[Febuary 1st, 2016]
"Shhh, remember, we don't know it's his birthday! So act normal, okay?" I firmly assert.
Just then, there's a knock on the door. It's Harry. I take a deep breath and open the door. "Hey!" I exclaim, trying to sound casual.
"Hello? What's up with you?" Harry asks immediately, frowning.
Wow he knows me better then I give him credit for. 2 seconds and he already knows somethings wrong. A 6th sense or?
"Nothing, I just drank a full energy drink in under five minutes, so I'm energized," I say, giving him a weak excuse while closing the door behind him. "Feel free to grab something to drink or eat if you're hungry," I add nonchalantly, dropping down beside Theo, who's absorbed in playing his new bass. All our gear is just down here in the livingroom since we jamed so late last night i didn't get to clean.
"Sure," Harry nods, still looking suspicious. "So, what's the plan for today?"
"Um, I was thinking we could finish up 'From The Dining Table,'" I reply, glancing over at Kay Kay, who is engrossed in a puzzle game on her phone.
"Yeah, anything specific you want to work on?" Harry asks, leaning against the kitchen island.
I pause for a moment, gathering my thoughts. "Well, we need to tighten up the harmonies in the chorus. And maybe add a bridge—something that gives the song a bit more depth."
Harry nods thoughtfully, his fingers drumming on the countertop. "I was thinking the same. A bridge could really elevate it."
As we settle into our usual rhythm, the room begins to fill with the comforting hum of creativity. Theo's bass lines weave through the air, creating a steady foundation for our ideas. I can see the wheels turning in Kay Kay's mind as she momentarily pauses her game to jot down some lyrics that just came to her.
"Hey, how about this?" Theo says, playing a new riff that catches everyone's attention. It's different—raw and soulful, exactly what the song needs.
"That's perfect," I say, grinning. "Let's build on that."
The hours pass in a blur of melodies and lyrics. Harry's initial suspicion seems to have faded as he becomes more engrossed in the music. We're in our element, lost in the process.
Suddenly, Kay Kay's phone buzzes, breaking the spell. She glances at the screen and her eyes widen. "Guys, it's almost 6 PM.."
Harry looks up, confused.
"Fuck! Then you all gotta go!" I assert firmly.
"What? Are you kicking us out?" Dax sits up, shocked.
"Yeah, guys, I'm serious! Leave!" I repeat, my tone firm and slightly annoyed.
"Hey, hey, you don't have to be rude about it! We'll leave, but damn!" Harmy retorts, picking up her things.
"Do you need a ride, Harry?" Theo asks, already at the door.
"Yeah, hurry the fuck up!" I roll my eyes and cross my arms.
Harry looks around not mad but almost like he is...worried about me.
They all gather their belongings, and Theo pretends to have forgotten something, making Harry the one to open the door. As Harry opens it, he's met with the sight of around 100-200 people standing outside, all yelling, "SURPRISE!"
I laugh as Harry turns around, looking straight at me, his confusion turning to astonished joy. We invited all his friends and family. "What are you all doing here?! I thought you all were busy!" he exclaims in shock.
"Yeah busy arranging a surprise birthday party for you, big man!" I hear some guy yell.
Harry laughs and goes to hug every single guest.
"Come in, everybody!" I yell, welcoming the crowd inside. My house is spacious, easily accommodating everyone. I pick up one of the mics we used for practice earlier. "Hello, everybody! I just wanted to let you all know how tonight is going to go down. We'll start here at my house. In 20 minutes, we'll have pizza, and there are all sorts of drinks in the fridge and spread out in coolers in the different rooms. After we've eaten, we're heading to our favorite pub downtown, just 500 meters from here, to dance the night away. There's an open bar and karaoke, so let's have a blast!" The crowd cheers and starts chatting excitedly.
I jump down from the chair, and I catch eyecontact with Harry. He mouths, "You did this?"
I mouth back. "We did, yeah," I nod towards the rest of the band, even though they didn't know about the plan until 20 minutes before he arrived but I didn't wanna make it weird by telling him I did it all alone.
"I thought you had forgotten," he mouths, smiling broadly.
"Harry," I tilt my head. Sending him a look that says 'Are you serious?"
