Rumor Has It (HIATUS)

Chapter 45.

-Harry's POV-

I went to the after party to make everything look somewhat normal, but as soon as I got the chance, I slipped out.

Lauren wasn't answering her phone calls or texting me back. I walked up and down a few streets, and checked the park hoping she was there, but she wasn't.

I took a seat on one of the benches and thought. Where could she possibly be?

Then it hit me.

She was most likely at the hotel.

I walked for about 15 minutes, and finally arrived at the hotel. I rushed into the lobby, and crammed into the elevator with about seven other people. One older lady gave me the death glare. I quickly brushed it off, and waited for the elevator to finally open again.

When I finally got to her floor, I walked to her room and knocked on the door.

"Lauren open up I know you're in there!" I shouted.

After knocking several more times with no response, I decided to just try to open the door.

It was surprisingly unlocked.

The suite was dark, with just a few blinds open so that the city lights were the source of light.

"Lo?" I asked quietly, closing the door behind me.

No answer.

I walked around quietly, listening for any signs of life. I finally heard someone sniffling.

"Lo?"

I followed the noise, and finally found her sitting on the floor of the kitchen just bawling. I slowly slid down next to her.

We were both quiet, but after a while, I broke the silence.

"Are you okay?" I asked, quickly regretting asking as soon as it left my mouth. What a dumb question. Of course she's not okay you fool.

I was expecting a quick smart answer, but she just shook her head.

"I know how you feel." I said rubbing her back.

"Do you really?" she asked. Her voice was hoarse.

I nodded. "Keep in mind that my I was also cheated on."

"I know, but do you really know what I feel like, Harry? Do you know what it feels like to know that your last source of happiness has been snatched out of your hands? Niall was the only person keeping me happy, but what we had was just a lie. Same goes for Piper.  She was my best friend—my ONLY friend. My mom doesn't have very long left, and I figured that those two would be the only ones left here for me, but I guess I was fucking wrong.

What I said next completely shocked me. "Well, I'm here. I've been here."

It got quiet after that, until she finally spoke.

"I'm sorry, "she barely whispered.

"For what? You've done nothing wrong."

"For snapping at you."

"It's fine babe. You're hurt I understand."

"Yeah, but so are you. I was just being selfish, I guess."

"Well aren't we all?" I replied cracking a small smile.

"Thanks for checking on me."

"Anything for my best friend."

"Best?"

"Best."

We smiled at each other, and then I got up and pulled her up with me. I enveloped her into one of my monster hugs.

"Harry...you're squeezing...," she breathed.

I laughed. "Oops, sorry!"

"It's okay."

"So...are you coming to the after party now?"

She shook her head, and I got a bit disappointed.

"I don't think I can handle being in the same room as 'them' for a while," she confessed. "But, you go have fun. You deserve it after your amazing job tonight."

"You thought we were good?" I asked, pleased.

"I thought you guys were great!"

"Aww, thanks."

She smiled, and we just awkwardly stood there and stared at each other. I cleared my throat.

"Well, I'm going to head back to the party now before they start asking questions. Call me if you need me. "

"Thanks Harry."

I pulled her into another hug, and whispered "I love you" and left.

I didn't really realize that I'd just told her that I love her until I got in the elevator.

Wow Harry. What's wrong with you?