Falling Stars [h.s]

Chapter 12

Aurora

It was hard to focus on the movie I was watching. Thinking back to the date I agreed to, I questioned what I got myself into. I hadn't been on a proper date in almost five years. I did not want to embarrass myself, even if it was just Harry. Last I saw him he walked out on me when we were minutes away from saying I do. That was embarrassment enough.

I clicked off the TV and stood up. I walked over to the box that was wrapped in purple wrapping paper. I carried the box back to the living room and set it on the floor next to the couch. Sitting down, I carefully untaped the wrapping. Once I got all the wrapping off without ripping it, I opened the box, peering inside of it. Inside the box were even more wrapped medium sized boxes. I didn't want to open all of Layla's gifts from Harry. She enjoyed unwrapping gifts herself.

I reached into the box, taking out the only box that wasn't wrapped. It was a small white jewelry box. I lifted the top of the box, inside was a charm bracelet. There was five charms on it already. The first three were matching circle charms that read Layla Alaska Styles. The next one was the number seven and the last was a moon and star charm.

I put the bracelet back in the box and put it away. I closed the flaps of the box and taped the wrapping paper back up to the way it was before. I pushed the box against the wall, going back to the couch soon after. I laid with my back against the couch and my arms crossed over my stomach, staring at the white ceiling above. I thought back to the Harry said in his meeting with Odyssey about his marriage. I wondered if it was the truth. Clients tend to lie most of the time. He could easily be lying. Although I doubt he was. It just doesn't seem like something he would lie about. 'I have no intentions on staying in a marriage where there is no love' they were the exact same words he said in his goodbye letter then again the other night in my car. It only goes to prove just how important love between two people in a relationship is to him.

Soon enough it was midnight and I still laid on the couch, racking my brain of thoughts. Keys jingled in the front door. Zayn and Odyssey walked in the house laughing hysterically. I continued to quietly lay on the couch, watching with raised eyebrows as they began to have a full on make out session. Odyssey kicked off her heels in a swift move, along with her jean jacket that flew across the room.

I sat up and spoke up before things between the two escalated, "How was your night?" They parted immediately, turning around in surprise.

They walked over to the couch, "How long have you been sitting there?"

"Too long. Is another baby really a good idea?" I responded.

Both Zayn and Odyssey stared back at me with wide eyes and dropped jaws. "Aurora!"

"I'm joking. Do as you please, I'm going to bed." I finally got up from the couch. I left the living room to go to my bedroom. Odyssey followed behind me. "Hey, are you okay?'

"I'm fine." I went into my room and laid down on the bed. Odyssey got on the bed as well, laying down next to me. "What happened?"

"Harry stopped by. He dropped off a gift for Layla."

She hummed in response, "What else happened?"

"I agreed to go out with him tomorrow night. Hence why I can't seem to fall asleep." Her lips formed into a frown. Odyssey watched me, waiting for a reaction. There wasn't one coming. I didn't know how to react. I knew deep down going on a date with Harry was a bad idea. Something inside of me was pushing that bad feeling out of the way. I couldn't bring myself to hate him. It wasn't in my nature to feel such a way towards another human being. Especially Harry.

"I also read the files from your sessions with Harry. I thought I'd let you know instead of trying to hide it."

"I knew you would at some point."

"Why did you hide it from me? You knew he was back for months and you didn't say a word."

"I was trying to protect you. I have watched you go through so much ever since Harry walked out on you. He revealed a side of you we never knew existed, but needed. You've come a long way Aurora. You are not the same person you were six years ago. You've grown to be so much greater. Even with all the struggles you faced during the time of Layla's pregnancy you smiled through the pain. I don't think I would ever be strong enough to handle so much pain if I were in your shoes. You are an amazing mother, an outstanding lawyer, and the greatest Bestfriend anyone could ever ask for. Going back now isn't the best idea for you. I realize you want to find an epic love, but Harry Styles isn't the answer. You deserve someone who isn't embarrassed to love you. Someone who is willing to show you off to all of his friends and continuously reminds you how much they love you. It's okay to move on and start over Aurora. As well as being alone and learning when to say no. But staying with someone who doesn't value your love or appreciate your worth is not at all okay. Forgiveness is one thing but it is important to have boundaries as well. It's hard to love as well as heal someone who constantly uses their pain as an excuse to hurt you. Everyone deserves their happily ever after, especially you Aurora. I just don't think you'll find that with Harry."

I didn't want to admit all she was saying was true. Odyssey warned me about Harry before and she was right then. I had no reason to not believe her now. Harry wasn't the answer to what I was seeking. He had his own problems to deal with at the moment as well.

For so long I've searched for an epic love like the one I had with Elijah, but in a world like this one it was impossible to have such luck. My love with Elijah was special. I'm beginning to believe he was my one and only epic love that was destined for me. There isn't anyone else out there for me. Maybe it's time I stop searching and focus on the more important things. Layla. She is my number one priority.

"You're right."