Two months earlier.

On Sunday, I found myself surrounded by people that I barely knew. Glancing around the backyard, I tried to remind myself why I was there. The blood in my veins was pumping, I was tapping my feet onto the grass, and my fingers were fidgeting. Looking down at my outfit, I was fairly certain I was at a wedding because I was wearing a pale yellow sundress that fell just above my knees and there was a tiny green pin in my hair. But whose wedding, I kind of forgot.

And I was tipsy.

Daisy squeezed herself through the crowd and finally landed right in front of me, squealing in excitement. It didn’t take me long to pinpoint the fact that she was tipsy too by the way she smiled – that freaking lopsided smile with her teeth showing and her eyes were glossy. It was the kind of smile that could capture everyone’s attention and I, least to say, wished I could have that smile.

“Are you having a good time?” She asked, her brows were furrowed as she tried to concentrate on my lips and tried to comprehend what I was trying to tell her. It was as if there was actually three version of me standing in front of her and she couldn’t tell which one was the real me.

“I would if I know half of the people here,” I took another glance around the backyard, my eyes immediately stopped at a particular person that was so familiar and could somehow took my breath away in an instant. His smile – like Daisy’s – captured everyone’s attention. His eyes lighted up with excitement as one of the girls around him said something into his ear that brought a smile to his lips. My heart was beating so fast, Daisy had to get a hold of me as my head started spinning as well.

What was he doing here? Fuck.

“You look like you need a drink.” Daisy said, always encouraging me to drink. I didn’t argue this time around, for she was right. I did need a drink.

After an eternity of drinking, I was sweaty, insouciant, and feeling no pain. Daisy was nowhere to be found, too. I bumped into a familiar, athletic body and turned to peer up into Bennett’s warm, dark eyes. He smiled down on me as he steadied me. Examining my face, Bennett asked, “You all right there, Sky?”

As I racked my brain for the answer, I started making a mental list on what I should and should have not done with him standing right in front of me. I should tell him I was absolutely fine, excuse myself and walk away as fast as I could, grab Daisy by her arm and forced her to drive me home although she was in no state of driving – we could argue about that later. What I should not do was look into his warm eyes, smile at him or talk to him. Or maybe even ask how he was doing, seeing how contented he looked this evening.

Unfortunately, with the alcohol swimming inside of my stomach, I did the things I should have not done with Bennett looking absurdly attractive in his tux standing toe to toe with me after one and a half years.

One and a half years. Wow.

Just couple of months ago he moved here since his prosperous advertising company opened a branch in London and he happened to be given an opportunity to run it. I was proud of Bennett because I knew just how much he loved his career. However, I had never met him before. Sure, Harry told me that sometimes he saw Bennett here and there but I didn’t actually believe him. I thought we wouldn’t see each other again. At least not now.

Looking around the backyard, I wondered if he brought his girlfriend with him. Bennett and Lauren worked together and he sort of was her boss. “Is Lauren here?” My question came out a little slurred. Bennett mumbled something about her being out with friends tonight while I chuckled when someone holding out another shot for me. I eagerly took it, reaching over Bennett’s body to grab it.

We were flush together with my arm draped over his shoulder as I tipped back. Giggling, I handed the empty glass to the stranger and wrapped my other arm around Bennett; a feeling of familiarity flooded through me as our eyes locked. Even though the Tipsy Sky did not really care about personal boundaries but I knew in the back of my head that we were too close together.

While Bennett frowned at me, I gently pushed him back so that our chests were no longer touching. Well, I was meant to push him back. I ended up forcing myself back a step that looked as if I was trying to run away from him. It wasn’t entirely wrong, however. The tiny sober part of my mind convinced me to walk away but I couldn’t. I bumped into the guy behind me and almost lost my balance. Bennett’s frown was deepened as he reached forward to grab my elbow and kept me upright.

“Too drunk, aren’t you?” My answer came out in a high-pitched laugh. A laugh that would have never come out if I weren’t drunk. Rolling his eyes, Bennett shook his head. “I could drive you home.”

I pursed my lips, trying to remember whom I came here with. Daisy. “Uh, I’ll wait for Daisy.”

Chuckling, Bennett turned me around so I could face Daisy who was sitting on a stranger’s lap, taking a sip of what I could only assume scotch. Okay maybe she wouldn’t be able to get herself home too. So that left me one choice: Bennett.

“Come on. I’m driving you home.”