Just as it seems like Harry tries to go over to me I feel a gentle tug on my arm, dragging me towards the living room. Harmy's voice chimes in, brimming with excitement, "Noa, there's someone you have to say hi to!"
I step into the room and my eyes land on Ross. "ROSS!" I exclaim, running into his open arms.
"My Rachel!" he responds with a grin that matches my own.
I laugh, my smile widening. "What are you doing here?!"
"Harmony invited me, and I thought it'd be nice to stop by," he says, glancing at Harmony, who responds with a playful wink. No, Ross and I aren't dating. We never have. Harmony didn't get her happy love story ending with us, but she's still trying.
"Well, I've missed you! How are the guys?" I ask, genuinely curious about our old crew.
"They're good, but we're all missing our freestyle gigs," he says, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.
"I miss them too," I reply, reminiscing about our impromptu concerts. We'd freestyle songs, some turning out terrible, others surprisingly good, but always fun.
"So, how long are you in town?" I inquire.
"Just here for two shows, then I'm on the road again," he says, a touch of sadness creeping into his tone.
"Gosh, I'm being so rude. Do you want something to drink?" I offer, smiling brightly.
"Sure, do you have slushies?" he jokes.
I laugh. "Sadly, I don't have your poopy slushie," I tease as we walk into the kitchen.
"Hey! Don't disrespect my favorite slushie," he nudges me playfully. We've always been comfortable with each other, hugging, sitting close, holding hands, but it never means anything more. We are just physical touch people.
"Sorry, sorry!" I laugh, opening the fridge while he rests his head on my shoulder. "So, what do you want?"
"Just a beer, thank you," he replies politely.
I hand him a beer and grab one for myself.
"So, Noa, tell me what's been happening?" he asks as we settle on the couch.
We spend the next hour catching up, sharing stories, and laughing about old times, the conversation flowing effortlessly as always.
-
"I'm gonna go get another drink! Do you want one?" Kaylee yells, her voice struggling to rise above the pounding music. We're at the pub and have been for about an hour or two.
"What?" I shout back, leaning in closer to hear her.
"Do you want another drink?" she repeats, this time directly in my ear.
"Oh, yeah, sure!" I respond, nodding. Even though i'm already holding one in my hand. It's just warm and to be honest not good.
She nods back with a smile and heads off the dance floor, weaving her way through the crowd, the flashing lights making it hard to keep track of her. The music is loud, the bass thumping through my body. I take a moment to catch my breath, looking around at all the people dancing and laughing.
Harry catches my eye from across the room and raises his drink in a toast. I grin and raise mine back. He looks genuinely happy, surrounded by friends. Turning back to the dance floor, I feel a tap on my shoulder. Theo is standing there, grinning.
"Having fun?" he asks, shouting over the music.
"Yeah! This turned out better than I imagined!" I reply, smiling.
"Harry looks like he's having a blast," Theo says, glancing at him.
"Yeah, I really hope he is," I agree, feeling relieved. I just want him to have the best birthday ever, and it seems to go pretty well.
Kaylee returns, holding two drinks. She hands me one, her face flushed from the crowd. "Here you go!"
"Thanks!" I take a sip, enjoying the cold drink. "You were quick!"
She laughs. "The bar wasn't as crowded as I thought."
We head back to the dance floor, getting lost in the music again. Time flies by as we dance, the energy around us keeping us moving. The room is filled with laughter and smiles, everyone having a great time.
-
I finally make it outside the pub, the cool night air a relief after hours of dancing and chatting with friends. People kept stopping me on my way out, eager to talk, so it took me an hour to get out. Leaning against the cold wall, I pull out a pack of cigarettes from my back pocket and light one, taking a few deep inhales before being interrupted.
"Feel like sharing?" A familiar voice breaks through the haze. It's Harry.
"Yes, but only because you're the birthday boy!" I reply with a smile, opening my pack for him to take one.
He laughs, taking one and placing it between his lips. "Thank you," he mumbles. "Got a light?"
I flick my lighter, the flame illuminating his face briefly as he leans in. He inhales deeply and exhales with a satisfied sigh. "Ahhh, you might be a bad influence."
I laugh. "Why's that?" I squint my eyes with a smirk.
"I'm trying to quit," he admits, leaning up against the wall beside me.
"Oh, aren't we all?" I shrug, taking another drag.
"We?" he questions, looking at me curiously.
