𝐏𝐈𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐄𝐃 // 𝐇.𝐒.

21.

TRIGGER WARNING: mentions of sexual assault ahead!

Chapter 21

I did it. I actually completed my coursework and I did a bit of studying, too. After leaving Fine Line Designs, I thought I would stop procrastinating. I took two buses to campus and I made it to the library after a lengthy walk. To my luck, I claimed a public computer—the only one available as the others were hogged by other college students.

I did some reading, some writing, some research for my midterm paper, and I made sure to take a quick break for lunch.

I was very productive and for the first time in a while, I felt like my life was back on track. The fact that I'm currently without a home, have been cheated on, and have been betrayed were the least of my stressors today.

At least I've caught up on my coursework and at least I've had an orgasm.

I lift my phone the moment my screen lights up with an incoming call. If I was on the silent floor of my campus library, I would have waited to answer until after I've wrapped up and left. Though this floor isn't meant for a quiet study, but a collaborative one. Other students chatter around me as I see it's an unknown number calling me.

Harry?

I bring the phone up to my ear to answer, "Hello."

"Butterfly," I hear a feminine whisper through the line. "It's me, Sutton."

I sit back in the rolling desk chair. "Sutton?" I repeat with a soft chuckle. "Uh, hey... Why are you whispering?"

"Because I stole Harry's ugly ass phone. To think this man would own an iPhone, at least."

I laugh. I never noticed the kind of phone Harry has. "How are you? Keeping your stitches clean, I hope."

"Oh, I'm fine. My stitches are fine, too. Though, that's not why I'm calling you... I'm calling you to invite you over to mine and Zayn's place right now."

I can hear voices, loud talking, and music coming through the line. I raise an eyebrow. "Oh, what for?"

"Do you not know?"

"Know what?"

"It's your man's birthday today."

"It's Harry's birthday today?" I look at the computer screen to search for the date. February first. I never really put much thought into learning his birthday. It's weird to think somebody like him even celebrates birthdays.

Now that I think about it, I don't even know his age.

"Yeah, did he not tell you? Either way, come on over. It's just us and a few friends... I'll text you the address, but from my phone, because Harry's phone has buttons and it will take me forever to type it out."

"Okay-"

"Great! I gotta go before he comes back. Bye, Butterfly!"

When the line cuts, I stare down at my phone. I put it down to wait for the text Sutton said she'll send. I then reach for the computer mouse to begin logging out of my email account, school portal account, and Google drive.

If I do go, do I need to get Harry a gift?

I get the text from Sutton. After touching the linked address on my phone, I was redirected to Maps. It isn't too far, according to the GPS.

I stand up from the public computer and I tuck the chair in. I look to my right, where the tall windows of the fifth floor are, and I see that I've spent almost the entire day here.