Hidden Identities // H.S

Chapter 22

Harry Styles

     I'd never seen Jane like that before. I thought the worst I was going to see her was when she was drunk. She's always so...professional. Like nothing wrong goes on in her life, ever. Her having panic attacks would've been the last thing I imagine happening to her. I'd never seen her cry before. I'd never seen her look so scared before.

For once I felt bad for the girl. I've had my fair share of panic attacks and they are my least favorite thing in this world. I knew exactly what she was going through at that moment. The fear that the horrible feeling might not go away.

She's not as stuck up as I imagined. She's normal when she's not on the job. I never knew about her dead father or her love for blue slurpees or her issues with her mum. I always saw her as someone that tried to be as professional as possible and allowed herself no screwups. But underneath all those suits and slicked-back ponytails, she has issues. Many undiscovered issues.

Almost like she has some sort of hidden identity.

I felt so much pity for her that I went and bought her a new phone. I know how most people today can't live without their phones and hers was totally ruined. I was going to set it up myself and surprise her when I got back to my office but she was there when I got back.

She hugged me. It was weird. I was caught off guard by it. She went for my neck. I didn't even know people hugged like that. I felt her warm hands wrap around me. I smelt her perfume that gave off vanilla and something sweet.

This time her hug was full of intention. She hugged me once before. The night she got drunk and burst into tears. She hugged me and cried into my chest but I've always excused it as it being the whiskey I gave her.

I do wonder what caused her attack. Are they just random or is there something behind them like mine? Mine consisted of the haunting image and voice of my brother's last moments.

I sat there hopeless. I couldn't help no matter how hard I yelled, how hard I tried to tie out of the rope, no matter how loud I pleaded for it to be me.

My dad says we're going out for dinner tonight. Just me and him, no Becca. He mentioned something about it being business-related. With everything going on in my head I forget that I'm taking over his business soon. Truth is, I don't want it. He should've given it to Becca. She seems like she wanted it more anyways. It's too much responsibility for me.

I plan to give Becca fifty percent. We can be business partners, but I'm not telling her yet. I'll surprise her with it. Without her help, I know the business would go to shit.

"Mila gave you two options." Becca rolls in a rack with two suits hung up. "Which are you feeling?"

I look between the two suits, scrunching up my face in confusion. "It's dinner. Why do I have to dress up?"

Becca sighs in annoyance, "Paparazzi is going to be there. Seriously, Harry, we've been doing this all our lives and you're still questioning it. Now pick, black or the pink?"

I shake my head no at her, "Not happening. Go tell Mila I picked out my own outfit."

"Fine." She huffs, "Have fun at your dinner date."

I pick up the black trousers from my bed, calling out at Becca, "What do you think it's for? You're not invited so it can't be about business, right?"

"It's probably about you taking over the business and what dad expects from you. Now, why would I be invited to that?" She shrugs.

"It's not." I purse my lips, "I have a weird feeling it's not."