"All of us smokers," I clarify, exhaling a plume of smoke into the night.
"Hmm, do you consider yourself a smoker?" he asks, both of us gazing out at the empty road.
"Yeah, well, I've been in denial," I admit with a sly smirk. "But I think after buying my first pack yesterday, I've come to terms with it." I nod in joking defeat.
"I think i'm still in denial," he smiles, and winks at me.
I shake my head, smiling at him. "Anyways, are you having fun?"
"Yes way more than I expected," he admits, exhaling smoke. "You know, I wasn't even sure I wanted to celebrate this year."
"Why's that?" I ask, curious.
He shrugs, staring at the ground. "Just didn't feel like there was much to celebrate, I guess. Turning another year older, still trying to figure the same things out."
I nod, understanding. "I get that but, look at all the people who showed up tonight. They're here for you, Harry. That says something."
He smiles, a bit more genuinely this time. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
I grin, feeling a warmth spread through me. "I always am, birthday boy."
He laughs, "Do you have a direct line to wisdom or something?" he teases, nudging me playfully with his shoulder.
I chuckle, taking another drag. "Yeah, you could say that,"
"Then what's my deepest, darkest secret?" he asks, raising an eyebrow.
I pretend to think. "Well, I can't say that because then it wouldn't be your deepest darkest secret anymore." I wink at him.
He nods realizing i just out smarted him. "True," he laughs.
"See, I told you I'm gifted," I laugh along with him. "On a serious note I think everybody is just as clueless as we are," I say, leaning back against the wall. "We're all just faking it till we make it."
He grins, blowing out another puff of smoke. "Wow, spitting facts tonight"
"It's the gift and a fuck ton of alcohol," I laugh. "So, any wild birthday wishes this year?"
He thinks for a moment, then grins mischievously. "Honestly? I wish for an adventure. I want something out of the ordinary to happen, something crazy."
I raise an eyebrow. "Define 'crazy'."
He laughs. "I don't know, like, skydiving? Or a spontaneous road trip to somewhere I've never been. It could also just be something I never expected. I wanna be surprised this year."
I take a final drag and stub out my cigarette. "Well, we'll see what happens. You've got a whole year ahead of you." I smile and walk past him to go inside. "Let's talk later, now I wanna dance." I squeeze my way inside. My heart beats a million, trillion, billion times per second.
As I catch sight of Dax, he waves me over to the karaoke stage. With a grin, I begin to squeeze my way through the throng of people, my excitement mounting. The small stage is lit with vibrant, swirling lights, and the energy in the room is electric. The opening beats of "Maneater" by Nelly Furtado start to pulse through the speakers, and a wave of cheers erupts as I step up and grab the microphone.
"Everybody look at me, me. I walk in the door, you start screaming," I belt out, raising my hand to my ear theatrically, pretending I can't hear them. The crowd's response is exhilarating, their excitement palpable.
"Come on, everybody, what you here for? Move your body around like a nympho," I continue, my voice strong and confident. The beat drives me to move, and I dance across the stage, feeling the music take over.
"Everybody get your necks to crack around. All you crazy people, come on, jump around," I command, and the audience obliges, their enthusiasm infectious. The room is alive with movement, bodies swaying and jumping in time with the music.
"I wanna see you all on your knees, knees. You either wanna be with me, or be me (come on now)," I sing, my voice rising above the noise. The crowd is in the palm of my hand, hyping me up with every note. Their cheers fuel my performance, and I lose myself in the rhythm and lyrics.
As I sing the lyrics, "A maneater, make you work hard. Make you spend hard, make you want all of her love," Harry re-enters the pub, confused by the loud cheers in the room. "She's a maneater, make you buy cars. Make you cut cards, make you fall real hard in love." Our gazes lock as I sway and twirl around the speaker like it's a pole. "She's a maneater, make you work hard. Make you spend hard, make you want all of her love. She's a maneater, make you buy cars. Make you cut cards, wish you never ever met her at all." I spin and laugh, the crowd joining in as we belt out the chorus together.
In a moment of pure drunkenness, I grab the bottom of my shirt and yank it off, leaving me dancing around in just my bra and skirt. I swing the shirt above my head, and the crowd goes wild. People rush over, shouting and cheering for me to take everything off. Everything is spinning, and suddenly, I'm draped over someone's shoulder.
