The Writer and the Singer (Harry Styles AU)

Chapter 8

     Harry was physically pained to see Aubrey break down that way. At the same time, he felt an odd sense of relief because another piece of her was revealed to him.  They were more connected to each other than they’d ever been to anyone else.

     He waited outside Aubrey’s house the morning after she told him about Brooke. He sat in his car lost in thought, waiting for her, having offered the day before to drive her to school. He was pulled from his revere when he saw Aubrey come out of her front door. She paused shyly before pulling the car door open.

“Good morning love.” His eyes searched her face, looking for signs of distress from yesterday.

“Morning.” She quietly responded. Noticing her timidity he grasped her petite hand.  

“Babe it’s ok.” He assured her. Harry furrowed his eyebrows as he continued to scrutinize her, in hopes of figuring out what she was thinking.

“H-Harry I’m really sorry I was such a mess yesterday. I shouldn’t have told you.” She was embarrassed that she had appeared so weak. Aubrey had fought hard to not show how much Brooke’s death had affected her, but Harry kicked all her walls in. The urge to vent to someone was omnipresent since Brooke’s passing.

“No. Aubrey I’m so glad you told me. I’ll be here for you.” It meant so much to him that she’d shared with him, despite how difficult it was for her to talk about. She really trusted him. Aubrey visibly relaxed at Harry’s reassurance and the conversation continued as it usually did between them.

     Harry jogged to the other side of the car and opened Aubrey’s door for her after they pulled into the school’s parking lot. She beamed at him. “Aubrey!” Voices called from across the lot. They both snapped their heads in the direction of the speakers. “Happy birthday, girly!” Lilly exclaimed when she was a yard away from the pair. Aubrey attempted to smile but ended up grimacing. She had meant to hide the fact that it was her birthday from everyone, including Harry, for as long as possible. Aubrey hated her birthday. The extra attention made her uncomfortable and she was never sure how to react to all that came with it. She didn’t want to seem ungrateful, but she wished only her close family and friends would do a few sweet gestures and it wouldn’t be made out as this grand event. Mar was aware of Aubrey’s dislike, so she sent her a sympathetic smile and didn’t say anything. Lilly thought her distaste for birthdays was silly, so she always ignored Aubrey’s protests.

     “Why didn’t you tell me it was your birthday love?” Harry asked.

“I don’t know.” She lied as she kept her gaze on the ground.

“Happy birthday babe.” Harry spoke. Aubrey swooned over his use of the word babe. He kissed her cheek, which made her heart melt. If this was all my birthday was I wouldn’t mind it at all.

“Alright, Marie and I’ve got to go to class. Enjoy your birthday.” Lilly winked at Aubrey and then hugged her. Mar embraced her next and whispered, “You’ll be fine hun. Happy birthday.”

     Aubrey clung to Harry’s arm as they entered the classroom. He caressed her cheek and hummed until class began. Aubrey was consoled but her stomach was still knotted. To her horror her classmates sang to her twice. Both times Aubrey kept her head down and she felt her cheeks burn. She couldn’t wait to go home.

     When Aubrey and Harry met up at the end of the day Harry began, “I feel bad I didn’t get you anything, let me make it up to you?”

“You don’t have to. It’s not a big deal.”

“I want to do something for you. Do you want to come to my place?”

“Yeah, that sounds wonderful.”