Changes [h.s.]

Chapter Four

Chapter Four — Guests

Harry.

     I dry my damp hair with a towel, flipping through channels. Nothing interesting comes to mind and it I still question why Naomi and I signed up for cable anyway since we have Netflix and Hulu. My friend, Ethan, had texted me a few minutes ago and asked if I wanted to go out with the boys tonight. I don't know if I want to go out or not. In fact, I don't like going out at all. I'm either working, taking a nap at home, or running errands for Naomi. I don't do errands for Naomi because I want to, I do it because I'd need something anyway.

I'm a 24-year-old guy and my partying days have been over since I graduated UNI this summer which was, by the way, pointless. My parents just wanted me to finish college so they could tell their business friends that. I never knew what I wanted so I work at their company as their administrative assistant. It couldn't have been more miserable than that, for me. It was my easy route, not that I am into business, technology, manufacturing or all that bullshit. They don't pay me enough — ironically—hence why I'm living with a friend. I suppose they do that so I can show any sign of interest to our family company some day and give my effort in the family business. I don't plan to really.

My older sister, Beatrice, is and always have been doing way better. She's going to take over the throne soon and I'll be in her shadow like always. There are individuals who really know what they want and do whatever it takes to get it; then there are people who just don't know what they want  — I'm one of those people.

My notification goes off again and it's Ethan.

Hey man, it breaks my heart when you don't reply to my texts. You busy making phone calls?

"Bitch," I muttered before shutting my phone off. My friends make fun of my job. Despite my lack of pay, I still make more than them so they can make fun of me all they want.

Knocks came quietly from the door and I predict it would be Ethan and his obsession over getting me to go out. I get up, combing my wet hair with my fingers and open the door with my free hand. Stands before me are two, sad-looking people. Not Ethan. The guy held a duffle back and so did the girl, who was looking at me oddly. They both just stand there, gawking.

"Can I help you?" I question, my eyes narrowed.

"Al!" Naomi exclaimed in excitement, coming out of the hall. I rolled my eyes. She has a habit of unexpectedly inviting people without me knowing and tend to forget that I live in the flat too. I'll let it pass, she pays for most of the rent anyway with the allowance her Daddy gives her weekly.

Naomi brushed passed me and hugs the two strangers, letting them in.

"Come in, come in," she tells them. I grab my phone from the couch and attempt to disappear to my room so Naomi doesn't introduce me.

"Harry," Naomi says and I huff. Too late. I turn with my heel. "Harry, this is my cousin Alec and his girlfriend Anais."

"Ana," the girl corrected, not giving eye contact anymore and tucking her dark hair behind her ear.

"Have we met?" Alec asks me.

I pierce my lips and shake my head. I don't want to be here and I definitely do not want to converse with these people. I think I'm going to reconsider Ethan's invitation.

Naomi rolled her eyes. "Anyway, they're going to stay with us for a while until they find their own place."

What? Great. Just fucking great. Another problem with Naomi, she always made these decisions regarding a space that is also mine. I brush it off again.

I wish Naomi good luck on finding them a spot. They can sleep anywhere just not in my damn spaces of the house. Meaning: my room, my boxes of cereal, and the TV. Don't touch those and we will be just fine.

"You can take Harry's room," Naomi said as if to spite me. "He will be fine on the couch."

"I don't think your boyfriend is fond of the idea," Alec says and I'm tempted to wipe off that smug on his face. I think it runs in their family to piss me off.

"I'm not her boyfriend and no one is taking my room," I snap. "Alec, aren't you the runaway family member Naomi spoke to me about once —"

He scoffs.

"Harry," Naomi warned, shooting me a glare and I shrug. "They're my guests. Plus, you literally took the master bedroom and there's two of them. If you didn't fight with me about getting the bigger bedroom then maybe this wouldn't happen, would it? I pay for most of the rent so if you won't want them here, you can stay at Ethan's or your parents'."

Alec's girlfriend laughs quietly. Please, shut the fuck up or I will kick out everyone in here myself.

I raise my eyebrows at the girl and turn back to Naomi. She's really pushing buttons right now. "Naomi, are you serious right now?"

She sighs and grabs my arm, leading me in our small hallway.

"Stop being a dick, Harry," she whispers.

"You invited these people without even consulting me and now you're giving up my room?" I ask her loudly, not caring if they can hear. She smacks my arm.

"It's only for a week... or until they find their own place. They're not in a good position right now, I'm just trying to help them out. You know, just like I helped you."

She's not wrong. I was in a bad place when I met her.

"Just please give them your room for a while," Naomi says when I don't respond. She smiles up at me with her dumb puppy dog eyes. She always does this and I always give in. Even if she annoys the fuck out of me, she's become like a little sister and I guess you could say I care about her... in a way. Naomi just really knows how to infuriate me.  "Please?" She says again.

"Fuck you Naomi," I huff and she jumps up and places a kiss on my cheek. I flinch and wipe my face. "I told you to stop doing that."

She only laughs and goes back to the living room to speak with her fucking cousin and girlfriend. I could only hope they'd stay for just a week because if not, I won't be doing this for free. They might have to actually pay me rent for my own bedroom.

I chuckle to myself at the idea.

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