-
Remember how I mentioned a fuck ton of alcohol earlier? Well, now I'm paying for it.
Kay Kay pulls my hair back as I throw up, getting rid of my breakfast and those pizzas from earlier. "Okay, let me take you home..." she says, trying to be sensible.
"nO, I waNNa pArTy!" I slur, clearly not thinking straight.
As the alcohol-induced haze clouds my judgement, Kay Kay gives me a concerned look. She knows I'm not in any shape to continue partying.
"Seriously, you need to get some rest," she insists, her voice tinged with worry.
But I'm stubborn, or maybe just too drunk to care. "nO wAy, I'M noT dONe YeT," I protest, though my words come out more like a jumble.
Despite my protests, Kay Kay helps me up and leads me to an uber I didn't notice she called. She's always been the responsible one, looking out for me even when I'm too intoxicated to look out for myself.
He rushes over, wrapping my arm around his neck to steady me. "Hey, so i got the water bottle and all of her things I think," Harry's eyes land on Kaylee.
"KAYLEE, somebody wants to dance with you!" a girl's voice shouts from inside the pub. It must be the guy Kaylee has been eyeing for months.
"Uhhh, GO KayLEE, GO Kaylee!" I cheer, my enthusiasm not quite matching my wobbly state.
"I will take her home," Harry offers, looking at Kaylee.
"Really?" Kaylee's eyes widen in disbelief.
"YEAH!!" I cheer, thrusting my hand into the air. "KaYlEE iS geTTing lAid!!!"
Harry nods toward the pub entrance. "Go get your man!"
"But it's your birthday!" she protests.
"I'm tired, and I could use a break from the spotlight anyway," Harry shrugs.
"Fine, but call me if anything!" Kaylee says, walking backwards towards the door, her eyes still on us.
Harry helps me into the Uber, making sure I'm settled before closing the car door. "I will," he promises, giving Kaylee a reassuring nod.
-
Harry gently nudges me awake. "Noa? We're at your place."
I rub my eyes, mumbling something incoherent that makes Harry chuckle. He steps out of the car and opens my door. As I stumble out, I nearly fall, but Harry catches me just in time.
"Whoa, whoa, too fast," he says, steadying me and making sure I'm on my feet.
Harry's grip is firm yet gentle as he steadies me, helping me find my balance. The cool night air is a welcome relief against my flushed skin. I take a deep breath, trying to clear my head,
"Thanks, Harry," I manage to say, my voice still a bit shaky.
"No problem," he replies, his tone soothing. "Let's get you inside."
But then a sudden wave of nausea overwhelms me, and before I can stop it, I vomit... all over Harry.
Stumbling backwards, I throw up again. Harry doesn't hesitate to pull my hair away from my face, his touch comforting. "Sorry, I don't... feel so good," I slur, my words barely coherent as I search the ground for stability. But Harry holds me up.
"Do you need to throw up again?" he asks gently not commenting on the fact that i literally threw up on him!
I shake my head, and he wraps his arm around my waist to support me. Together, we make our way to my front door. I fumble with the keys, my coordination still off, but Harry waits patiently, his presence calming.
Finally, I manage to unlock the door, and we step inside. The familiar scent of home envelops me, and a wave of exhaustion washes over me.
"You need a shower," Harry softly suggests.
"I'm tired," I mumble, rubbing my eyes.
"Where is your room?" he asks, still holding me up.
"Down there!" I point in a wobbly line. "Wait, no, over there." Everything seems to spin.
"Okay, I guess we'll just have to go look," he says patiently.
"SCAVENGER HUNT!" I yell, laughing deliriously.
Harry chuckles as we finally reach my room. I collapse onto my bed while he searches for some clean clothes. "Oh no, not on the sheets too," he mumbles to himself with a grin.
I laugh weakly.
"Okay, come on, let's find the bathroom." He bends down for me to jump onto his back. "Jump up."
I jump up, and he carries me to the bathroom, he sets me down and closes the door behind me. "Harry, I need the clothes," I call out.
"Right, sorry, getting them now," he replies hurriedly running back to my room.
I turn on the shower, but when I try to open the shampoo, it feels like all my strength has left my body. "Harry?"
"Yes?" I hear him stand up outside the door.