Touched by his offer, I squeezed him tight. “You’re the best, Ben.” A slight sob came out of me that surprised both Bennett and I. He had always told me I was an emotional drunk and up until now, he was never wrong. I always was. “What happened to us?” I asked. The memories I had blocked and pushed away to the back of my mind resurfaced.

Like when we first met in an event organized by his family who happened to be a family friend of mine – he was dressed in a tux that looked exactly as the one he was wearing right now except that he looked much younger back then. Like when he helped me out with my university and drove me to my campus every day – he was the brilliant one in our past relationship, always making my tasks easier. Like when I moved into his flat and he was the one who carried all of my boxes that probably weighed more than him – he was forbearing and had never argued with me when I told him I wanted to paint the house pearl white and hung pictures of us in almost every corner of the house. Like when I told him I was leaving to London and that I didn’t think I could afford being in a long distance relationship – the look on his face was heartbreaking but he stayed compose and wished me good luck instead.

Another round of sobs came out of me and Bennett led me away from the crowd. “Yeah, I think it’s definitely time for you to go.”

I clung to him like a lifeline as grief and giddiness battled within me. A part of me hated that he was taking care of me, a part of me loved that we were in a good term. We ran into Daisy as I went to grab my purse. She was too drunk to realize whom I was leaving with especially when the man sucked on her neck. I made a face at the sight in front of me and Bennett placed his warm hand on my back, chuckling as he pushed me forward.

Just when Bennett opened the passenger door and helped me sit down, I asked, “Do you know where I live?”

He buckled me in with a smirk on his face. “Let’s just say I’ve seen too much pictures of you and Harry leaving your flat on the Internet.” He closed my door then walked around to the back to the driver’s side. Again, I wasn’t sure if I was relieved that he knew where I lived or because he knew about Harry and I and he seemed fine about it. Wait.. Was he?

Glancing at him, he immediately caught my gaze and smiled warmly at me. Why was he so nice to me? Did he still love me? No, that was impossible. Lauren was beautiful and someone that he needed in his life - someone that he had been searching for high and low, someone that he once assumed me. And I had Harry. I loved him, so much.

Harry. I hadn’t called him today. Rummaging through my purse, I noticed that there were 4 missed calls and 5 text messages from him.

Hey baby, everything’s all right? x

I assume you’re busy?

Daisy must have taken a good care of you :) I love you, Sky .x

About to get on stage now. Wished you’re here so I could get a good luck kiss :(

Call me before you sleep, yeah? Miss you, baby.

As I was frowning down at my phone, debating on whether I should tell Harry that Bennett was in London, Bennett called Lauren on the drive home. His face lit up as he talked to her. From the half of the conversation that I could hear, she didn’t seem to worry about Bennett being with me – I wasn’t sure about Harry. Would he be okay if I were to tell him that Bennett was taking care of me when he wasn’t around and that he even offered to drive me home?

By the time Bennett stopped the car, my stomach was churning. Feeling flushed and disgusting, I whimpered and leaned my head against the window. Bennett shot me a concerned glance, knowing all too well what would happen next. “You alright?”

I shook my head and slapped my hand over my mouth. No, I was definitely not okay. Cursing, he exited the car quickly and sprinted back for me. Bennett helped me to get out of the car; my stomach lurched as I moved. “Ben,” I murmured. “I don’t-“

Before I could finish my sentence, Bennett swooped me into his arms. I clamped my mouth shut, begging for the nausea to stop – it didn’t, though. In fact, it got stronger and stronger. Pointing over the door that belonged to me, Bennett took my purse and took the keys out of it. He squatted down to unlock the door as I leaned against the wall – I really hated being sick. He hurried us into the flat, telling me, “It will be okay, just hold on.”

Closing the front door with his foot, Bennett rushed us into my bathroom, setting me down right as I lost control. Sinking to my knees, I noisily lost my stomach into the toilet. Bennett sighed and patted my back. I heaved a couple more times and as I laid my head on the seat, Bennett handed me a moistened towel. Taking it, I thanked him and wiped my mouth.

And then I threw up again.

It felt like I was sick for hours – it never seemed to end. I was a blubbering mess but Bennett stayed by my side. When there was nothing left in my stomach, I lay down on the cool bathroom tiles. They felt unbelievably wonderful and I closed my eyes, trying to regain my composure that was flushed down the toilet along with the content of my stomach. “Sky?” I was so tired, I couldn’t respond.

