One Plus One

Chapter Thirty-Four

HARRY'S POV

It was closing in on three in the morning. Marlie had continuously jolted awake, my guess was the nights events had played over and over in her head. In the end, she gave up, choosing to lie awake on my chest, playing with my hand. I dared not fall asleep. I didn't want her to feel like she was on her own. Marlie's hair never left my hand. I continuously twiddled it between my fingertips in the hope it was comforting her. I heard her sniffle occasionally, a few tears wetting my bare chest.

Marlie stirred, wiggling out of my hold on her and throwing the covers back.

"Are you alright?"

She only nodded but her trembling hands told me otherwise. She shuffled out of the bed with effort before padding across the carpet to the bathroom. I kept my eyes locked on the doorway. I could hear water trickling from the taps and a few quiet sobs echoing. Something clattered into the sink. I rose from the bed and shuffled quietly to the bathroom. Marlie was shaking so much she couldn't even hold her toothbrush. She jumped at my entrance but dropped her head in defeat when I took hold of her.

"It's ok, angel. Shh."

I pulled her back into bed, keeping her close to me and tried my best to calm her so she could at least get a little sleep.

*****

A knock on the door startled me. I carefully removed myself from underneath Marlie. She had finally fallen asleep only half an hour earlier, I on the other hand had yet to. The thumping on the door became louder as I slowly made my way over. I flung open the door, shushing the person I revealed on the other side.

"Lily, quiet. Marlie's only just fallen asleep."

"Is she alright?"

"No, to put it simply."

"What happened last night? Brody didn't tell me much, he was in shock himself."

"Jamie's car was hit. Jaz didn't make it."

"What?!"

"Keep your voice down."

"No, you're lying."

I shook my head. Lily's face paled, similar to the way everyone's had the night before. Her mouth hung open but she was silent. I tried to read her expression and the only thing I could make out was that she was worried. She was worried about Marlie. Although I knew that Lily knew nothing of the events of Marlie's past, she was no stranger to the fact that Marlie had no parents.

"I-I'll come back some other time. Just tell her I'm thinking of her." Lily hesitantly said as she backed away.

"I will."

LILY'S POV

I was hoping that I hadn't heard Harry right. Jaz was dead? How could that be possible? I couldn't help but think of Marlie. It had just turned 8am and she'd only been asleep half an hour. That poor girl must have been a mess. My thoughts turned to Harry. I knew how much she cared for him. Now that he was the only person she really cared for left, I was sure their bond would only grow stronger and that worried me even more. Harry may be playing all nice now, but I knew his intentions. This incident would only bring him closer to his goal.

I rushed home and found Brody standing in the kitchen, leaning over the kitchen sink.

"Are you alright, Brody?"

His shifted his weight on his feet, taking in a few deep breaths. He then tuned his ghostly face to me. I gave him a look that told him he didn't need to say anything, but that didn't stop him.

"Last night. It's just..."

"I know. Harry told me."

"Is Marlie ok?"

I shook my head.

"Brody, I know Harry isn't the right guy for Marlie, but I can't got through with what we said. Not now. Aside from us two, who she'll hate, who would she have left?"

Brody silenced with thought. When he began to rummage around in the cupboards rather than continue the conversation, I knew he saw sense in what I was saying. Yes, I wanted my best friend back to myself, yes, I didn't think Harry was right for her, but was that worth ruining our friendship completely and taking away Marlie's only happiness? In short, no.

I took out my phone from my pocket and thought it best to text Marlie, just so she knew she had people around her, supporting her. She needed it now more than ever.

"To : Marlie

I'm so sorry for what's happened. I'm here for you if you need me. xxx"

HARRY'S POV

After making two cups of tea, I made my way back into the bedroom only to find Marlie sitting up against the headboard, knees hugged into her chest and staring straight forward. The rose colour that usually resided in her cheeks had disappeared completely, and her silver eyes had lost their shine.

"Harry, can you take me home please?"

"I'm not so sure that's a good idea right now."

"Please, Harry."

Her voice was wavering. To save her from tears again, I nodded, placing the cups of tea on the side and leaving her to get herself sorted.

MARLIE'S POV

I felt drained. Just getting myself out of the bed was a massive effort. My head was pounding, the images of Jasmine's motionless body flooding my memory. When I stared out of the window of Harry's car, I could see the scene unfold in front of me and I saw myself, stupidly standing idle by, not doing anything to prevent it. Then the paramedics were echoed on loop; "She's gone."

"I'll see you tomorrow, Harry." I said as I jumped down from his car.

"Marlie, I don't think you should be on your own."

"I'll be fine."

"Marlie-"

"Harry, I'll be ok."

I could see the frustration in his eyes, but he could tell that my stubbornness was going to reign over. He nodded in defeat, climbing back into his car, but waited until I had gone inside to pull away. I closed the front door and turned to stare at the space in front of me. It was so much bigger now. It felt cold, empty. I was used to being in the house on my own, but this was different. This time, I was alone.