PARTY UP THE STREET - HARRY STYLES (AU)

32

H A R R Y

1  w e e k  l a t e r
s u n d a y
7 p m

Phoebe wasn't answering my calls today. I know I had ignored her all week, but I didn't have the balls to answer her.

But today I took the chance and searched our chat for Lolas, her friend who she was staying with, address, and pop over to speak to Phoebe one last time before she goes.

"Oh.. Harry... she's left." Lola looked sad for me. "She left this morning, she's on her flight right now."

"Oh." Is all I could choke out, and Lola pursed her lips.

"I'm so sorry, she said she was trying to get ahold of you but couldn't. I think she's assumed you didn't want to speak to her."

"I do... I'm just finding it hard is all." I admit. "Thank you. I'm sorry for disturbing you."

"She's got a new number, did she give that to you?" She stops me from turning away.

"Uh, no she didn't." I frown.

I took this as a clear sign she didn't want to speak to me, or at least didn't want me to message her. It didn't surprise me, really. I fucked up, not wishing her luck, giving her a last hug goodbye. I didn't even want to speak about what happened last Sunday night, when she could've been really hurting about it.

"Do you want it?" She asks, grabbing her phone.

"No, thank you."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, just tell her I stopped by. That I wish her good luck, please." I give her a tight smile before turning away and walking down her driveway, back home.

•

9 p m

All week I had been in my room, occasionally coming out for food. Today was the first time I had left the house in ages, when I attempted to see Phoebe. But that failed, so I came home back to my bed to sulk a little bit longer.

I was glad that Phoebe told me she was leaving for New York after all my exams were finished, because I didn't realise how much life that would've taken out of me.

Someone knocked on my door and I shouted they could come in.

Zayn comes in, plonking himself on the end of my bed like he always does.

"You okay, bro?" He pats my foot and I nod.

"I'm good." I tell him.

"Don't lie."

"Honestly I'm fine. I literally knew her 2 months. It's no biggie." I say, though I'm not being very truthful.

"2 months is still a long time." He tells me.

"She just... Phoebe was amazing and I can't believe she's willing to leave."

"She's not doing it to leave you, she's got a big opportunity. Shit happens, you'll see her again if it's meant to be." Zayn says and I hum.

"I'm just being a pansy. She was right, though." I admit.

"About what?" He asks.

"I don't even know myself, yet. Can I tell you something?"

"Go ahead."

"I got with Joey, last week." I confess and Zayns eyebrows raise.

"Joey, as in the guy in your class?" I nod at his question. "Oh damn... did you.. y'know sleep together?"

"Just kissed." I shrug, now sitting up against the headboard.

"How was it?" He asks.

"I enjoyed it. Not as much as with Phoebe. But... I think I like guys, too?" I question.

"That's alright, bro! That's good you're figuring all this out. This is exactly what Phoebe meant when she says you need to explore, and figure yourself out."

I was glad Zayn didn't judge me, he didn't even flinch when I told him.

"Yeah, she's right. She was always right." I laugh and he laughs alongside me.

"Take it as an opportunity. Use this time to live on, and explore like she told you to. We're still in uni, remember." He pats my leg again. "I'm always here for you." Zayn stands.

"Thank you." I say and he smiles before leaving the room.

Phoebe was right, I didn't even know what I liked, what I wanted to actually do within my life. I needed to find out, and be more open. More vulnerable.

•

Harry decided to be more vulnerable. He decided to go out more, play around, have fun. Taking all of Phoebes advice to heart and learn more about himself. Harry felt free - because he let himself feel this way.

Harry didn't regret anything with Phoebe at all. She guided him, helped him learn.

He did regret one thing, however.

They didn't use those fucking pink fluffy handcuffs.

☻