ABTS 2: Chances

Building Trust

The next time I open my eyes, I am laying down in the backseat of Josh's car. It's really dark and it's raining, I sit up and see the car is parked in a convenience store parking lot. Simon is sitting in the passenger seat. He turns around when he hears me moving.

"How are you feeling?" He asks.

I rub my eyes and that's when a wave of nausea overcomes me. I look at him frantic and quickly open the car door, leaning my head out of it and vomiting on the ground. My stomach cramps as I wipe my mouth. Flopping back into the car, I let out a pained groan. 

"Well, that's gross," Simon states disgustedly but with a soft grin.

I close the door again as rain is starting to get in and let out a small laugh, "What happened?"

"You fell asleep on JJ's shoulder. The tears and the 'Spaceship' must've worn you out. Jide put you on Cal's bed, then after a few hours, when you were still slumped, he carried you to the car," he says. I open my phone and see no texts, not even from Harry. It's 1:42 am.

"Hm," I sigh. "Why are we here?"

"We stopped to get snacks, but then the lads saw the Nando's across the street so they're there picking up takeout."

I look around the area, "And you're here."

He looks down, then back at me, "I'm here."

After a few moments of silence, he says, "I'm really sorry for being a dick to you the past few days."

I breathe out a relieving sigh, "I'm sorry for not being truthful with you."

There is another moment of silence in which we just share sad eyes. I then lean past the console and give him an uncomfortable hug because of our positioning. I start to laugh and so does he.

After pulling back, he says, "Just know, I would never let anyone who just threw up touch me, so I really do care about you."

"That's sweet," I grin, but then I frown as I feel I haven't been a good friend to any of the guys lately with the lies. They have had my back through it all, and I felt as though I shouldn't be completely honest with them. What kind of friendship is that?

"Simon," I start. "Harry really hurt me last night. I.. I think I love him in more than a friend way. Well, I know I do."

He looks at me with understanding eyes.

I continue, "He and I were together the night I ditched filming for you. And I know it was a shitty thing to do and I am so sorry."

I look down and touch my hand to my neck where I have on the necklace that Harry gave me. I haven't taken it off since he put it on.

"We had a great time. But I overheard him tonight, telling his mates that he'd never want to be with me. After a whole day of not texting me."

"Oh wow," Simon says and thinks for a moment.

After a long silence, I say, "Please say something else."

He takes a deep breath, "I can't say I'm surprised to hear about your guys' feelings for each other. I think we've all speculated it at one point or another. I can understand you wanting to keep it a secret, so I'm not mad."

"Thank you for understanding, Si. Please don't tell anyone about this. I'm mortified."

He nods and gives me a smile, "I might just have to tweet about it real quick."

"Stop! Haha," I give him a push as he pretends to reach for his phone.

"Nah, your secret is safe with me. I don't know why Harry would act weird like that. Anyone who knows him knows he's head over heels for you."

"Yeah, I don't know either. I don't really know where to go from here."

He looks up out the window behind me and says, "Well, you will probably have time to talk to him tonight."

"What?" I turn around and see all six of the boys walking our way.

"Si, what the hell, I thought it was just Josh, Vik, and JJ?"

"I thought you recognized Tobi's car parked right next to us," He motions out the window. "We all decided to just go back to the house and chill or play some games. They all came together."

"It's dark and rainy! I can't see shit!" I shout worriedly.

"Well fuck," he says with a laugh.

Then the boys open the car door.

"Aye, she's awake!" JJ says excitedly.

"How are you feeling?" Josh asks.

My brain cannot form words as Harry makes eye contact with me as he is getting into Tobi's back seat. He stops in his tracks and all I can see in his eyes is desperation.

"Scoot over, kid," Vik snaps me out of my haze as he hands me the take-out bags. 

"She is feeling better, after throwing up though," Simon rolls his eyes playfully, but saving me from the conversation. 

Vik shuts the car door at the same time Harry shuts his, and all at once I am wondering what he is feeling or if he is even feeling anything. 

"We got you your usual meal, should help your stomach," Josh says as he starts the car. 

I give him a smile in the rearview mirror as I am once again sandwiched between Vik and JJ.

"You slept on my shoulder the whole drive here. I think you slobbered everywhere," JJ says to me. I crack a giggle.

"Better him than me," Vik adds and gives my shoulder a little shove. 

I smile and lay my head backward this time. This will be a long night.