Exception (Harry Styles)

Chapter 35

Avery's POV

It hurts. It really does hurt, but sitting here on Harry's lap, holding onto him with his strong arms are around me, somehow takes the pain away. His whole attitude has changed. I'm not sure if it is from fear, worry, pity, or a little bit of it all, but I have never witnessed this part of him. Yes, I understand that he has taken care of me and showed that he cares, but not like this. This is different.

I can feel it.

I am beyond nervous. It's safe to say I am flat out scared, but somehow Harry's presence calms me, and I know as long as he can help it, I will be okay. I'm not sure why I keep coming back to him. He breaks me over and over again, but for some reason I can't stay away. I can't stay away from him, and he can't stay away from me. I'm not sure how I should feel about this.

I sit completely still in Harry's lap. My knee isn't hurting as bad now, mostly because I am sitting still. Harry doesn't speak. All he does is continues to hold onto me gently, rubbing small circles on my back. His breaths are slow and even, and I try to concentrate on that rather than my slightly throbbing knee.

I am aware that Jack is starting to become more violent. I am aware that I tend to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and I am aware that hanging around Harry is hurting me and saving me all at the same time.

What scares me the most is that I have excepted the fact that I will take the pain if it means I can let him save me.

"Avery Williams?" I feel my breath hitch when I hear my name being called by what I am assuming is a nurse. Harry immediately holds me to his chest, and whispers soft reassuring words in my ear. I feel his lips come in contact with my head softly before he is standing up, holding me in his strong arms.

I squeeze my eyes shut momentarily when a sharp pain runs through my leg. I feel helpless as Harry carries me to the back.

"Sir, only family-"

"I'm coming with her." He cuts her off almost immediately. Almost daring her to say he can't.

I flinch at his tone, but apparently it worked because we continue to move through the door.

My heart feels like it could beat out of my chest any minute now. I hope and pray that it isn't anything too serious. What will I tell Jack? What about the hospital bill? What will he do to me when he finds out I'm not home. Even worst, with Harry, in a hospital?

I try my best to push all of the negative thoughts away as I am sat down on the table.

I'm here with Harry, and I am okay right now, and that is all that matters.

I keep repeating those words in my mind over and over until I eventually start to believe them.

I just hope I am believing the truth.

Harry's POV

My first thoughts that run through my head when I was told that only family was allowed back, was the fact that I couldn't let her go. I promised her I wouldn't ever let her go again, that I would protect her at all costs, and I plan on keeping that promise. I can't stay away from her, this is a fact that I am forced to believe after how this morning has gone. I just hope I can help her rather than hurt her like I have done in the past.

I guess the glare I shot the young nurse intimidated her enough to let me pass. Exactly what I had hoped. Having an intimidating image can come in handy when it comes to getting your way, besides, there was no way in hell I was going to stay back and let them take her.

However, the short delight of getting my way was short lived when I felt Avery tighten her grip on my T Shirt.

I rub her back, attempting to sooth her nerves as we approach the examination table in the room. My heart breaks a little more as her grip tightens even more as I go to set her down. I have been through this before, plenty of times, but to Avery, all of this is new to her. The pain, stress, horrors, and embarrassment, no doubt getting the best of her, and I wish I could take it all away, but sadly I don't have that power.