TO FEEL AGAIN [A Christmas Special]

Chapter 2: To Be So Lonely

A picture of the music room (not the store) has been attached, happy holidays x

Getting a call from Stevie a few days after meeting she and Harry was a little surprising and left you feeling a little hopeful. Hopeful for what? You can't say but you bounce on your toes as you listen to the bubbly woman.

"Sorry if this is out of nowhere, but can you come in today or tomorrow?" she asks.

"Yes, sure," you mumble.

"Horan was smart to pull some strings, a lot of stores are wrapping up for the year," Stevie adds.

"Understandable. I'll be there in a bit," you say.

"See you soon," she quips before ending the call.

You turn to see Salma smiling at you. A very annoying smile as she plays with her hair and fumbles with her Christmas sweater.

"Haz wants to ask you out," she smirks.

"Oi, you don't have to be so familiar," you playfully frown.

"By calling him Haz? Listen, we're going to be instant friends when we meet but I'm allowing you have your moment before the snog fest begins," Salma winks.

"You're being very dramatic with this," your frown is now a little serious.

"Sorry. It's just - you haven't liked someone in ages," she sighs.

Salma wasn't lying. It's been a long time since you liked someone and the feeling is slowly becoming foreign. You're not sure if you'd recognise it when the feelings return and it feels a little careless to start imagining this new attraction would materialise into something.

"Let's just focus on this holiday, shall we?" you almost whisper.

"Liam is suggesting a full on party for the new year, I'm too broke to agree," she rolls her eyes.

"Is Aidan doing anything?" you frown.

"Why do you care?" she grows protective.

"We're still friends, right?" you say.

"I don't know if Aidan is doing anything and I don't care," she shrugs.

Salma is always right and it's annoying. Beneath the petty response is a warning for you to mind your business and focus on your own holiday. You decide to get ready for your meeting with Stevie and Harry.

It is tempting to start over thinking what you should wear but then you remember an important fact - Harry cannot see you.

It's a little unnerving to remember that and you feel something clench in your heart at that beautiful looking human being unable to see the beauty of the world around him, including his. You have so many questions about his situation but it's not exactly any of your business.

You throw on a simple outfit and get yourself out of the flat. The walk to the shop is quicker than before and you brace yourself for whatever will happen today. 

The thought of seeing Harry excites you and you mentally play out your conversation with him; maybe a little banter, you could straight up ask him out and let him know you're into him - or rather the idea of him. 

The door to the store is pushed open, letting yourself in and the bell gently sounds. You smile as the warmth kisses your face and you notice Miso staring straight at you. Stevie is talking to another customer when you enter and she gives you a quick wink to acknowledge your presence.

You make your way to Miso on the sofa and gently sit next to her. This time around your fingers sweetly caress her furry self and she clearly enjoys it. Miso is a beautiful cat and you can see why everyone is drawn to seeking validation from her.