Love, Hate, and Other Things

Chapter 32: Thinking Things Over

- Maddie -

Basically, I couldn't do anything without hurting someone else around me. It also hurt me if I didn't do anything for anyone either.

So... I'm useless.

"Maddie, I'm leaving. You're going to be alright. I know Harry is probably working hard on getting you back. So, just sit there and wait. Your Prince Charming is coming to get you." Eleanor reassured me with a smile before leaving.

I was alone in my dark flat. Sheena wasn't with me. Garret's probably sleeping. All I had was a TV, and a kitchen full of food.

"Oh well, I guess I'll watch some chick flicks."

I walked to the kitchen and grabbed a tub of neapolitan ice cream. I grabbed a big spoon and crashed into my couch. I opened the lid and started to eat my ice cream.

This is going to be a long night.

- Harry -

I knew it was best to put all matters aside and stay happy for my Directioners. After all, this was our final concert in the Northeast, and I don't want to disappoint them.

As we finished up the concert, I plastered the biggest smile on my face as I left the stage.

"Guys, Harry and I are going back to London next week. We'll be back before you know it, so don't worry about us." Louis announced to the boys.

"Can I come?! I seriously am missing Maddie like crazy!" Sheena popped out of nowhere. And with the mention of Maddie, my smile faded and I was just expressionless. But gladly, no one noticed and I was home free.

Louis agreed. "Anyone else?"

None of the boys were going, so Louis, Sheena, and I all went to out hotels to pack our stuff. Louis booked our flights. It was the first one to London in the morning tomorrow.

I am really nervous. We would have to face management. The ones that had put us all the way here made my girlfriend break up with me so I could focus on my career.

We all had takeout from somewhere. Liam wouldn't tell me where he got it.

"Hey, Haz. Whatever happened to your late night calls with Maddie? You usually do it about now." Sheena asked. I looked at her, and I knew I had to lie. I didn't want anybody to worry about it besides Louis and I.

"Since Paul had scolded me the other day, I um... thought I would stop late night calling for now." I threw away the takeout box and went to my room. I sat on the edge of my bed thinking things over.

What would I do or say? This is my management we're dealing with. It was really bizarre.

Louis came in as I thought things over.

"You okay, mate?" He patted me on the back as he sat down.

"Of course not. I'm nervous. I mean, I didn't think I'd have to face these people. The ones who managed everything for us to be here."

"Harry, I know how you feel. I mean, I'm pretty nervous of confronting them. But, remember, this is for yours and Maddie's sake."

"What's this about management?" Niall's worried voice filled the room.

"Shoot." Louis mumbled.

I looked at Niall, and he looked pretty worried.

"Niall, do you really want to know?" I raised an eyebrow at him. He nodded.

"We think that management is in charge of the break up." Louis told him.

"Wait.. What break up?" Niall glanced at me, and immediately knew. "Harry... You and Mad-"

"So are you coming with us or not?" I interrupted Niall.

"If Niall's going, then we're all going." Liam and Zayn came into the room.

I looked up at the boys. They were my best friends and brothers, after all.

"We all do love any addition to the 1D Family, and I'm pretty sure none of us would want to lose anyone. Especially with all of the bonds we've shared." Liam continued.

I smiled at them. They were the most amazing friends I've ever had.

"All right then. Pack your stuff and we shall be flying in no time." I stood up with confidence. "Wait... You guys don't have plane tickets."

Louis took out 6 tickets from his bag. "Hey, you never know. Last minute changes are a nuisance so I came prepared."

Maddie, just wait patiently. I will come and get you back.

- Garret -

"Hey, Maddie. You doing okay?" I joined her during lunch.

She stabbed her Caesar salad, and looked at me. "No. I'm not okay. It's that time of the month and I feel like absolute shi-"

"Miss Jones. I suppose you do not want detention, so please keep your language vulgar free." The headmistress stressed to Maddie.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Delaney. I understand." she stuffed her face with her salad.

I chuckled. "I kind of meant if you're doing okay since the break up."

"Oh." Was all she said. She didn't answer my question. "You know... Why have I never met your girlfriend?"

I see. She wanted to ignore that topic. "There are lots of reasons."

"And the reason is?"

"Do I have to tell you?" I bit into the turkey sandwich that I was holding. She nodded.

"One. She doesn't know I like her. Two. She thinks of me as a friend. Three. I don't have the courage to ask her out. Four. I don't think she'll ever want me more than a friend. Fi-"

"Okay. I get it. It's a lot of reasons." Maddie laughed. "Garret, life is too short to have regrets. I know you've heard this saying many many times, but, in all honesty? This is a quote I live by. So... Whoever she is, don't be afraid! I mean, you'll never know if she's been waiting for you to ask her out." We are in a comfortable silence. I had thought about things.

It's cliche. The whole falling for your best friend. It's been written in many books, made into movies. I just didn't expect it to happen to me.

Of course, Maddie doesn't realise that she's who I'm talking about. And yet, I want to follow her advice, but I can't. I couldn't ask her out now because she's going through a tough time, and I know I'll never be able to ask her out after all this is resolved, because... I know that she is waiting for him.

As her best friend, I want her to be happy. But, I know she'll find happiness from another guy. I guess I'll have to be ready to accept that. It'll take time I know, but it's all to make her happy.

I looked at Maddie. I started to bury the feelings I've had for her.

It'll take time for me to completely forget about this.

_______________________________________

My poor little Garret. ;~;

I don't really know how short this is, but if it is short I'm seriously sorry. I can't seem to write much lately.

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July 1st was Love, Hate, and Other Things' anniversary! WHOO! To think that this story got this far in a year. My hard work has really paid off. (Nahh. Jk.)

Oh! An important announcement! Love, Hate, and Other Things, is coming to an end soon. I don't know if it'll be three more chapters and an epilogue or... Whatever. I'll decide.

It's going to be a bucket of mixed feelings when I see the green checkmark on this story.

Thank you guys so much for all this. Love you. (In a non-creepy way of course.) xx

\_|xImperfectlyPerfect|_/