The Only Exception | W2S

TWENTY FOUR.

11k, thank u <3

"And who would you be texting, Mr TV?" George asks sarcastically, deliberately asking because everyone here already knew the answer.

My sister. The answer was my sister, and I smacked George as he slid into the seat next to me.

"Do you not have anything better to do with your time whilst Hattie visits home?" I ask, throwing the shade back onto him.

"Apart from plaguing both of you with my existence, nope," he answers, scrolling through his phone.

"Unfortunately it's just Holly you're gonna plague, I've got to head out and film with Chris," Arthur laughs, tucking his phone into his pocket, leaving just George and I on the sofa.

I was going to tell George about Harry today. I'd been putting it off for a few days — every time I would work up the courage to do it, something had gone wrong, or I'd had a last minute doubt. But that was besides the point — I would do it today, and right now would be the perfect opportunity.

Just as soon as Arthur would leave. As soon as we had the apartment to ourselves I would tell him.

"Right, guys. I'm off out, I'll be back at six or so," he says, heading towards the front door.

"Yeah, and don't drunk text my sister please," I add in, and he just rolls his eyes, leaving through the front door.

Moments passed by, and I became increasingly aware of the silence that grew between us. If George also realised, he didn't say anything about it, still mindlessly scrolling on his phone.

Then, came the knock at the door.

"Bet it's Arthur forgetting something," I laugh, getting up to go and let him back in.

"Use your fucking key, Arthur!" George bellows, except, the reply from the other side of the door isn't Arthur.

"Erm — it's not Arthur. It's Harry," came the voice, and I froze on the spot.

"George —" I spoke, the panic in my voice evident.

He asked no questions, but understanding passed between our eyes. "I'm not here. Please, I'm not here," I ask, although it feels more like I'm begging, and George answers but nodding his head, clearly sensing my panic as I retreat towards my own room, standing just inside of the door.

"One minute, mate," I hear George reply, his tone sounding completely innocent.

He opens the door, and I can just about see the back of him as they engage in conversation.

"Sorry to drop by. I was wondering if I could talk to Holly?" Harry asks, and I can practically feel my heart rate increasing, threatening to explode right out of my chest.

"She's not here," he answers casually, lying to him easily.

"Oh, alright. Thanks, I'll give her a call. See you," Harry replies, before the door shuts.

Seconds pass before I hear George's footsteps heading towards me, and I come out from behind my door, feeling — and probably looking, very guilty.

"I'm sor —"

"What the hell is going on?" He interrupts, his face serious.

In his defence, I'd promised him he wouldn't have to lie for me again, and I'd broken it.

"Okay, okay. Why don't we have this conversation in the living room instead of right outside my room, yeah?" I asked, buying myself mere seconds to try and figure out what the hell I was going to say to him.