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

Chapter 20: "One way or Another"

Harry's POV

"Harry, are you alright mate?" Louis was worried, and to good reason because I felt like madness was taking over me. If something were to happen to Helen... I would surely lose my mind.

Niall was driving the big black SUV. Liam was seating shotgun and Louis and I were on the backseat. 

"Yeah. I'm just... it's almost a four hour trip mate, anything can happen in that period of time. What if Georgia calls before that?"

"It's going to be fine. Blondie it's driving like a NASCAR pro, we'll probably get there in half that time. Maybe you should get some rest, you haven't slept at all since this all happened. I'm sure you're body will appreciate it" he was making a good point, but there was no way I could rest until Helen was safe.

Some torturous hours later, Louis nudged my shoulder. 

"Harry, wake up!"

"I'm awake" I commented, opening my eyes for him to believe me. I knew he thought I had finally dozed off but I didn't; I just pretended like I did so he would stop worrying for a while.

"Oh, okay" he mumbled.

"We're here" Liam stated.

His words turned my heartbeats heavier and I had a feeling this whole encounter was going to be a real blur to me later.

I peered outside the van's window and all I saw was green field around us, and a big cottage a couple of miles away. Helen was in that place. She was a couple of minutes away from me.

I started taking deep breaths, but to no avail; the trembling in my hands was proof enough of my emotional instability at the moment.

I felt eyes on me and look up to find Louis studying me. 

"If you can't do this... if it's too much for you, lad, we can do it" he started , but I cut him off.

"I'm fine" I said through gritted teeth.

"I'm going to rescue Helen. I will not let my emotions control me, prevent me from doing what has to be done. No matter what happens, at the end of the day... Helen will be safe, one way or another".

Only I knew how deep the truth of that statement was; what it really meant. I really would do whatever it took...

"You can't argue with a man in love" I glanced curiously at Liam and he shrugged with a smile.

"That's what my mom used to tell me. Every time my dad would tell her how he would get her the moon if he could and she reasoned why that would be a bad idea. She knew it was an  argument she would never win" I smiled at his anecdote. His carefree attitude eased my nerves a bit and I smiled more genuinely at him.

"Thanks for sharing a bit of yourself... and thank you for coming with us, helping out even though you barely know me" this I directed at both him and Niall.

"Don't mention it" Liam stated with a wave off his hand.

"Seriously, don't" Niall added with a serious expression.

"Don't want people to see your nice side?" I joked while he handed me one of the guns.

"I've got a reputation to protect" he said with a smirk. This one disappeared faster then I thought it would and he was serious when he talked again, "This is a 9mm with an adjustable rear sight and 10+1 rounds. Do not fear it, the power force it's not much but it does real damage".

I stared at the foreign object in my hand. The frame was in stainless steel with a wooden grip.

Never did I imagine I would hold such a destructive thing in my bare hands. My mum would be appalled at what her son is prepared to do...

I didn't have time to think of what my mother would say or think. I had no time to picture her disappointment or her worried eyes. I had to stay focused on the task at hand; I could debate on right or wrong, life or death, heaven or hell on some other time...

Now I would break all the rules, all the promises I made, to never hurt another person... to even take their life if I had to. The thought didn't scare me as much as it should and that's what alarmed me.

"Whatever happens... I'm glad I met you Louis, you've been like a brother to me. Liam, Niall: It was a pleasure meeting you" Louis eyes glistened with un-shed tears, but he held them back. Good boy.

"Same here, mate" he patted my back but that's about it.

"Save the drama for later. This is not the last time we'll see the sun, I promise you that. We'll go drink a few pints once this is over, alright?" Niall suggested with a goofy grin.

"Sounds good to me" I answered.

"I could do with a few shots right now" Louis joked nervously.

"Naw, we wouldn't want to miss our real shot" Liam said solemnly. I guess it finally dawned on him what would probably happen. 

"Okay ladies, time to chat is over. Louis and I go through the front door, it'll be what a paranoid Georgia would expect. Liam and Niall through the back door; she'll never see you coming. If you have to shoot, don't hesitate; that girl is mad in the full meaning of the word. Is that clear?" they all nodded their understanding.

Here goes nothing.

"Then let's go" I said before leading my men into what could be a death trap.

--------------------------------------------------------

Shorter update! Because next chapter is going to be longer and super intense!!!

Tell me what you think!!