I wanted so bad to open my eyes and see his expression when I heard him sinking down next to me onto the bathroom tiles. Tucking my hair behind my ear, I heard him exhale a long, heavy sigh. I could only assume that he would rather be with his girlfriend than taking care of me. All of sudden, he laughed. I wanted to open my eyes but it was like they were glued shut. “You’re an awful drunk.”

I almost laughed along with him when out of nowhere my phone started ringing. “I’ll get it.” I heard Bennett moving around the room to fetch my purse that was on the floor and dig through it. Few seconds later, I heard him walking back towards me, “It’s Harry.”

My eyes sprang open. Harry must have been worried when I didn’t call him nor did I texted him. Gritting my jaw, I squeaked out. “Give it to me.”

My shaky fingers brushed against Bennett’s as I took the phone from him. Inhaling through my nose, out through my mouth, I said, “Hello?” My voice was almost inaudible. Harry would have not heard it if he was in his tour bus.

“Sky? Are you okay?” His voice was full of concern; my chest started to well up with sobs. I missed him and I wanted him with me.

“I.. I will be.. fine.” I croaked. “Too many shots.” My insides tightened even more just saying the word ‘shots’.

Harry let out an aggravated exhale. “You know I hate you getting drunk when I can’t take care of you; when I’m not there with you.”

Without thinking, I told him, “Bennett’s here. It’s okay.”

“Bennett’s there?” There was a weird tone to Harry’s voice when he said Bennett; not quite pain, not quite anger, but somewhere in between.

When I realized what I had just told him, I risked a glance over Bennett who was watching me intently. “Yeah, he’s here. He’s been taking care of me, Harry. You don’t have to worry.”

Voice tight, he replied. “Oh, sure.”

Noticing my frown, Bennett left the bathroom so I could talk to Harry personally. “Harry, you know I love you. Bennett just.. He happened to be at the wedding too and Daisy, she was too drunk to drive me home.” I didn’t know how I managed to speak in one breath but I did. Taking a long, shaky breath, I said. “I miss you.”

There was a silence as Harry moved around the bus, trying to find a quiet place to speak to me. It was difficult though with five boys on the same bus, all of them were still intoxicated after performing in front of a big crowd. Finally I heard him shutting a door and sunk onto his small bed.

I groaned into the phone as my stomach flip-flopped. “Harry, I feel awful.”

Harry chuckled, “Serves you right, drinking without me.”

I smiled, wishing I could poke his dimples when he chuckled. Then my stomach lurched and I thought I might lose it again. Breathing loudly through my mouth, I whimpered, “I think I’m going to be sick again.”

“No, you’re not, sweetheart. Just try to focus on something else.” Harry’s voice was calming as he continued. “Would you like it if I sing you to sleep?”

My grin was huge as I clenched my stomach tight. I had always loved it when he sang me to sleep; his voice was soothing with his fingertips running up and down my side, “I would love that. But..” Looking around, I realized that I hadn’t gotten out of the bathroom. Bennett appeared a second later and offered a help to get me to my bed. Getting onto my feet took a lot of efforts but Bennett was strong enough to support my weights.

Harry listened intently as I thanked Bennett as soon as I was on my bed and told him that I would be fine if he wanted to go home.

“Are you sure?”

“100 percent,” I flashed him my goofy smile. “Thank you so much, Ben.”

Reciprocating my smile, he shook his head. “It’s fine. Tell Harry I said hi.”

A minute later, I was alone and comfortable on my bed with my sheets draping over my body, I returned back to my phone, “Harry?” I breathed out. I was afraid that he had gotten off the line but he didn’t.

Humming in response, he asked if I was ready to sleep. Then his voice filled my ear, and Harry started performing an acoustic set of all of my favorite songs – just for me. The sensuous sound eased the distress in my belly and my stomach suddenly felt million times better. I wanted to listen to him all night long, but I succumbed to sleep and alcohol and nodded off into oblivion.

From the distant, I could hear something sounded like “I love you, baby,” before everything went black.

*

I was parched when I woke up. I could barely remember last night’s event. Harry would be furious with me if something bad happened. Thinking of Harry sparked a vague memory of him singing me to sleep last night. Even so, I wasn’t so sure if that was a real memory or if I’d dreamed it. It was peaceful, though, and I smiled as I rolled onto my back.

My stomach didn’t like that; my head either. Groaning, I curled myself into a ball. I feel like I had been brought back from the brink of death, and I quietly swore to never drink again – which I was not sure would last for how long. I got off my bed and stumbled into the bathroom. I really needed a shower, for I smelled like vomit.

