Harry was stressed out at his ceramics lesson, but not because of the actual class. In fact, Harry quite enjoyed Ceramics. He felt fidgety because the boys had become more distant since that morning with the ice cubes. They seemed to be ignoring Harry, and he knew it was his fault.
Even Louis was acting strangely. He wasn't even being awkward because the two of them hadn't spoken since that morning. Louis used to text Harry every day, and Harry had grown fond of him. And now because of Harry's one blunder, everyone is ignoring him.
Perhaps the lads were all expecting Harry to apologize. It wasn't precisely an awful idea, after all.
That's exactly what Harry intends to do. He'll apologize to the group chat when his lesson is over. He had awoken to terrible hunger pangs and was not in the mood to be nice to others. All Harry needs to do now is remember to do better in the future, apologize, and everything will be okay. Hopefully.
Knowing that he could rectify things made Harry feel a little better emotionally. For the time being, he returns to his ceramic work. He was done making the pot, but he still needed to paint it.
Zayn would have been convenient for some painting guidance, but he's not really speaking to Harry. Which makes it easier for Harry to get out of eating. Perhaps that's why his hunger pangs seemed to be more intense than normal.
Harry's gaze was drawn to the clock, but it was also drawn to the lovely ceramics on his classmates' tables. Harry doesn't know any of his classmates, which is odd, but he wasn't interested in meeting more people when he'd already messed up his current friendships.
Harry's gaze continued wandering around the room until he noticed something unique. The majority of students took the easy route of creating basic pots. But there was one that drew his eye, and it wasn't a pot.
It resembled a jug, but it wasn't one of those with the broad opening at the top; instead, it had a wide centre where the water would be stored. Harry was stumped as to how to explain the look. Maybe the opposite of an hourglass? It was probably just a fancy jug.
Harry was taken aback by more than just the shape. It was the painting job as well. It was stunning.
A painting of a fine ship, possibly a vessel, hung in the center. The colour choices were simple, but they worked perfectly with the jug. Who knew a jug could bring so much joy to someone? It was always the little things that made Harry happy or brighten his day.
The water beneath this lovely Victorian vessel was a variety of greens, but it was also blue? His classmate had to be a student of an art major, maybe they knew Zayn. The shape of the jug was simple, but the art on it was intricate. An artist's eye was required.
When his professor began yelling something about class being dismissed, Harry snapped out of it all. He took one more look at the jug before turning to face the artist. She appeared to be an ordinary college student, yet based on her appearance, she was clearly an art major. Zayn was presumably someone she knew.
The girl must have noticed Harry admiring her work because she smiled and walked over to Harry's setup. Harry was not in the mood for interaction, but he was also deprived of speaking to people.
"Hey! Harry is it?" The girl asked.
Harry returned the smile. "That's right. How did you come to know my name?"
"I usually stop by the art shows to look at your work. You, on the other hand, are never at your station." The young lady frowned. "But now I get to meet you!" She extended her hand to Harry for a handshake.
Harry clasped her hand in his and shook it. "Nice to meet you. And what is your name?" He mentally face palmed, God why is he so awkward.
"My goodness, your hands are freezing. Sorry that's not my name." She laughed. "It's Everleigh."
"Pleasure to meet you, Everleigh. And, not to sound strange, but the paint job on your ceramics are absolutely stunning."
"Yeah, I am a fine arts major. So I have to make the artwork on it better than the real sculpture. Sculpting isn't exactly my strong suit." Everleigh confessed.
"You're not even a sculpting major, but your work is so much better than mine!" Harry sighed.
Harry's words made Everleigh frown. "How could you say that? You shouldn't tear yourself down like that; your work is fantastic. I only attend art displays because I'm interested in seeing the things you put together over the course of the semester. They never fail to impress me; Harry, you have a gift."
Harry was lost at words; it had been a long time since he felt appreciated. "Thanks, it means a lot, Everleigh. You have a gift too."
Everleigh chuckled, "Just because I gave you a compliment doesn't mean you have to return it."
"I understand, but isn't it necessary to let people know that they are valued? I can't keep silent about your gift, especially since I know you have it."
"I like the way you put that, Harry. It was a pleasure speaking with you, but my girlfriend is waiting for me at the front of the school. See you around, yeah?"
"100%," Harry replied.
"Awesome," Everleigh exclaimed, "hope you enjoy the remainder of your day." And she left. And Harry knew he had to text the group chat.
Harry exited the classroom after finishing gathering his belongings. He didn't get a ride back from Zayn, and Harry had no idea why. He was unsure of everything but his heart was starting to feel as empty as his stomach. And it was excruciatingly painful.
