therapy [h.s.]

Eighteen

Harry's point of view

"Harry, this is your last warning."

I heard the words, I just didn't process them. I rolled over, and pulled the comforter tighter around my half naked body. If I could just sleep for a few more minutes, I'd be fine.

I jolted upwards as soon as I felt the freezing cold liquid hit my body. I moved my now damp hair away from my face, and slowly opened my heavy eyelids. There, in the doorway, stood my older sister, a smirk on her face.

"Good morning."

I yawned, and continued to move my hair away from my face. I pulled the comforter close to me in attempt to warm up my wet body, but it was no use. Somehow, Gemma had gotten the entire bed soaked with water.

"Do you enjoy seeing me suffer like this?"

She only laughed as she took in my disheveled appearance.

"Quite frankly, yes. I do."

I sighed, and flopped back down on the wet bed.

"Come on sleepy head. You've got to get up. Emma and Ash already went out for the day."

"What time is it?"

"Almost half past noon."

I groaned loudly, rubbing my eyes. They were still heavy from lack of sleep, and my damp hair was getting more annoying by the second. Maybe I should just cut if all off.

"I hate jet lag," I complained to Gemma.

"It's rough. I've traveled to plenty of places with Ashton, I know the feeling."

"Oh Gemma, you live such an exciting, lavish lifestyle. If only I could be as cool as you," I said in a dramatically high-pitched voice, trying to imitate a girl.

"Oh be quiet, will you? Unless you want round two with the water. That can be arranged."

I could almost hear the smirk in her voice as she talked, and I took that as my opportunity to get up.

***

"This is stunning."

Gemma had taken me down to Sydney Harbor, which gave us a beautiful view of the water. Sydney was really a breathtaking city. Definitely different from London, but enjoyable nonetheless.

"I told you. Care for a walk?" I nodded, and followed her as she began down a trail.

"So," she started, "how are things in the world of Harry?"

"Fine, I suppose."

"All I get is a 'fine?' It's been years H, I need something more than that."

"Well, what do you want to know?"

She was quiet for a moment, seemingly just admiring the nature around us. I wondered if she'd explored this area before.

"How are things with Emma?"

"What do you mean 'how are things?' She's just a client of mine. But if you must know, I think things are going well. She's definitely come a long way from where she started. She's much happier now. I think I've been doing a good job of distracting her from those dark thoughts."

"That's good." Gemma tried to hide her smile as she spoke, leaving me confused and a bit annoyed.

"What? What is it?" I asked anxiously.

"'She's just a client of mine,'" she said, attempting to mimic my much deeper voice.

"What? She is."

"Okay Haz, whatever you say."

I sighed, and ran my hands through my hair. I knew exactly what she was talking about, and the fact that everyone kept bringing it up left me frustrated.

"Is it really that obvious Gem? My coworker already commented on it, and I've really been trying to contain my feelings. God, I'm so stupid."

She only chuckled, and patted me lightly on the shoulder.

"I think it's great that you like her, H." I shook my head, and let out a breath.

"Great isn't exactly the word I would use. She's my client, and I'm her therapist. I shouldn't be having these feelings. I need to stop them."

"You can't just stop feelings Harry, it's not that easy. I think we all wish it was, but it's not. Besides, I think you crossed the line the minute you invited her to live with you. The whole 'client' thing left the picture a long time ago."

"I didn't plan on trying anything Gem, I swear. I just had to get her out of her home environment. I just really-"

"Care about her?" Gemma finished my sentence. I nodded.

"What do you think I should do?"

"If you have feelings for her, tell her."

"Tell her? Are you insane Gemma? This isn't right, none of it is. She's only 17. She can't know I feel this way."

"Age is just a number Harry."

I groaned, and put my face in my hands. Her optimism and straightforwardness was driving me to insanity.

"Well, it's an important number in this case. She's practically still a child, it would never work out anyway. I can't tell her how I feel, I can't tell anyone. I just need to shake these feelings from my mind, and I'll be fine."

"No, Harry you won't be fine. Expressing your true feelings to someone is one of the hardest things you'll ever have to do, but you've got to just grow a pair of balls and do it!" Gemma explained, raising her voice. She didn't do it intentionally, she was always loud when speaking about something she was passionate about.

"Do you know how hard it was for me to tell a drummer of a rock band that I loved him? But look where I am. You can have your Ashton Irwin, Harry! You just have to tell her how you feel."

I couldn't help but laugh at the way my sister was speaking. I knew she was right though, all jokes aside. I was still trying to think of ways to get out of it.

"Gemma, it won't be that easy. She probably doesn't even like me in that way. She sees me as some old, creepy therapist guy."

She shook her head rapidly before speaking.

"Okay one, in what world are you living in that you consider 23 old? And two, I see the way she looks at you. She feels the same. I know she does."

I stayed silent for a few moments, just to try to process everything. I could think of a million things that could go wrong, yet I knew I had to do it. When and where was the real question.

"You really think this is the right move Gem?"

She nodded, and came closer to me, wrapping her arm around my shoulders.

"Listen to me little brother, you've only got one shot at life. You've got to make good choices, and make sure they count. This is a good choice, and years down the road, it's going to count for something."

///

hope this little styles sibling chat brightened your day:))))

also, if you ever feel like I'm taking forever to update this story, follow my imagine account on Instagram: @1dimagines917. I try my best to update on there daily.

don't forget to comment as you read, I always enjoy looking through them xx

love you,
-Maddie