Midnight

Chapter 27:

Harrys POV:

I wake up from Belle escaping my grasp. I look over to find her shutting her alarm off, which I didn't even hear.

"Why are you up so early?" I groan and put a pillow over my face.

"It's 11. I have class at 12:30 and so do you."

"Don't you only take like 5 minutes to get ready?"

"Most of the time. It's more around 10 minutes in the mornings though cause I'm slow."

"Well then why the hell do you give yourself an hour?"

"I used to have to walk. It was an hour long walk. I forgot to re-set my alarm, sorry."

"It's fine, just come back over here." I stretch my arms out for her. She lays back down and allows me to pull her close.

"I can't go back to sleep." I whisper about 5 minutes later. "We should go to breakfast before class."

"But I'm all warm and cozy." She buries her face into my chest.

"How are you feeling by the way?" I had almost forgot about last night.

"Fine, why?" She look up at me.

I lay on my back with one arm behind my head and the other around her.

"You were sort of talking in your sleep last night."

"It was probably the nightmare where my dad locks me in a cellar or I forgot my Taco Bell order."

"Forgot your Taco Bell order?"

"Ya I have this reoccurring nightmare where I can't remember my Taco Bell and then it turns out they don't sell it anymore. It's horrible."

I can't help but laugh. I swear, only she would have that as a reoccurring nightmare.

"Well it wasn't that one I promise."

"Okay good. That one is the worst."

"Come on let's go to breakfast." I sit up and sense she is halfway laying on me she sits up too.

"Fine." she exaggeratedly sighs and gets up.

I get up and make my way to the bathroom.

"Is my bag still in the car?" She turns to me and I pause in the bathroom doorway.

"Oh ya, I forgot to grab it sorry."

"It's fine. Where are the keys?"

"I think they are in the top drawer of my nightstand." I point at it. She walks over and opens the drawer. Her posture stiffens. "What?" I ask and walk over. In the drawer are my keys next to a pack of cigarettes. It's a weirdly empty drawer.

"Nothing." She hesitantly grabs the keys.

"Did you not know I smoke?"

"No. But you should really stop, it's not good for your health."

"I don't smoke often." I am usually really good at at hiding it.

"Okay. I'm gonna go get my bag now." She hurries out of the room.

Weird..

I shrug it off and go into the bathroom, brushing my teeth and pissing. I come out to find Belle still hasn't returned. I change my clothes before going outside and finding Belle leaning against my car.

"What are you doing out here? It's freezing." I call to her.

"Just needed some fresh air." She turns around, opening the door and grabbing her bag.

"You should have at least put a jacket on. I don't want you catching a cold." I walk up behind her.

"I wasn't planning on staying out here long." She slugs her backpack over her shoulder and turns to me.

"Come on, before you turn blue." I reach behind her and close the car door. Our faces inches apart. There is something she is not telling me. "Something is wrong, I can see it in your eyes."

"Ya, I am gonna freeze to death if you don't move." She dodges my statement.

"That's not what I meant-"

"Come on. I'm actually hungry now." She slides out from between me and the car and walks inside. I remain outside for a second.

I take out a cigarette and light it.

There is something definitely wrong here. I don't like it when she keeps things from me.

My cigarette is soon down to the stub and I drop it on the ground, stepping on it.

I go inside and lean against my bedroom door frame, watching her take the clothes out of her bag.

"We should probably leave soon." I say.

"I'm just gonna change and brush me teeth. I'll be right out." She walks into the bathroom and close the door, locking it.

A couple minutes later she comes back out, she is now in tights, knee high boots, not heels though and a pea coat that goes down to her mid-thigh.

How the hell did I fit that coat in her bag?

I shake my head, That's irrelevant right now.

I can't seem to take my eyes off her.

Those boots... Those tights... Her in general...

"Harry you are staring." She zips back up her bag.

"That's your fault." I walk over to her.

"No it's not." She protests.

"Yes it is." I grab her waist and pull her into a kiss. She leans in, her tongue intensely roaming my mouth like she is starving.

"Did you smoke?" She pulls herself away.

"Just one." I try to justify. She licks her lips and closes her eyes.

"I'm gonna go brush my teeth again." She pushes my hands from her waist and walks to the bathroom.

"Just cause I had one cigarette?" I call after her.

"Yes!" She snaps back and closes the bathroom door, not quite slamming it but not closing it gently either.

I have a feeling she hates smoking more then she wants to admit.

She comes out a minute later and avoids eyes contact with me as she walks across the room and grabs her bag.

"Okay I'm ready." She announces.

