Antidote ;Sequel to Kryptonite;

Chapter Twelve: Here We Go Again

"I want you two to sit really close to each other okay? And afterwards, you have a formal appearance. Go shopping or go to the park. Act your heart out kids. Better than last time," Simon listed off everything he expected from Harry and I today. We sat there and nodded as he continued to ramble through Skype. I could see Harry run his hands through his hair in frustration, grabbing the curls and tugging at them. This really wasn't how I expected us to be.

Maybe it was unrealistic but I had thought he was going to be civil. And maybe that dream also had him running towards me in a loose white shirt on a sandy beach. And then we'd roll around in the warm sand for awhile-

"Got it?" I was pulled out of my thoughts by Harry. I looked at the computer to see it was black. Guess Simon hung up. I looked over and nodded as he stood up. "I can't believe we have to do this again." He sounded so angry. Was he really angry that we had to fake it? I knew that the interview I had watched was fake too. If he really did... or does... Love me, he wouldn't act like this. "Let's go," he huffed at me as he walked out of the room without waiting for me.

"Good luck Chris! You're gonna do great," Liam sent me a supportive smile. I tried to put on a smile but it wavered. "I know you will." As I left, the rest of boys chorused a goodbye. I followed Harry into the elevator and we descended down to the lobby. Awkward elevator music filled the room as the heaviness of last time we were both in here replayed in my mind.

"Look, I'm sorry that-"

"Just stop talking, please. Don't make this worse than it already is." He barked at me. I practically jumped out of my skin at his reaction. He was so snappy and he had no need to be. I wasn't jumping for joy to be in this situation.

I looked down at the outfit I was in and played with the ends of my skirt. My entire mind was racing with questions. Why the hell was he acting so toxic towards me? I didn't mean to run into him. I never meant to have him back in my life. I never expected him to have changed so much in a year and half. What made him like this? I dropped my hands and placed them behind me before looking up at him. "Who are you?" My question must have surprised him but before he had a chance to respond the elevator stopped. "Show time," I looked away from his eyes as I stepped off the elevator. As expected, paparazzi could be seen lined up outside the lobby doors with their cameras.

Before I could step closer, I felt Harry grab my hand. I looked back at him but he wasn't looking at me. Instead, he looked forward and started walking. His large hand was so warm and familiar even though he acted like someone entirely new and different. Harry tugged me closer as we neared the doors. I wanted nothing more to take advantage of having him close. But I knew I couldn't. I really shouldn't do that.

This new persona of his should be helping me get over him. But was I ever going to be over Harry Styles? No matter how many times I told myself that I was, one simple look from him could ruin all my hard work. All he had to do was want me back. I kept quiet as we pushed through the crowd and into the van waiting for us. Harry put on a smile as he guided me through. He simply waved before shutting the door after us. The windows must have been heavily tainted because the second we were in the van he separated himself from me. I tried to hide my hurt by turning my body away and looking out the window the entire time.

"Why are you in California?" Harry finally spoke but I kept my face turned away.

"None of your business."

"Come on Chrissy," he prided. That word caused my shoulders to tense up and I nearly forgot how to breathe.

"Please don't call me that."

"It was out of habit," he mumbled. "Besides, I'll call you what I want." He sounded so confident in himself. The new Harry Styles acted as if he was royalty and could do whatever he pleased. "So, why are you here?"