Collide (Impact Book 2) | h.s. | complete

7. Regret.

A/N: Photo of the nursery in the media bar! Vote and comment! xxx

Regret. Some people say that you should never regret anything, because, more often than not, it was something you wanted at one point in time. But how could you not regret something, having wanted it or not, if you knew the damage that it would cause? If you knew that the seemingly unbreakable bond that you threw your entire soul into is only impenetrable until things get rough. If you knew that the burning desire you felt for someone, that carnal need for their skin on your, their eyes on yours, their body one with yours, would leave you with nothing. Would lead you down this road to loneliness that no amount of time could cure. For every lie I had told, every life I held in my hands, and ever heart I’ve broken I’ve paid and I’ll pay a thousand times over. I’ll pay until I take my last breath.

“Tor? I have something to show you.” Tanner’s voice broke me from my thoughts and I turned around, pulling a knit sweater over my head and letting it fall to the middle of my thighs over a pair of black maternity leggings which were carefully tucked into loose woolen socks. I had just woken up after a long sleep. It was already close to three o’clock and I had taken a short shower.

“Where are you?” I asked, walking towards his voice 

“In the nursery.” He said and my brow furrowed. 

“The nursery?” I said to myself, quickening my pace. We hadn’t decided on which room would serve as a nursery or if we would even be staying here in France at all. When I reached the end of the hall I opened the door and a hand flew to my mouth. The walls were an elegant shade of cream that accentuated the rich beige of the curtains and the fluffy carpet. An antique rolling bassinette was perched in front of the wide, bright windows with an old white rocking chair next to it, a fluffy white blanket draped over the back. There was a wardrobe propped open stocked with clothing and toys and blankets and a crib off to the side with a fluffy, soft lining that looked like a cloud.

“Do you like it?” Tanner asked from behind the rocking chair and I nodded, my hand still over my mouth. Tanner rushed to my side and guided me further into the room. “I had a bunch of things delivered this morning and I’ve been slowly buying clothing since we arrived.” He said lookin down at me as I took in all of the rich colors and the beauty of his creation. Tanner had always been selfish. He had been sweet and kind, but had always been concerned for himself. But something in me was starting to belief than he had changed. I wanted, so badly, to trust him and to let him into my heart again but something stopped me every time. “Say something?” He said, his voice quiet. He looked to me just as tears poured over onto my cheeks. 

“Oh, Tori don’t cry.” He said, turning to me and taking my hands in his. “Please don’t cry I’m sorry if you don’t like it, we can change it however you want…”

“No it’s just…I’ve never seen something so beautiful.” I stuttered as more tear streaked my skin. I reached up and threw my arms around his neck, burying my face in his chest. 

“I’m so happy that you like it.” He whispered, brushing my hair behind my ear, then running his hands over it. He took both hands and placed them on the side of my face and forced me to look at him. “I would do anything for you, you need to know that.” He said, as his hands slid from my ears, over my hair smoothing it as they travelled to the back of my neck.

“Thank you.” I whispered, pulling him close. “Thank you.”

~Harry~

“Wow, am I ever glad to see you in one piece.” Louis said from the couch in the living room of our condo. I dropped our bags on the carpet as he stood and walked towards me. He took my face in his hands and held it, examining me closely. “You look like complete shit.”

“Thanks, I feel like it…” I said, pulling away from his grasp as he let his hands fall.

“Lewis,” Gemma said as she left the bathroom and crossed the kitchen to the fridge.

“Gem,” He said, opening his arms to her. She grabbed two water bottles and tossed one my way and cracked one herself before folding herself into Louis’ arms.

“Is El here?”

“Of course, she’s just grabbing a shower, she can’t wait to see you.” He smiled and Gemma beamed back at him.

 “Are we going to go out tonight?” She asked, directing the question my way. I glanced at Louis, who nodded.

 “You bet, Happy Buddha is calling our names.” Eleanor called from the top of the glass staircase that led to the second floor of the condo. Gemma squealed and tore towards her as El flew down the stairs. They collided at the bottom, embracing tightly. 

 “You guys go ahead, I’m not quite up for a party.” I said, lifting Gemma’s bag and my own before starting for the stairs.

 “Oh Harry, come on, this will be good for you. You look so…” Gemma started before she was interrupted.

 “Down?” Louis added.

 “Deflated.” El said with a grimace at the same time that Louis spoke. Gemma and Louis shot her a puzzled look and I rolled my eyes. Happy Buddha was dark, and there was free flowing booze for me to waste my night away on, booze that would help me forget everything that was killing me inside.

 “Alright. I’ll go get ready.”