The Side You Don't Hear (1D)

Chapter 6

Harry's POV

                The next morning I sat on the couch fighting with myself.  What was I going to do today?  I had spent the last few hours just sitting here doing nothing, and did I really want to continue doing that for the rest of the day?  Or did I want to do what I promised and make the short drive across town and meet Clark?  Of course, I knew which of the two I had to do, which happened to be what I can't do.  That was it; I've made my decision.  I didn't want to be a part of that child's life when he was born, and I'm not going to change that now.  I couldn't afford to take back all the press progress I was making with Payson by doing something I'd regret anyways.  I nodded my head, knowing that this was my final choice, and pulled out my laptop to occupy myself for a little while.

Alice's POV

                I was practically shaking with anxiety while watching the front door.  Harry was going to come over and meet Clark today, but he didn't give me a time, so I was left to panic about his arrival for every waking minute.  I turned around and looked at Peter holding my baby boy in his arms, slowly rocking him to sleep, and smiled.  Peter was so good with Clark and he was truly a life saver, especially today.  I didn't entirely trust Harry coming here, as unpredictable as he was, and Peter had insisted on being here to help me handle him if it came to that.  He was such a great guy.

                Watching Peter hum to Clark in such an adorable way really got me thinking.  Peter wasn't a bad looking guy.  He had the sweetest smile and the brightest blue eyes I had ever seen.  He had dark brown hair and was just long enough to show some waves when he didn't have it slicked back.  He was tall, probably about six feet and three inches, and was extremely well built.  He's the type of guy I could really get used to having around, especially since he was so amazing with Clark, but I know that we'd never be more than friends for one particular reason, so I just shook my head and went back to door watching.

                Hours passed, the baby woke and went back to sleep, the sun set, and all meals had been eaten, but I still expected a knock to sound at any moment.  Peter played his role as babysitter while I stressed and never let me give up hope that Harry could still show up.  He sat silently at the kitchen table with me until it was eleven pm, the official time of giving up hope.  Once the clock struck, he took it as the cue to come over and comfort me as I broke into tears.  Harry and I had been on the verge of a break through thanks to Liam, but he didn't have the balls to finish what he started, which really shouldn't surprise me anymore.  I just couldn't help but think that he would do what he did a thousand times while I was pregnant.

-Nine Months Ago-

                Harry was late for dinner, and I had been sitting at the table in the kitchen of his flat for three hours with the food on the table.  I understood, of course; his job was demanding and he was sometimes required to stay very late into the night.  All I really wanted on nights like these was a phone call, or maybe even a text, letting me know that he'd be late so I wouldn't have to sit here and worry for hours.

                 I sighed, giving up on waiting, and stood to start clearing the tabling and putting the food away.  Just then, I was surprised to hear the click of the door unlocking and creak as it opened.  I turned and watched the kitchen door slowly open to show a very sorry looking Harry with a bouquet of red roses.  He walked in and held them out to me, giving me his very best puppy eyes that I had no chance of resisting.  I finally cracked a smile, showing forgiveness, as did he as he reached forward and pulled my face to his.  He smiled as he softly kissed me, and then knelt down to plant a kiss on my still-growing stomach.  I couldn't help but laugh, as he started talking to his child growing inside of me.  How could I be mad at this adorable goofball for being late (again) when he went and did something so cute?

                "You know, at some point, flowers and a cute smile won't make up for you being constantly tardy," I badgered him as I stuck his plate of food in the microwave to warm it back up.

                "I know, sweetie," he said, coming up behind me and wrapping his arms around my waist, "I'm really, really, really, reeeeaallllly sorry and I promise you it won't happen again."  I laughed at his pathetic apology and turned around to kiss him.

-Present Time-

                If only he had been telling the truth that day.  He had been late a billion times after that, but he always came home looking and sounding so sorry that I always forgave him.  Now I wish that I had laid down some kind of rule back then, and maybe then he wouldn't think that standing me up today is acceptable.  I know things are different now, and that he has no obligation to me to let me know that he isn't coming, but today wasn't about Harry and I.  Today was about Clark and his needs, not those of his parents.  I couldn't just let Harry get away with this all over again, but what was I going to do?

                Peter stayed the night with me, holding me as I cried into the early hours of the morning.  He got up with Clark, who was playing happily by the time I emerged from bed later that day.  Peter was pacing the living room when I walked in, and he looked up as soon as I closed the door behind me.  He came over and hugged me like his life depended on it.

                "You alright, sweetie?" he whispered into my hair without letting me go.

                "I'll survive," was all I answered him with.  He squeezed me once more and rubbed my back, eventually pulling away.

                "I have to go run a few errands today.  Are you okay here with Clark or do you want me to take him with me?  You could also come as well if you want to get out of the house for a bit," Peter offered, looking at me with hopeful eyes.

                "Thanks, but no thanks.  I'll stay here with Clark.  I've got a few things I really should be doing today anyways," was my excuse to ease his mind.  Peter nodded and walked over to kiss Clark on the head before putting on his coat and grabbing his keys.  "You know," I said, causing him to stop in the doorway, "You really are a lifesaver.  I can't thank you enough for all that you do for Clark and I." A breathtakingly gorgeous smile broke across his face as I finished speaking.

                "I love you too, sweetie," he said, keeping his smile, before he turned and closed the door behind him.  I shook my head.  That boy was really something.