Trace

Chapter 16

The overwhelming ache of my shattered heart made it impossible for me to breathe. Gasping for much needed air, I felt like a fool and looked up at Niall. His hand was stroking my hair and his eyes full of tender sympathy and worry. The music, still blaring loud as ever, was making my sudden headache a lot worse.

    "Wanna get some fresh air?" Niall asked me.

I shakily nodded and let him take my hand.

   "El? El!" the all too familar voice called out my name, which wasn't even my real name, singling me out in the crowd.

     I ignored him but finally he made his way to me and I angrily spun on my heels so that I faced him.

"What?!" I practically spat at Harry.

   "Baby...are you crying?" he lowered his voice now and raised his hand to my face to wipe my tears.

 "I heard you...on the phone...Toby s-said it was Anne," my voice stuttered and cracked, and the lump in my throat made it hard to breathe and speak. Tears released themselves once again, spilling down my cheeks. I felt a warm, comforting arm hug me close and I was suddenly grateful to have Niall by my side as I let him hug me.

   "Anne...oh, no, no, no!" Harry mumbled shaking his head furiously.

"El...Anne is the name of my mother."

    Oh. my. word. I felt my heart fall down into my knotted stomach.

"W-what?" I managed to sputter out.

   "My mum...her name is Anne," Harry grinned and I could tell he was relieved.

"So, you weren't talking to Anne..my Anne?"

   "Holy shit, babe- and tell her that I loved her?" Harry brought my body in for a much needed hug.

"I'm so sorry," I mumbled into his chest, sniffling. He hushed me and rubbed my back to calm my nerves.

  Of course. So that's why Toby had been so nonchalant with it. Still...he could have maybe clarified. I turned around to see Niall standing stiffly by the glass door, watching us.

  "So, you're all better now, yeah?" Niall questioned.

I nodded, wiping at my eyes and let out a laugh. "I probably look like crap right now."

"You look beautiful," Harry murmured deeply into my ear. The hair on the back of my neck rose and a shiver crawled up my spine.

   "Want to dance?" he invited.

"Sure."

  We walked into the space where girls were grinding the guys and others just dancing widly. Despite the upbeat music, however, Harry wrapped his arms around my waist and moved slowly. I giggled as I brought my arms up and around his neck as we swayed together, feeling rather silly.

  Harry leaned down and passionately kissed me and moved his lips down to my neck. I gasped quietly as his tongue was exposed to my skin. His teeth grazed the side of my neck and he finally made his way back up to my lips. I kissed him back, still slowly dancing with the boy of my dreams.

    "When can I meet your mum?" I ask him at once.

He seems to be taken aback a little. "She's not doing too good right now, I admit. Started into drugs and stuff again and she just got out of rehab- well that's what she told me, anyway. I was gonna stop by later tonight and crash there after taking you home..."

    "Can I meet her?" I quickly ask, feeling slightly foolish.

"Oh- really? You don't find her ways of living disgusting and intolerable?"