Save You Tonight

False Alarm

After sleeping till late afternoon, I woke up to the sound of yelling. Full of fear, I jump from the bed and run into the bathroom, grabbing a lamp on the way. I close the door and turn off the light. I hold my knees to my chest and try to slow my breathing. It's no use. Everytime I hear someone shout, I cry even harder. There's a knock on the bedroom door. Adrenaline and dread fill my chest as the door is open and footsteps are heard walking towards the bathroom door.
"Avery?! Where'd you go, love?" Harry's voice is heard behind the door. He sounds worried but not panicking. He opens the door and sees me on the floor with tears falling from my wide, scared eyes, and a lamp in my hand. "Avery? Avery. What's wrong?" I can't control my breathing. "Avery. Shh shh. It's okay." Harry crouches on the floor next to me. He gently pulls me against him and I quickly embrace him, looking for safety, as I cry into his chest. I look like a scared animal in his arms. "Deep breathes. In and out. In and out." Harry guides me through it while rubbing my back until I calm down. "Good job, love. Now, can you tell me what happened?"
"I heard yelling. I thought they...I thought the bad men were coming to get me." I said quietly.
"The yelling? Oh love, the boys are watching the football game downstairs after their workouts outside. Also they are cooking dinner on the grill. I am sorry about that; they can be a little loud and rowdy with each other. I'm definitely going to have a talk with them about their volume." Harry has an apologetic look on his face. I am embarrassed. C'mon Avery! It was a stupid football game on TV. Why am I so skittish about everything now? I am safe here, right?
"Oh. I'm sorry for bothering you." I say shyly. The smell of bbq hits my nose.
"I guess Zayn is done cooking." Harry helps me up from the floor. Harry heads to the bedroom door. I stay in the room. "Are you coming? Avery, you barely ate since you got here."
"I'm okay. I'm not hungry." I say carefully. Harry gives me a stern look.
"Avery. Dont lie to me. I know you're hungry. Come." Harry says sternly and nods his head toward the door. I blush, slightly embarrassed. He walks out the door and I hesitate before following behind.