He had no choice but to take the bus home, which was fairly long due to the numerous stops. Harry slipped his phone out of his pocket and began typing his apology.
"Hey lads. I'm really sorry for how I behaved that morning last weekend. I completely understand your dissatisfaction with me, and I fully deserve it. I'm missing you all." Harry typed it out and double-checked it. He was well aware that he appeared desperate, but he couldn't stand being alone any longer. And he was in such a hurry that he didn't give a damn when he hit the send button.
When Harry walked inside his quiet apartment, he was holding back tears. He didn't want to cry, and he didn't believe that he had done anything wrong. But Harry certainly messes everything up, so it's possible he did. Of course he had the false impression, and he assumed everything was alright. He went to the kitchen to get some ice cubes after shaking his shoes off.
He was nearly swallowing them whole, which was irritating his throat. Harry was frantic for the fire in his stomach to be put out. All he wanted was for it to go away.
That's when he heard footsteps coming from the other end of the hall.
"Harry? Are you home?" Zayn yelled.
"Yeah." Harry croaked out.
Zayn walked in and saw Harry seated at the table with a cup of ice cubes. And it was clear that he was fighting back tears.
Zayn had read the text as soon as it went through. He had never intended to ignore Harry; he was simply feeling uncomfortable after hearing Niall's remarks about Louis. And Zayn felt terrible because he knew Harry had nothing to do with it and that they had simply left him in the dark.
And Harry was convinced that they were all angry with him. Well shit.
Zayn rushed up to Harry and hugged him tightly. Zayn gradually adjusted to wrapping his arms around Harry's shoulders as Harry became uncomfortable with people wrapping their arms around his midsection or stomach.
Zayn wasn't sure when the change happened, but he's become accustomed to it.
Harry just sat there, not hugging back. He was staring at something that was most likely nothing.
A solitary tear rolled down his cheek. "I'm sorry." Harry whimpered.
Zayn was starting to feel even worse, and he knew he needed to text the boys because what they were doing to Harry wasn't right. Harry was fully unaware of the information regarding Louis that had been dropped. It was probably for the best that he wasn't present, but the boys handled the situation badly.
"Don't even think about apologizing, Harry. You did nothing wrong; something happened when you were in your room, and since then, everyone has been quiet. I can assure you that no one is angry at you. I am so sorry for how we've been acting these last few days." Zayn buried his head in Harry's sharp shoulder blade.
"Okay." Harry whispered.
"Okay?"
Harry nodded, "Yes."
"Can you tell me what you want to have for dinner? Zayn inquired. Harry didn't want to purge tonight, but he needed to eat. He needed something to keep him going, but he knew if he ate too much, he'd have to purge. And purging was the last thing on Harry's mind.
"I'm not very hungry, but I'll cut up an apple." Harry replied. Zayn raised his head to meet his gaze. "Are you alright?"
"Of course, why wouldn't I be?"
"I don't know," Zayn said, shaking his head. "I think I've just missed our conversations."
"Have you been in contact with anyone else?" Harry was eager to shift the conversation's focus. "Don't think I've forgotten about the girl you've been texting for the past few weeks." Harry smirked.
"Darn, I really hoped you forgot about that," Zayn slapped his knee playfully.
Harry continued, "See? You're not even trying to hide it! Please let me know. After all, you owe me something. You may at least tell me who this person is if you want to make up for neglecting me for the previous week."
"Fine. It was Gigi."
Harry's eyes widened, "What!?"
Zayn laughed at that response, "I never said I was answering any questions."
"I hate you." Harry sulked.
"Are you going to eat the apple?" Zayn attempted to change the subject. However, it was mysteriously modified to an even worse subject. Harry frowned, "Right. Yes, I'm going to get one. Do you desire me to get you one?"
"No, I'm fine. I'll most likely just order something later."
Harry stood there watching Zayn walk back to his room or wherever he was heading. At the very least, Harry was relieved that no one would be seeing him eat his sliced apple uncomfortably.
Zayn, on the other hand, was busy texting the other boys. "At the very least, you guys should acknowledge Harry's text. We all know damn well that he had nothing to do with that conversation, and he shouldn't be left alone. He's acting a little more jittery recently, and I'm almost certain it's because no one is talking to him. Suck it up and don't add to Harry's tension. Thanks." And he sent the text.
AN: Sorry, this chapter was kind of short. But those comments on the previous chapter were really nice to look through! Thanks my pretties!! :)
