One Plus One

Chapter Forty-Eight

"We best make a move, gorgeous."

"Ok. Thanks for having me, Mrs Styles."

"Oh please, call me Joanne. See you soon, love."

I was given a cuddle and then dragged away by Harry. He waved his mum goodbye as we climbed into the car. My perfectly innocent question was obviously still playing on his mind and his annoyance at me for asking such a question was evident.

"So are we going to mine or yours?" I asked.

"I'll drop you off at yours."

"You're not staying?"

"Not tonight."

Harry didn't look at me once when he spoke. His focus was fixed straight ahead on the road without a flicker of emotion crossing his features.

"Are you annoyed at me?"

Harry didn't respond to my question, but I noticed his grip on the wheel tighten.

"Harry?"

When I still got nothing, I began to get annoyed myself.

"Stop the car." I ordered. "Harry, stop the car!"

Harry pulled over noticing my raised tone. As soon as we were stationary, I took note of my surroundings and then opened the passenger door to jump down.

"Where are you going?"

"I can't sit in here with you when I know I've done something wrong and you won't talk to me. I'll call you in the morning."

"Marlie-"

"See you tomorrow, Harry."

I shut the door again and began to walk in the direction of the nearest bus stop. I ignored the slamming of another door, knowing it would be Harry following me. His determined stride picked up speed until I could feel his presence behind me. He caught my wrist and the pain that shot up my arm caused me to stop and turn. I took hold of my wrist, grimacing in pain, only to find Harry's expression looking apologetic.

"Please get back in the car."

"It's fine, Harry. We all need space from time to time. I'll let you have yours."

"It's not fine. Get back in the car."

"I don't really want to argue with you in the middle of the street, Harry. Just go and I'll speak to you tomorrow when it's blown over."

"No. I want to talk now."

"You've changed your tune then."

Harry fell silent again, taking hold of my hand and trying to coax me back to the car. I followed behind him but I didn't climb in. Harry then looked at me with his bright emerald eyes pleadingly. I tried my best to resist his enticing stare but I knew it was useless. He'd get me in the car, he knew as well as I did I'd end up giving in. I jumped into the car and sat down, a smile of relief gracing Harry's features.

"Look, I know it's because of what I asked you in your mums. She said you'd tell me when you're ready."

"It just brought back a lot of memories that's all."

"It's funny, you keep asking me to let you in, but I don't think you've let me in yet. I have a good idea why."

"Oh yeah? Why?"

"You're scared. This whole trust thing is as new to you as it is to me."

This time when Harry looked at me, he seemed almost child-like. His eyes were wide and showed an innocence I'd never seen before. I'd read him like an open book. I brushed back a few curls that dangled over his head before leaning over the centre console and pressing a delicate kiss to his soft pink lips.