Broken

Chapter 14

We dried off, slipping into something comfortable before sinking into the couch to watch a movie. I picked Bridesmaids while Harry rustled up some pasta, both of us tucking in and nearly choking on our dinner. I lay my head on his thigh, engrossed in the movie and giggling.

"Have you decided what your going to dress up as for Zayn's party?" he asked curiously.

"It's a costume party?!" I cried.

He laughed at my stupid question," it's Halloween, of course it's a costume party!"

"Oh...i don't know?" I said, different ideas popping into my mind.

"I would personally like to see you dressed as a Playboy bunny," he said, acting his usual dirty self.

"Hmmm I'm sure you would," I sighed.

I pictured myself in a skimpy corset, a fluffy white bunny tail on my bottom and lopsided ears on my head. Not a pretty sight.

"What are to going to wear?" I asked, thinking of sexy vampires and werewolves.

"That's for me to know and you to find out," he said, teasing me.

I rolled my heavy tired eyes, yawning and snuggling in to Harry. He stroked my hair, kissing his way down my arm and making me feeling relaxed. I fell asleep, exhausted from school and the fact that I had hardly any sleep the night before.

I could remember him picking me up, my neck curled round his arm uncomfortably. My eyes flickered open, groaning sleepily. He hushed me and lay me down on the bed, tucking the sheets in around me. I could hear the faint rustling in my dreams, the scribbling of his handwriting. He kissed my forehead, laughing softly,

"Goodnight Kirsten," he whispered, slipping out the door quietly.

* * * *

My alarm buzzed this time, waking me up early enough to save the hassle if running. I rolled over to find a note on my bedside table, messy handwriting sprawled over it.

Kristen,

Fell asleep on me last night, thought I should let you get some sleep without me tempting you all night ;) see you later babe

Love, Harry xxx

I stared at the word "love" a little longer than I should have, the little kisses he left me. They made me feel happy and gooey inside, like nothing else mattered in the world. It's all I needed. Love.

I curled my hair as usual, taking extra care with my makeup as I had decided to visit Harry at his for a change. I left early, taking a stroll along the park and taking the long way to school. The leaves crunched beneath my feet, beautiful shades of orange and yellow. Chestnuts lay on the ground, shiny and perfect. A little cat trotted along in front of me, giving me a worried glance before running away. That was it. I pictured my Halloween costume, wondering how I could make it look good but keep the expense down.

I walked past Harry's apartment, tempted to go in. But I decided against it, acting like the good little girlie.

The walk made me feel refreshed, making it into school with plenty of time. I sat on a bench outside, taking in the autumn air before entering the stuffy claustrophobic world of school. My scarf floated around my shoulders, the calm winds making my curls bounce. I smiled, feeling happier than I've ever felt my whole life. Harry changed me, and I liked the new laid- back Kristen.

I breezed through school, answering questions and actually paying attention for a change. I felt alive, not zombie-like, like I usually did. Maybe a night away from Harry's constant game playing did me some good. It felt good to be outside again as I walked confidently along to Harry's.

I knew exactly how to get to his house and the number on his door,even though the last time I was there I was off my face. I skipped up the stairs, two at a time and knocked on the door excitedly. Harry peered round, smiling at me and looking surprised.

"Oh...Kristen,"he said uneasily.

I threw my arms round him, standing on my toes to reach round his neck. A pretty brown-haired girl sat on his sofa, her long legs crossed neatly. I felt my heart drop, assuming the worst. I pushed him away from me, feeling sick and dizzy. I could feel the tears forming in my eyes and sprinted down the stairs, Harry calling after me.

"Kirsten wait!" he shouted.

I turned round to face him, my fists clenched by my side.

"Don't Harry, please..." I cried.

I ran faster than I ever have before the tears steaming down my cheeks. How could he do this to me when he knew how...how vulnerable I was? There I admitted it. My heart ached, feeling like it had need shattered into a thousand pieces. I stopped behind a tree in the park, leaning my back against the flaky trunk. I sank down to my knees, squatting beside the leaves and howling horribly. I heard someone running, out of breath.

"Shit...shit shit shit!!!" I heard him whisper loudly.

I saw him marching back and forth, his arms folded behind his head. I could see the worry in his green eyes, his hands raking through his brown locks that I so adored. He spotted me, looking down at me sadly. He waked over to me slowly, crouching down in front of me. His finger stretched out to touch my hand and I snapped it away.

"Don't... don't touch me...," I whispered shakily.

"Hey..." he said softly," you don't...you don't think I would go behind your back do you?"

"But... but who was that?" I asked.

He laughed awkwardly," that was Gemma, my sister."

I gasped, covering my mouth with shame. I had just assumed that it was another girl he liked to mess around with, how wrong could I be?

"Oh my god I'm so sorry," more tears spilling down my cheeks thinking he would hate me after this.

He lifted my chin, smiling at me sweetly as he wiped away my mascara-filled tears. He pulled me up, his hands placed on my hips,

"I would never do anything like that to you, Kristen, " he whispered, kissing my lips gently, cupping my face in his hands.