A Step Away From Falling ➸ h.s. [Needs Editing]

Chapter 3: Operation Save Helen From Herself

Harry's POV

When Louis and Zainab arrived, I put the film "Paranormal Activity 2" and we all watched it together.

During the movie, both Helen and Zainab were scared of their own shadow, so of course both Louis and I hugged them as a form of protection. 

After the movie was over we decided to put 'Love Actually' -a.k.a my favorite movie- to lighten the mood and kind of relax the girls' nerves. 

Throughout the movie I realized that Helen had fallen asleep on my shoulder. She looked so adorable and peaceful... why couldn't she look like that when she was awake? 

I sighed, something that didn't go unnoticed by my fellow companion.

"What are you thinking, mate?" my best friend, Louis asked. 

"Nothing..." I started saying but then trailed off. I knew better than lying to Louis. He knew me awfully well.

"Spit it out or I'll beat it out of you" he jokingly threatened, while trying not to move much as to not wake Zainab up, who had fallen asleep during the movie as well. 

"Well... it's Helen" I said hesitantly. I didn't really know how to put what I was thinking into words.

"What about her?" he asked, clearly annoyed that I was taking so long in speaking my thoughts out loud. 

I took a deep breath and let it out. "I love her" I finally told him.

He smiled at this.

"I know you do..." he said slowly, his blue eyes studying me.

"I love her so much Louis" I said, my voice turning slightly more desperate.

His bright eyes widened, "Mate, are you in love with her?" Louis asked, his face completely serious.

I laughed loudly, but quickly made myself shut up, hoping I didn't wake either of the girls.

"No! She's my best friend... she's like my sister" I told him.

I was trying to sound sure but it kind of came out in a questioning tone.

"Are you sure? Because honestly, I don't think there is anyone out there better for you than Helen" he confessed.

I looked up at his blue orbs. 

Did he mean that? 

What am I thinking? Helen and I have been best friends for over 10 years. I can't just have those type of feelings for her, it would be wrong!

Then there's Georgia, my girlfriend. The only girl that I should have those feelings for.

"You're crazy lad! and I'm not in love with her, I'm just worried... I can tell that there's something wrong, that she's upset about something but she won't tell me what it is. It's driving me crazy, mate!" I finally said.

Louis sighed, "Okay, Harry. You need to take it easy. If she's not telling you what's going on with her, then maybe it's because she's not comfortable talking about it right now" he said calmly.

"But I'm her best friend Louis! She should tell me everything. If she doesn't trust me, then who does she trust?" I asked annoyed. I got really touchy about this subject. But I had a right to, I'm Helen's best friend. It's part of being a best friend to trust each other, but lately she's been holding back. It bothered me more than I could explain to anyone, including myself.

"Maybe she has a new best friend" Louis said with a cheeky grin.

What? A new best friend? She can't have a new best friend, what about me? She can't replace me...

"She can't do that to me" I said out loud.

Louis laughed.

"That was a joke mate. She would never replace you with anyone else... and I don't think that trust is the issue here either. Just give her some time, you know, to figure out what's happening" Louis advised.

I knew he was right, and I should back off, but I just couldn't. It was Helen we were talking about. She's my best friend. Whatever was happening, it was bad, or she wouldn't keep it from me. I need to know. I need to find out what's going on so I can help her.

"I can't, Louis. She's my best friend, and I have a feeling that she's hurting, suffering and I can't let that go on. I have to find out what's going on with her, the sooner the better....".

There was silence as Louis processed what I had said.

I knew he wanted to protest against what I was obviously ready to do. I knew he wanted to tell me I shouldn't do that, to wait for her to be ready to talk... but I couldn't wait, I would probably go mad if I did.

"You're going to help me" I said in a the kind of tone that says, 'You're going to do it, no complaining and no excuses. You have no choice in the matter'.

Louis looked resigned.

"Fine, but when this backfires, like I know it will do; don't go blaming it on me. I will slap you silly if you do" Louis warned.

I couldn't tell if he was kidding or not. I was too preoccupied to even consider any consequences. I just needed to know what was bothering my best friend, and I would find out no matter what.

"Okay, we need a game plan... maybe Zainab can help us" I started suggesting, but Louis was already shaking his head.

"You leave her out of your crazy plans" Louis scolded.

"But she could be really helpful! She's as mischievous as you are... maybe even more" I said with a grin. 

Louis couldn't prevent the smile that widened on his face, but then he shook his head again.

"No mate, don't you dare bring her into this" he repeated.

"Maybe I'll just ask her later, she would want to help me" I told him, annoyed.

Why is he giving me such a hard time? I just want to know what's wrong with Helen, Jesus Christ!

_

The next day we were ready to roll and the plan was already in motion.

I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket and I took it out. There was a new text message.

'The fish is in the net. Do I wait for you, or Louis?' -Zainab

I smiled at the terminology she used and quickly replied "Louis". 

As I had guessed, Zainab did in fact want to help me, so Louis had to swallow back any arguments he had about the whole thing.

Now it was time to start Operation Save Helen From Herself.

Hey, I know the name is long, and I have no idea if we have to save her from herself, but I couldn't come up with something better... and there was only one way to find out who we had to save her from.