Paper Birds

Epilogue - Paradise

Robbie's P.O.V.

I slammed the front door shut, dropping my suitcase and running a hand through my hair. Work had been absolutely exhausting; two attempted burglaries and a car chase through the city of Manhattan. I was ready just to collapse on the floor and sleep forever. 

I rolled up my sleeves and walked into my kitchen, just about to make myself some soup when I glanced at the calendar and realized what day it was. 

One year since the assumed death of Harry Styles and Clarissa Coligan. 

I swallowed, the memories rushing back again like an unwanted hangnail. I couldn't help but blame myself; I was cop, for Christ's sake. The least I could've done was found their bodies.. 

I still got hate mail for it, being the older brother of the girl who got the famous Harry Styles killed. People on the street would recognize me and start yelling and once even started a riot. It was absolute madness, no question there.

I've pushed the past away. At least, I did, until I checked the voicemail on the home phone. 

It was from a number I didn't recognize, so being my paranoid self I was hesitant to play it. 

"Hey, Robbie."

My heart stopped, the blood in my veins turning ice cold. I knew that voice so well..

"I'm going to go out on a limb and say you know who it is.. But in case you've forgotten or something, well, it's your little sister. I know.. I know you think I'm dead. And you think Harry's dead, too. But I assure you that I'm alive and well, somewhere off in the country living a good life."

My muscels went rigid, not believing any of this. I was ready to trace down wherever this call came phone, ready to arrest whoever the hell was messing with my mind..

"And knowing how much of a dope that you are, you probably won't believe that it is, indeed, me. So I'll tell you something you and I only know just to prove it; when you were little, you used to run around your room everyday after school and pretend you were Ironman."

I bit my lip. That is something only she would know; she was the only sibling who caught me and after that I never did it again.

"Okay, now that you know it's actually me and not some creep trying to force you into the pits of insanity, let's continue. I know that everyone thinks Harry and I are dead. We aren't. Yes, we were shot. Brutally, violently, unfairly shot. I don't want to go into detail but I was only shot in the shoulder and Harry barely made it with three bullets through his arms and legs. He's still doing a big roughly, but he's stronger now."

Her voice cracked at that last sentence.

"However, that's not the point. Today is exactly one year after we disappeared, and I assure you that it's for good reason. Harry had to get away from all of the drama and media.. he didn't realize what he bargained for when he became huge, I guess. That's his own problem to deal with. I left.. because I wanted everyone to be happy. I know that sounds really stupid, but I brought so much drama into our family, and I just want to apologize. I put so much responsibility on your shoulders- I was young and stupid, completely oblivious to everything and not giving a hang about anyone except for myself. I've changed, Robbie. I promise you that. You would be proud if you saw me now.."

I swallowed, blinking back tears and rubbing my eyes.

"You're the only one I'm sending a message to. Well, you and Jared, whom I know is dead but it just makes me feel better. Whatever, again, not the point.You're the only one who was strong enough to deal with me and I'm so incredibly grateful for that. I know we fought a lot, and I know half of the time you didn't like me because I was an intellectual mess. You're my oldest and my wisest brother, and I love you. I regret not showing you that, I regret it every day. You're my rock, Rob. And.. you're going to be and uncle now."

My mouth dropped open, the happy tears coming back as they seemed to in Clarissa's voice.

"Harry and I are due to get married, alone, in private, in just a couple of weeks. The baby, Darcy, in just two months." 

There was a really long pause.

"I'm really sorry for just disappearing like that. It was the only thing you could do. You're going to see me again, I promise. I really, truly promise that you will. Just not now. Tell Jonah that I love him-"

I blinked, knowing I wasn't able to tell him that at the moment. He was in the hospital for a coma after attempting suicide. After Mom, Claire, then Tiffany, he couldn't take it anymore. He exploded and overdosed, drunk on the idea that all of this could end with just a couple of pills. 

"It doesn't work that way, bud," I told him as they hauled him away on a stretcher. God spared his life for a reason.

"-And tell Max I wish him luck in college, and Lucas that I hope he wins whatever football championship he's in right now."

Max dropped out of college shortly after Jonah atttempted suicide, and Luke ditched football to pursue the arts.

"I-I have to leave you, now.. Harry wants to call his family and his former band. I love you, Robbie. Thank you so much."