Forgotten

Chapter 29

I woke up to the pilot announcing our flight was landing soon. The seatbelt sign flashed on. I groggily glanced out the window. It was dark probably because New York is 2 hours ahead of Houston. My eyes flashed to the ground and I saw someone was sitting beside me, so I assumed it was a normal person who had that seat. I most likely was asleep when they sat down…but the person’s shoes looked very familiar. A lump formed in my throat and I felt my stomach drop. Brown boots. Harry. I took a shaky deep breath and turned my head slightly sideways so I could get a better look. I almost screamed because he was right there. He wasn’t awake but his face was very close to mine. Anger built up inside me and I felt like I was going to burst. Without thinking, my hand swung up and slapped his cheek, instantly waking him up. He smiled but then saw how angry I was. I felt like a fire was burning inside me.

            “What the fucking hell, Harry?” I seethed through my teeth. He smiled, dimples revealing themselves from their hiding place. I was furious. I wanted to go home alone, and I specifically told him not to follow me.

            “I’m not trying to bring you back, I was coming to say goodbye. I wasn’t going to let you go with a text message saying ‘see you later’.  I needed to see you off properly.” He barely even finished his sentence before smashing his lips onto mine. I blinked my eyes a couple times before shoving him off. He looked hurt, but I could tell he expected it.

            “You’ve said goodbye, now when we get off this plane I want you to hop on another to Houston.” I snapped. I heard a little kid behind me giggle. Harry just pursed his lips and nodded his head. I turned my head back around so I could look out and see us land. I could make out the millions of tiny lights breaking through the clouds. New York, Manhattan, 5th Avenue, home. I could barely contain my excitement that a huge smile made its way onto my face. I felt something wrap around my small hand. It was, as I thought, Harry’s hand. I could feel the coldness of his rings and chills ran up my arm. As much as I wanted to, I didn’t let go.

After grabbing my two suitcases from the baggage claim I stood by the exit, waiting for my car to arrive. I could hear a familiar sound, the sound of heeled boots against the floor, walking closer to me. I turned around and was almost knocked over by Harry wrapping me in his long, muscular arms. He smelled like fabric softener and Old Spice deodorant mixed with cologne I couldn’t identify. I was really going to miss this boy, and Liam, and Niall, and the rest of the wonderful band. They were all like family to me really…but there was nothing I wanted more than to be home.

            “I’m going to miss you, a lot.” He said, resting his chin on my head. I could hear his heartbeat thumping through his broad chest. For a short period of time I completely forgot about Liam. I have to admit that it was sad I felt so strongly for Harry, being with Liam and all. But at the same time Liam did hurt me once and I knew Harry wouldn’t do that to me. Did I feel guilty? Of course I did. It’s not like we were going to stay together, with the band finishing up their tour and me working full-time at Vogue.

            “I’m going to miss you too. I’m sure you all will visit Gabby and I?” I asked. He nodded and smiled his famous toothy grin.

            “Of course. Maybe if we have a premiere we just might think about visiting but based on Niall’s memory it’s a 50/50 chance.” He chuckled. A lump formed in my throat. I still haven’t really forgotten what he did and I don’t think I ever will. Harry obviously could feel me stiffen up because he released from the hug and brought my face into his hands.

            “I’m sorry that came out wrong-“

            “No it’s fine. We’ve gone over it so many times. I’m kind of tired of talking about it.” I sighed. After a moment of silence and staring at each other, he leaned forward and gently pressed his lips against mine. My eyes fluttered closed and I wrapped my arms around his waist. He broke off when the town car driver beeped the horn outside. Harry rested his forehead against mine and chuckled.

            “Time for me to go.” He sighed. I nodded and jumped up to kiss his nose. It felt right being with Harry. It was a different feeling than being with Liam. It was special. Special in a way because I loved the way he held me and kissed me. The way he smelled and was at least a foot taller than me. The way his jaw clenched when he was thinking hard or how the veins in his neck protruded when he hit a powerful note. The way he posted stupid Instagram pictures or tweeted ridiculous, irrelevant things.

I gave him one last kiss before grabbing my suitcases and walking out the doors. It felt like slow motion, turning around and waving. Flashing a smile. He didn’t show any teeth when he did but his dimples did show a little bit. Once I reached the town car there was no turning back. I was finally home.