Deceit [h.s]

Seventeen

Elizabeth:

Even before I opened my eyes, I knew he had left. The sheets were no longer warm and the music playing suddenly became nonexistent.

I sat up and looked around, disappointment filling every corner of my soul. Harry had left. And I told him I loved him. I was no longer in a fort of sheets. Harry probably moved me around. Stretching out and feeling the soft mattress beneath me, I heard muffled voices, something that immediately startled me.

Listening intently, I noticed that instead of strangers, my mum and my sister were there. I released a deep breath and laid down one more time, realising what was truly happening.

Harry was putting his plan in action that night and I had two babysitters just in case I decided to do anything they considered stupid. Anger dominated me, making it impossible for me to relish in the feeling of bliss I had felt mere hours before. Determination filled my body, and I quickly came up with a small plan.

I would find out their location through Kate and stop their nonsense immediately. I just hoped that Harry's Lamborghini was still available. I had been dying to drive that car since the first time I came across it. With quick and decided moves, I picked up my clothes, slipping on some comfortable underwear and my beloved black skinny jeans. Choosing a very warm and comfortable sweater I was ready to face my family, until two things caught my attention.

My phone, a device I hadn't seen in ages, and a neatly folded paper beneath it. I slipped my phone on the back pocket of my jeans, not even checking it, because frankly the folded paper was beyond interesting to me.

I had never seen the handwriting before, but I didn't have to check to know it belonged to Harry. The idea of him, holding an ink pen and scribbling down words for me made my heart constrict considerably. He had left, even though I told him I loved him. Insecurities filled me up completely, but I saw pass each one of them and started reading the words he carefully immortalised in paper and ink for my eyes only.

There is something exquisitely unique about watching you sleep. I know that once you realise I'm gone you're probably going to be incredibly angry, but please understand. All I'm doing right now has solely one purpose: keeping you safe. There are endless things I wanted to say to you, because if all goes wrong I might not see you again. I don't like to think about it, especially when I am watching you breathing peacefully, fast asleep. Therefore, we shall not consider the possibility of not being successful. For once in your life, just stay home with your mum and your sister and listen to me. Sooner than you expect we will be reunited and Benjamin will be behind bars. About what you told me just before you fell asleep: it almost made me stay and just drop everything to run away with you. In this sheet of paper I am writing down what I don't have the courage to say aloud. I love you, Elizabeth Winters. And don't even ask me how it happened or why, because I won't be able to explain. I just want you to know that your feelings are extremely reciprocated. Ending this pathetic letter, I'll quote your darling Sigmund Freud.

"Whoever loves becomes humble. Those who love have, so to speak, pawned a part of their narcissism."

I love you, Liz.

H.S.

Tears streamed down my face, making me breathe heavily and with difficulty. I clutched the paper against my chest, already missing Harry more than I could fathom. I was in love with him and he had left. He was gone and I didn't know if he would come back to me; just the thought of never seeing Harry again made a new row of fresh tears arise.

Folding his small letter, I placed it inside one of my pockets and walked towards his bathroom, seeking some refreshment. Once my tears dried and my face looked slightly decent I took a deep breath, ready to face my mum and sister. Hopefully Kate would give me the information I needed.