I love him (L.S.)

Chapter 23

Harry

I felt like I was in a daze as Gemma drove me back to her house. Zayn's words kept echoing in my mind, accusatory and harsh. I couldn't believe he would think I was capable of something so terrible. The numbness was starting to wear off, and the pain and anger were setting in.

As we arrived at Gemma's house, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. Her calm and gentle demeanor was a balm to my frazzled nerves. She led me to the living room, and I collapsed onto the couch, feeling like I'd been punched in the gut.

Gemma sat down beside me, her eyes filled with concern. "Harry, I'm so sorry this is happening. But I want you to know that I believe you. I know you wouldn't do something like that."

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I looked at her. "Thank you, Gemma. Just knowing you trust me means so much." My voice cracked as I tried to hold back the emotions.

Gemma handed me a tissue, and I blew my nose, feeling a little embarrassed but also grateful for her kindness. We sat there in silence for a moment, and then Gemma spoke up.

"Let's try to figure out what's going on, Harry. Why would Zayn accuse you of something so serious?"

"I seriously don't know Gem. The last time I spoke to him on the phone he was okay. He told me about his work and I was telling him I was going to go over and make Louis lunch and everything was all fine. But after that he didnt pick up my calls." Harry's face scrunched, trying to recall what had happened.

"I thought nothing of it, assuming he was just busy with work or something. But now I'm wondering if something else was going on... something that made him think I... " Harry's voice trailed off, unable to bring himself to say the words.

"You know what? Go to sleep, H. We'll talk about it tomorrow. A fresh start." She said squeezing my shoulder.

I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude towards Gemma. Her suggestion was exactly what I needed - a break from the emotional turmoil that had been brewing inside me. I couldn't bring myself to say the words, to even think about what Zayn had accused me of. It was too painful, too terrifying.

"Thanks, Gemma," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I think I'll take you up on that offer. A fresh start sounds really good right now."

Gemma smiled and gave my shoulder another squeeze. "Get some rest, Harry. We'll tackle this together tomorrow."

I nodded and stood up, feeling a sense of exhaustion wash over me. I made my way to the guest room, my mind still reeling from the events of the day. As I lay down on the bed, I couldn't shake off the feeling of uncertainty and fear that had taken up residence in my heart. But with Gemma by my side, I knew I could face whatever lay ahead.

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The next morning, I woke up feeling a sense of determination and resolve. The events of the previous day still lingered in my mind, but I was ready to face whatever came next. I got dressed and made my way to the kitchen, where Gemma was already sipping coffee and scrolling through her phone.

"Morning, Harry," she said, looking up at me with a sympathetic smile. "How are you feeling today?"

I took a deep breath and poured myself a cup of coffee. "I'm feeling determined, Gemma. I want to get to the bottom of this and clear my name."

Gemma nodded, her eyes sparkling with resolve. "Good. Because I've been thinking... we need to talk to Louis. Ask him if Zayn told him anything after you left."

"Exactly!" I said, my mind racing with the possibilities. "If Zayn told Louis something, it could be a clue to what's going on. And maybe Louis can shed some light on why Zayn would accuse me of something so serious.