We all walked into the bar, Isabel immediately approaching a bartender, ordering shots for everyone. The music was loud, but not unbearable. The bar was dark, the only lights were colored lights strobing on the floor in front of the stage in the back.
I was actually feeling fine and excited to see how the night went, compared to my usual feelings of fear in settings like this. Adam's friends made me feel much better, they all seemed friendly. None of them had asked me if I was single yet, which is a shock considering how most of these kinds of things go for me.
As my eyes scanned the crowd, I was in awe of the drunk, sloppy people dancing in such close quarters with people they barely know. I couldn't imagine myself being brave enough to actually dance when I was out with my friends, let alone with a stranger. I continued watching as the song changed, and a few girls were screaming with excitement.
When I looked back over to Isabel, I noticed Adam and all of his friends having such a good time. I couldn't understand why, but I had a nagging feeling to leave. It didn't make sense, they were all so nice to me and we seemed to get along just fine, but something about being in this setting with them made me feel itchy. What happens when they're all dancing and I'm just standing there? It will be awkward and I'll feel out of place, just like I always do.
I was beginning to think that maybe it wasn't Adam's choice in friends that was the problem, but that it was me. No matter how hard I tried, I could never allow myself to let go of my insecurities and have fun around other people.
"Isabel's ordering another round of shots, you in?" I was so stuck in my own head, I hadn't even noticed Harry leaning against the bar next to me. When did he even get there? And there I was again, so stuck in my mind that I'd forgotten what he'd asked me.
"Sorry, what did you say?" I asked. I desperately wished that I could pull myself together just for one fucking night.
"You want another shot? Isabel's ordering." I always drove myself for when I decided the night was over, usually before everyone else. I didn't think another shot was the best decision at the moment, given the confusing mush that was my mind.
"I don't think so, I have to drive home. Thanks, though." I smiled politely, noticing his green eyes.
"No problem. Why are you over here by yourself? I saw you staring, are you okay?" he asked kindly, turning his head to watch the crowd of people, just as I had a few minutes before. I didn't want to tell him that even with his charismatic personality, and Sarah being here as well, I still didn't feel like I belonged.
Why did I feel that way? He's obviously a friend, he's asking how I am and not because of formality. He's nice and hasn't made an advance on me. The same is true for Sarah and Mitch, they'd both been so nice to me and for some reason I was standing alone, distancing myself.
"Do you ever feel like you'll never find a place where you feel you truly belong?" I asked, deciding to ignore any premonitions telling me to run. He looked over at me with a subtle nod.
"Most times, it's hard for me to imagine being with someone for too long, even with friendships. It's hard for me to rely on someone so easily and just trust that they'll still be there when I need them most." He didn't hesitate to answer me, it was obvious he hadn't just said something to make me feel better. I couldn't believe he had been so transparent and honest. I hummed in agreement.
"For me, it's hard to meet a group of people and not feel out of place. Well, honestly meeting anyone new gives me that feeling. It's not even because I'm judgmental or picky about who I spend my time with. Honestly, I wouldn't mind if anyone would just be my friend. I know there's Isabel, but she's my only friend. Sometimes I think I get so scared that people won't like me, I just isolate myself so I don't have to know the truth," I stated, quite honestly. I wasn't sure why I was being so open, but it actually felt good. I began to pick at my nails nervously. I'd only ever told Isabel how I felt about meeting new people.
"Well, I'd consider you my friend. If I'm not imposing, let me drive you home. Isabel, Adam, and I rode here together, we have room for one more." I looked at him hesitantly, unsure of his motives. "So you can drink as much as you want to, or not, and have a good time. Don't worry about what everyone else is thinking. Just do what Charlotte wants to do," he added, staring into my eyes.
He was intimidating, but not in the way you'd think. I didn't want to turn him down because I could tell that, for whatever reason, this was important to him and I didn't want to know what he looked like when he was disappointed.
"What about my car? How will I get it back?" I chucked, trying to find some way to get out of the situation. He was staring at me so intensely, it was hard to just tell him no.
"Come on, don't try to find a way out of this. I can just bring you in the morning to pick it up," he countered. Although I was trying my hardest to find a problem with his offer, I couldn't. It wasn't often that I went out with friends and had a genuinely good time, or let myself have a good time.
"Are you sure? It isn't out of your way? What am I saying, you don't even know where I live, I laughed, meeting his eyes, and taking careful consideration at the dimples that formed when he smiled.
