know it's pathetic but I think I actually really like him and he clearly doesn't give a fuck."
"He does, I promise you! He's only just met you but I can just tell." He pulls me in tighter as he knows the pressure helps. My phone pings.

Brooklyn: Hey, sorry I didn't reply. Was a little busy. I'd love to get coffee with you. Can I pick you up at lunchtime tomorrow?
Me: Yeah sure, can't wait!

"Erm, I may have spoken a little too soon. I have a date! Well, umm, I don't know if he classes it as a date."
"Told you! Head up, it's gonna be great. Look, you can even facetime me whilst you're getting ready."
I nod, gratefully.

It's currently twenty past ten and Andy has just gone home for the night. I'm sat on the sofa at one side, whilst Tom is laid across the sofa with his head in my lap. I love him. He lazily flicks through Netflix as I dial up our local Chinese takeaway and order food. Once the order is complete, he turns to look at me.
"When are you seeing Kathryn then?"
Kathryn. My best friend. Got me through so much shit and I've only known her a year. I wish I could make it up to her and be as good to her as she is to me. I respect her so much and I owe her one. She deserves the world, and I can only hope to give her that one day. I would lose myself if I lost her. I may not be hers, but she is my world.
"She comes back from Cyprus on Wednesday. Wait, what day is it today?"
"Monday. I can't wait to see her again."
"Me too. I'm picking her up from the airport. Do you want to come with? Maybe we can even surprise her."
"I'd love to."
The doorbell rings and Tom clicks on Pitch Perfect. One of my comfort films. Excellent choice.

~~~

A/N

Hey guys. I know I've done three updates in one day now... oops haha. I'm gonna start doing daily updates though, so I think I'm going to post one chapter every day at 5pm (British Time).

Thanks for reading!

Update:

I think I stuck to that schedule for like two days... oops!

Hannah :)

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