falling - harry styles

fourty-six

"Bella! Cheryl's here." My mom called me from downstairs.

I checked my reflection in the mirror one last time before heading down the stairs, passing the kitchen. I said goodbye to Ashley and my parents.

"Have fun girls, but not too much fun," I smiled, hugging Ashley.

"I could say the same about you." One of her friends scoffed, earning laughs from the group.

I rolled my eyes, heading for the front door.

I was thankful that Cesar and Chonti had invited me and Cheryl out tonight, otherwise I'd be subjected to being in the same room as a group of fifteen year olds, and that didn't seem like the ideal plan for New Years eve.

"Hey sexy lady!" Cheryl yelled from her car.

I pulled my oversized jean jacket tighter over my body. Maybe a longer dress would have been a better idea, considering my dress stopped mid thigh and I wasn't wearing stockings under it. Needless to say, I was a bit cold.

I quickly got into Cheryl's car, rubbing my hands on my exposed thigh to create some sort of warmth.

"You look great, Cher." I complimented her. Her bright red dress made her look tanned, and complimented her matching lipstick perfectly.

"Oh I know," She laughed, driving off. "You look amazing, like an actual goddess."

I shook my head and opened my phone to text Harry.

'Happy new year. I hope you have a good night and are staying safe, I love you tons:)'

"Are you ready to have the best night of your life? She asked, pulling into the already busy parking lot of the bar we were at.

Our plan was to drink, then make our way to the silver ball, something we'd done every year for as long as I could remember. Since Chonti was pregnant she insisted on being our designated driver and wanted to make sure we were being safe the entire time we're out. Although I wasn't planning on drinking much anyways, me and alcohol didn't seem to mix as well as I thought it would.

"Cesar told me that they're already inside, we should go find them before it becomes anymore crowded."

Cheryl nodded and took the key out of the ignition before we both headed inside. It didn't take long to warm us, as there were many sweaty bodies scattered throughout the big room.

After a few moments of looking around we were able to find Chonti and Cesar, giving them hugs we sat down at the table.

"What would you ladies like to drink?" Cesar asked, standing up from the table.

"Rum and coke," Cheryl said.

"Surprise me," I shrugged.

Cesar nodded and left the table, heading to the drink bar.

"You're so pregnant," I laughed, looking at Chonti.

She rubbed her stomach, "I know! Its crazy, but Cesars been amazing with my mood swings and cravings. He's too good to me," She smiled.

"I'm glad to hear that." I spoke, Cesar coming back to our table with a tray of drinks.

A few hours and alcoholic beverages later, Cheryl and I found ourselves dancing to the beat of the techno music that was playing.

"Bella, Cher, we've gotta leave now if we want to make it in time." Chonti spoke, walking over to us.

We drunkenly stumbled off the dance floor and over to the table, grabbing our coats and leaving the bar.

Where the ball was dropping was only a few minute walk from where we were, so we quickly decided that attempting to maneuver through crowds of people was not the best idea.

It was 11:58 when we arrived, and people were already beginning to count down to the beginning of the new year. Cheryl and I hugged closer together for warmth, while Chonti cuddled into Cesar.

at 11:59 the counting became louder, and before we knew it the silver ball dropped and everyone was cheering. "Welcome 2018!" People cheered.

Cheryl and I kissed each other on the cheek, happy to see what the new year had in store. I pulled out my phone to text Harry 'Happy New Year', but was too drunk to realize the 'not delivered' message that popped up, before I put my phone away for the night.

"Where do you want this one Cher?' I asked, holding up the poster.

"Maybe above the bed? Wherever you think would be best." She spoke while folding clothes and setting them in the drawers.

It was the first week of January, and Cheryl and I took two days to drive to Berkeley so I could help her move into her dorm. I made the last minute decision that I wasn't going to start school just yet; I was going to surprise Harry on tour instead.

I had all of the time in the world to go back to school. There was no reason why I needed to rush into it, Berkeley would always be there waiting for me.

I hadn't told Harry about my plans yet, though. I would meet him at the airport in London in March, then we'd fly to Switzerland for the first show of the second leg, and go from there. I was able to get in contact with his manager and plan everything out, being sure to tell everyone to keep it a surprise.

"What time are you planning on leaving?" She asked, breaking down one of the boxes.

"Later tonight probably. I don't wanna have to stay in that gross motel again, I'd rather drive for twenty-four hours straight." I giggled, tacking the poster to the wall.

Cheryl nodded. "If you wanted to leave sooner I wouldn't mind. I appreciate that you even took three days out of your life to come and help me."

"I might take you up on that and head out in an hour, I hate driving during the night and I can cover more ground this way."

"Okay,"

I helped Cheryl a bit more before bidding farewell and going back to my Jeep, beginning the journey of my three day drive back to New York.