We stood looking over to the railing in silence. Not because we were planning any next war or so, but because we both were lost in our thoughts. I guess I had different plans, I started observing him.
First of all, the thing I noticed was his stark jawline. Moonlight seemed to create special effect that his cheekbones were looking so fresh and kissable.
Surely, his face had specks here and there, but it didn't stop him from looking so beautiful. Not forgetting his clothing, whatever he to wore, looked so perfect. He was just wearing some semi-formal clothes but already rocking the party with it. Having said that more than half of the people, particularly girls, were eyeing him like a hawk.
No, no, no. I was a girl but least interested in him.
After all, he was still that irritating bastard for me.
"As I said, take a picture it will last long." He broke me from my inner turmoil.
I scoffed and chose to ignore his rude comment, "Since you have interrupted my alone time, I have the right to ask you a question." I said bluntly. He raised his eyebrows, "And what is that Angry Bird?"
I visibly cringed at that nickname. But it was invisible to him as he still was staring at the sky. "You said you like to watch the night sky too. What are the possible reasons?"
"How do you know Miranda?" He cut off my question.
"I guess I asked first." I countered.
"It doesn't matter. Answer mine."
"Actually, mom invited Mrs. Cassandra the other day to our house and they seemed to get along well." I answered.
He nodded, "Does that mean you are her neighbour?" He lowered his voice as if he was calculating it himself.
"No, I live in Antarctica. We telecommunicate." I answered smugly and I knew what would happen next. He made again-with-this-shit face and I internally high-fived myself.
"Can't you answer my one question straight-forward?" His voice came out irritated.
"Trust me same happened with me a couple of seconds ago." I wore a triumphant smile when I actually wanted to laugh on his face.
"What I have to do to get straight replies from you?" He asked, defeated.
"Call me by my name." I rushed my words.
He huffed "Fine. What's your name?"
"Ciara Franklin."
Awkward silence.
"You know when someone introduces themselves to you they exp-"
"Harry Styles. Now, my answer."
"Yes, we live two blocks away from here." And with that again silence fell upon us.
I spoke too much I knew that. So why not to relive it? I wanted to ask him many questions. One of them was, "And are you her neighb-"
"C'mon love-birds it's cake cutting time!" A voice shouted from the door and we both choked on the nickname given to our relationship.
Harry smirked, "I guess people love to call you Bird yeah?" I glared at him in response.
While we were walking in the hallway, I noticed he was way too taller than me and took longer strides. I could easily cope up with him because I was a fast walker myself.
In the main hall, all of the crowd was gathered around a table and a big chocolate cake sat on it. I had to admit my mouth started watering.
We both were standing a bit away from the crowd because by now I had understood that he didn't like packed up places as well.
Then out of sudden, a chirpy voice came from Harry's side.
"Harry! Let us cut the cake together."
I turned to see Miranda grabbing Harry's hand and tugging it to come with him. He politely smiled down at her, "Of course girl."
I knew it was another sign for me to sign off.
I turned to my left side to go away as he was on the right but then I felt something warm pressed against my wrist. I turned to see what it was... A hand? Harry's hand?
The moment I noticed it, that area of contact started burning and soon my whole hand was set on inner fire including my heart.
He is just holding your hand! My subconscious warned me and I considered it the best option.
He was looking at the table and his grip on my hand was firm indicating that he wasn't asking me to come, he was actually telling me to. Like I protested. I slowly started trailing behind him.
When we three were standing in front of the cake, Miranda chimed, "Hey Ciara! Nice to meet you again."
I passed her a smile, "You have a lovely house. Happy Birthday."
Miranda kind of nodded and held out the plastic knife for the ceremonial birthday celebration.
"Harry! Cut the cake with me." She held out the plastic knife for him.
He smiled, like a genuine dimpled smile, "Of course girl."
While they were cutting the cake, I stared at the empty spot near the table only to shift my gaze to land on Harry. Instead of that delicious cake, he was staring at me.
Me.
As in, Ciara Michael Franklin.
I turned red and fled away from the radar of his gaze to hide myself.
***
After half an hour, many people started dispersing saying goodbyes to the birthday girl and her family members. Now it was my turn to find my mom.
I searched for her everywhere. Dining hall, kitchen, hallway, balcony. But she was nowhere to be found. Where was she?
"Looking for something, eh Angry Bird?"
Harry the only Styles was standing behind me. "Yeah, I was looking for your brain." I spat.
"Ouch. That hurt." He looked at a distance. "Well, I'm looking for my mom. What about you?"
"Me too." I eagerly nodded.
"Okay. Then let's check in the compound." He nodded.
As expected, mom was talking to a lady and was having a very light and interested conversation. We both shared a look telling each other that we had found our moms and surprisingly, were walking in the same direction.
"Ciara!" Mom saw me and ushered me to come to her, "I want you to meet Anne. She lives quite near to our house and is a good company I must admit." My mom grinned from cheek-to-cheek and I looked at the lady standing beside me.
She looked almost of my mom's age and still she was beautiful. Her face had a charm which reached to her twinkling eyes and definitely she was taller than me.
"Seems like our kids know each other already. Nice to meet you Ciara." Her voice sounded pleasant and sweet, just like any other caring person's voice would sound.
"Nice to meet you ma'am. But I didn't understand what do you mean by 'kids know each other already'." I gave her a sly smile.
"Angry Bird she's my mom." Harry spoke from my other side with a cheeky grin on his face.
I widened my eyes in response and made an 'oh' face. I didn't notice that they both nearly shared the same features. Green eyes, that prefect smile which could be changed to different forms. I wonder if they had the same personality or not.
"Harry, she's my mom. Her name is Diana." Harry shook hands with my mom. "Nice to meet you. You look lovely today." He spoke in a very respectful manner. That was why everyone loved British boys right?
"I would love if you'd come to my house for lunch. We'll finish all our discussions. Make it next week Friday? And your family is invited too." Mom asked turning towards Anne.
"Of course we will. Nice meeting you Ciara. Enjoy your time here." She looked at Harry. "C'mon let's go."
Harry nodded. "Bye Ciara don't miss me for the week please." With that they both walked off leaving me to plan a death for him.
At least he called me by my name.
"I guess there's a thing going on between you two?" Mom asked cheekily.
"What? No!" I swam my hands in the air, "I hate him with every cell in my body." Well that was dramatic.
"We'll see." She shrugged and it was my cue to go with her.
***
A/N
I would like to discuss 2 things:
Whatever happened in Ariana's gig was truly heartbreaking. Concerts are the second home for fans. The last thing anyone wants.
Secondly, the silent readers are requested to comment and vote if you like. Please let me know what do you think about the story so far. If you want any changes in the language of expression, please do tell. I'll be grateful.
Until next time,
Much love,
Mohika Arya.