The state I'm in COMPLETED

The day after

When Harry came home, his face was pale, his expression unreadable. His jade-green eyes, usually filled with warmth, were clouded with something else.

Fear.

Rose, ever perceptive, took one look at me, then at Harry, and without a word, retreated into her room. But not before giving me a sympathetic glance, as if silently saying, I know this conversation isn't going to be easy.

She was right.

"So... what happened?" Harry asked hesitantly, his voice tight.

His questions tumbled out in a nervous rush before I could even respond.

"Was she mad? Did she already know about me? Did they tell her? Of course, they did, I mean, I know what they're capable of—what exactly did she say? Did she give you an ultimatum? Did she tell your dad? She asked you to stay away from me, didn't she?"

I let him get it all out before exhaling and moving toward the sofa, signalling for him to sit beside me.

"Yes, she knows everything. She was informed." I said, sarcasm laced in my tone.

Harry frowned. "And...?"

"And what?"

"Did she forbid you from seeing me?"

I scoffed. "Forbid me? Harry, I'm almost twenty years old. They can't forbid me."

His leg bounced with anxiety. "She's not happy, though, is she?"

I shook my head. "Of course, she's not. But she won't do anything to stop me either. She hasn't told my dad yet. I think she's testing the waters—seeing how serious we are before she drops this bomb on him. Probably doesn't want to give him a heart attack."

I smiled, hoping to lighten the mood, but it didn't work.

Harry ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. "This isn't a joke, Valerie. I was dying inside until you called me back—I thought she was going to force you to end things with me."

He turned to face me fully. "I want your parents to like me, damn it. And your brothers, too."

I placed a hand on his arm, squeezing gently. "And they will. Just give it time."

He inhaled deeply, nodding. "So... who told her?"

"Who do you think?" I said dryly.

His jaw clenched. "Nadia."

"Nadia."

I sighed. "She called my house and told my mom everything. I felt sorry for her, to be honest. My mom must have been in shock. I don't even know how she managed to drive here afterward."

Harry exhaled sharply, rubbing his face. "You should have told her yourself, baby."

I nodded. "I know."

His gaze softened. "So, what was the verdict?"

"She wasn't happy, Harry. She's worried about me. She thinks I'll grow out of this. But... she did say you were handsome."

That caught him off guard. His lips twitched into a small, reluctant smile. "She did now, did she?"

"Yeah, she did."