An Ocean Apart

We're kind of a package deal.

In the days preceding our odd yet undeniably enjoyable dinner, the boys, Harry in particular, became normal figures in our routine. Every day, at least one of them would accompany Pia and I on an adventure in London. Harry, of course, was the one who offered to take us about and around, stating he knew his way around the city better than any tour guide possibly could. I never found the heart or the desire to disagree with him. 

Not a full twelve hours passed since the dinner when Harry phoned me again to ask if we were doing anything for the day. We had planned to visit the British museum but Pia kept mouthing at me from the other end of the table to invite him along, quite enthusiastically I might add. Obliging her request obviously lead to an agreement to meet in the lobby a little over an hour later.

I was thrilled with the chance to spend the day with him again but guilt crept up on me every time I glanced at my aunt. This trip was supposed to be about the two of experiencing a foreign country for the first time together, maybe making a friend or two, but not to this measure. I had to ask her at least twice before I was completely reassured she wasn't faking her delight over whatever relationship Harry and I had managed to form. 

We met Harry down in the lobby at ten o’clock and standing next to him was quite a little surprise. My eyes widen when I noticed Louis conversing with Harry and flipping his long brown bangs from his face as we stepped out of the elevator. I nearly stopped dead in my tracks and debated hiding behind the large potted green planet not far from my position before Harry spotted the pair of us and waved us over. Only the manners drilled into my brain by my over polite parents kept me from verbalizing my rude question. 

Harry greeted me a quick, sweet kiss and Louis raised his eyebrows seductively out of his line of view. I resisted the urge to knock him one in the crotch when he pulled me in for a hug. The time would come for revenge; however it would never be in front of Pia or especially Harry. 

Louis’ presence was explained when Harry mentioned he’d asked to tag along for the ride. Pia was elated with the new addiction to our group. She’d found Louis’ sense of humor hysterical the previous evening and couldn't understand my distaste for it. I figured she’d find out soon enough or rather not considering they’re undeniable similar interest in making me feel as uncomfortable as possible around Harry. She can’t help winking at me either whenever the two of us have any sort of physical contact.

The twenty minute ride to the museum wasn't as awkward as I believed it would be. Louis seemed to be sensible enough to hold his tongue with my aunt around, Pia never changed the topic from her most desired sites at the museum and Harry was perfectly content to watch the shops pass by outside the window. I used the space of time to occasionally study Harry’s facial expression and continue my never ending debate of whether seeing him was a still a good idea or not.

I still had some reservations about the situation. Even though I’d agreed to it, the gaping holes stood in front of me with flashing neon lights. Not the least was the fact that digital conversations are a poor substitute for physical contact. The long distance would try me to my limit. It was hard enough for me to keep a relationship when I saw the person every day but huge chunks of time without an actual conversation? It’d drive me completely mad. 

I attempted to let it go throughout the day, giving my attention to the historical exhibits and contributing to the conversations. Neither was much of challenge. History was one of the few subjects in which had undeniably fascinated my attention and whether I liked it or not, Louis’s backhand comments were an entertaining addition to the mood of our group. I even found myself smirking and responding under my breath to some of his obnoxious comments. 

I expected Harry to keep up his quiet demeanor from the taxi ride intact but the cheekiness came out in full force the farther along we got in the day. The Harry Styles around Louis was a far bit more zany and outlandish than the one I’d come to know. It was obvious the two of them were the closet of the five. I’d never seen a pair of heterosexual males exchange so many questionable glances and be so comfortable with physical contact.