How Do You Know

Chapter 3

Getting off at the 4th floor, Melodie led them to number 404 and unlocked the door. Waving them inside, she started, “It’s a relatively small studio, only 27 sq. meters, about 300 sq. feet, but it has a full kitchen, a fireplace, a lovely little nook for your bed and…” Melodie trailed off, as it was obvious that no one was listening to her.

Harry had put Lux down and was chasing her around the room, to her shrieking delight. Rylie was standing in the middle, spinning slowly in a circle, oblivious to everything around her. Aunt Lou was checking in all the cupboards, peeking at the bathroom and examining the fireplace.

“It has my approval.”

“Oh, Aunt Lou, it’s perfect.” Rylie gasped.

It was. White walls and lots of windows gave it the impression of being bigger than it actually was and gorgeous wooden flooring just added to the illusion. A breakfast bar would serve as the dining table and the fireplace separated the living area from the bedroom area.

“How much is the rent?” Rylie asked.

“Its slightly above budget, at £1700 a month.” Melodie responded.

“I really can’t afford that…” Rylie sighed.

Aunt Lou straightened up, “Nonsense, she’ll take it. Your uncle and I will cover the extra.” She asserted, adding, “It can be your Christmas present.” when Rylie opened her mouth to argue.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” Rylie squealed, giving her aunt a huge hug.

“Let’s go sign the lease, than!” Harry said, grabbing Lux and walking out of the flat.

“Wait, why is Harry here Aunt Lou?” Rylie stopped walking toward the door.

“Stern Grove is a flat building for celebrities, so they don’t have to worry about being mobbed by their neighbors.” Aunt Lou explained. “That’s why I called Harry. He lives here and he’s going to endorse you. I feel a lot better with you in a secure building and having someone who can watch over you when he’s here.”

“Oh wow, I guess that makes sense than. That’s really cool. Why isn’t the apartment more expensive than?”

“How many rich and famous people want to live in a box?” Aunt Lou laughed, “Lets go rent a flat!”

An hour later, Rylie had signed her life away. She had agreed not to bother her neighbors, not to release any of their addresses, etc. It went on forever. The one thing she did remember was that if she did break any of the rules and get kicked out, Harry got kicked out too.

“Now that that’s over with, let’s get some food to celebrate.” Harry suggested.

“Nandos!” Rylie yelled.

“Haha, obsessed already?” Harry asked.

“Well, yeah kinda.” Rylie added shyly; she was talking to Harry Styles.

“Don’t be shy, love.” Harry said, “I’m gonna go invite the boys, if they found out I went to Nandos without them, they’ll kill me.”

“I think that’s my cue to go, I hope you have a great time in your flat, dear.” Melodie says before walking out.

“I have to leave too, Rylie.” Aunt Lou said, “Its time for Lux’s nap and I have some work to do.”

“You’re leaving me alone.” Rylie bit her lip, “With One Direction?”

“You’ll be fine.” Aunt Lou reassured her. “They just normal teenagers once you get to know them. Harry will drop you home when you’re done. Bye, love.” Aunt Lou kissed her on the cheek and gave Harry a hug, retrieving Lux, before leaving.

“… Yeah that sounds good, we’ll meet you there.” Harry hung up and looked at Rylie. “Guess it’s just you and me, love.”

***

I’m in a car with Harry Styles. Not just a car, he had a Range Rover too. Why does everyone have one but me? She mentally ranted; I’m in a goddamn Range Rover going to lunch with Harry fucking Styles and the rest of One Direction. She laughed out loud. My life is crazy.

“What are you laughing at?” Harry glanced at her from the driver’s seat.

“Umm,” Rylie stalled, thinking “You listen to yourself in the car?” she questioned, hearing Live While Were Young coming out of the speakers.

“I normally don’t but I felt like it.” He shrugged. “I can change it if you want?”

“No its fine. Are we there yet? I’m hungry enough to eat a whole chicken.”

“You’re too small to eat that much.” Harry smirked at her.

“Wanana bet?” she challenged.

“Yes, if I win I get to decorate your new flat.”

“Fine, but if I win I get to decorate yours.”

“Deal” he agreed.

“How do you feel about life-sized cut-outs of yourself?” she winked at him.

They pulled into the parking lot, “Time to put your money where your mouth is.” He said parking.

One whole peri-peri chicken later, Rylie looked up into the eyes of five astonished boys.

“I think I’m in love.” Niall joked.

“I’m flattered.” Rylie pretended to swoon. “So when do I get to decorate?” she added, looking at Harry.

“We’ll figure it out. Are you ready to go home? It’s nearly four.” Harry asked.

“Yeah, definitely.” Rylie stood up, exchanging hugs and cheek kisses with all the boys before following Harry to the car.

***

Harry pulled into the Teasdale’s driveway and turned off the car.

“Thanks for giving me a ride.” Rylie climbs out of the car. “Lunch was fun.” She smirked.

“Definitely.” Harry winked, “See you later.”

Entering the house, Rylie saw her aunt struggling with some large boxes. “Here let me help you.” Rylie said grabbing one.

“How was lunch?” Aunt Lou asked.

“It was really fun!” Rylie said, “They were surprisingly normal.”

“What did I tell you? Do you want to help me sort these clothes out?”

“Sure.”