Things I Can, Things I Can’t

“So, boys, why don’t you tell us what you look for in your girls?”

A week had passed and we were at an interview for MTV in Rome. In that time we had visited Lisbon, Madrid, Barcelona, and Milan, and I felt exhausted. I wasn’t used to this kind of schedule.

The time that had passed had involved a cooling off period between Will and I, however, you can’t just break up a three year relationship in one text. So, I bit the bullet and organised some times for him to go over to my house at home and pick up his things. The talking, for the most part, would have to wait until I got back to London.

“I probably look for someone who can make me laugh, just make me laugh all day.” Niall said.
“I agree. I look for someone strong, who isn’t intimidated by people.” Liam chimed.
“I look for someone with, like, a caring quality.” Harry said, frowning in concentration. “You know, someone who’s a bit motherly. Someone to look after me because I’m always late and always do things wrong.” He laughed and so did the rest of the band, you can’t argue with that. Interesting answer.

The interview wrapped up and we packed up, ready to hit the stadium for the next show. I knew the boys would be partying tonight, to celebrate Liam’s birthday, but I had to opt out of this one. I had a rotten cold and I didn’t want to inflict that on anybody.

“I wish you were coming tonight.” Liam said, as we arrived backstage. “It’s going to be such a good night.”
I nodded. “Yeah, me too. But we’ll celebrate at some point.” I rubbed my nose with my tissue. “I’ll try not to spread my germs while I do your hair.” I laughed and began to unpack my things.
“No, do my hair first,” Harry whined. “You always do it last.”
“Because it’s the hardest to do, Harry.” I sighed. “You try getting a brush through that.”
“Annie, come on!”

I sighed dramatically and pushed him down into the chair. Things had been awkward, naturally after my tongue-in-cheek moment with him and his.. lady friend. He had assured me that she was an old flame and he would have kicked her out for me, had I not ran off.

“Did you see your moment of fame in that Spanish magazine?” Harry laughed. “They’ve compiled a timeline of all the pictures from times we’ve been out together and the opening line was something like ‘Heart-throb Harry falls for Mystery Beauty.’ “
“Hilarious.” I said, trying to organise his curls.
“I thought it was.” He said.

The following twenty minutes went by without any further discussion. I toyed with the idea of telling him I had spoken to Will. I knew I probably should, as I had told him every other update about the situation.

“I forgot to say, I spoke to Will.”
Harry’s head snapped round.
“Just, to organise a few things.” I said, quickly.
His back went up. “I told you not to talk to him again.” He stood up, and moved right up to me.
“Harry, I had to organise some things” I said, uneasily. “It’s none of your business anyway.”
I knew the rest of the boys were looking. Harry was so over-the-top about everything.
“It is my business, it is because I’m responsible for you.” He raised his voice. “What, so, you want to get back with him? Get made a fool of again?”
“Harry!” I was shocked. “I literally told him to pick up his stuff.. calm down!”
He shook his head and stared at me, intently. “You don’t speak to him, again."

He walked off and slammed the door of the dressing room shut. I could tell that nobody knew where to put their faces. I didn’t know where to put mine either.

Louis was the only one who looked straight at me, and the glance that he and Eleanor shared was a knowing one.

In the heat of our conversation, I had overlooked one thing. I’m responsible for you. What did that mean? Surely that was a bit domineering.. he wasn’t my boyfriend.

* * *
Harry’s POV
“Big congratulations for the success on the tour, man. That’s great.” Another mover and shaker from the music industry was talking to me, but I had totally tuned out. All I could think of was the argument Annie and I had earlier that day. I sipped on another glass of champagne and felt my eyes get heavier. It was around 11.30 p.m. and the boys were having a brilliant time celebrating for Liam. But me, I just couldn’t get into the swing of it. I picked my phone out of my pocket and went over to the bar. Hitching my suit trouser up, I swung a leg over the stool. My fingers searched through my contacts.

Frankie. She was an italian model that I had met last time I was here. My head was all over the place and the thought of enjoying the release of sex was tempting. I hovered over her name, but just as I did, Annie came into my head. I went over to Twitter and searched for her.

Annie James, 13min ago
titanic with italian subtitles and cold and flu medicine is what my night consists of. #ILL

I chuckled to myself. I thought carefully, and what I realised scared me. I didn’t wan’t to see a random model. I didn’t want to have sex. I just wanted a chat, some food, a movie, and some tea with Annie. That’s when I realised. She was doing something to me. I couldn’t tell if it was attraction, I mean, she’s a stunning girl. But I had never looked at her in that way. I swallowed the rest of the champagne in one gulp.

“What you doing over here on your own big man?” Louis sat next to me and ordered two drinks.
I cleared my throat. “I might leave, mate.”
“Leave?” He looked confused. “Are you going to see a chick?”
I shook my head. “Nah, mate. I think I’m gonna go back to the hotel..”
“Because of Annie.” He nodded knowingly. “What the hell is going on with you, you don’t go psycho on a girl like you did earlier unless you’re obsessed with them.”
I stared back at him, not knowing what to say.
“Look at ya, you want to leave a club and go and see a girl, and not for sex. I’m shocked. I’m stunned.” He laughed loudly.
“I’m gonna bounce.” I took the shot he had just bought for me and put a hand on his shoulder. “Love you, mate. Have a good night.”
“You too. And Harry.. be gentle with her.”
I shook my head at him and grimaced.

Notes

Sorry it’s short! but i’m working on updating again tonight. vote/sub/comment please :)