Finding Yourself

chapter 2

The next day was extremely busy with twice as many people crowded inside than yesterday. I hated days like this. I rushed around and juggled the tasks of cleaning and making coffee. It was times like this I would scold myself for wanting to be so independent. I tucked in the chairs some bitchy teenage girls left poking out and turned around, walking straight into someone's chest. When I looked up to see who I had to apologise to, Harrys face was looking down at me.

"That's the second time in two days you have done that Melanie." He grinned, pulling out a chair and sitting down.

I felt my cheeks burn and my stomach fluttered at the sight of him but I stayed 'cool' and shook the butterflies away.

"It's Mel." I huffed. "And if you wasn't standing so close behind me, that wouldn't of happened."

He raised his eyebrows and let out a laugh. "I'll have a coffee when you're ready." He said handing me a five pound note. "Keep the change but lose the attitude, it doesn't suit."

I rolled my eyes and walked over to the coffee machine. I was actually glad to see him again but I didn't want him to know that.

I walked straight back over to his table and handed him his coffee, along with his change.

"I told you, you could keep it." He said knocking over the coins I had stacked on the table.

"Yeah and I don't like being told what to do." I smirked.

He lifted the cup to his mouth and took a sip, not taking his eyes away from mine. "Oh is that so?" His playful grin made the butterflies in my stomach come alive again.

"I... work... I need to get back to work." I stammered.

"Well done Mel, make yourself look completely stupid." I said in my head.

He chuckled at my flustered state. "Don't let me keep you."

I shook my head to try and bring me back to reality as I turned away and sloped back behind the counter.

The rest of the day dragged out but it was friday which meant I didn't have to be back in here until monday. I finally closed the shop and went home. My house wasn't too big but I loved it. I had only been living here for about 5 months but it was the first taste of freedom I had since moving out of my parents place. I curled my hair, put on some makeup and threw a tight black dress over my head. I slipped on my heels and rang Hannah. Hannah is slim with short black hair. She's so carefree and confident and she has been my best friend for 8 years.

"On my way." She said as she answered the phone. "Ready to get shitfaced?"

"After the week I've had, I can't wait!" I laughed down the phone and hung up.

A few minutes later Hannah parked up her little red car and we walked to the nearest club. I didn't live far from town at all so it didn't take long for us to find one.

The music was loud and we could hear it before we even entered, the beat sending vibrations through my chest. We walked straight to the bar and ordered 5 vodka shots each.

"Let the drinking begin!" Hannah said raising one of her shot glasses. I joined her and we necked the shot. My face screwed up as the alcohol burnt it's way to my stomach. Hannah done the same and we laughed, downing the other 4 shots one after the other. I swallowed down the vomit rising in the back of my throat and called the bar man back over.

"Vodka and lemonade." I shouted over the music.

"And one for me aswell." Hannah chimed handing me some money.

We headed over to the dance floor and jumped around screaming the lyrics to every song. I gulped down the remainder of my drink and battled through the sea of dancing people, back over to the bar. Hannah followed, scraping her hair away from her face.

"I'm glad we came out tonight!" I smiled. "I haven't been drunk in ages!"

Hannah handed me another drink and laughed. "Me either!"

We continued drinking and before long, Hannah found a dark haired boy to go off with, leaving me to finish my fourth vodka and lemonade, alone. I felt the alcohol running through my body as my head began to cloud over.

"Melanie?" I heard someone say from behind me, before someone placed their hand on my shoulder. I turned my head to see Harry standing there with two other boys.

I swallowed before attempting to say anything. "Harry." I smiled.

"Are you here on your own?" He said peering around me to see if he could spot anyone.

"No, I'm with her." I said pointing to the dance floor at Hannah, who was now grinding on the dark haired boy.

He raised his eyebrows and looked back at me. "How lovely... er, can I get you a drink?"

"Fuck it, go on then. Sex on the beach please."

"Hold your horses there Melanie, I asked if you wanted a drink." He smirked.

My cheeks flushed lightly. "It is a-"

"I know Melanie." He winked.