One Plus One

Chapter Fifty-Two

HARRY'S POV

Marlie hadn't slept. For the best part of the night she had continuously drawn circles into my bare chest and snuggled further and further into me. When I woke, I could hear the running water from the shower. Today was a massive day for Marlie and I couldn't even begin to understand how she was feeling.

Marlie came out, face unbelievably pale, with her towel wrapped tightly around her. She was eerily quiet but I knew that today, nothing I could say or do would lend her comfort or ease her pain, I just had to be there for her. I left her alone in the bedroom whilst I showered and changed only to find her in pieces when I came back. Her eyes had gone puffy and I could see the raised red marks on her wrists again. I dived over to her, taking hold of her in my arms and holding her close to me. I heard her defeated sigh as her arms dropped back down by her sides.

"I can't do this." she quietly muttered.

"Yes you can. I'll be there with you."

Marlie fisted my shirt in her hands. I took her hair in my fingers and twiddled it round hoping that maybe it would have some effect. Her sniffles slowly died down and she raised her head from my chest. I was given a broken smile before she got up to get dressed.

MARLIES POV

He amazed me. Any other boy would have probably been out the door long ago. I came with so much baggage and yet Harry was still willing to be with me. He sat on the end of my bed, worryingly looking at me. There was no point in trying to hide the fresh marks on my skin, I knew he'd already seen them. I was determined that once today was over, I was going to stop being such a drag for him. Even if he didn't say it, I felt like I was being a burden. It was about time I worked on getting Harry to open up to me.

Harry helped me to zip up my dress. His arms fed around my waist and he rested his chin on my shoulder. I stared at us both in the mirror. It didn't seem real. Harry quite literally was perfect in every sense of the word. How I'd managed to snap him up astounded me. He'd found someone like me worth going after, so much so I ended up his first girlfriend.

"I know I say this a lot, but thank you, Harry. I really mean it."

"I know you do, angel."

"It's just sometimes I feel like I'm-"

"Marlie, you're my girl and I'd do anything for you. That's just the way it is."

I felt a warmth inside. The intensity of Harry's green gaze was no different in his reflection, if anything, it was heightened. His emeralds sparkled with emotion. I quickly spun in his hold and pressed our lips together in a loving kiss. I felt my heart beat pick up significantly, my connection to Harry suddenly feeling stronger, deeper.

"Come on, gorgeous, we need to go."

*****

BRODY'S POV

I watched the pair of them throughout the entire service. Harry clung to Marlie as much as she did to him. They looked like a couple that had been together for years, their feelings for each other seemed so strong, yet for some reason, I failed to believe Harry shared the same level of attachment that Marlie did to him. Not since he went back to Laura's. Laura would always be his weakness.

Something then occurred to me. Laura would be the best way to get to him. Since my sister had opted out of our plan, Laura would make the perfect replacement. I knew for sure he wouldn't be able to resist her. Things with Laura were deep rooted. It was a brilliant idea.

At the wake, Danny and I sat in our own corner. I thought it best to explain the new plan to him since I knew he'd taken a keen liking to my sister in recent weeks.

"Danny, listen, Lily isn't going after Harry anymore."

"Why? How else are we gonna split them up?"

"I've got it sorted. It's actually worked out better."

"This better work."

Danny turned his head to see Marlie and Harry standing hugged into each other at the bar. He turned back to me and rolled his eyes. None of us had ever been the relationship type so seeing Harry so loved up initiated a sick feeling.

"Brody." whispered Lily's voice. "Don't you fucking dare. I've just heard what you've said to Danny."

"What choice do I have, Lily?"

"Stop being so selfish! Harry is happy, why can't you accept that?"

"You've changed your tune."

"It took me a while to realise how much they care about each other. What kind of friend would I be if I ruined it?"

Lily was glaring at me intently. She was waiting me to give in to her and say I wasn't going to do anything. I split my gaze between her and the couple at the bar. I could see where she was coming from but I knew Harry better than she did and I needed my best friend back. To save an argument, I gave her a look to tell her I'd leave it alone. Little did she know I had my fingers crossed the entire time. Lily didn't need to know what was going on. It was no longer anything to do with her.

*****

"I'll see you guys later." I shouted as I left.

I flicked my head to the door at Lily, waiting for her to follow me out to the car. She first hugged Marlie and ran after me and down the stairs.

"I'll drop you off home and then there's something I've got to sort out."

"Brody, if this is to do with whatever plan you formulated, I am not going to let you go through with it."

"It's not, Lily, trust me. Harry has asked me to do a favour for him."

"You promise me you're telling me the truth?"

"Yes."

Lily looked unconvinced as I caught sight of her in the mirror, but she didn't press any further. I put my foot on the gas wanting to get the job done as quick as possible. Lily grunted when I hardly gave her time to shut the door of the car before speeding off again. I rushed to Laura's house, banging on the front door.

"Brody?" she looked at me questioningly. "What're you doing here?"

"I need to talk to you about something."

"It's Harry isn't it?"

I nodded.

"You better come in."