Falling for Harry Styles

Chapter 11

I stood staring into the closet, a towel wrapped around my hair and another around my frame, trying to decide what to wear. “Just grab something love. The lads won’t mind.” Harry said, sauntering across the room.

“I know Haz. I just don’t want a lot of questions is all.”

“They know he was abusive Hun. So I’m sure they won’t ask too many questions anyway.” He walked up behind me and peered inside, scanning the articles of clothing.

“You’re probably right.”

 “Here,” he said reaching into the closet over me. “Wear this. It looks good on you; brings out your eyes.” He smiled, handing me a red off-the-shoulder shirt that said “LOVE” across the middle. “And those black skinny jeans with the gold stitching and the buttons on the back pockets.”

I smiled back at him as I took the shirt, “Thanks Harry.” I walked over to the dresser and fished out my jeans, “I’m going to go finish getting ready.” 

“Alright love. I’ll be downstairs whenever you’re ready.”

“Okay,” I huffed and shuffled into the bathroom, clothes in hand.

I got fully dressed and unraveled my hair from the towel. I quickly blow-dried my long caramel colored waves and braided it over my exposed shoulder. I pulled out my makeup bag from under the sink and rummaged through it after my mascara. I decided against heavy makeup since they already knew of the abuse. I lightly coated my lashes and swiped some blush across my cheeks. I took a good look in the mirror and, satisfied enough with my appearance, headed for the stairs.

I was on the second step from the bottom when I heard the bell. I froze. “I’ll get it!” I heard Harry yell before he came into view from the lounge, “It’s alright love. We’re all friends here.” He rubbed my shoulder reassuringly and disappeared to answer the door.

I moved to the bottom and wrapped my arms around my body in a tight hug, waiting for the door to be opened.

I stared ahead as I heard the door open and Harry quietly say, “Hey guys. Listen, not too many questions about the bruises. She is kind of self-conscience about them.” There were various “sure,” “yeahs,” and “alrights” before I heard the door open wider and footsteps approaching.

I released myself from my hug as Liam stepped around the corner. I smiled at him, “Hey Li.”

His smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Hey Natalie,” he said as his huge arms engulfed me. He released me after a few moments and made his way to the lounge. Louis didn’t say anything as he gave me a short wave and a half-hearted side smile before he disappeared after Liam.

Zayn took a small step back, eyes scanning over my exposed arms, teeth gritted and his lips in a thin line. I felt a bit awkward as he stood like that a moment too long. “Hey Zayn,” I smiled at him, hoping to lighten the mood.

He stayed like that a second longer before he blinked and a half smile came on his face, “Hey Natalie. How’s my girl?”