Show Me (A Harry Styles Fanfiction)

Chapter Twenty One - Lego House

And it's dark in a cold December, 

But I've got you to keep me warm. 

If you're broken I will mend you,

And keep you sheltered from the storm that's raging on now.

- "Lego House", Ed Sheeran

....

I woke up way earlier than necessary for school Tuesday morning. I had an entire hour before it was time for me to get ready. It was the first day back at school since spring break. Just a couple of days ago, Harry and I were laughing, stealing kisses, and taking goofy pictures of each other on the beach. 

Maybe it was because I had such a horrible night of sleep. Every time I shut my eyes, I saw - vividly - sobbing, broken Harry, crumpling up like a child on my lap. 

I had stared down at his features, warped in misery, tears staining his cheeks, and it felt like my heart literally been clawed out. I'd rather cut all my fingers off than watch Harry suffer like that again. 

The looming photography project was honestly the least of my problems. 

As I was absentmindedly strumming Ed Sheeran's "Cold Coffee" on my guitar, I thought of Harry's mother. Anne. He despised her because she didn't try to comfort him after what his father did to Cara. 

Suddenly, just as I'd gotten to the end of the song, my phone buzzed. I practically pounced on it. 

Harry: Morning. I'm picking you up today. 

I stared at the text, blinking in surprise. That was all. No sexual innuendo, no compliments, no "x"s. I slowly lowered my phone down with a trembling hand, shuffling towards my closet. 

Harry's Mustang cruised into my driveway just then. He didn't get out of the car to smoke. 

I slowly made my way down the stairs and to the front door. Harry was sitting inside of his Mustang, staring blankly off into the distance. His long fingers were tapping on the wheel.

"Hi, Harry," I said, mustering up a cheerful tone. I leaned over, kissing him on the cheek. He still smelled as delicious as usual, that smoky, sweet mixture. He turned his head to me, meeting my lips for a brief hello kiss. 

"Hi." He started up the car, muffling a small yawn. He was wearing his leather jacket and the Elvis shirt from...yesterday. His hair was slicked off his face into his black beanie, enhancing his handsome face.

"I just really love that hat on you," I said, a little too loudly. 

Harry's lip lifted up on one side, but I could tell it wasn't real. His dimple didn't show, his eyes didn't tighten. My throat closed, and I reached over to take his other hand. 

"Are you all right?" I whispered. 

He glanced at me out of the corner of his vision. "Yeah."

"Sleep well?"

"Yeah." 

"Harry."

"Yeah."

I sighed, frustrated. "I know your birthday is coming up."

His lip twitched. "Louis told you."

I did a double take, looking at Harry in shock. "How did you know? Did Louis mention it?" 

"He didn't have to," he said quietly, slowing at a yellow light. "I figured as much."

We were silent for a while. It was one of those silences that were so quiet, it felt like your ears are ringing. No classic rock was humming out of the speakers. "Harry," I whispered.