And You Let Her Go

The next day I didn’t go downstairs as early as I usually did. I figured that I wouldn’t be able to look at Harry the same way because all the articles online were true—he was a man whore. I shook my head at the term everyone so easily used towards him.

No, I didn’t really believe that about him; he was different than people’s portrayal of him. I just felt sick whenever I visualized him and that brunette together. All I could do was stare at the ceiling all day and do what most girls would do in this situation—mope.

But not in front of him. I could do that when I was alone. He had to see that his relationship or one night stand or fling or whatever it was hadn’t phased me.

I kicked the covers off of me and lazily walked towards my suitcase, grabbing my favorite Chicago fire department sweatpants Emily had given me two years ago. I remembered that Christmas so well as if it were yesterday. I always went to her parent’s house for the holidays and that year was no different. Her dad was the fire chief at the fire department downtown and I would always wear his sweatshirts or sweatpants when I was at their house. It wasn’t weird or anything because I’d known their family since 2nd grade, so we called each other family.

Emily gave me my own pair of CFD sweatpants and they were comfortable as hell. I slipped my blue pullover sweatshirt over my head and decided to finally face Harry.

When I entered the kitchen I saw the remains of coffee in Anne’s favorite mug on the counter as well as today’s newspaper. I took out my own mug from the cupboard and made myself a cup of tea. Sitting down at the table with the paper in hand, I started reading the day’s headlines.

“Oh good morning, Charlie! You must have gotten home pretty late last night,” Anne walked into the kitchen grabbing her mug.

I gave her a warm smile, “Yes I did; I really needed the rest,” I thought of how I ran back to Harry’s house last night with tears streaming down my face.

She squeezed my shoulder reassuringly before pouring herself another cup of coffee.

“So uh, is Harry still in?” I asked.

“Oh no, he had an interview this morning on Nick’s show,” she answered, referring to Harry’s best friend, “He won’t be back till later this afternoon.”

I nodded, taking in the information.
“What about you, Anne? Any special plans for today?” I looked at her as she leaned against the counter, sipping her coffee.

She nodded, “Yes, dear. I’m actually going shopping with my girlfriends from last night. Will you be okay here? You know where all the food is and everything, right?”

“Of course, I’ll be fine! Don’t worry about me,” I gave her a weak smile.

“Alright, well I should probably go get ready then,” Anne headed for the stairs, leaving me alone.

What was I supposed to do all afternoon then? I would have gone back to writing my story or anything for that matter, but I couldn’t form any good sentences today. Even though I had a million things to say…

I resorted to twitter.
Wished I had a girlfriend with me, no one to spend the day with!

I read my post after sending and rested my forehead against my palm. I’m so lame…

I got up and put my mug in the sink, and then started washing all the dishes instead. After putting the last plate in the cupboard above, I noticed the blinking blue light on my phone.

A tweet from Niall:
@CharlieShmarlie I’m no girlfriend but let’s get food ;)

I laughed out loud and responded with:
@NiallOfficial pick me up in 20?

He replied with another winky face and I ran upstairs to change. I had an excuse to get out of the house, and I was glad that excuse was Niall. The first day I met him he was exactly the kind of friend everyone needed—someone who could listen, make you laugh, and was always up for food!

The doorbell rang downstairs and I grabbed my messenger bag. I knocked on Anne’s door and told her I was going out for lunch with Niall.

“Okay! You kids have fun!” she answered.

I ran down the stairs and opened the front door. Niall was grinning from ear to ear with open arms. I cuddled into him and his arms wrapped around me.

“Did you get taller the last time I saw you?” I look up at his towering frame.

“What’s that?” he asked, confused. “I’m pretty sure you’re just short,” he smirked.

I swatted my bag at him and he chuckled, grabbing my hand, “Alright, let’s go EAT!”

“So where are we going?” I asked as we climbed into his black Range Rover.

He looked at me, eyebrows raised. “You have loads to learn, Charlie.”

Niall accelerated out of the driveway and we made our way to God knows where.

He turned up the volume of the radio and Out Of My League by Fitz & the Tantrums blasted through his speakers. He started singing like a dying animal and we both hunched over in our seats, dying of laughter.

“Keep your eyes on the road, driver!” I yelled over the music, continuing to laugh.

He continued singing and I couldn’t help but join him. We made a great team with our terrible voices. At least Niall was faking—I couldn’t sing for my life.

“That’s quite the talent you’ve got, Jenson,” Niall said, using Harry’s nickname for me. We pulled up to a parking lot and I looked at the sign above the restaurant.

“Nando’s?” I asked, looking at him curiously.

“Best chicken in the world. Trust me on this,” he slammed the car door and we made our way to the restaurant.

I couldn’t help but think of what Harry was doing as I ordered my lunch. I quickly shook my head, clearing my head of the thought. I was out with Niall, not Harry. This was the whole point of today—to forget about Harry and last night.

I took a deep breath and made my way to the booth where Niall waited with his plate of chicken.