Underneath It All {l.s}

XXV

Two days later and Harry was in Manchester.

Harry was staying at Gemma's for a few days as Anne thought it'd be good for Harry to see his sister. Stay a few days to and go have fun. Harry understood, his mum wanted him to get out of the house and have his big sister cheering him up. Harry didn't like the idea of facing his sister at first as he was afraid she was going to the whole 'I told you so' thing. Harry just wasn't in the mood to venture around the city.

But, he gave in last night when Gemma had came down for a Monday visit. Which was just odd since she only came down to visit when it was holidays or come stay for a few days. Obviously, that wasn't the case when it revealed over dinner that Gemma came to steal her brother away for a few days.

Staying with Gemma meant having the mornings to yourself as she is working. However, Harry knew when Gemma was out, she was going to drag Harry around. Make him have fun and get his mind off Louis.

Right. Louis. Harry hadn't spoken to him since their fight. Louis sent Harry the first text yesterday morning. Saying he was sorry and wondered if Harry was still mad at him, but Harry never responded. Not to any of the other texts Louis had sent him these past few days. Left on read because what was there to say? Harry didn't want to talk with him because he was still hurt from what left Louis' mouth. The fact Louis wanted a break from their relationship. Even though Louis had been trying so hard for Harry's forgiveness and begging to talk. Almost forgetting he was the one who wanted this stupid break in the first place.

Harry didn't understand Louis sometimes, to pretend things are fine when really they weren't.

Typical, Louis.

The thing was though, Harry was not going to waste his time, not until he will get a sincere apology.

Because what was even the point?

"So, I was thinking we get to the mall we should grab a bite to eat at the foodcourt and then around shops a bit." Gemma suggested as if Harry was made of money. "We have three hours until the centre closes and I want to make sure you're having fun on this gloomy rainy day. We're not leaving until you buy something." As if Harry wanted to spend what little he had on clothes or eat greasy food, Harry would much rather read a book.

"Can't we just go to a cafe or something? I don't feel like shopping, Gemma." Harry truly wasn't. Not only that, but Harry didn't want to go to Manchester Arndale Centre.

"You don't feel like doing anything, though." Gemma pointed out as she pressed on the break when she came to a red light. "Listen, I know you're sad and all, but this will be good for you. I promised mum that I'd get you out and about. Rain or shine."

"How will making me broke be good for me? I don't have a lot to spend." Harry stressed, crossing his arms as lightning flashed across the evening sky. "Unless you're planning to buy me stuff which I highly doubt you'll do."

Gemma sighed as she pressed on the accelerator, as a rumble of thunder reached Harry's ears. "Dinner's on me and who knows, maybe I'll buy you a new shirt if you keep whining about it."

Harry wasn't crying about anything, Gemma was the one about ready to throw a tantrum if she didn't get her way.

"Besides when we come back from the centre, we're going to binge watch romcoms and stuff ourselves with sweets," Gemma went on as she turned right. "This will be night one of operation cheer my baby brother up."

Harry wasn't sure if he was up for all that. A little too excessive for his liking as he'd much prefer not to watch romance movies. The last thing Harry wanted to do was eat all that sugar, but apparently Gemma thought it was some master plan that'll work. That Harry will supposedly get on board with all because of some guy. Hell no. Harry knew it wouldn't work because the minute he got a text from Louis or see a character that will remind him of Louis, his happiness would be gone in mere seconds. No amount of candy and fizzy drinks could cure Harry's heart.