I decide not to push her into telling me cause I know she will get pissed and not to come to breakfast with me.

The car ride is silent and I feel the tension in the air. Maybe I should have brushed my teeth again also cause I feel like I shouldn't breath near her or she will smell the smoke.

We go to the local IHOP, cause we are original. I see a couple people I know and avoid eye contact, I'm not sure I need everyone knowing at me and Belle yet. It makes me uneasy. Belle on the other hand gives small waves to people she knows.

Belle takes off her jacket and drapes it over her arm. Under she is wearing a navy blue quarter sleeve sweater dress. It's a little more of a V-neck then I would prefer for her to wear out in public. She wears a silver heart necklace that falls right in the middle of her chest. I can't help but reach out and pick it up between my fingers. I have always noticed that when she doesn't know what to do with her hands she ends up playing with it.

"What?" She looks down at me fiddling with her necklace.

"It's so simple. I like it." A smile spreads across her face. "You are always wearing it, Did you mom give it to you?"

"Yes." Her smile fades.

"It's lovely. Just like you." I kiss her forehead. I realize that we are out in public and awkwardly step back. Belle gives me a suspicious look but doesn't question it.

The hostess finally gets a table ready for us, after I glare at her for a minute straight.

As we pass tables people look at us, some of them I don't even know.

Then my eyes land on Jacob. My hopes of him being here with another girl are crushed when I see Ian's blonde head turn around and look at us, a perky ass smile on his face. Belle begins to raise her hand to wave as we walk by but I grab it and put it to her side.

"Harry they are my friends." She hisses at me and waves with her other hand.

"I don't like them."

"I don't care." She says right as we pass their table.



Izzy's POV:

"Ohh, someone is in trouble." Ian laughs.

"Ian, leave us alone. It's to early for your shit." I state.

"It's never to early for my shit." Ian smiles.

"That's what you said before you crashed the lawn mower, with Tim in the back." I cross my arms.

"I remember that!" Jacob laughs.

Harry tenses a little cause I have a feeling he is still not ok with how long I have know these guys. He needs to learn that Ian is not a threat, Ian has teased me and made my life difficult ever since we met. It's just how he is around people. When we are alone though he is sweet and caring, while around people he is still caring, he just has a funny way of showing it. But if I ever got hurt or needed him, he would be there. Like a good friend.

"I don't see a lawn mower around." Ian looks around the restaurant.

"Just ignore him, he is trying to cause a scene, cause he loves attention." I say to Harry.

"That's not true!" Ian protests.

"It's completely true." Jacob says.

Ian starts to defend himself but I turn on my heels and walk to the booth, on the opposite side of the walkway and a couple seats down, that the hostess is waiting at.

I sit with my back to Ian and Jacob, Harry sits across from me. I pick up my menu and avoid looking at him.

"Belle, what's wrong?" Harry asks.

"Nothing." I say in a monotone voice.

"Something is wrong, just tell me. Is it cause I smoke?"

"Partially."

"What's the other part?"

"That I used to." I sigh and put down my menu, meeting his eyes.

"You used to smoke?" Harry looks like he doesn't believe me.

"Ya. For about 3 months." I look down and fiddle with my hands on the table.

"3 months isn't that bad."

"It was bad."

"Explain." He demands.

"When my dad was," I pause thinking of how to word this. "Dealing," I decide. "Dealing with Tim. I would hide up on the roof and smoke till they were done. Then I would go down, fix Tim up, and return to the roof to smoke another pack."

"Another pack!?" He seems to now believe me.

"Ya, like 2 a day. Sometimes more." I stay focused on my hands.

"Belle Look at me." Harry lifts my chin. His eyes hold sympathy, I don't want his sympathy. "What made you stop?"

"Pneumonia. I had to be rushed to the ER. After that scare Tim threw out all my cigarettes and would monitor me and make sure I quit. Ever since I have been a little shaky around cigarettes, it was hard to quit, I nearly lost it." I look at the table and tug my hair, having withdrawal.

"Hey, it's okay, I'll quit." He takes my hand from across the table.

"I don't want to guilt you into quitting." I play with his fingers.

"It's fine. I have been meaning to quite for a while." He watches me play with his fingers.

I should feel bad about guilting him into quitting but if it means he will live a little longer then I am fine with it.

"Let's not talk about it anymore ok? It's on my list of things I hate talking about."

"What else is on that list?"

"Harry, it's called the list of things I hate talking about and telling you would be talking about it."

We pause our conversation as the waitress comes back and we order.

"Well how am I supposed to avoid those topics if you don't tell me?" Harry says once the waitress leaves.

