etc. // hs

39.

*Norah's POV*

My mom handed me a warm mug and I took it gratefully, my hands still shaking slightly from how much I had been crying.

Harry and I always got along, we hardly ever disagreed but now it seemed like we would never be able to make up. What he said was horrible.

"I'm sure he was just caught up in the moment," my mom said softly as she rubbed small circles on my back. "You know deep down that he didn't mean that."

"I have no idea what he wants anymore," I answered in a whisper. "He used to be so excited when I brought up our wedding and now...things are just different. I'm not sure he wants this."

"Of course he does, darling," my dad cut in with a small grin. "You don't see the way he looks at you. He's head over heels for you, baby."

My mother nodded in agreement but I didn't feel any better. I felt achy and sad and bloated, so finally they both kissed me on the cheek and left me alone in the living room.

"We're going out to an early dinner," my mother smiled, her head peeking into the living room after I had watched a few episodes of Family Guy. "Wanna come along? You love sushi and your father is craving it, oddly enough."

"I'm good, mom," I replied with a very forced smile. "Just not really feeling up to it right now."

"Okay, hon. You're welcome to stay the night, you know that. I can stop at the store and pick up anything you need, okay? Just call."

"Thank you," I laughed, giving her another small kiss on the cheek. "Have fun with dad."

She laughed lightly and my dad called out a cheery goodbye before the door closed and the house was quiet.

Of course this whole time Harry was texting me and calling me like crazy but I just ignored most of it. If he had something to say, he could just wait until I was ready.

After a few more episodes and another couple spills of diet coke on my dress, I let out a deep breath and dragged myself up the stairs to take a shower. As I waited for the water to heat up, I scrolled through Harry's messages and shook my head.

From: Harry
Baby, please. I'm so sorry

From: Harry
Norah, just tell me you're okay. I'm worried sick

From: Harry
I'm going to call the fucking police if you don't at least let me know you're alright

From: Harry
Please

I locked my phone and got under the hot water, my muscles relaxing and my headache subsiding as I began humming to myself. I had no idea what I was going to say to Harry when I finally decided to speak to him but I knew it wouldn't be pretty for either of us.

After my shower, I dug out some of Harry's old T-shirts from the back of my closet and found some leggings in my mom's closet. They were both black and I didn't have a clean bra so I was stuck in a Pink Floyd band shirt and black leggings, with bare feet and wet hair. So attractive.

"We're back!" My mom yelled as I was just coming back down the stairs. "We brought some leftovers."

I caught a whiff of the sushi and gagged a little, but disguised it as a cough so my mom wouldn't get upset. She was very protective of her leftover choices.

"Have you talked to Harry yet?" She asked casually as we ate vanilla ice cream out of the carton.

I bit my lip. "Um, he texted me a couple times."

"But you didn't answer?"

"I haven't yet."

"Well he called us."

"Seriously?"

"Right in the middle of the appetizer," she laughed to herself. "Darling, he's going out of his mind. I felt like I was talking him off a ledge."

"He always gets dramatic when we fight," I rolled my eyes. "Even when we were kids. He wants to make sure that I feel guilty about it later."

She exhaled deeply and shrugged. "Maybe you're right. But I'm not sure he's like that anymore, babe. He sounded horrible."

"Okay, okay," I raised my hands in surrender and dusted them off on my shirt before I grabbed my phone. "I'll call him, geez."

"Good girl." She put the ice cream away and left me alone in the kitchen, although I had a feeling that she was sitting right outside with her ear pressed to the door. Like mother like daughter, I guess.

It had barely rang once when he answered. "Norah, holy shit," he said hurriedly. "Fuck baby, I'm so sorry for everything."

I picked at the hem of my shirt and sighed. "Yeah, I know."

"Where are you? Are you okay?"

"I thought you called my parents," I frowned. "Didn't they tell you where I am?"

"No, your mom wouldn't tell me. She pretended like her phone service cut out."

I couldn't help but smile. That woman.

"Oh," I replied quietly. "I'm at my parents' house."

"So you're alright?"

"Fine."

He let out the biggest breath I think I've ever heard and I actually felt bad for him. Maybe it was irresponsible for me to run off like that, especially since I was carrying his baby. I made a mental note to tell him next time I felt a breakdown coming on.

"Can I come get you?"

"I-I don't really think that's a good idea."

"Please?"

"I think I should just stay here tonight. It's late anyway and I think we both need to cool down."

"Baby, I'm cool," he pleaded softly. "Please, I need you here with me."

"I want to stay here," I repeated slowly. "I don't really want to see you right now, honestly."

"Oh." He sounded so upset and broken, I felt my eyes fill with more tears. "That's settled then. I guess I'll just let you go."

I thought hard of a reason to see him. "Well I need some pajamas," I blurted. "You could bring me some?"

"Yes, yes I'll leave right now," he laughed in relief. "Don't go to sleep, okay? I want to tell you goodnight."

"Okay."

He started to say 'I love you' but he quickly stopped himself and I cleared my throat uncomfortably before hanging up.

It was another fifteen minutes before he actually showed up, except I didn't even recognize him because he was in a beautiful little black Audi. It was gorgeous but he looked even better as he stepped out, a huge bouquet of white roses in his hand and a nervous frown on his face.

"Hey," he let out with a very tense smile. "I just thought you might- er, want them."

I took the flowers with a straight face but as soon as his back turned to me, I buried my face in the bouquet and inhaled deeply. Their natural scent was mixed with his cologne and it made just the most intoxicating smell. I wasn't sure how much longer I would be able to stay angry at him.

Long update bc the next few chapters might be a little rushed and incredibly emotional :/

To give you all a hint: we lose either norah or harry and the rest of the story is the other one's struggle to move on. But it works out, I think

Hope you guys are okay with this