forever&always

~CHAPTER 40~

~EMILY'S POV~

"Huh..? What time is it?"

I thought to myself. I slowly rubbed both of my eyes while stretching my arms and legs out. My eyes gently fluttered open. It took me several minutes to fully open my eyes- my vision adjusting to the dim room. My eyes blinked a couple of times. I groggily propped myself up and yawned. Looking around the room, I noticed that I was on the couch. My head felt like it was throbbing and I remembered what had happened earlier.

"Oh.."

I mouthed. I guess right after I got home, I was knocked out cold on the couch. My entire body had felt exhausted and literally drained out. I found myself sprawled over the entire couch and must've immediately fallen asleep. My bag was on the floor- where I had left it. I looked at my watch and it was now 6'o clock. The house had this eerie feeling to it since I was home alone. I managed myself to get up and walk slowly over to the kitchen to get a cup of water.

"Why did I even wake up..?"

I murmured under my breath while pouring myself a cup of water. I put my head down against the counter for a moment and closed my eyes. My body still felt tired and exhausted. I debated whether to make myself dinner but decided that I wasn't hungry- like I was always. I slid off my navy sweater and plopped down on the kitchen chair. While putting my hair in a messy bun, the door bell suddenly rang. My ears perked up and I slowly stood up from the chair. I started walking towards the front door wondering who it was. It rang a several more times- followed by a banging. I shrugged my shoulders as the banging continued.

*DING-DONG*

Without any thoughts, I just instantly swung open the door. I didn't care to look up or greet anyone until my eyes slowly drifted upwards- to see Harry standing right in front of my eyes. He leaned against the doorway and I slightly gasped. I was surprised to find him here. Immediately, I tried to shut the door again but was one step too late. Harry instantly stuck his feet out between the door and it refused to close. It was jammed. He ended up swinging the door open and I kind of almost fell sideways. He refused to close the door.

I stared at him- and Harry finally broke the silence. His tone consisted of seriousness and he spoke to me.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Tell you what?"

"About everything. I heard about everything from Eleanor. Why didn't you tell me that you were having a hard time? Why didn't you tell me about getting harassed and tormented?"

"You.. You're wrong Harry.. I'm perfectly fine... Don't worry."

"Em.. I see it all in your eyes.. I saw the way you were crying earlier. Do you know how I felt? Watching you walk away sobbing? Because of me, people were hurting you purposely."

"I.. I think you should go back for today Harry.."

"Please.. Just hear me out. I'm sorry Em. I'm sorry for not being there. I'm sorry for making you cry every night and for everything. But.. You have to trust me on this one. I love you. I've loved you from the start and always will love you. Can you please forgive me?"

"..."

"Em? Please say something."

"I.. You don't need to apologize for anything.. "

"When you walked away earlier, I felt horrible. I didn't even know that you were this upset and I was just so stupid."

"I'm.. I'm sorry too.. I said things earlier that I never even meant. I shouldn't have said those things."

"I know.. I know love.."

"Oh god Harry I missed you so much."

I finally let out a sigh and ran into his arms. I had to tip-toe a bit to reach his neck and he stroked the back of my hair- like he always did. He seemed to be a bit relieved too and hugged me tighter and tighter. There was a small thud as our bodies collided with each others and I held him tightly by his neck. I took a deep breath in and I smelled the familiar scent. My hair fell beneath my shoulders and he took a deep breath in.

"I'm not ever going to leave you alone.. I promise."

He cooed into my ears. I found myself smiling from his little comment and he chuckled. Harry wrapped his arms tightly around my waist and pulled me in closer and closer. I buried my head deep inside his chest and he rested his chin on my shoulders. I felt a whole lot better and didn't want to let go of him. This was perfect. I missed Harry so much. We were silent for a moment and I felt the waterworks come again. I finally felt relieved and less burdened. It had been crazy over the last few months and seeing Harry made me emotional. My eyes were becoming watery yet again and I sniffled my nose several times. Harry must've heard me because he pulled me away slightly and laid his hand on my cheeks. He wiped then away and dabbed it with the corners of his sleeves.

"Don't want to wet your beautiful face with those tears. Right Em?"

"It sucks that you now belong to I don't know- maybe hundreds of other girls now?"

"Well.. My heart belongs to only one girl. She's very special you see. She lights up my day, and gives me a reason to smile. She is clumsy- and klutzy. She's so insecure about herself yet I don't see a single flaw in her."

"Wonder who that is.."

"There we go."

"What?"

"You finally smiled. I missed it a lot."

"My smile..?"

"Yes. Your smile. You should smile more often- I think it's beautiful."

"I will.. I promise. I just missed you so much Harry- you have no idea."

"I missed you so much more. I was this close to just quit the whole thing and return home."

"Harry..?"

"Hmm?"

"I'm tired.."

"I'll carry you up to bed."

I was dead tired. I still felt weak and it was a miracle that I was standing up on my own two feet right now. Harry gently picked me up- bridal style. He carried me in his arms and I rested my head on his chest. My arms were around his necks and I held him close to me. I felt his chest heave up and down and I snuggled my face into his arms. He carried me without even breaking a sweat. He always describe me as a feather because I was supposedly "light"- although I never believed him. Harry kissed me on my forehead before starting to walk up the stairs- one by one. I felt my eyes slowly droop down and they were heavy with sleep. Harry smiled down at me in his arms and slightly kicked the door to the room. He walked towards his bed and as he gently laid me down on the bed, I grabbed his sleeve. I refused to let go go him because I was afraid of what might happen if I closed my eyes. I pulled him closer and closer to me and murmured while yawning. I tried to rub off the sleep in my eyes but apparently it wasn't working.

"Don't leave me alone Harry.."

"I'm not going anywhere Em. I'll be right here when you wake up."

"Actually.. I- I'm not tired.. I don't want to sleep."

"Is that so love? Your eyes are half-closed. Don't worry. I'll be here when you wake up. Just sleep for a couple of hours."

"Huh.. Okay.. You.. You promise?"

"Pinky promise. Sweet dreams love."

"Okay.. Night Harry.."

"Night babe."

The last thing I remember was Harry bending down to give me a quick kiss on my forehead. It felt nice- like a soothing sensation. I was relieved to know that Harry was here. Harry tucked me into the blanket and made sure that I was warm. I remembered holding onto his hand tightly and he hummed a lullaby for me. Harry eventually climbed into bed with me and rested my head on his lap. I wrapped my arms around his waist the whole time and started to fall asleep. He stroked my hair gently back and forth and grazed his thumbs over my cheeks over the places where my tears had dried. I heard him chuckle slightly when I clung to him like a little child. I cozied up close to Harry and was off to dreamland...