"Fine. Let's see; My family, smoking, the 6th Maximum Ride book, my future. That's all I can think of at the moment. I will let you know if the list expands."

"I have so many questions now..."

"No." I moan. "Harry it's a list of things I don't like to talk about!"

"Just one?" He pushes out his bottom lip. He is an ass, a beautiful piece of ass, but nevertheless, an ass.

"Dammit. Alright fine, only one though so choose wisely."

He takes a second to think before saying: "Why don't you like talking about your future?"

"Shit. Okay, that's the worst one. We gotta keep this conversation vague and short."

"Why?"

"Cause it gives me anxiety which more than often leads to one of my heart episodes." I can already feel my heart rate rising. "I don't like talking about my future cause I don't know what I want to do with my life. I haven't even chosen a major yet." I say as quickly as possible.

"Well, do you wanna travel?"

"No!" I say a little to quickly and venomously. "I just don't like change. But mostly I don't like uncertainty. I like knowing the people I live around. And I also don't like meeting new people, I avoid it at all costs. Traveling is just not for me."

"I'm sure there are plenty of careers around here that you can go into." He tried to reassure me.

"That's the problem! I don't know what I want to do, I haven't got a clue as to what major I want. It's all just to much pressure. Cause whatever I chose is going to effect me for the rest of my life." I have to start taking deep breaths. "This was a bad idea, conversation over." I slide all the way into the booth and lean against the wall, bringing my knees to my chest, facing the isle. I put my jacket over my legs so people walking by can't see up my dress.

"Sorry for pushing, I just like learning stuff about you." He slides all the way into his booth so he is still across from me.

"It's fine, not your fault. Just change the subject please."

"What do you wanna talk about?"

"Anything Harry!" I snap. "Sorry." I put my head on my knees.

"What did you do?" Tim's voice brings my attention up to where he now stands at the foot of our table. His fiery gaze is locked on Harry.

"He didn't do anything Tim. My heart is just acting up."

"Maybe you should head home." He brings his eyes to me.

"No I'm fine. Just need a minute. Someone talk about something. Something funny that will take my mind off of this."

"Okay, um..." Tim sits on the edge of my side of the booth, next to my feet. Harry doesn't look to happy with that.

"How about the fact that you made Tim gay in your book." Harrys eyes challenge Tim's.

"What!?" Tim looks at me. I can't help but laugh a little.

"It's true. You are a flaming homosexual in my book. It's more entertaining that way." I rest my chin on my knees and smile at him.

"That's not funny, I'm not gay."

"Nope. But Timothy Andrew Parker is. And he is proud of it."

"I hate you."

"I know." I smile and lay my legs across his lap.

"You feel better now?" Harry asks.

"Yes, thank you."

"So what are you guys doing here anyways?" Tim asks.

"Having breakfast, what's it look like." I say.

"Well Ian and Jacob tell me this is a date. Is it?"

I look over at Harry who has a scowl on his face. Probably at the mention of Ian and Jacob. But something else seems to be bothering him.

"Nope. He is just doing his job. Being a good bodyguard." I decide to go with. Not to sure Harry wants the entire population knowing about is yet. Even though everyone at the townhouse knows.

"So why are you dressed so nicely?" Tim looks at me from head to toe.

"I decided I need a job. I have an interview today." I smile. I have been keeping it to myself incase I don't get the job. I don't want people to make a big deal out of it.

"You have an interview?" Harry now seems interested in the conversation. "When were you planning on telling me this."

"Right about now." I try to lighten his mood.

"Where?" He demands.

"Barnes and Nobles."

"That's exciting. I hope you get it." Tim pats my legs. My eyes are still on Harry who is looking at Tim like he is from another planet. He must not be used to this side of Tim, the sober side that doesn't have hoes hanging off him.

"Hey guys!" Perrie suddenly appears.

"Hey?" I say back.

"We'll take this table!" Perrie tells the waitress and points to the booth across the isle from ours. Soon Kelly, Zayn, Hannah, Jackie and Louie join her. One of them has to sit at our table though, and guess who sits them self down right next to Harry? That's right, Hannah. Everyone sort of falls silent and they all try not to stare at my legs across Tim's lap. We decided not to tell people we are related so this probably looks suspicious to them. Too bad I don't give a fuck and am not moving my legs cause I am comfortable.

I look over at Harry who has sunken down a little in his seat, his arms crossed over his chest. I give him a reassuring smile that he does not return.

"Long time no see." Hannah smiles at Tim.

"Oh please tell me you guys didn't." I groan.

