Ellie Hoover

I sat, staring out the window from the back of a black sedan owned by one of Harry’s friends. Harry’s friend, Matt, was driving and had picked us up at the airport only a few minutes prior.
After a fifteen minute debate and a phone call with my grandmother at the airport, Harry had convinced me to let him drive me home. It was a sweet gesture. Really sweet, considering he had waited for me to get off the plane after his mirrored travels hours before mine. My grandmother confirmed the validity of Harry’s statements. I was still a little weary driving home with a stranger, more like acquaintance now, even if he is an internationally known star. Something inside me wanted to trust him, to believe in him. I guess it gave me a little hope that maybe with Harry in my life, I would magically remember him and remember the rest of my life. I wasn’t sure if I really wanted that though.

I watched quietly as we passed through London, its residents already beginning to wake and start their day as the sun was just starting to rise due to the close proximity of the winter season. I looked out the window in awe trying to figure out if I was dreaming or having a nightmare. The buildings, the cars, the people, all of which I was not accustomed to in Seattle, were so different. I always had the desire to travel. I was always so curious to see new worlds. I felt like a tourist, traveling to Europe for the first time; but then I had to remind myself I am indeed British. I had memories of England-the scenery, the people, and experiences, but they were scarce.

I remember my parents' constant traveling for business and sometimes pleasure. Sometimes they would take me along; but for most of my youth I remember I stayed with my grandparents in Holmes Chapel, which I don’t remember too clearly. I tried to get out of the small town as quickly as I could after I was released from the hospital. I just couldn’t handle the permanent looks of sympathy and pity from all the people I didn’t know, or couldn’t remember.I couldn’t deal with the fact that so many people knew me, when I could barely remember my name at the time. That’s the reason I left it all. I had a clean slate, so some could say I was lucky.



We stopped in front of a brick house, gated in with a mixture of stone and metal fences. Once we entered through the gates, I couldn’t help but marvel at the landscape that fronted the house. The house was a desirable, but modest two story building with white trimmed windows and a white door. Overall, the house was authentic, but well-kept and definitely cost more than the average Brit could afford.

Harry and Matt got out of the car once we were stopped on the long stone driveway and I followed them to the back of the car. Harry swiftly picked up both mine and his duffel bags from the trunk and started talking to Matt in a conversation I tuned out while looking around at my surroundings. I was enamored with the property, but I had the question nagging me from the back of my mind: Where were we? Surely we were still in London as we hadn’t been driving for too long.

I felt Harry’s palm on my back, hinting to move forward and I noticed the black sedan was already making its way out of the property. As Harry dug for a set of keys in his pocket, I tried to make sense of it all and my mind skipped back into reality. Once he opened the sizable white door, I cleared my throat.

“Uh Harry, where are we?” I asked timidly.

He turned back to me and smiled. “My house.”

“Why? I thought we were going home, like Holmes Chapel home. Not Harry Styles home. You told me to trust you,” I said as I furrowed by brows in confusion.

“Calm down. I just came by to pick up a few things and to get my car.” He rose his hands in defense, but kept his smile glued onto his face. I followed him through the entrance, further inside the house. The modern, updated interior was a complete contrast to the old, bona fide exterior of the house.

“Do you want anything to drink or eat? I'm sure you're in a bit of need after the flight."

"Oh, now I see my horrible hosting job hasn't rubbed off on you," I smiled. "Water would be lovely."

He laughed and grabbed filled a cup for water as I watched him from the bar. He proceeded to go through numerous cabinets before pulling out a box of crackers and placing some on a plate.

"This will have to do. Sorry I haven't been home, so there isn't much to eat," Harry claimed while placing the crackers in front of me at the breakfast bar.

"No need to apologize. Thank you." I smiled before swallowing a mouthful of my much needed water.

"Alright then. Well I am going to get a couple of things and put some stuff away quickly before we head off on the road. Call for me if you need anything. Uh make yourself comfortable." He said before starting up the stairs. "Oh, and the bathroom is past the living room to the left!" He yelled, unable to be seen anymore.

Notes

Really quick filler! Sorry, I have been so busy lately. But I am hoping I will be able to sit down and crank out some well written chapters within the next few days. What do you all think so far?
Thanks again! xo