Make All This Pain Go

Chapter Nine

Day Five: Harry's POV

It's been two days since I've seen Ashleigh. Because of my recording and press events, I'm out all day and often most nights. I really miss her. Ever since we kissed, I feel this urge to know more. I'd meant what I said to her. She was the only girl I had eyes for. I really wanted to ask her to be my girl. But I knew I had to wait. I had to let her get to know me, as I'd done with her. She'd so willingly answered all of my questions. I knew I'd have to do the same eventually, but I don't think I'm quite ready yet. I've never told anyone everything about myself or my family or my friends or my ex's. I'd always held back bits and pieces. But I knew with her it couldn't be that way. She'd need to know everything. And I'm okay with that. I could only hope she felt as strongly as I do. I can't even explain my infatuation with her. Everything about her draws me in. From the way her hair falls right in the dead center of her back, to the way she mocks me. The way she looks at me when she's trying to figure me out. Her smile. God, that smile. The way her lips curve up perfectly, lighting up her entire face. The way she could say anything with a facial expression. But mostly, I adore how normal I can be around her, as if she were an old friend. When we kissed, only that one time, I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to stop. Of course we hadn't talked about any of that stuff yet, but I didn't want to take away her innocence. She'd told me she'd never had an actual boyfriend before, so I have no idea what that meant as far as her sexual past. As I walk into the studio, I feel my pocket vibrate.

"Hey Harry. I was wondering if you happen to have tonight free?"

"Mmm, I'll have to see."

"Okay. I miss you.."

"I'll try my hardest to get tonight off. I don;t think we have anything set in stone tonight. I'd love to see you. If I can, I'll come round at about 7?"

"Okay. Have fun today. Sing pretty. ;)"

"Dont' I always?"

"Don't you get cocky with me! But yes, you always do. Now go!! Have a good day babe."

"I'll try, but it'll be so much better if I can see you later. By love. xx"

I talk to management a bit and manage to get some wiggle room in tonight.

"I'll be there at 7. Do you want to go out or stay in?"

"Whatever you want. It's your night off. I'm just glad you want to spend it with me :)"

"I wouldn't want to spend it with anyone else. Let's stay in, alright? I can't wait. I have to go but I'll call you in a bit."

"Alrighty. Bye Harry."

"Bye Ash."

I meant it too. I couldn't wait.

Day 5: 6:45 PM

I was walking up to Ashleigh's door in her complex, with Mexican takeout in one hand, and Love Actually in the other. As I go to knock, I can hear her, seemingly on the phone with someone, yelling. I'd never heard her angry at anyone before, but I was glad I wasn't on the other end of the call. Should I knock or wait? I decide to wait outside her door until everything simmered down a bit. I could clearly hear her half of the conversation through her thin door.

"NO! No you don't get it!! Listen, he's not my boyfriend, we're just friends! I helped him out one night and he's just hanging out with me because he's trying to make it up to me. I'm not stupid enough to get involved with someone like him! Jenn, no! I can make my own decisions about my life! I have to go. Really. Who cares if I am?! It's none of your damned business. Bye."

I hear her throw something at the floor or the wall or something. I get up slowly, knocking lightly at the door. Only hanging out with her because I feel bad? Just a friend? Involved with 'someone like me'? I hear her walk to the door, opening it just a bit, then all the way after seeing it was me. Her eyes lit up, then came back down, reading my face.

"You heard all of that, didn't you?"

I nod, lightly. I was trying my best to cover up the pain, but it wasn't exactly my best trait.

"Listen. That was my best friend. She really doesn't like you in the first place, but she especially doesn't like you now that you like me. Cuz she knows I like you. I just said what I had to to get her to shut her trap. I promise. I know your motives and I know your feelings. And you know mine."

She steps closer to me, reaching her arms out. I grab her, and pull her head into my chest, the rest of her body aligning with mine. I pull my head back a bit, and lean down to kiss her. She willingly lets me, getting up on her tippy toes to reach me. I pull her up around my waist and go into her apartment, shutting the door behind me. I sit down on her couch, as she adjusts herself, straddling my legs. We kissed for a bit, before I realized I'd left our food and stuff in the hall. I pull back slightly, rolling Ashleigh off of me, and onto the couch. She tilts her head, slightly, wondering if she'd done something wrong.

"Food?"

"I'm so hungry."

I go and grab the food, that's thankfully still there. As we get all cuddled on her couch, watching the movie and eating, I notice that Ash seems a little reluctant to cuddle with me.

"You alright?"

"Yeah.. Harry?"

"Yep babe?"

"When are you going to actually let me see YOU?"

"You're looking right at me!"

"You know what I mean."

I swivel around, to completely face her.

"Now. Ask away."