Broken || h.s. AU (Special Edition)

Chapter 35 - Lies

*content warning: depression, panic attacks, death*
If you come across a trigger that wasn't listed, let me know. Stay safe.
Chapter 35 - Lies

Julia's P.O.V.

I can only stare. Harry had answered the phone and as he talked, he watched me. He'd uttered a barely audible "Aunt Jane, who was it?" And then he went pale.

Terror is icy in my veins, freezing me to my spot. I don't want to know who was in the accident.

Harry seems to have a different idea as he slowly slides his phone back into my pocket, glancing at me with pain in his eyes.

"Harry, what is it? What's going on?" The words tumble past my lips breathlessly.

My heart is pounding.

I can hear it in my ears.

It's going to pound out of my chest.

"Let's take you home." He barely whispers, so quietly I wonder if I imagined it.

His arm slides links around mine again and I'm following him silently towards the car.

I am so terrified.

What's happened?

Did something happen to his father?

Harry's green eyes are focused forwards, jaw set. His face is blank, brows furrowed in thought. Finally I can't handle to look at his face any longer so I quickly draw my gaze down to his arm.

What happened that's so bad he won't even look at me?

But then I see it.

His arm is trembling. In fact, his whole body is.

Despite the warm spring night, he's shaking like a leaf as he reaches to open the door for me.

I slide into the warm car, keeping my gaze on my dress.

The only thing that hangs in the air is silence.

Dead silence.

Harry won't speak and I'm afraid to.

I'm too scared to even look up at him.

So slowly and carefully, I slide my hand over to place on his. There's a short pause before he slides his fingers through mine, squeezing it tightly and refusing to let go. It's almost painful, but I don't protest it.

When I look up at him, his expression hurts even more.

His brows are furrowed deeply in sorrow, eyes glossy with raw pain.

I actually would strongly prefer he'd break my hand over this.

The pain is nowhere near as bad as seeing him hurting.

When finally, he pulls up in front of my massive home.

And then his eyes meet mine.

A shock is sent through me and I recoil as if I've been pushed.

Because it's then I realize the pain isn't for himself.

He's hurting for what he's going to tell me.

"I don't want to know." I immediately whisper, feeling tears prick my eyes.

"Julia..." He chokes, his large hand raising to cup my cheek.

He clenches his jaw, blinking quickly. His head ducks for a moment and I see his brows furrow in brief anger.

I can't even breathe.