I Carry Your Heart [Harry Styles]

Chapter 15

6 Years Ago-Harry

As I get out of the school gates, I rip off my tie and loosen my white shirt, feeling I can breathe properly for the first time in hours. I hate wearing a school uniform, but it's less than a year and then I am hopefully out of here.

I'm in no rush to get home, my dad will probably be there moping around. He has got worse recently, drinking more and working less. I amble up the street at a snail's pace, kicking a stone as I go, when I hear my phone ringing shrilly in my pocket.

I fumble for it and answer hello, not even looking at the caller ID.

"Hey baby" I hear Millie say and my mood immediately turns around.

"Hi Mill's. What's up? You finish school early today?" I ask.

She giggles and the answers "No, I just snuck out of class to call you. I'm hiding in the toilets".

"Millie Devereux, you rebel" I flirt.

"I think dating you has had a bad influence on me" she plays along, before she adds "Actually Harry, I called you for a reason".

"And what's that babe?" I say, as I stop and lean against a small garden wall.

"I heard back about an 'Open-Mic Night' at a pub, a few towns away. I think it's called the Red Lion, anyway the manager said he is willing to give you a go. You would get to sing a couple of songs and I heard that it attracts loads of music industry types" she answers.

"What?" I ask, standing up straight.

"Yeh H. I got you a booking....um, it's on your birthday though, and since you are only going to be seventeen, I had to lie about your age".

"Oh my god Mills, that is fucking amazing baby! You are fucking amazing!" I exclaim, shocked.

"No Harry, you are fucking amazing and people should get to hear you sing"

"You are gonna make me blush Mill's. What do I need to do?" I ask.

"You get to do two songs and all you have to do is bring you, your beautiful voice and your guitar" she says happily "Oh and I expect lots of kisses in payment".

"Babe, you are gonna get way more than that" I say, and then realise what I've said.

"Shit, sorry babe. I didn't mean that...I don't expect anything or want to pressure you" I stammer.

We haven't gone all the way yet and I don't want her to think I am pushing her into anything. I have had sex before, but she hasn't and so I want to make sure its special.

But she just laughs "Harry calm down, I am really happy with getting some kisses in return, but if you want to do more, I'm happy with that too....." and she rings off.

Fuck, I think. Is she ready to go further?

I can't believe I am going to get to perform, I mean like properly perform. I have done local parties and school events, but 'Open-Mic-Night" at the Red Lion is a real step up.

Millie is without a doubt by biggest supporter, always pushing me to perform, write and do better, and having her in my corner is everything.

I eventually get home and despondently open the front door and walk in. I hate coming home to a messy house and my useless and normally drunk dad.