Cherry Bomb [h.s]

25

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^^ the song used in this chapter
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I haven't spoken to Harry once today. Not directly, anyway.

I was surprised, though, to see that Harry wasn't trying to talk to me, either. Like he actually wanted to give me space for once. Perhaps he realized that his so-called self-destructive 'nature' doesn't do him any favors. And it definitely doesn't get him into my pants.

Or maybe he was just being petty and giving me the silent treatment, as well. I didn't really know, and honestly, I didn't really care. I needed time to cool down.

I walked through some gardens with Willow again this morning, this time Zayn trailed along.

Being around him was as easy as it had always been. Between teasing Willow and cracking jokes with me, he seemed like he was having a good time.

"You're in a good mood," I observed as we made our way to sound check. 

"Why wouldn't I be?" He asks. 

"No reason," I shrug, even though we both know that he hasn't been the most cheerful person these past couple of years. 

Once Harry arrived late as usual, Atticus had us rehearse a couple songs for tonight.

"Is it just me, or is it kind of quiet today?" He asked, then gave an odd look between me and Harry. "What, no bickering between you two? Are you guys sick or something?" 

"It's nothing," I coolly reply, trying not to look at Harry. 

"Okay then," he shrugs, "Ardere, you're up!" 

The boys take the stage and rehearse, then Atticus lets us go for the afternoon. 

I get into the back of Marlow's limo to head back to the hotel, along with Niall, Willow, Amber, and Louis. As he drives, Marlow glances at me more than usual through the rear-view mirror. I want to ask him about it, but not with other people in the car.

We arrive back at our hotel for some down time to change and eat before the show. I'm the last one out, but just before I close the door, Marlow speaks.

"Are you alright, Miss Spencer?" He asks. 

"Um, I'm fine. Why?" I lean back into the car to talk to him.

"It's just that I never drove you home last night, and none of the others had seen you." 

"Thank you for your concern, Marlow, but I'm fine." I tell him, "Please, just don't worry about me, okay?" 

I fully step out of the car and shut the door. I can't help but feel like I was a little too cold just then, but I was getting testy. I've never done well with people asking too many questions or checking up on me. 

To be honest, I actually had a really good time last night. Up until Harry brought up my family, anyway. 

When I enter my hotel room, I can't help but notice a slip of paper laying on the crumpled bedsheets. 

You can't ignore me forever, sunshine
- H

I sigh and crumple up the paper, then throw it to the side. I don't even care that he stole my key card again, I know he was just trying to get us back to normal. Back to our regular hate for each other, I mean.