After I was sure I had washed slimes out of my hair, I stepped out of the bath and got dressed.

Figuring I should tell Harry that I was fine, I ransacked the bed for my phone. I found it buried in the covers; the battery was long dead. Harry must have sung me to sleep until my phone disconnected. I could easily picture Harry keeping the line open when he listened to me sleeping or maybe he’d fallen asleep that way, pretending that were in bed together.

When I plugged the phone in, there were several missed calls from Daisy and Bennett. Bennett?

And that was when everything came back in my mind. Bennett was the one who had taken me home; he was the one who had taken me home and he was the one who had seen me emptying the content in my stomach. Tapping my finger over his name, I placed the sleek device next to my ear. After the third ring, his voice rang in my ear softly. “Good sleep?”

“Yeah.”

Silence.

“Thanks for last night, Ben. I.. I didn’t know how to repay you.”

“It’s alright. That’s what friends are for, isn’t it?” I wasn’t sure if it was just me or not but the way he spoke the word ‘friends’ – it was as if there was an underlying feeling of.. I didn’t know what. My head was still pounding so I took a seat on the edge of my bed, fiddling with my fingers.

“You’re right. Lauren’s with you?” The question came out without I could think twice. “I mean, she lives with you, right?” Then I heard someone asking him whom he was talking to.

“It’s Sky.” Bennett answered. “Yeah, she’s fine.”

I stayed silent awkwardly as he spoke to his girlfriend. Listening to them made me miss Harry even more. I made a mental note to call him afterwards and assure him that I was fine.

“I just wanted to check if you’re all right.”

“Yeah, I’m all right.”

Bennett said something that sounded like he got a plan with Lauren and we ended the call. I then dialed Harry’s number and cursed when the third ring came off, wondering that he must have been asleep right now. But before I could hang up, his raspy voice replaced the beeping tone.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to-“

“No I was about to call you, anyway.” His voice brightened and I heard him shifting, “You okay, now?”

Smiling as I remembered how his voice filled my ear last night, I bit my bottom lip and nodded. “Yes.”

“Good,” he replied, “Because you snored last night.” He said with a hint of amusement in his voice. I wasn’t entirely sure if he was joking or I really did snore. God, I hoped I didn’t.

Slapping my hand to my forehead, I let out a grunt. “You could have ended the call, Harry. Save the humiliation.”

I stayed silence as he laughed whole-heartedly – it was a sound that I had missed so much. Then when the sound subsided, Harry replaced it with a sigh. “Two more weeks, Sky.” He could read my mind, I was sure of that. For some odd reasons, Harry always knew what I was thinking about and it scared me because sometimes he could read me like an open book. “And then I’ll be back.”

“Two weeks,” I repeated. Fourteen days and then he would be back. As I shifted around to find a comfortable spot on the edge of the bed, I noticed a small lavender colored paper poking out from under the mattress. Crouching in front of it, I tugged at it and noticed that it was just another note left by Harry. Cheeky Harry.

I smiled to myself as I placed my phone in between my ear and shoulder and slowly opened the small folded letter. Harry’s not-so-neat handwriting was scribbled on it with black ink and I found myself cracking a grin at what he had written – a few lines of their song.

I’ve never been so into somebody before and every time we both touch I only want more. So tell me nothing’s gonna change, yeah? And you won’t ever walk away, yeah? Cause even though every night you know what I’ll say..

Instead of ‘good night’ Harry replaced it with an ‘I love you’.

“Sky, are you there?” Harry’s voice snapped me out of my trance.

“Yeah- I.. I just found your note for me. The one under the mattress.”

Chuckling, I could hear Harry shaking his head. “Took you long enough to see it, yeah?” True, he must have written this way before he left for the tour, which was about four months ago. “At least you found it.”

“Yeah,” my voice trailed off as I brought the lavender paper closer to my chest and wished that somehow it could penetrate into my heart. Harry had his ways with words and although we were miles apart, he could still made my heart warm. The effects he had on me were insane, I might consider myself obsessed – obsessed with Harry Styles. “I love you too.”

“God, I love it when you say that.”

And just like that, our conversations went back on how he was excited for tonight’s concert, how the fans mobbed him but he loved them for that because he knew just how much they loved him, how he was ecstatic to come back home and how he couldn’t wait to see my face. “I’ll be back, Sky.”

Two weeks. Fourteen days.

Notes

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