"It's fine if it's out of the way, I really don't mind. So, another shot?" he laughed. I had almost forgotten the entire reason the conversation had started. I nodded, watching as he smiled in response. As we walked over back to Isabel and the group, he leaned over.
"Just don't get too drunk, you don't want to miss the epic surprise Isabel has planned," he nagged sarcastically.
"Do you know what it is?" I laughed.
"Maybe... But I'm not telling you," he laughed along. It was hard to comprehend that I was laughing with someone that I practically just met, let alone the fact that I had completely overshared to him only 5 minutes earlier.
We made it back to the group, Isabel immediately shoving another shot in my hand. I downed the drink along with everyone else, feeling the burn in my throat spread to my chest. Isabel instantly shivered and I giggled at her inability to drink anything alcoholic and enjoy it.
"Don't laugh at me, Charlie. It's not my fault that tequila is disgusting," she pointed at me, already giggly from the first shot. "You and Mitch were the only two that didn't even flinch, so I don't wanna hear it," she finished. I looked at Harry, watching him stick his tongue out in disgust. It was funny to watch someone who seemed so composed act so childish.
Isabel ordered another shot for her and myself and I again downed it, loving the feeling of the drink gliding down my throat. Why didn't I do this more often?
We all made our way to the front of the stage. Isabel had mentioned a band playing soon and I was excited to hear something other than EDM or rap in the bar. I listened to a lot of different genres, and I didn't really mind what was playing, but it wasn't something I was really familiar with. The emcee announced that two bands would be playing, and I was thrilled to hear live music.
The first band that played was a pop punk cover band that Isabel and I had both equally enjoyed. I was filled with nostalgia, thinking back to high school and my obsession with punk music. Isabel and I screamed the lyrics while the rest of the group watched, laughing at how excited we were with each new song the band would play. I wasn't as tipsy as Isabel was, but I was actually having a lot of fun.
Eventually, the band was finished playing their set and Isabel and I were both a little disappointed. I think the rest of the group was a bit relieved, especially Harry. Mitch and Sarah knew a song or two, but Harry just stood there awkwardly for the majority of the time.
"Alright, everyone. That was Bathtub Screaming! Our next band performing is called Alternative Division," the emcee announced. The alcohol in my system was catching up to me, but I didn't turn Isabel down when she walked up with another shot. As we both threw back the shots, I heard a familiar voice boom through the bar.
"Hey, everyone. How's everyone doing tonight?" The crowed roared in response. My eyes darted to the stage, locking with Harry's as he smiled. My jaw nearly hit the floor, I was so shocked to see him standing on the stage, a guitar strapped around his neck, and a microphone stand in front of him. I looked behind me, realizing that I hadn't even noticed the entire group leave Isabel and I.
"We're Alternate Division and we're gonna play a few songs for you all if that's alright," he smiled again. I gaped at the stage, noticing everyone in the band. On the left of Harry was Adam with a bass in his hands. In the back was Sarah on drums, and Mitch on guitar on the right. Isabel leaned over to me, radiating with excitement.
"Surprise!" She yelled, laughing as I was still struggling to comprehend what was going on. "Charlie, you're absolutely going to love this, I promise. Just wait until you hear their songs." I smiled in response, waiting for the band to begin playing.
[set list:
Drop the Guillotine - Peach Pit
Give It Up - Hensley
Uncomfortable - Wallows
Denim Jacket - DJ Silky Smooth]
I immediately recognized the first song, it was one of my favorites. I watched intently as Harry sang and played the main chords on guitar while Mitch focused on playing the melody. Adam was adamantly playing and Sarah was such a badass on the drum set. They all looked so happy and it was contagious. I sang along with Harry, or rather screamed, and Isabel watched with admiration. We were both tipsy and neither of us were worried about what we looked like or who cared.
The crowd applauded and cheered as the first song came to an end. Harry was humble, muttering a "thank you," but I could tell he really enjoyed it. The second song was a different vibe, but it was still so beautiful. It felt so surreal and I wasn't quite sure why I was feeling so connected to people that I had only just met, but I really liked the feeling.
The song continued and I watched as Harry and Mitch performed with such consideration for each other. During the second chorus, Mitch shared the center of the stage with Harry. They stood back to back, Harry singing the lead and Mitch singing the melody. I noticed Sarah laughing at them from where she was sitting, and I couldn't help but laugh as well.
The third song was more mellow and had a sadder tone than the ones before, but I recognized it and was extremely pleased with the song choice. It wasn't often that I saw a band perform two of my favorite songs in one night. You could really hear Harry's voice in this song. It was slower and more about the lyrics, not the sound.
