One Plus One

Chapter Thirty-One

I'd been dreading this night ever since I'd heard Jamie was definitely going to be there. I'd avoided my house most days so that I wouldn't have to see Jaz, instead choosing to stay with either Harry or Lily. I knew Harry would still be working until late so I had no choice but to make the dreaded trip back to my own house to get ready for what was sure to be an eventful night.

When I turned my keys in the door I was shocked to find a lot of already drunk people inside. I didn't recognise any of them, except for one who, when she spotted me, tried to hide behind the kitchen door.

"Jaz! What the fuck are you doing?!"

"Pre-party." she simply said as she shrugged.

"Tell them all to get out now. Go somewhere else."

"No. This is my house too remember. And before you say anything about that money, I paid it ok. Besides, why don't you fuck off to Harry's and get ready there?"

"Harry's?" came a third voice, a male's. "Harry Styles?"

"Yeah." Jaz shouted back.

The male who the voice belonged to then appeared behind Jaz in the doorway. It was Jamie. His tall and broad frame intimidated me, but in this situation I had to stand my ground as best I could.

"Are you his bitch now? Which guy did he steal you from?"

"Excuse me?! Who do you think you're talking to?"

"Harry's gonna get it tonight. And you'll get to watch."

Jamie's laugh echoed along with his words in my ear. I stepped back in fear before turning and running up the stairs. I grabbed everything I needed for the night and hastily ran back downstairs. I didn't stop running until I found a taxi and then jumped inside, ordering it to take me to Harry's.

Thankfully he'd just got home as I arrived. He opened his door in just his jeans and holding his shirt in his hand.

"I thought I was picking you up?" Harry asked confused.

"Change of plan."

"Is everything alright?"

"Everything is fine. Absolutely fine."

"Marlie, you're not a very convincing liar."

"I'm not lying."

Harry stalked forward. I knew exactly what he was going to do. He backed me into a corner before he dropped his shirt to the floor and tickled my sides, instantly having me screaming giggling.

"Stop! Please!" I screamed in between laughing.

To my surprise he let up and allowed me to stand back up.

"Go on, go and get ready, gorgeous."

I didn't escape without a light smack on my backside as I turned to leave.

*****

Harry could sense how tense I was. He remained close to me, holding tightly on to my hand in an attempt to comfort me. The occasional rub of his thumb on my knuckle helped. As we stood waiting for Brody and Danny to arrive, the entire room seemed to be staring at Harry. And at me for that matter. The event of three years previous still fresh in everybody's memories, or at least the version they'd heard. I could see people whispering. Seeing Harry with one girl was probably as foreign to them as having a boyfriend in the first place was for me. A few drew a chain in thin air as they spoke, forcing my hand to fly up to it and take hold of it.

When I heard Brody's voice, it was a relief. People quickly turned away and ceased to talk. As Harry engaged in conversation with Brody and Danny, I scanned the room for any sign of Jasmine and Jamie so I knew which areas to avoid, but I couldn't find them. I relaxed a little with the thought that if I couldn't see them, they probably weren't here.

"Marlie?" called Brody's voice. "Fancy a dance?"

I looked up to Harry who nodded.

"Hands off though, yeah?" he added with a teasing grin.

Once Brody gave him an agreeable nod, I was dragged out into the dance floor. Brody was never one to shy away from the nightlife, it was always him to got everyone up in family parties. When he started dancing, I instantly let myself go, joining in with him.

"Tell you what, Marlie, you are something special. You changed Harry."

"I didn't change him. I think he just need to find the right girl."

"You're definitely that. But there's one thing I hate you for."

"And what's that?"

"I haven't had any for nearly two months. He always hooked me up with girls and now I get fuck all."

I began to giggle but they were silenced when I saw two figures enter the room behind Brody's head. Jaz and Jamie had arrived and were making themselves comfortable with everyone. I left Brody with a girl next to me and made my way back over to Harry at the bar. He handed me a drink before his arm found its way around my waist. My body relaxed having him so close to me. At least I knew he was safe if I stayed near him.

After a while, the heat in the club was becoming to much for me. There were too many people.

"Harry, I need some fresh air, I don't feel too good."

He grabbed hold of my hand and pulled me towards the back exit. We came out into the fresh night air and my head ceased spinning. I inhaled deeply, the night air cooled my body and then I leant against the wall. Harry joined me, entwining our fingers. He could sense I was still nervous. I had a right to be. Even though he hadn't realised they there were in there, he knew I didn't want anything to happen to him.

"Feel better?" he asked.

"Yeah. It's too hot in there, and there's too many people."

"We can go if you want."

"No, you stay, I'll go. It is your school reunion after all."

"You're not going back on your own."

"Why?"

"Because, I don't want anything to happen to you on the way back and I was hoping you'd keep me warm tonight."

"What's wrong with a heater?" I teased.

"Think you're funny do you?" he quirked as he pulled me into him.

"Yes I do, actually."

I rested my arms in his shoulder, tangling my fingers into his curls as he leant down to kiss me. Before our lips could meet, a gruff voice interrupted us.

"Well, well, well. I was wondering when I'd see you again."

Jamie.