Empire of Deception (Harry Styles AU)

Chapter 36

 It's lunchtime and I sit idly at my desk, feeling tired yet low key accomplished at the thought of everything I have completed so far. It's a gradual shift, but I feel better than I have in months since my arrest. I have more energy, I do tasks without questioning everything, and I don't feel like I am nothing. I feel my heart beating in my chest, and I feel the air hit my lungs. I am reminded that I am alive.

Mia's flash drive sits in a drawer, I haven't had the strength or clarity of mind to sit and down and view it. To finish things once and for all. Why? I don't know. My eyes flicker to the landline just out of my reach. I know I should call Victoria but I still don't move. I'll tell her about the flash drive tonight. She is smarter than me. She'll figure out things faster than I can.

For the first time since last night I have time to think about what happened. How she came to me. How she felt in my arms, and how it felt knowing that she was in my bed. I feel guilty because I didn't think of Madison once. Madison has never been to my flat and I probably never will bring her there. She's too healthy and my world is poison and the difference between her and Victoria is that she is already infected. It's okay to bring her to my home because I don't feel guilty. She doesn't make me feel guilty about anything. She reminds me that every day I have to make choices in order to survive. I am okay. I will get up. I will live. I will be great. I am great.

My landline blinks, followed by buzzing. I answer it, knowing its April.

"Mr. Styles, Mr. Soderstrom is here to see you--" I hear a male voice interrupt her, telling her to just say it's Jeremy. "Erm.. Okay. Sorry sir, Jeremy is here to see you."

"Send him in," I respond before ending the connection.

"Jeremy," I greet as soon as Mia's younger brother walks through the door. His hair is longer, darker, and messier than I remember.

"Hey man," he says, "Mia will be here soon, I think. She is finishing up a conference call with Zayn. I hope it's okay that I'm here, I know we haven't really met all that much... I wanted to wait for Mia but she said it was fine if I came so I hope this is okay--"

"No, it's perfectly fine," I assure him, still confused as to why he is here.

"Right. So erm.. My mum thought I should invite you to my graduation ceremony so here is the invitation and your tickets. I gave you an extra one, in case... Well. In case you want to bring someone since Mia is bringing Zayn." He hands me an all black envelope with my name in gold foil calligraphy across the front.

"I know you're super busy and stuff--"

"No way, I wouldn't miss this for anything. Thanks, honestly. I really appreciate you inviting me." I look around, "Sit anywhere, you, uh, want some bourbon or something?"

His face lights up and so I get up and pour himself a glass as well as one for myself. I look at the young boy. So full of potential. I notice a few more differences since last time I saw him. His jaw is a little sharper, and his shoulders a little wider. He's starting to fill out.

"So April... Is she seeing anybody?"

I nearly choke. "Pardon?"

"Your receptionist or whatever. Is she seeing anyone? Maybe you could bring her to my graduation, all my friends would literally be pissing their pants, she's so fit." He's grinning and I am reminded that he is still a teenager. Still a child.

"Erm. I'll see if she's available?" I suppose.

"Wait... Then she'll know how old I am. I totally have a job now though, which means I can actually take girls out on dates which is pretty cool. Actually... Do you think she would mind? I won't be in secondary school anymore, I'm an adult now."