"I can't open the shampoo," I exclaim quietly, embarrassed.
"Can I come in?" he asks softly from the other side of the door.
"I'm, uh, not wearing any clothes," I say, glancing at myself in the mirror for confirmation.
"I can close my eyes. Or you can hand it to me and I can fix it out here," he offers.
"It's nothing you haven't seen before," I mutter, not fully realizing I said that out loud.
"Doesn't mean I automatically get to see it again," he asserts gently.
I take a moment to process his words, then, I crack open the bathroom door just enough to hand him the shampoo bottle. "Here," I say, my hand trembling slightly.
Harry takes it, his eyes averted. "Got it," he murmurs. A few seconds later, he hands it back. "All set."
"Thanks," I reply, closing the door. As I step into the shower, the warm water cascades over me, washing away the grime and tension of the night. I let the water soothe my aching body, trying to clear my mind.
After a while, I finally feel somewhat human again. I turn off the shower and wrap myself in a towel. Opening the door a crack, I peek out. "Harry? Can you pass me the clothes?"
He's sitting on the floor outside the bathroom, leaning against the wall. When he hears my voice, he jumps up and grabs the clothes, handing them to me without looking. "Here you go."
"Thanks," I say again, grateful but embarrassed.
Once dressed, I step out of the bathroom, feeling slightly more in control. Harry is still there, waiting.
"You don't have to stay, I'm okay," I mumble, feeling a wave of panic.
"Noa, it's no problem. I put a glass of water on your nightstand, a can of water beside it, and a bucket next to your bed just in case," he says softly, his tone polite and reassuring.
"Thank you," I reply, rubbing my forehead. "I have some clothes you can borrow if you want to take a shower."
He laughs, a warm sound that lightens the moment. "I don't think I'll fit into your clothes."
"They're not mine," I say, walking into my room. I open a drawer and pull out a pair of jogging shorts and an oversized T-shirt. "Here."
He takes the clothes, looking at me with an expression that's hard to read. "Noa?"
"Yeah?" I look up at him.
"I don't want these," he says, his smile fading.
"Why not? They're clean, I promise," I insist, puzzled.
"Noa," he repeats more firmly.
"Harry! You have throw up on you—my throw up. Just take them and take a shower!" I press, feeling my frustration rise.
"I don't want some guy you slept with's clothes," he asserts, extending his hand with the clothes back to me.
My lips curve upwards, a mix of shock and amusement bubbling up inside me until I burst into a giggle. "They're my dad's!"
He sharply inhales, his eyes widening in realization. "Oh." He glances around the room, clearly embarrassed.
A flutter stirs in my heart. At least we're both embarrassed now. "It's fine, really," I say softly, trying to ease the tension.
Harry chuckles awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. "Well, in that case, thanks. I'll take that shower."
As he heads to the bathroom, I can't help but smile as I sink down onto the edge of my bed. I replay the night's events in my mind. I cover my face, the embarrassment bobbling inside me. I can't believe Harry had MY throw up on him on HIS birthday.
The sound of the shower running provides a comforting background noise as I take a moment to look around my room. My gaze falls on the bucket Harry placed beside the bed, a simple yet thoughtful gesture. I can't help but smile at his consideration. Feeling the exhaustion creep over me, I lean back and allow myself to sink into the welcoming softness of my bed.
I must have dozed off because the next thing I know, the bathroom door opens, and Harry steps out, freshly showered and wearing my dad's clothes. The oversized T-shirt and jogging shorts fits him surprisingly well, and I stifle a giggle.
Harry catches my smile and grins back. "Better?"
"Much better," I reply, sitting up. "Thank you for everything, Harry. Really."
He shrugs, his expression softening. "It's nothing. I'm just glad you're okay." He takes a seat in my chair at my desk, leaning back and running a hand through his damp hair. "How are you feeling now?"
"Exhausted but better," I admit. "Still a bit embarrassed."
Harry waves it off. "Don't be. We all have rough nights. Besides, I've seen worse."
"Thanks for that," I say with a laugh, "Well, you can sleep in the guest room, it's way too late to go home now," I assert gesturing down the hall.
"Thank you, Noa and goodnight." he gets up and does an awkward goodbye wave as he walks out of my room, down the hall.
I giggle, "Goodnight Harry!" I yell after him.
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