Drag Me Down (h.s.) EDITING

Paparazzi, Media, and More

I didn't know why or how but the airport was full of paparazzi. There were fans and paparazzi bombarding Harry and I from almost every direction. I was extremely baffled and upset at this. I could barely get through. Harry waited in line with me so I could print my ticket just in case my phone died and I couldn't pull up my mobile ticket. There were camera flashes from all sides as we stood and waited for my turn.

I let out a frustrated sigh and rolled my head as I tapped my foot angrily. Someone at the pub had to have opened their mouth about me and Harry. There were a million websites already blasting the both of us while Zayn and Gigi stayed squeaky clean. I could strangle him.

"Lani, please stop tapping your foot. It's nerve wracking." Harry said as he slid his hand down to grip my thigh. I slapped his hand away and immediately stopped moving.

"You know what's nerve wracking, Harry. Paparazzi. That's what is absolutely foot tapping worthy." I said as I ripped my sunglasses from my face and stared up at him.

I could see him trying to hide a smile and it only infuriated me more. I knew he got this behavior from people all the time but I didn't. I had only a small bit of it in the time I had been around him and the boys. Media attention was not something I enjoyed or wanted. I knew being in love with him meant I would get unwanted attention but this was so much bigger than that. Throw Zayn in the mix and there was a full blown tabloid field day. They would probably toss in Niall for good measure. The more I thought about it the angrier I became.

Harry reached down and took my hand in his as we neared the kiosk. In a matter of minutes I would be printing my ticket and passing through security to my gate where the flashing cameras would end. My anxiety was already high due to the flight (I hated flying) and the paparazzi only made it all worse. I could only imagine the headlines after I left.

"I can't even fathom what is going to be written about us." I said as we stepped up to the kiosk and I typed in my flight information.

"I don't give a shit. Honestly." Harry said as I took my ticket and headed toward the gates. The frenzy of camera flashes began in earnest. I wanted to flip them all off so bad. I was holding onto my patience by a very thin thread.

I sighed as we arrived at the lines leading to my security checkpoint. This is where I had to leave Harry. I wished so badly he could come back with me. A day and a half together wasn't nearly enough after all this time.

"Look at me," he said as he took my chin between his thumb and forefinger, "everything will be okay. I promise."

I closed my eyes and sighed contentedly when I felt him brush his lips across mine. The shiver that ran down my spine had nothing to do with the chill in the air.

"Thank you. I needed that." I said as he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into him, bags and all.

"I will always give you what you need." Harry said with a wink. He pushed me towards checkpoint and gave a small wave. I poked my tongue out at him but turned around so I wouldn't trip over my own two feet. I looked back one last time as I took my ticket and I.D. back from the security lady. Harry still stood watching me while signing and taking a few pictures for fans. I smiled as made my way through security. No matter what the tabloids said, no matter what the media tried to spin, I wouldn't regret my decision.

Harry would forever and always the person I wanted.

--

Nine hours later I was finally walking through my front door. I dropped my bags immediately. My shoes came off next followed by my jacket. I was exhausted. It was already ten at night and I had classes the next morning. I had to remind myself why I had inconvenienced and jet lagged my body. I groaned loudly as my phone began to ring. I answered it without even looking at the screen.

"Hello." I said into my phone as I plopped down on the couch.

"Thank god you're up! Have you heard this shit? Zayn is literally dragging you!" I heard Cat exclaim loudly. I sat straight up as if that could make me hear her better. She had to be joking.

"Wait.. What? What are you talking about?" I asked chewing my bottom lip nervously.

"The bloody arse is on British radio talking about your split! If I was back home I would give him a piece of my mind. The wanker!" Cat was angry. Angrier than I believe I had ever heard her before. I knew we were best friends and took up for each other but this was quite unexpected.

"Look, I knew something would slip soon. I just didn't know when. Now, I do." I sighed. I defeated and frustrated all over again. I was trying extremely hard not to be completely discouraged about Harry and me. It was hard to try and stay positive when the media was such a big part of his life because of the band.

"But this is uncalled for! He's blaming it all on you as if he wasn't cheating! I would call the fucking station. I swear to you I would." I listened and let her rant. She was fired up and I was just exhausted. The weekend had been far too busy for me to allow this to worm its way into my mind to dwell on. I would store it for another day or forget it altogether.

"I don't have the energy to worry about it Cat. I need food. I need sleep. I have class tomorrow."

"UGHHH! Damn you. Well, if you want me to call and cuss him I will. Get some sleep, love."

I hung up without another word. If Zayn needed to blame our end on me then so be it. No matter what he said I would end up happy. If, down the road, Gigi made him happy then good for him. There was no longer room in my life to dwell on the crazy negative things that happen. From now on I was focused on my school, my work, and moving on England to be with Harry once and for all.