Perspective || Harry Styles

15~ The Red Dress

“So you’re really still going to this party?” I asked hesitantly, though I could already assume the answer.

“Yes, and I know you don’t think it’s a good idea, but I do,” Grace said, sending me what I thought looked to be a warning glare as she pulled off her shirt and replaced it with another in record timing. She had been trying on clothes since I stepped through the door, and I knew she was figuring out what to wear to this stupid set up.

“Okay,” I muttered, not wanting to get into another pointless fight with her. She examined herself in the mirror, adjusting her top again.

“Does this look okay?”

“Yeah, looks great.”

She twisted her face, shook her head, and pulled her shirt off again. I have to admit, this was quite enjoyable for me. She searched for another outfit option, although nothing seemed to be wrong with the first one.

“In fact, I’m surprised you’re so opposed to the idea. Usually things like this would sound fun to you. I’m really curious as to why you don’t want to tag along.”

“I guess it wouldn’t hurt to go,” I said, nearly wincing at my own words as Cara’s echoed in the back of my mind. Her request that I shadow Grace for the duration of the party, just to take note of any suspicious activity and keep her safe.

 I really wasn’t looking forward to it. It couldn’t be that bad though, could it? It’d been a while since I ever got to experience a high school party, but the thought of warding off obnoxious assholes the entire night didn’t sound appealing in the slightest.

“Really?” she looked excited. I nodded apprehensively, faking a smile to go along with it. “Oh, great! That’s awesome, thank you so much. I mean, I wouldn’t have had a problem going alone because Peter will be there, but I really am happy you’ve agreed to come with me.”

“No problem.”

She talked about outfits the rest of the time I was there. A good hour or so more. Eventually there came a point where I just got sick of hearing her ask me which shoes would go with which dress or how she should wear her hair. Along with the casual-yet-often mention of Harry Styles is your boyfriend! So I made up some bullshit excuse about how I had to get home and make sure my mum was alright. She cocked her head to the side in confusion and worry when I mentioned this, but I didn’t give her time to question before bolting out the door. I guess I forgot that she didn’t know about the whole alcohol incident the night before. Was I supposed to tell her that? Would she be mad at Cara if I didn’t? Probably. Girls are weird.

I walked back into Cara’s small home and found her mother sitting at the kitchen table, her hair in a towel, looking off into space. She wore casual clothes that I had never witnessed her wear before. She always looked like a million bucks just walked through the door, and she was always so put together. Not now.

“Are you alright, mom?” I asked her hesitantly as I entered the kitchen. She glanced at me briefly.