The Boy Next Door (A Harry Styles Fanfiction)

Chapter 9

My alarm beeped, informing me that Thursday morning was here. And it came too early. I would have to confront Harry today. But I didn't know how. What was I going to say? What if I ever got him so angry, he would do something we both regret? Would he ever hurt me? I don't think so. But I never know. Evan did say his temper was uncontrollable. The questions swirled through my head, but I had to shake them out. I walked to my closet, pulling on jeans, a white v-neck, and being that it was chillier out today, a tan, crocheted cardigan. It was a little big on me, but it was warm and comfortable. Who was I trying to impress anyways? Harry. No. No I wasn't. I had to start pushing him away. I let him get into my head too much. I walked to the bathroom, unsure of what to do with my hair. I had a little extra time this morning. I pulled out my curling iron, curling near the bottom of my hair. I smiled at the way Harry reacted when he saw me before the party. The way his eyes lit up when he saved me from breaking my face in heels. How he held my hand the whole way to the car. Stop it Carter. It's all just an act to get in your pants anyways. I finished my hair and put on little makeup, not having the energy to go all-out. I didn't want to resemble Lana. She's such a bitch. Ten pounds of makeup everyday. The way she threw herself on Harry. I just want to rip her bleach blonde hair out. I snapped myself out of my thoughts and applied mascara. That should be good. I slipped on lime-green Vans and grabbed my bag. My mom was in the kitchen, doing something on the stove. I hadn't seen her in a couple days, which was fine by me. The red and pink lipstick can become sickening.

"Hi honey!" She greeted, cheerily. It amused me how she tries so hard to make up for what she did to Dad and I. She basically abandoned us for years, while she moved to New York City to try to make it big in stocks or whatever the hell she was doing.

"Hey mom." I answered. I wasn't even hungry. I still had an upset stomach over last night's conversation with Evan. I was just starting to trust Harry.

"Do you want anything to eat?" She asked, looking over at me.

"No." I picked at what was left of my nails, staring at the clock impatiently.

"You seem upset. Is there something wrong?" She asks, stopping her work on the stove and turning to face me fully.

Truthfully, everything was wrong. The guy I. I guess I kind of like is a complete manwhore, I don't want to be here. I was just miserable. I don't know how much more I could take.

"No. I'm fine." I lie, flashing a forced smile.

"Okay." She nods. "Well. If you ever need anything, I'm here."

"That's a first." I mumble.

"I have to go mom." I look at the clock. I might be a little early but it's better than standing here with her. It was getting more awkward by the second.

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He was right there. Just go talk to him. No. I can't. Yes. Carter just do it. I stop the mental battle within myself by walking up to Harry. He was talking to Austin. He was a pretty nice guy, I guess. We shared some of the same classes and we always got in trouble for laughing at "inappropriate" times. Austin spots me as I place myself near Harry.

"Hey Carter." Austin says, his smile bigger than usual.

"Hey Austin."

Harry wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me closer. I shifted uncomfortably under his touch. I couldn't deny the feeling it created. The electricity. But I had to ignore it. Harry seems to notice my uneasiness.

"What's wrong?" He asks me, his eyes full of worry.

"N-nothing. I just have to ask you something."

"Okay. Go ahead."

"Alone. I have to ask you alone." I glance over to Austin, who is rocking back and forth on the heels of his sneakers.

"Okay. I'll see you later Austin." Harry says, leading me near his locker.

"Okay. What would you like to ask me?" He smirks, his eyes a light green.

What was I going to say? Did I sound like an idiot? What if what Evan told me wasn't true? No he wouldn't do that. Right?

"Hello?" He asks me, amusement in his voice.

"Oh. Sorry." I clear my throat. "Well I heard a few things."

"About what?" He asks, his tone and eyes full of worry.

"You."

His eyes deepen and his fists clench at his sides. His breathing becomes unsteady. "What did you hear?" He asks through closed teeth.

"That you've, um, done a lot of things. With a lot of girls."

His eyes become a few shades lighter. That amazed me. How quickly his eyes told a story.

"Are you jealous?" He gives a smug grin.

"No. I'm not. Anyways. That's not the point. The point is I don't wanna be one of those girls."

"Who told you all of that?"

"Nobody." I didn't want to tell him that Evan informed me of all of this. I know what Harry is capable of and I don't want that to happen to Evan.

Harry grabs my hand and leads me into a nearby janitors closet, locking the door. He backs me into the wall, putting both of his hands on either side of me.

"Tell me." His tone terrifies me.

"Harry. It's not the point."

He moves his hand and I flinch. He takes a step back from me.

"Did you think I was gonna hit you?" He whispers, his voice cracking.

I don't answer. I wasn't sure. Would he ever hit me? I don't know.

He covers his face with his hands and paced back and forth. I stay still trying to collect my thoughts.

"Am I really that terrifying to you?" He stops and stares at me. I stiffen my posture as he moves closer to me. I don't know what to say. I'm just plain speechless.

"Please. Please talk to me Carter." He caresses my cheek with his hands. 

"Am I one of those girls to you?" I ask, struggling to get rid of the lump in my throat.

He stares at me, studying my face. He takes his hand away and gives me no answer.

I shake my head and laugh at myself. "I knew it. Why am I even wasting my time?" I push myself past him and fumble with the lock on the door. The darkness isn't helping at all.

"Shit." I curse when my third try fails. Finally, I get it. Pushing open the door, the small amount of light blinds me and I take a second for my eyes to adjust.

"Wait." I hear Harry call.