An Unexpected Love Story

Chapter 3

Harry's pov
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Slowly, I opened my eyes and let them adjust to the blinding light. "Finally! You're awake. You've been asleep for ages." A bubbly voice bounced around the room. I looked around and found Natalie sitting in a chair beside my bed.

Wait. This isn't my bed. I scanned the room and found that I was in a hospital bed. I sat up and tried to figure out what happened and why I was here.

FLASHBACK

"Get ready to get you're ego served to you on a platter." I turned to watch Natalie's front flip. All of a sudden she slipped and tumbled on top of me. Sending both of us under water in a frenzy. I tried to reach the surface, but I struggled. I felt very lightheaded. Just as I felt like passing out, a hand reached down and grabbed me by the wrist and hauled me up. Natalie pulled me out of the water and dragged me away from the pools edge. A few seconds after I caught my breath, I was surrounded by darkness.

END OF FLASHBACK

"After I pulled you out of the water, you passed out and I panicked. I called 911 and gathered some clothes for you and I. Of coarse I had trouble finding your room," Natalie explained.

"Are you ok? I remember you falling and landing on me. I remember all the way up to me passing out."

"Yes. I'm fine. I broke my foot on the diving board. That's why I fell. But when I landed on you, I guess the impact caused you to bust your head open. You had to get three stitches." I winced as I saw the purple cast on her foot. "Oh, Harry! It's all my fault! I'm so sorry. I was sick and worried about you." She broke down in tears. I rushed over to her, ignoring the searing pain in my head. I hugged her tightly. "It's not your fault! You couldn't help it. Its all going to be ok." I wiped away her tears. I sat holding her for a few minutes. "When are we getting released?" She chuckled. "About thirty minutes. They said to tell you to get dressed when you woke up." She pointed to a stack of clothes on the bedside table. I grabbed them and walked into the bathroom to change.

Natalie's pov
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After Harry walked out of the bathroom, I grabbed my clothes and walked in. I quickly changed and slipped on my one shoe (since I broke my foot and can't wear the other).

I looked in the mirror and was shocked at how tired and messy I looked. I ran my hands through my hair, trying to tame the frizz. I grabbed a paper towel and wet it, rubbing it under my eyes. Once I was through, I shut off the lights and walked out. Harry was playing on his phone.

"What time is it? Oh. And sorry, Harry. I had to borrow some of your sister's clothes since mine were dirty." He looked me up and down. "6:43 AM. And don't worry about it. Keep 'em. You look pretty."

I was at a loss of words at his response. I figured he would tell me to wash them and bring them back. Or possibly even be mad enough to yell.

I had to come up with a response before he noticed my hesitation. "Thanks, Harry. That was nice of you." He looked sideways at me. "No problem, Addie. Not all rich people are snobs" I chuckled.

There was that nickname again. How on Earth-

I cut myself off and asked the question I was thinking about all day. "Hey, Harry, where did that nickname come from?" We began to check ourselves out of the hospital. "I don't know. Honestly, it came out of nowhere. Have you ever had one of those moments where you think of the most random things? I guess that was one of those times." I nodded my head and continued on my crutches to Harry's car.
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Back at Harry's house, I had been laying around all day, watching tv and eating junk food. It wasn't until 11:30 that I realized that my parents were probably worried. Knowing that I would get in trouble for going to a bar and not letting them know where I was, I quickly texted Cassie.

Natalie: Hey. Had some trouble at home and had to get away. Stayed at a friend's house. Can you cover for me?

CassieBear: Of coarse! Say you stayed at my place for the night.

Natalie: Thanx! Owe you big time. How bout movies and nail salon this afternoon?

CassieBear: Sounds gr8! Meet me at my place at 1? Then you can explain everything then.

Natalie: OK.

"Harrrrrrrrrry," I called. Harry came and plopped on my outstretched legs. "Yes, Naaaaaaaatalie?" I tried shoving him off, but gave up. "Oy! Can you move your big butt? I need a favor." He scooted over and laid opposite of me. "What'cha need?" I pulled puppy eyes. "Can you pwease bring me to my friends house? We have a girls day." He tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Only if she's hot and I can come." I rolled my eyes and stuck my foot with the cast in his face and heavily plopped it down on his stomach. "Oww!" "I'm pretty sure you don't want a pedicure." "Fine. Fine. Let's go then." I grabbed a pin and a sticky-note. "You go ahead. I'll catch up."

Harry grabbed his keys, slipped on his shoes, and walked out the door.

After he closed the door, I wrote down my number and a note. I stuck it on the pillow of his bed and ran back to the couch to grab my phone. Shortly after, I ran out the door.