Broken

Chapter 16

I cleaned up the spilled coffee beans, wiping and cleaning the worktops before Harry took me back to his. We walked through the park, our hands intertwined, the trees arched over us. Little leaves fell, making the moment feel unreal, movie-like. He pushed me softly, making me stumble. I pushed him back, turning this into a pushing and shoving game. He laughed and shoved me harder, making me lose my balance. He grabbed my wrist, both of us tumbling into a pile of leaves on the ground. I couldn't help but laugh, Harry's hair a tangled mess. I picked a leaf out of his crazy brown locks, running his cheek against my hand. He caught it, wrapping my arm round his neck.

"Sorry," he whispered.

I smiled up at him tilting my chin up to kiss him.

"Your forgiven," I breathed into his mouth as our lips parted.

He helped me to feet, brushing the sticks and other pieces of nature from my school skirt. I ran away from him, kicking through the odd pile of leaves and sending them fluttering in the air. I hid behind a tree, catching my breath again. I could hear him crunching behind me, peering round every tree trunk. I giggled and jumped as he pounced on me, trapping me inside his arms.

"Come on you," he laughed, his arm hung round my shoulder, ushering me along.

He opened the front door for me, welcoming me into his cute apartment again. I dropped my bag on the floor next to the couch, recognising every detail.

"Has my little pupil got homework?"he asked in an odd voice, squeezing my cheeks.

I shook him off and rolled my eyes,

"Yes, I do actually," I sighed.

"Let me help you!"

I made a face at him but agreed anyway, pulling out my maths books.

"Any good at maths?"

"I might be," he winked.

We sat at his square shaped table, my notes and jotters all over the place. I was surprised at how good he was with such hard equations. I watched the way his lips moved as he explained, I couldn't concentrate when he was around.

"Get it?"

I nodded, I had no clue what he just said but I agreed anyway. He looked down at my paper, telling me to start. I rolled my eyes and wrote down my answers, Harry peering over my shoulder carefully.

I got into the zone of actually learning, trying to forget who was watching me. He kissed my neck, nipping at my skin, trying to distract me on purpose.

"Harry! I need to concentrate!" I moaned.

"But you look so cute when your serious," he cried, " I can't help it!"

I laughed and pushed his face away, his hair falling over his eyes.

"Fineeee," he sighed.

He walked over to the kettle, flicking the switch to make it boil. He poured the water into a mug, making my tea the way I like it.

"You finished?"

I nodded, handing him my work. He smiled with approval, handing me my tea as a prize and a digestive biscuit.

"Thank you, it means a lot," I said.

"Your good, smart!" he smiled.

"Don't sound so surprised," I laughed.

He stroked my hair, ticking the side of my face.

"I'm proud of you," he whispered, kissing my cheek.

* * * *

We cuddled up on the sofa, watching reality tv and munching on popcorn. He moved his hand up and down my rib cage, making me feel too relaxed.

"You look tired," he whispered.

"I am," I yawned.

I always seemed to be tired. Keeping up with Harrys bubbly personality exhausted me. I used to be a fragile little girl who had no sense of humour or happiness. Now I laughed all the time, smiling, feeling good about myself...I wasn't scared anymore.

"Come on," he said, taking my hand and leading me to his room.

"What will I sleep in?" I asked, looking down at my loose shirt and tie.

Harry took his black t-shirt off, throwing it at me.

"You can wear that if you want?"

I hugged the shirt to my chest, taking in his aroma. I unbuttoned my own shirt as Harry pulled his tight jeans off, slipping into his bed. I lay beside him in my t-shirt and make shift pyjamas as he touched the side if my face, letting him pull me into his arms. I nuzzled into his bare chest, he kept me warm and fuzzy inside.

"I like sleeping next to you, you make me feel safe," I whispered.

"Did... did you not feel safe before?" he asked.

I clenched my hands into tight fists. Harry could feel me getting tense and rubbed my back, our fingers tangled together.

"I was afraid... afraid of my parents coming back, afraid of what might happen when they're released-"

"They should never be released," he cut in, kissing my mouth and making my tears disappear.