Isabel and I swayed as we listened to the rest of the song. I didn't sing, mostly because I didn't want to ruin the moment with my voice, but also because I was in such awe at the scene before me.
They began playing the fourth song, and I liked it immediately loved it. The sound was totally my vibe and when Sarah came in with the drums, it was perfect. The band quieted down when Harry began to sing, and I was amazed. The music got louder as the chorus crept up and I began nodding my head with the beat.
I knew it shouldn't have affected me as much as it did, I was usually standoff-ish and didn't click with people I'd just met, but this was such a different experience. Maybe it was the alcohol, or just the people, but I felt like these people would become really important to me.
The band finished playing their set and Harry once again muttered a slew of gratitude before exiting the stage. The bar resumed to it's normal rap music and I couldn't help but turn to Isabel with my mouth hanging open.
"So... What'd you think?" Isabel asked.
"What did I think? That was like the most amazing thing I've ever experienced, it was the best surprise I've ever seen in my life! How the hell is Adam in an indie band? I thought he listened to, like, death metal or something. And why didn't you tell me Harry could sing like that? Or that Mitch knows how to play guitar, like, better than anyone I've ever seen. I mean, that was really amazing," I couldn't help sigh after talking for that long. The alcohol was really catching up to me and I couldn't stop smiling.
Harry, Adam, Mitch, and Sarah made their way back to us and Isabel grabbed Adam by the neck for a kiss. I turned to the others, smiling so wide my mouth was beginning to ache. They all laughed to themselves and I couldn't decide on who to focus on.
"So, did you like it?" Harry spoke, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Did I? That was so amazing. I'm feeling really talkative, so just tell me when you want me to stop, but that was euphoric. I had no clue you guys were going to play tonight, or that you were even in a band. And I definitely didn't think you would play some of my favorite songs. Seriously, that was so awesome," I knew I was having trouble staying focused and it was hard to not slur my words. Harry was laughing at me, and I wasn't sure if that was good or bad.
"Thanks, it means a lot," Mitch answered. All I could think about was when they were playing next. There was no way I would miss it. "I think we're going to get going if that's okay. It's fun, but it takes a lot of energy to play a gig," he laughed and we all made our way to the parking lot.
I climbed in Harry's car along with Isabel and Adam, slightly regretting that I'd agreed to let Harry take me home. I knew he'd offered, but I felt bad thinking of him going out of his way and wasting time to bring me back in the morning.
We dropped Isabel and Adam off at their apartment, leaving just Harry and I in the car. I climbed in the passenger seat as we watched to make sure they both made it inside of the door safely. Harry let me have control over the music and I felt a bit pressured after hearing the songs he'd played earlier.
"So, where does miss Charlotte live?" he asked as we exited the apartment complex.
"Oh sorry, I forgot you have no clue where you're going," I laughed, promptly giving him directions to my apartment. As we drove, I decided to put on one of my favorite songs, hoping Harry would like it.
[song: Get Out - Hensley]
I sang along with the music as Harry rolled the windows down and turned up the volume up. I turned to him, surprised when he sang along with me.
"If this is where I spend the rest of my life, I'm gonna lose my fucking mind," we both sang out. My hair was whipping in the wind and I couldn't stop smiling. The entire night had been something out of a movie and I'd never experienced something so perfect.
We continued singing until the song was over and we were pulling up to my apartment. He turned the volume down, and I knew I'd be leaving soon even though I didn't want to.
"Thank you so much for bringing me home. I can honestly say that I had an amazing time tonight," I smiled. It was nice to have a new friend.
"It's no problem at all. Here, let me give you my number so you can let me know when you're ready to pick up your car tomorrow," he smiled, reaching his hand out as I handed him my phone.
We both said our goodbyes as I stepped out of his car and he watched as I walked into my apartment. I could hear him drive off shortly after I closed the door and locked it. It wasn't long before I had peeled my clothes off and found a big, comfy shirt to sleep in for the night.
I crawled under the sheets, hoping that the amazing night would continue in my dreams.
••••••
Thank you all so much for reading!! I hope you enjoyed it, it was really fun to write about Harry playing in a small band like that :)
So in the future, if the band plays a gig, I will put the set list before they play so you guys can have an idea of the music they play, and the songs may or may not be relevant in future chapters ;)
The song that I attach at the beginning of each chapter will be relevant to another aspect of the chapter. For example, the one I attached for this chapter was the song Charlotte played in Harry's car at the end of the chapter. It still sets the tone for the whole chapter, though.
Again, thanks for reading! :)