Revenge Is A Dish Best Served [Larry Stylinson]

Instalment Thirty

The drive over was a mixture of emotions for me, I always kept all of this stuff to myself because I really didn't think anyone would understand. I didn't think they would have enough patience to let me explain before jumping off the deep end, but something about you, Harry, just lets me think you'll understand.

Pulling up in the spare car lot, there isn't a single other car within miles of the place, which is odd for this time of the day, but nonetheless, I'm glad there won't be any other distractions around.

I've tried to avoid eye contact with you the entire way Harry, I didn't want my expression giving off anything you would feel the need to worry about. Also, I'm trusting you with this, and I don't want to second guess myself, and I feel like the smallest hint of concern on your face will unravel this whole thing for me and I'll turn back.

As I shut the car off and walk around to open yours, you're offering me a comforting smile that I can tell he forced, when you smile Harry, it's electric and intoxicating and I love the way you get the little creases in the sides of your eyes and how your dimples pop. And this, your smile hasn't shown anywhere apart from your lips curving into a soft smirk.

"Did you mean what you said? That you trust me?" I search for confirmation that I wasn't aware I needed until the moment I craved your reassurance.

But you take a firm grip of my hand in yours and give it two gentle squeezes. "I trust you" you repeat.

I nod my head in the smallest courage and lead you inside, attempting to keep my stride confident when the reality was that I was completely terrified. Terrified of your reaction and if you would even give me the chance to explain, or if you would run right in the other direction kicking and screaming.

You keep your pace up with mine, which was reassuring in itself, I guess I almost expected to feel slight pulling from behind where your hesitant steps kept you from moving in the direction we were headed.

Before I can even process myself to open the door, I feel like it needs an explanation before visualisation. But I don't have the words. I wouldn't even know where to begin in explaining this. So, I just choose to swallow hard and push open the door, allowing you to enter first so there is no interruption in your sight.

I keep a deliberate eye on you as I watch you take in the surroundings; however, you are offering me a strong poker face and I have no idea what you are thinking or feeling. Your breathing hasn't even changed rhythm, which is totally unexpected, I see this sight more times in a week than I don't, and I still can't control my emotions when I come in.

"Say something?" I encourage, begging for any form of emotion at this point.

You don't look over to me, you're keeping a firm gaze upon the person lying in the bed, but you don't look scared, you look saddened more than anything.

"Who is she?"

I join you in the room finally and stand right up beside you before making my way over to the bed. I was surprised she was sleeping; she's usually up playing at this point.

"This is Emerson. She's my daughter"

I stand there overlooking her blemished body, the burns were finally starting to heal around the edging of her face. Her face was still swollen a little around the edges of her eyes and her top lip was almost free from being fused against the skin below her nose.

"Daughter?" is all you question me, and I'm surprised you haven't run.

Today was our first date and I'm guessing you never thought you would end up in the intensive care burn unit. Nothing more romantic.

"Yeah, accidently got a party hook up knocked up a little over 2 years ago. Nothing like becoming at dad at 16, but I guess that's what happens."

You haven't torn your eyes away from her, I understand that the sight of her injuries can be a little shocking, but you don't have a single ounce of disgust in your eyes as they hold nothing but sorrow.

"Mr Tomlinson, surprised to see you back here so soon" and by so soon, Nurse Lang means, with company.

"I had someone I wanted Em to meet" I announce, feeling your expression burning into the back of my head at my change of tone.

"I'll leave you to it, I'll be back to change her dressings in an hour" and with that, she leaves us back in the room.

"That didn't even sound like you" you tease.

"I guess that's my big secret Haz, when I am here, with her, I'm a completely different version of myself"

You haven't asked me about her grievances, yet Harry and I will admit, it's a little worrying, it is almost as if you are worried about the answer, like you don't want to know. And unfortunately, whatever it is you construct in your head, it's not even going to come close to the truth.

"This changes a lot Louis"

The harsh truth finally reveals itself. And this is what I was afraid of but to be honest, wasn't expecting. I thought you would understand, Harry. But I guess everyone has their limits and I'm still learning about yours. 

"I understand" I can't even attempt to hide my disappointment right now.

But the amount my heart skips when I feel your presence come up behind me and entangle your hand within mine causes me a hint of confusion.

"In a good way" you add, knowing that you had me stressing. "You've just introduced me to yourself, finally. You have this entire layer to you that I didn't even know existed and I was already in awe of what I already knew. I change my mind Louis, please don't let me go. I don't ever want to walk away, not now, not ever"