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Chapter 100

You
Couldn't be more different than me
So each time we agree
I feel fulfilled
You always end up stickin' to me
Somehow, somehow

— The Neighbourhood, Stuck With Me

. . . .

"You have everything packed right?" Harry asks me from the boot of the car.

We've managed to fit some boxes into the back of Harry's car, some into mine, then the rest is stored in Bonnie's van. Everyone's here–and I mean everyone. From Harry and his family to mine, and even Harris who's back visiting his family. The twins are with Bonnie's parents and Lilly's playing in the yard with Ryan.

"I think so," I answer back to Harry as he scans his eyes over the boxes packed into his car.

"I'll be right back," Harry says then runs back into the house.

The back of my arm is touched and when I turn, Harris stands behind me with a half-smile. "Hey, Vi."

"Hey." I reach up and wrap my arms around his shoulders. "How's Southhampton?"

"Great. There's been decent weather, so we've been out looking around the city, but I start school in two weeks."

"How's Olivia?"

He blushes and glances towards the house, then back to me. Lilly's giggles and yelps are detectable amongst the chatter of everyone that's gathered in the driveway.

"She couldn't be better. She decided to go to Southhampton and we now live together. It was unexpected and early in our relationship, but I feel like it fits. I'm happy with her."

"Good," I say. "I'm glad you're happy."

"And you seem happy? How have you been doing with everything that happened?"

"To be honest, it's not a great feeling being bullied by a large group of people all at once." He stares at me, not interested in the joking aspect, but it is true. "Harry's helped me a lot. He's been my rock through all of this. I do think back to what I read about me, and it really does hurt. I'm glad Harry deleted it all, but it's still out there and everyone knows."

"It may not be now, but people will eventually calm down. I don't want to lie and say that they'll forget about it, because I doubt they will, but it won't be nearly as bad in the future. One day you two are going to be able to walk around without getting ridiculed or judged. Time will let that happen."

I stare down at a smudge on the boot lid of Harry's car and rub at it. That night is still fresh in my mind; it has been since it all happened. Sure, Harry's helped take my mind off of it, but it's not that difficult to remember the horrible things people have said to you at any given time. Even when Harry and I are having a good day together, I still do get tripped up on the comments I did get to read. It's not easy being judged because of the person you love.

"Uh, yeah."

I'm staring down at my hands and digging my nails into my palm to help keep me from crying. It's been an emotional ride for me, and although healthy, talking about it doesn't help me feel better.

"Let's not talk about it anymore, okay? I can tell you're upset. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up today."

"I appreciate you being concerned. To be honest, it feels kind of nice to be cared about," I tell him and accept the hug he pulls me into.

"I'll always care about you, Vi."

I try to focus on anything but the previous conversation about the peers to prevent me from full-on sobbing, but I hold back. I feel even more comfort when Harry walks out of the house, a concerned frown on his face.