Read All About It

Chapter 4

Chapter 4:

“Do you think you are quite better now?” Louis asked as he walked into the living room.

I had woken up at about 7 this morning and went for a jog to try and get the rest of my sickness out of my system. I was now hanging upside down on the couch with my head resting on the floor while attempting to eat popcorn and watch TV. Both of which, I was failing miserably at. I did a quick analysis of myself and came to the conclusion that I was recovered.

“Quite so, Doctor Tomlinson.” I replied, heavily focused on making a popcorn kernel fall off my chin and into my mouth.

“Well that’s good, because I have an idea.” Louis said as he sat himself down in front of me, cross-legged. It took all of me to restrain myself from groaning aloud. Louis’ ideas have a history of being, well, awful. They never end well and I end up dealing with the aftermath.

“What is it, Lou?” I said, in the most condescending tone I could possibly muster up.

“…so I think we should have a party.” He said with extreme bated breath.

“No.” I said firmly. Sometimes, I feel like Louis is the younger one in our relationship…err…friendship? I don’t know what to call us.

“Please? Harry it would be so much fun!” He pulled himself up to his knees and hung his head upside-down to be at eye level with me.

“Louis, no. I don’t want to have a party.  That’s too much work. I just want to relax and not worry about cleaning up after you. Now if you don’t mind, I am trying to watch the telly.” I said, trying to be more uninterested then I really was.

“Harry. TOWIE is on. You hate TOWIE. Please let me have a party! We’re on break for Christ’s sake! We’re never gonna get the chance to have a house party again. Ever!” Leave it to him to over-exaggerate. My eyes were still glued to the TV until this very moment. I glanced over at Louis who had now thrown himself onto the floor in utter defeat and was sighing heavily into the carpet.

“Fine,” I said, “but I’m not planning it.” Caving as always, Styles. Way to hold your ground. I thought to myself.

“No need! It’s this Saturday!” He bounced up quickly to his feet before making an attempt to pull me right side up on the couch.

“Tommorr-What are you doing?!” I asked as my body was currently being jerked around.

“Getting you up! We need to go shopping for all the necessities. God, Styles, It’s like you’ve never planned a party before.” He said with a rather melodramatic tone as he headed to the coat rack to grab his things.

“Haven’t planned one, but I sure as hell have cleaned up after one.” I muttered under my breath in mock-spite.

“Oh shut it, Haz. Live a little! C’mon let’s go!” And before I knew it, we were out the door headed to the lift.

—————

I knew I was going to be in for a long day when Louis went to Starbucks first and ordered two Venti Chai teas. He said I could have one if I wanted, but we both know very well that I hate Chai tea.

Somewhere between stocking up on “drunk people food” and debating which brand of Vodka was better, I found myself settling into a daydream about the party. As much as I hate it, there isn’t a single scenario of this party that can end well unless I avoid the alcohol. I can practically hear my liver thanking me in advance.

~*~

Dear you,

 I’m not going to drink. I’d like to keep this party as ‘event-free’ as possible. Every good party needs that floater who keeps the whole thing going anyways, right? You’re kind of like my life floater. Even if I don’t show it sometimes, I really am thankful that you are the oil that keeps my gears running…what the hell? Okay that was a dumb metaphor, but you get what I am saying.