Is It Wrong?

Chapter 16

As days passed, I thought Harry and I could work. He called me everyday like he promised he would, we would even stay up past midnight talking about the craziest things. We met once, briefly, at Starbucks. We couldn’t kiss or touch due to the high amount of our schoolmates at the place. I had forgotten that to the public, Harry and I were step-siblings. 

As the days turned into weeks, I didn’t see Harry often. My mother lived in a different school district so we didn’t go to the same school anymore. I lost most of my friends but the new school provided new ones. My mother and I talked about everything, Harry and I, My dad and Anne’s reaction, my heartache. She understood it all and didn’t judge me for my actions. 

As the weeks turned into months, I didn’t see Harry at all. I had been refusing to see my father, for many reasons. He made me leave, and I still wasn’t ready to speak to him. Whenever he would come around to see me, my mother would decline, leaving my father to nod and smile weakly as he left. 

It was December, only 2 months after I had left. Anne and my father were ready to celebrate their one year anniversary. They were hosting a dinner at La Cercle, a french restaurant in London. I wanted to say no, and stay in bed all day but Harry would be there. This would be my chance to confront him about us, about his broken promises and my broken heart. 

On the day of the dinner, I had gotten my hair and nails done, wanting to look presentable. I hadn’t taken much time in myself since I moved. I settled on wearing a knee length black dress with nude heels. I skipped jewelry and applied makeup, it was simple and bright, making my blue eyes pop. I used my mothers second car and drove to London. It was only an hour away, meaning I’d be there right on time.

My mind swirled with thoughts of seeing my father for the first time in 2 months and seeing Harry. I couldn’t help but wonder what he excuse would be for not texting or calling me. My mother told me to get over him but how could I? We both expressed that we loved each other and you can just get over someone you love, right?

As I drove, my phone chimed with a text from Niall. He had been texting a lot lately, asking about my day and how I was doing. I found it cute that he still made an effort. He asked what I was doing tonight and I ignored it, not wanting to answer now.

When I reached the restaurant, I could see the family car along with Harry’s parked in the lot, I parked and slowed my breathing as I got out and entered the restaurant. I noticed the door with Twist on it and inhaled as I entered. It was a large room, about 7 round tables with 5 guests at each one were scattered around. I noticed my dad and Anne at a table with Gemma and Harry, there was one seat left and they hadn’t known I was coming.

As I walked over, I decided I would ignore Harry completely. I would focus on asking Gemma about school and asking my dad and Anne about their recent trips. I reached the table and they hadn’t noticed me until I rested my hand on my fathers shoulder.

"Kay, you made it" his face lit up and I leaned down and kissed his cheek before doing the same to Anne.

I could see Harry’s expression as I sat down at the table in the empty seat in between Harry and Anne. I smiled at Gemma and didn’t make eye contact with Harry as I asked her about Uni and her dorms.

"Kay," Anne interrupted as I looked up to see a girl standing behind me. She had straight blonde hair and brown eyes. Harry cleared his throat before he spoke.

"Leah. This is my step-sister Kay" he motioned toward me as she smiled widely and held her hand out,

"Finally nice to meet you Kay" Her squeaky voice said as I did a once over at her.

"And you are?" I said rudely, ignoring her waiting hand.

"Harry’s girlfriend" Gemma spoke quietly and I nodded at the girl before looking at Harry who had guilt etched on his face.

"Harry, maybe you and Leah can sit at the empty table together" Anne spoke up, sensing the tension.

"Oh no it’s fine," I nodded as I pulled my phone out of my clutch, “my date will be here soon" I smiled as I stood and dialed Niall’s number quickly. Leaving Harry looking shocked and Gemma shaking her head.

*

Niall arrived 40 minutes after I had called him. He had on a loose white button up shirt and black pants. He smiled as he noticed me at the table sitting with Gemma. She sat here so I wouldn’t be lonely as Harry and Leah sat with my parents.

I couldn’t help but peek a glance at him as Niall approached me and kissed my cheek. Harry gaped us, his mouth open and his body tense. I couldn’t believe him, here he was with a date, expecting me not to bring one too.

"Harry’s serious about that one?" I asked Gemma earlier and she nodded.

"Talks about her non-stop. I’m so sorry Kay. Our brother..my brother, is an arse" she sighed and I had agreed with her.

"Well I’m off now" she smiled as she stood from the table leaving Niall and I alone. I smiled at him and he glanced at me before clearing his throat.

"I suppose, you wanna give this a chance then?" he questioned. I could feel the lump in my throat as I contemplated the answer. Harry was with someone, Gemma confirmed his seriousness in the relationship earlier. Basically, I was the forgotten step-sister/lover and he didn’t care. 

I nodded at Niall without over thinking it and I could see the gleam in his eyes. I smiled as Gemma stood and announced a toast. She spoke of the visible love and connection between my father and I, about their semi-secret love before marriage and their commitment to each other. The whole speech made me think of Harry and I. Maybe we were just hormonal teenagers, in need of a quick fuck here and there. Due to his behavior now, I doubt that he was ever in love with me.I watched as everyone rounded the table and congratulated Anne and my father. I decided to go over and drag Niall with me. I wrapped my arms around my father and kissed his cheek.

"Congrats Daddy" I whispered and he patted my arm and hugged me. I did the same to Anne and she kissed my cheek. My father shook Niall’s hand and asked him briefly about random things. I watched Harry’s scowl as I stood next to Niall and he slid his arm around my waist. My father cracked one of his very unfunny jokes and Niall laughed a hearty- genuine laugh, causing me to grin widely. 

It was 11 pm and I was stuffed with croissants and cheese. Niall grabbed my keys from me as I yawned and rubbed my eyes. 

"What about your car?" I asked and he chuckled.

"Had my uncle drop me off, I’ll go back with you, if you don’t mind babe" he smiled as he brushed his knuckles against my cheek and kissed me softly and pulled me toward the restaurant exit.

"Wait, I left my clutch!" I exclaimed and he turned to get it but I stopped him.

"Go warm the car, I’ll get it" I said before walking back toward the private room and grabbing my clutch off the table I was seated at. I turned only to bump into Harry who was towering over me, his eyes glassy and his jaw clenched.

"Hi" he smiled and I scoffed and pushed past him. Did he really think that I wanted to speak to him? He grabbed my arm making me turn around.

"You know what fuck you! You couldn’t even give me a proper break up you dick" I spat and he released my arm and looked at the ground. “We’re done Harry, although we both knew that, I just needed to say it. I did love you" I whispered as I felt tears prick my eyes.

"Did?" he mumbled as he looked at me and I nodded before turning and rushing out of the room. I burst into the passenger seat of my car and began to sob. This was it, it was over. Niall didn’t question me or ask what was wrong as he pulled me over the console and held me. I cried in his chest, holding on to him as he shushed me softly.

"What happened?" he asked after I finally calmed down and I shook my head. He got the hint and realized that I didn’t want to talk about it. I slid back in my seat and he pulled out of the lot.

On the ride home, I couldn’t help but think if this was destined from the start. A nasty break up that would jeopardize everything, besides our label as step-siblings. I wanted nothing to do with Harry. He couldn’t even give me the decency to break up with me. Despite family functions, I wouldn’t have to see him or speak to him. In my mind, it seemed best to forget the small secretive world that Harry and I had. I had Niall now, I could move on and not be upset and waiting for him.