Rumor Has It (HIATUS)

Chapter 36

-Harry's POV-

I couldn't hold in the feelings I had for Lauren any longer.

I've always known that I was attracted to her, but I never thought that I'd act upon my feelings. 

But, here I was. My lips pressed against hers.

When I pulled away, shock, worry, and hurt were all twisted in her face.

"Why did you do that," she questioned, tears welling up in her eyes.

I half-shrugged. I didn't want to scare her away by telling her I liked her.

"I have to tell Niall. He's going to hate me,, but I can't just not tell him, because if something like this happened between him and someone else, he would've told me."

I listened to her go on and on about how much she can't hurt Niall, and immediately got angry.

"If Niall loved you—truly loved you, he would've called you by now. Exactly how long has it been since your last call or text?" I spat.

"Are you trying to tell me that Niall doesn't love me?" she looked at me in disbelief. "It's not his fault that he's busy!"

"Yeah, he's 'busy' alright." I sneered.

"What do you mean?"

I almost spilled the beans.

I almost told her that her 'loving' and 'caring' boyfriend is cheating on her.

But I decided against it.

I wanted Niall to grow some balls, and put on some big boy pampers, and tell her himself. He only had to more days to 'fess up before I told her myself, so I'm just going to lay off.

"Nothing. Nevermind." I answered.

"No, tell me—"

"Nothing! I just said something random. Niall's not doing anything wrong." It almost pained me to say those words.

She shook her head, and began to walk downstairs.

I got up, and went after her. My longer legs gave me an advantage. I grabbed her arm, and turned her so that she was facing me.

"Let go of me."

"Wait. I just need to apologize."

"No need to. Shit happens."

"No. Lauren, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have kissed you like that. I know how much you love Niall, and I would never do anything to jeopardize your relationship."

"You just did."

Cheeky.

I sighed and rolled my eyes. "Look, I'll just tell him that I'm the one that made the first move. I'm sorry."

She nodded.

"I guess I'll leave now." I grabbed my things, praying that she'd say no. Praying that she'd beg me to stay.

That didn't happen. Instead, she offered me a ride to the bus station.

"Um...sure."

We drove there in silence.

The awkwardness of the silence was too much to bear, so I turned up the radio.

'Little Bird' by Ed Sheeran was playing. I hummed along.

About three minutes later, we arrived at the train station. I grabbed my small duffel bag, and turned to face Lauren.

"Thanks."

"Text me when you get to the mansion safely."

I gulped. She couldn't even look at me.

I might have just ruined the best friendship I've ever had.

"I will."