The Girl Next Door

Epilogue

“I might just even love you.”

Those were the words he said to me when I fell asleep in his arms for the first time when I found out my dad died. I tried so hard to remember what he said, and luckily my subconsciousness managed to catch that, after all. And it took that bitch more than a year to tell me.

I shifted in bed and drew the covers away from me with my hand, tapping the space next to me. I realised the space was empty and my eyes opened in slight panic.

“Good morning, beautiful,” I heard a raspy voice say behind me, feeling relieved. I smiled, because I knew exactly who was it, and I knew he was here, like he’d always be, anywhere in the world.

“Hello, Styles,” I said and rolled around, only to be caught in his arms, our foreheads touching. He kissed me, waking me up. I felt as if my body was melting through my bones, but I didn’t mind.

“Do you know what today is?” he asked, eyebrows raised.

I groaned. “Monday. Damn.” I hung myself on his shoulders.

“Amongst other things…”

“Okay, you lost me.” He grinned mysteriously and pulled two combo packs of Oreos and a giant Milka behind his back. My pupils dilated and I hugged him, taking the food.

“I. Love. You,” I yelled as the food was ‘safely’ stored in my arms.

“I know you do,” he said and leaned back on the bed with his hands behind his head.

“What’s this for?” I asked rapidly. He just smiled, looking my way. “Harry Edward Styles, you tell me what’s this for.”

“June 30th… Our one year anniversary… One year since we kissed on the hill…” he sighed, “Ring any bells? Seriously?” We agreed on celebrating our anniversary on June 30th and not New Year’s because that would mean more presents and more food. And I like presents and food.

My pupils dilated even more and I just stopped functioning for a second. “Oh crap. I forgot. I didn’t get you anything. I’m so sorry. Forgive me. I love you but I’m stupid—”

“I got the food for the both of us.”

I frowned, “CARTER DOESN’T SHARE FOOD.” The smile on his face melted a little but I pecked his lips and then leaned on his shoulder and we ate the food and watched ‘Silent Hill’, the first movie we ever watched together. And the past year and a half just flashed through my mind. A lot’s changed. But I still think Harry’s annoying and needs a haircut.  

“You know, I’m quite comfortable with saying this’s been the best year of my life- and that’s a lot, coming from a person who played at the Olympics, and the VMAs, and MSG and—” I shushed him, putting two Oreos in his mouth, not entirely because he was being annoying but because I wanted to watch the movie.

“No talking when she’s coming back to Silent Hill.”

“And that’s why I love you,” he muttered under his breath. I rolled my eyes. He threw himself at me, so he was laying on top of me and my head almost falling over the edge of the bed. “Say you love me,” he insisted and put on a pouty face.

“No. Must. Watch. Movie.” 

“Say it.” I tried to tug out but he grabbed my wrists, gently.

“NO.”

“LOVE ME.” He dived into my neck and started blowing kisses and I just kept twitching like a fish on shore and slapping him.

“Fine, I love you,” I said once I got air, “Happy?”

He smiled, “More than happy.”

I sat up across from him and crossed my legs. I inhaled deeply and looked down to the grey plush blanket we slept with.