"Trust me, we didn't." Tim says.

"So what a are you three doing here?" Hannah asks.

"Eating breakfast. Jesus why do people keep asking me that." I swing my legs off Tim's lap when the waitress appears with mine and Harrys food. I begin to eat my sausage and gravy, that I end up sharing with Tim. I usually wouldn't share that willingly but I don't normally eat breakfast so I'm not that hungry. Harry just stays quiet and eats his pancakes while Hannah converses with the other table.

"Mmhmm I'm ready for a nap." I say once I finish my food.

"You and me both." Tim leans his head on my shoulder. Which is quite the ways down considering he is 5'10 and I am 5'6 or something like that. I haven't been measured in a while. Hannah gives us a suspicious look and I can't help but smile.

"Harry are you gonna take me back to the townhouse after school?" As soon as the question popped into my head it was out my mouth.

"I was planning on it. Unless you wanna do something else." He sets his fork on his empty plate.

"I was hoping you would come to my interview with me. Sort of as good luck."

"I would love to." He half smiles. He hooks his ankles around mine under the table.

"Are you guys coming to my party this weekend?" Tim asks and lifts his head.

"I wasn't aware you were having one." Hannah states. "But I will be coming now."

"You know I don't like parties." I look over at him.

"I know. It was worth a try." He shrugs and smiles.

"What about you Harry? Oh no that's right, you don't go anywhere without poor little Belle." Hannah looks at Harry.

"Harry you can go if you want." I say.

"No he can't." Tim says a little to quickly. Hannah's eyes dart to him, interested in what he meant by that. Tim doesn't give into her stare and continues like it was nothing. "It's fine. Maybe the next one."

"Speaking of parties. Where did you escape to last night Izzy? I didn't see you there, which is weird considering it was at your townhouse." Hannah says.

"She slept at my place cause you guys were being loud." Harry grumbles.

"She did what." Tim looks back and forth between me and Harry.

"I SLEPT at Harrys house last night. That's all."

Tim gives Harry a suspicious look but then drops it.

"Hey we are ready to go." Ian says to Tim as him and Jacob now stand at the end of our table.

"Alright I'll see you later." Tim puts his arm around my shoulders, giving me a small squeeze and kissing my cheek. He gives Harry a nod and just flat out ignores Hannah. Then he gets up and follows Ian and Jacob out of the restaurant.

"You've got to teach me your ways." Kelly says and watches them walk the door as she slides in next to me.

"It's not teachable. More like something you are born with." I try not to smile. I can tell Harry is holding back a smile too.

"Bullshit. Something about you draws them in."

"Are you referring to how painfully awkward I can be?"

She rolls her eyes at me. "Your so stubborn." She gets up and sits back at her booth.

"Maybe that's what draws them in!" I smile. She once again rolls her eyes at me and then sparks a conversation with Perrie.

Now that it is just me, Harry and Hannah left it's a little weird. I wish Kelly would come back.

"Well..." I start. "We should get going."

"Belle we have to wait for the check. And don't even think about paying, this is on me." Harry pulls his card out of his wallet. I'm not gonna protest with free food so I keep my mouth shut.

"How typical." Hannah scoffs.

"You're just upset that I never bought you anything." Harry says to her and hands the waitress his card. She gives us all a weird look before accepting the card and walking away.

"You're just upset that I'm a better fuck then her. Face it honey, you won't find anyone better in bed than me." Hannah smiles.

Probably cause off all the practice you've got, I add mentally.

Harry breaths become fast and even though I can't see his hands I know they are in fists.

"Ugh not this again." I rest me head on the table.

"Not what again?" Hannah asks.

"'Oh Harry I am the best in bed' 'Oh Harry I don't want to be in a committed relationship but I don't want you seeing anyone else' 'Oh Harry I'm in dire need of attention, please love me'," I mimic Hannah voice. "It's sickening and can't possibly be good for your mental health." I look up to find the waitress is back and has a confused yet horrified look on her face. She sets the card on the table with the receipt and hurries away.

"That is not what I sound like!" Hannah scoffs.

"It's exactly what you sound like." Harry lightly laughs.

"I don't have to take this! I'm leaving!" Hannah stands.

"No you're not. Cause I am you ride and I'm not ready to go." Kelly says from her table.

"That's fine. We should get going anyways." Harry slides out of his booth and stands at the end of mine, offering me a hand. I take it and he pulls me out of the booth.

"How come you don't do things like that." Perrie asks Zayn.

"Cause you always sit in the end." He shoves some pancake in his mouth. I smile at their cuteness and walk out of the place right behind Harry.