The Story of Us

Harry: Waiting

I waited until I get to the bathroom to start crying. As soon as I did, I collapsed behind the door and tugged my hands and face into my legs. Outside I could hear yelling and the mutters of the security guards, assistants and managers, who were kind enough to wait outside while we deal with all of this.

A new tide of tears washes over my eyes. After eight and a half years of literally spending every other waking day together, I didn’t think how unknown they would feel. Especially Louis.

And now I’m being selfish. I left Niall alone in there. And Liam, who was on my side. I get that Louis and Zayn just want to start living normal lives now, but after all we’ve been through, I just didn’t remember we had an expiration date. And that’s today. I want to be with Sara and Baby so much, but letting go of this life and start a new one after all these years isn’t easy.

I mopped myself off the cold tiles and went to the sink. I splashed my face with water and looked up to the mirror, adjusting my curls.

-Get over yourself, seriously,- I quietly said to myself with a sigh.

I wiped my face off with my hands and took out my phone- 19 missed calls, 7 texts, and e-mail and 6 voicemails.

I opened the first one. It was from Lucy.

‘Harry, where are you? Sara fell down the stairs and now I’m taking her to the hospital. I don’t know how serious it is, but please hurry up.’ That was sent two hours ago.

I tried not to panic. Though, I’ve read about cases when the mother fell while she was pregnant and both she and the baby died. My heart started racing faster. I can’t lose them both.

Still in shock, I read the texts but they all said the same thing. In a daze, I sent a text to Lucy saying I’m on my way and burst out of the bathroom.

I ignored everyone who was calling me until a hand pulled me back. I turned around to see Niall, his eyes puffy and blood red. I’m not sure I want to know what happened after I’ve left.

-Harry, where are you off to?-

-Niall, I have to go,- I said, jumping. –Sara’s in the hospital and—

-What happened? Do you want me to come with you?-

-Niall, this is something I have to do on my own. I- Bye.- I ran off before he could process what happened.

I got into my car and flew through the traffic until I finally came to the hospital near our house.

I parked my car a few spots away from Lucy’s red Porsche and rushed inside.

The hospital was crowded with people.

I looked around and a clerk called out, -Sir, can I help you?- I went to her desk.

-Yes, my wife, she fell down the stairs and she’s pregnant and—

-Name?-

-Sara Perkin.-

She typed something in her computer and looked up. -She’s on intense care.- she got up and pointed to a hallway full of people, -Through that hall and turn right then go straight.- I repeated the directions in my head and ran in the way she told me.

I would’ve missed if Lucy hadn’t called me.

-Harry! Here!-

I sat next to her. Her eyes were just as red as Niall’s, and judging by the tissue she gave me, I wasn’t looking any better.

-How is she?-

-The doctor says she was lucky. She’s out of danger for now, but—

-Baby?- she shrugged her shoulders sympathetically.

-Just sit down. There’s nothing we can do.- she put her hand on my shoulder. –Harry, what happened at the meeting? Niall said you just had a fight, but I heard Liam and Lou screaming in the background.-

I sighed. No point of hiding it now. –Lucy, I- we’re splitting up.- I managed. She looked at me for a long while without making a sound and then I heard voices behind me.

-Harry! There you are!- Louis squealed with relief, his face still grim, but I wasn’t sure from what.

-What happened?- Niall appeared by his shoulder.

Last came Zayn and Liam. –Is she okay?- they said in unison.

-I’m not sure.- I said, my voice breaking. –How’d you end up here, anyway?-

-Niall came running and screaming that something bad’s happened,- Liam said, -We just followed him to his car—

-We thought Nando’s was closing or something. We were across the bridge when he finally told us what was going on,- Zayn continued, Niall blushing.

Lou sat down and put his left arm on my shoulders, leaning on me.

-Besides, you really think we’d let you go alone. We’d end up in the hospital anyway from Niall’s driving.- I braved a smile. -Harry, I’m sorry—

I cut him off, -No, Lou, I’m sorry. I just can’t believe not doing this anymore. I’m going to miss you, but…- I swallowed. –I think it’s for the best that we—

Before anyone could say anything else, a doctor in a white lab coat came walking out from the nearest room. His tag read Dr Caine.

-Mr Styles?- he asked, looking at a file on a clipboard. I spontaneously nodded my head and got up, Lou and the boys still by my side. He grinned mysteriously. –Are you ready to meet your daughter?-