Incomplete (Hollow Sequel)

Chapter 4 - Hello (Rewrite)

Song:

Hello: Adele

Harry's POV

'You know she's invited, right?' Gemma's question replayed over in my head since the moment she'd asked it, this morning.

Of course I knew she'd been invited; since she'd announced her engagement to John, it's been the only thing I could fully focus on. As much as I wanted to focus on my sister and her happiness over her engagement, the real excitement I was feeling was the off chance that she may have gotten the invite and decided to show up. Seeing, Katarina again had been a mission the first few months she decided to leave. Had I known an engagement would bring her back, I would have pushed for it a long time ago.

I had tried, during her absence to move on, at least not think about her as much, but it was impossible. No matter what I tried. There was something about her that I knew I'd never shake off, no matter how we ended up.

"Hey babe," Emily tugged on my arm. "We're here, I think."

My focus went from my thoughts to the girl who sat beside me, to the grand entrance of my sister's, soon-to-be, New York home. People were already piling in, eager to get to the festivities. Or the booze. John's parties were known for having the best wines and champagnes known to man.

"This place is huge," Emily giggled, unable to hold her excitement.

I kinda felt bad for her. I had absolutely, zero interest in her. My PR team had hired her to keep me company to downplay my abrupt break up with Katarina, but, even I knew you couldn't downplay a couple who had moved in together and were about to start a family. And I couldn't downplay my urge to make Katarina feel like I had moved on, without her.

I know she's a strong-willed woman, by now, she's probably forgotten all about us and starting over with someone else. I want her to know, I can do the same, even if it's the furthest thing from the truth. I don't know if it was my pride, my hurt feelings or my sheer immaturity, but this was happening. Just as we entered the large French doors, there was no turning back.

I ignored Emily's praise of the house and the strong pounding in my chest, too preoccupied with my eyes scanning the people, hoping to spot a brunette with red painted lips and a dazzling dress. She hated to dress up and go to events, but she made it seem effortless, as though she had been born to don the graceful identity she so ironically could not identify with.

I declined the champagne that was offered when we went deeper into the party. I'd been completely sober for a few weeks, now and even though I needed something to take the edge off, on the off chance that Katarina was going to be here tonight, I didn't want her first impression of me to be the same exact way she'd left me.

"Where've you been, mate," Niall's voice called for my attention, interrupting my search for Katarina. "You're late," he lectured, the double meaning evident.

"Traffic," I lied as he and, Samara said hello to, Emily. Neither of them particularly liked her, though Niall was polite about it, whereas, Samara couldn't give a shit if her feelings were hurt or not. "Is she here?" I asked lowly, almost afraid of the answer. If she wasn't, I'd be disappointed and unable to carry on through the night. If she was, I don't think I'd be able to control myself with her. Or what I would even do for that matter.

"Just got here," he half smiled, probably feeling sorry for my pathetic-ness. Although I knew, Louis was rooting for us to get back together and Liam thought I should do whatever I thought would make me happy; Niall was the only one that was openly vocal about how he felt. Even though he knew I'd screwed up, like me, he thought Katarina and I belonged together, and was not shy about saying so.

As soon as the words left his mouth, my attention was captured, yet, again, by a red, strapless ball gown, it's occupant talking to my sister. I stood there frozen as she hugged my sister and mum, I knew it was her. It had to be. I couldn't explain it, but I noticed the way her shoulders moved, how her body moved when she was breathing. And even from the back, I noticed her cheeks raise into the smile only, Katarina could give. And if all that wasn't enough to let me know it was her, the sudden burst of energy that passed through my body as I grew closer should have been enough to confirm my suspicions.

The moment she turned to face, Louis I finally got the confirmation. I felt my heart stop. One by one, I took in her features, making sure that it really was her. She had the same, perfect, soft, red-painted, plump lips, the slender nose, the round cheeks and her eyes. They were the same golden, honey brown I dreamt about every single night for the past six months. What was noticeably different was her figure was fuller than the last time I had seen her and she was no longer pale, withering away. She looked healthy again. Her hair was also different, I couldn't tell to what extent because it was pinned up, but it looked like it was lighter.

I swallowed hard, gathering as much courage as I could before I took a few steps forward, getting closer to the small crowd. "Congratulations, sister," I tried to keep my voice as steady as I possibly could, pretending that I hadn't just noticed the love of my life and was now standing a mere few inches away from her. Just an arm stretch away.

I watched helplessly as, Louis' hand ran down her back, landing above her waist, whispering something to her. She turned a little more, giving me a better view of her. My chest tightened and all I could think about was grabbing her, kissing her and telling her how much I missed and loved her, but that feeling vanished the moment I watched her eyes drift from me to the girl on my arm. Fuck. I could see her eyes turn glassy and her struggling to swallow. I least I knew she still had some feelings for me.