Letting Go (Harry Styles AU)

Chapter 26: No Worries

Sorry for the wait, I went on vacation for a week and just got back yesterday. Next chapter will be up in the next few days. Happy reading!

Harry Styles

"Would you stop staring?" She demanded loudly, placing her hands on her hips as Connor and I brought the boat around to the dock. Con rolled his eyes at me and I shrugged sheepishly.

I had just finished tying the rope to one of the metal anchors on the dock, sneaking another glance at the silver stud on her stomach. I grinned wickedly. "If you didn't want me to stare, you shouldn't have worn a bikini."

She rolled her eyes. "All I have is this and two one pieces that I have to wear around the campers. I didn't want to have to wash them again."

"No need to apologize love." I smirked, eying the silver stud once again. "It's perfectly fine with me."

She groaned and made her way onto the boat, James following closely behind her. He gave me a warning look as he passed, his eyes narrowing on mine and I returned a smirk just to piss him off. He didn't control me. I liked James, but when it came to Natalie, he drove me up the wall. He acted like an overprotective father. If he was truly watching out for her, he would pay closer attention. He would know that she isn't going to the doctor. He would know she's getting worse. Sometimes I wonder if I'm the only one who sees it or if I'm just the only one who calls Nattie out on her crap.

Probably some of both.

Now that our campers had left, we were free for the rest of the day. The only rule was that we had to stay out of the cabins so that the staff could clean them and we had to meet in the dining hall at 10pm with Ben to prepare for the next session. Most of the counselors went into town to get a decent meal and hang out anywhere but here. However, after staring at this boat for two weeks, I was dying to take it out on the lake. I was tired of the canoes and kayaks. It was time to have some real fun. Once I made a plan, it was pretty easy to convince James and Connor to join me. I thought Nat would argue, but her blue eyes lit up as soon as I mentioned it. I remembered Connor telling me how much she loved being out on the water, but I had never really seen the proof. Maybe today I would.

"You wanna drive Nat?" Connor asked, motioning towards the steering wheel.

She grinned. "Absolutely."

She sat in the driver's seat and I plopped down next to her, Con and James making their way to the front of the boat. In moments, she had flipped the ignition and we were at full throttle, the campsite disappearing behind us. It had to be at least 95 degrees but the misty breeze on my skin felt amazing. I leaned back in my seat, laughing as Nat lifted a fist in the air and let out a whooping yell. We all joined her as the boat moved, up and down, riding the slight wakes made by the wind.

"Ben gave me everyone's phone!" She yelled over the noise. "They're in my bag!"

James nodded and reached in her blue messenger bag, handing Connor his phone. When he pulled out a severely cracked one, I shook my head, not even bothering to look at it. I probably had several missed calls from my father and I really didn't want to deal with him today. Or ever. Especially when we were trying to let loose on the lake. Surely he could find someone else to make miserable.

"Hey mate, you have that playlist that you played at the bonfire?" Connor asked.

I nodded and reluctantly pulled out my phone, frowning at the screen. Five missed calls and a load of text messages, many in all caps. My jaw clenched and I immediately swiped right, unlocking it and clicking the music app so I could get to my playlist. I then handed it to Connor so he could plug it into the stereo.