One Plus One

Chapter Twenty-Six

I'd taken my usual place on the bench next to the door whilst I waited for Harry to finish work. Harry only snook glances at me, not wanting to provoke another unnecessary outburst from Brody. Each time he did, my heart would skip. Even with only a quick look, Harry's emerald eyes took my breath away.

I remained in my position whilst Harry, Brody and Danny tidied up. They were deep in discussion about something and Harry didn't look too happy. I leant forward, leaning on my knees to try and listen in. Once the hall was clear it was made much easier.

"Brody, she's my girlfriend. I'll bring her if I want."

"But it's just a school reunion thing. People from school only."

"Yeah, mate. You can leave her for one night can't you? Or is she that good in bed?" Danny joked.

"Danny, I told you. I haven't slept with her. Last time I checked, there weren't any rules saying you couldn't bring anyone."

"Hang on a sec, you still haven't slept with her?"

"No."

"Oh, Haz, mate, you're losing your touch."

"Fuck off, Danny. I'm bringing her and that's that."

"Bringing me where?" I interrupted, startling them.

"There's a school reunion party in the next couple of weeks." answered Brody.

"Harry, you can't take me to that."

"Why not?"

I widened my eyes at him. He didn't realise at first what I was getting at. His eyes were searching mine but then I noticed the confused expression his features held suddenly disappeared. He knew.

"I'll, uh, I'll see you tomorrow." he quickly said to the boys.

My hand was picked up from my side as Harry practically dragged me out of the hall. He continued to pull me until we were clear of the building.

"Harry, what's wrong?"

"They don't know that it was your sister, Marlie. You can't be bringing that up in there."

"But I didn't. I didn't say anything about it."

Harry confused me as hints of anger tinged his green gaze. It occurred to me perhaps he was more angry over the fact I told him he couldn't take me.

"Harry, look, I'll go if you want me to."

"Of course I want you to go. I want you there with me."

"Ok, I'll go."

His lips curved into a smile before he pressed a kiss to my lips. Our lips brushed but I found myself unable to kiss him again. A sudden chilling thought forcing me to tense up.

"What if Jamie is there?" I whispered.

Harry moved away from me, placing his hands in his pockets and staring at the floor.

"I don't want you to get hurt, Harry."

"I won't. It'll be him. If he goes anywhere near you, I don't know what I'll do to him."

Harry's protective words and stern tone made my insides warm. I decreased the distance between us once more and encircled his waist with my arms. I rested my head against his torso, not wanting to let go. I felt him press a kiss to the top of my head before he squeezed me tighter.

"Come on, I'll take you home."

*****

Harry and I sat on my couch, cuddled into each other watching the TV. Harry fiddled with some strands of my long hair, combing his fingers through it every now and again. His relaxing touch made me forget to control my brain function, words falling from my lips before I had the chance to stop them.

"Has a girl ever done anything for you before?"

"What?"

"Uh...you know...like you've done stuff for me, has a girl ever done anything for you?"

Harry fell silent as I tensed. He could sense how uncomfortable I was, my nerves getting the better of me.

"Yeah, they have. Why?"

"It's just...I know I'm not very forward when it comes to this stuff...I-"

"Marlie, it's ok. Don't feel like you have to do anything. I understand."

"But-"

"But nothing. When you're ready, you can. I'm not going to force you."

Harry entwined our fingers in a gesture of reassurance, allowing me to relax into him once again. I exhaled deeply as his fingers combed through my hair making me feel safe.

I was in the verge of falling asleep when the sound of keys turning in the door made both of us jump. I rose from the couch, leaving Harry where he was and cautiously crept into the hallway. I could faintly hear sniffling and the sound of wheels rolling against the paving slabs.

"Jaz?" I called.

She appeared with wet, red eyes and two suitcases in tow. She was pale, she looked as if she hadn't had a decent nights sleep in a week. She'd been fighting with Jamie, I knew it, and it was pasted all over her face.

"What's happened?"

"I'm so sorry, Marlie. It's me and Jamie, he kicked me out. I think we're done."

Jasmine broke down into tears for what was probably yet another time of many. Even with everything that had gone down between us the last couple of weeks, she was still my sister. I ran up to her and took her in my arm, squeezing her tightly in the hope it would lend her some comfort. She cried into my shoulder, a wet patch forming on my shirt.

"Marlie?" Harry's deep voice called. "Everything alright?"

As soon as Harry appeared in the doorway he stopped dead in his tracks, realising who it was that I was comforting. Jasmine didn't register that another presence had now entered the hallway as she fiddled with her suitcases, pulling them up the steps to the house. Harry's green stare was filled with worry. The colour from his face had drained. My heart began to beat rapidly in my chest as I searched my brain for what to do.