Cold. (A Harry Styles Fanfic)

Chapter Twenty Eight

GRACIE POV

        -Two weeks later-

        Today was the day. It was almost the second week into September, and every teen in England was starting school like normal. I thought about going back to high school, but I hadn't decided yet. I pulled on a black dress that was snug around the torso and chest, and the bottom flowed down graciously just above my knees. My hair was curled and put into a side pony tail; I decided not to put on any make up because what would be the point? It would get smudged from crying anyway.

        There was a soft knock at the door, and I turned away from the stand up mirror. It was now the only thing left in Kristan's room besides her bed. I sat down on it folding my hands on my lap.

        "Who is it?" I didn't think they could hear me my voice was so low; I barely even had a voice.

        My mother opened the door with a black dress as well. It was strapless as and flowed below the waist. She smiled somberly as she drew closer pulling me into her arms.

        "You look beautiful, but are you sure Kristan would want us to wear such boring colors?" She whispers.

        I cracked a true smile for the first time this couple of weeks. My mom was right of course, like she always is. I could practically hear Kristan bellowing about wondering when the worlds became an old fifty's black and white movie. The thought caused me to smile even wider.

        "See?" My mom smiles back. "There's that smile! Kris would want everyone to smile,"

        "It's just so hard," I rest my head on her shoulder. "To face the fact that she's gone."

        " I know," She rubs my back sighing. "I thought it was the end of the world when your dad died. Hell, the divorce was hard for me, but he was dangerous at the time. And I was thinking of you. And you kept me going, Grace. Harry, Thalia, Niall, me...we're all here to help each other."

        I nodded in agreement. I've been leaning on Harry more than ever now. He's been terrified of Dolor coming after me from another angle. I've been terrified for Thalia and her being attacked, but she told me she'd be okay. I really didn't know how mentally and emotionally strong she'd be going through this situation, but she's handling it a lot better than me. I was falling apart.

        "Guys," Thalia was at the door wearing a tight think strapped dress that reached her knees. I smiled again since it was just like Thalia to ass a splash of color; a bright red belt on her waist. Her pink hair was pulled into a tight bun, and her bangs were braided and pinned back. "Harry is waiting,"

        I jumped at his name and then flushed slightly embarrassed for seeming too excited. Thalia gave me a very small smile before turning on her heel. My mom and I followed her out of the apartment and down to Harry's car. When I saw him in his black suit and silver tie I ran into him, but seeing him made me want to start sobbing.

        "Hello love," He whispers tenderly rubbing my back and kissing my head.

        "I missed you," I whimpered into him. I've been staying specifically with my mother and Thalia. My mom has been crazy about me dying, and it's only heightened since Kris passed away. Harry has been keeping an eye on me from a distance at night. And I wanted to please my mom by staying with her until the funeral, but that doesn't mean I don't miss Harry like crazy.

        "You two really are cute together," My mom sighs lovingly.

        Harry gives her a small smile and lets me go. I reluctantly step away from him and sat in the passenger seat.

                                                *****

        When the memorial service was over and the burial soon after, we held a small party. Her mother, Michelle, wore a dress that reached her ankles with long sleeves holding onto Kris's step father Tyson. She was the only one just wearing tan. I sighed heavily as the rain started picking up again. It's been sprinkling on and off during the whole service, and I was really starting to get irritated. Kristan would've wanted it to be a nice clear day.

        Her mother tentatively walked up to me. "Gracie, Kris was so healthy. How could her insides...hemorrhage like that?"

        I swallowed hard. "The doctors said she must've suffered from severe trauma. A car crash would be the most likely cause,"

        Michelle shook her head. "But she wasn't in a car. Did Kris ever say what happened?"

        I shook my head. "No..I'm sorry,"

        Michelle shook her head as well. "I'm not very surprised, you know, Kris always hated complaining. And whenever something was wrong she never really said why," She trails off pulling me to her. "You and Thalia...sometimes I feel like she told you two more than us if anything ever bothered her. I just assumed,"

        I really hated lying to her, and in a way, Kristan died all because of me. "No..nothing,"

        Michelle gives me a gentle yet broken smile. "Of course. I've always known you were a good girl for my daughter to be best friends with," She walks away to catch up with her husband.        

        Harry came out of the church and pulled me into him. "Gracie...you're a good person, okay? I know you are. The best person I've ever met besides Niall, but he doesn't count he's an angel," He paused for a moment but I only smiled bitterly. "Are you going to be okay?"

        I didn't meet his eyes; it would make things easier if I didn't. Instead I buried my face into his chest. "Yeah, I'll be perfectly dine. And I'm not afraid," 

        He relaxes. "Good,"

        You're a good person.

        You're a good girl.

        I didn't want people telling me these things anymore.

        Everybody lies.