Ripped Away (A Harry Styles Fan Fiction)

Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

After forcing down a few bites of breakfast, Harry felt more aware than ever. The numbness was dying down, and as he regained strength and feeling, his thoughts cleared as well.

He pondered what was happening back in Calgary. He had left almost immediately after the incident, so he had no idea what the police did with Crystal’s body, and he was almost certain that her parents had driven down there once they’d been informed of her death. He couldn’t imagine their pain. They had lost their 23-year-old daughter, and that couldn’t be anything short of unbearable.

Harry wondered about her best friends, Becca and Sheyenne... How were they coping with this? And the rest of her family? Her little brother? Her grandparents? Harry realized just how selfish he had been, thinking that he was the only person in the world that couldn’t live without Crystal. She had a family that loved her, and friends that saw her every day. There were so many others that were being affected by her death, and he didn’t even clue in about it until now.

He reminded himself that he needed to call her parents and offer his help. They probably weren’t financially prepared for a funeral, and they also probably needed to be comforted by someone who was able to relate to their suffering.

He didn’t want to think about Crystal’s funeral. He didn’t want to sit there and listen to all the things she had wanted to do but never had the chance, or all her favorite things that she’ll never be able to talk about again. But he’d be there, to honor and respect her memory.

Paul had gone home when the boys went to bed last night, and returned in the morning. As Anne invited him into the house, Harry noticed that Paul looked exhausted, like he hadn’t slept at all.

He walked into the dining room and stood by Harry, patting his shoulder. “Hey, kiddo.”

Harry attempted a smile, but it didn’t work. Paul pulled out a chair next to Harry at the table and sat silently for a few moments before speaking. “How are you feeling?”

Shrugging, Harry answered, “Terrible, but better."

Paul nodded. “I’ve been in contact with the Calgary Police Department. I have some things to discuss, but only if you’re well enough. It can wait if you need some time.”

Harry leaned back in his chair. Did he really want to talk about this now, so early after the incident? Was he prepared for whatever Paul had to say? Would his heart be able to take it?

Anne was standing in the corner of the room, shooting warning glances at Paul. She didn’t want him to push her son too far, especially right after they had calmed him enough to eat.

About a minute passed, and Harry made his decision. He was ready to hear it. He was ready to be strong, for Crystal. “Okay, tell me.”

Paul was wary. “You’re sure? If it’s too soon-”

“I'm ready.” Harry interrupted.  He knew this wasn’t going to be easy, but it had to be done.

Nodding, Paul took a deep breath. His words were slow and gentle. “Okay. I had spoken with the police and they gave me the hard facts. They said that the doctors had done everything they could, but she had lost too much blood by the time she had gotten to the hospital. She died at 8:53 pm. They contacted her parents, who proceeded to drive down to Calgary. They took her back to her hometown for her funeral, which is being arranged. They’ll call when they have a date.” Paul took a break to make sure Harry wasn’t about to explode, and although each of Paul’s words ripped through him like a chainsaw, he kept very calm and attentive.

Paul continued. “The police also stated that they are investigating the crime scene. They said...” He allowed his voice to trail off, unsure of whether he should tell Harry what he knew.

It didn’t go unnoticed. “What? What did they say?”

Shaking his head, Paul took another deep breath. “Harry...they can’t find anything.”

Confused, Harry frowned. “What do you mean by that?”

“I mean, there is no evidence, according to them. They can’t find a thing.”

Thinking back, Harry distinctly remembered that the murderess had dropped her knife on the floor in front of him. “That’s impossible. There was a knife, the woman... She had a knife. She came into the room, she...she dropped it....” Harry was nearly squinting trying to think of what he had seen.

Paul looked confused as well. “Harry, there was no knife. The police are searching the entire restaurant. Maybe she took the knife with her when she left.”

Frustrated, Harry insisted, “No, she dropped the knife right in front of me and left. She left! She couldn’t have picked it up. It was there, on the floor! She wasn’t wearing gloves either; there must be fingerprints, something!”

Paul spoke softly. “Harry, listen. I only know what they told me, and they said there was no evidence. I’m with you, I don’t believe it either, but apparently there’s no murder weapon, no fingerprints and no other witnesses. They’ve got nothing to go on.”

“What about cameras? The restaurant certainly must have caught her on tape.”

“They checked. Any areas that had cameras were clear, so she must have known and avoided them.”

Harry couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “You mean to say there were no cameras in the dining room, hallway or bathroom?”

“Apparently not,” Paul assumed, now worrying that he might have said too much. “Look, maybe they’ve found something by now, who knows? The important thing is that they will not rest until this woman is caught. We need to trust them, Harry.”

He desperately wanted to argue, but Harry knew there was nothing Paul could do. He needed to be grateful that Paul was keeping him up to speed. He sighed heavily and nodded.

Reaching over, Paul placed his hand on Harry’s shoulder. “I want you to know that you’re doing so well.  I know this can’t be easy, and I’m proud of you for pushing through.” He offered Harry a warm smile and Harry was able to return it. He was so grateful that he had someone like Paul to support him, to be his role model.

Just then, Paul’s cell phone began to ring. He looked at the number and announced that it was coming from Calgary. He stood up as he answered it, and paced to the other side of the room. Harry’s heart raced as he awaited the news being delivered into Paul’s ear.

Ending the call, Paul turned towards Harry slowly. “That was Crystal’s mum. They’re having her funeral in seven days, so next Monday.”

Harry thought. Next Monday was the 13th.

May 13th.

Crystal’s 24th birthday.  

~~~

Hello everyone!

I'm terribly sorry this was posted so late, I've been taking a little break from things and didn't get around to it until now. Plus, who could focus on anything else when it's almost Chrismas?!? :D

Anyways, I hope you guys liked this chapter! I know I said the depressing stuff was mainly over, and it is. That doesn't mean it's not going to be sad, and unfortunately, I must include the funeral. But I promise you that I've devised a very juicy plot for you to sink your teeth into, so stick around!

Have a very Merry Christmas, and I'll see you next week! :)

Crystal xx