Message in a Bottle

Boxes (33)

Chapter 33

*Harry's POV*

The next day I woke up, a dream streaming through my brain. I had dreamt that Mike had been caught, and all of this drama had come to an end. Surely when I awoke, I knew it was a dream, but for those short few moments where I felt almost disoriented, I felt okay. More than okay, actually, I finally felt what I've been craving to feel for the past month and a half. And that feeling was safe.

Ciara looks so peaceful asleep next to me, I know I can't wake her up. Mason is tucked tightly into her chest, and I feel like a family somehow through all of this. I dig into my pocket for my phone and dial Louis' number, I know it by heart considering he's the only person I ever seem to need to call.

After two rings, he answers. I can tell that I had woken him up, but with the idea that just struck I can't wait much longer to do it. All of this could finally come to an end if Louis agree to follow through with my plan. "It's eight in the morning, it better be good." He says immediately.

"It is. Can you meet me at the police station in twenty?" I say, more as a statement than a question.

"Which one?"

"The only one in a thirty mile radius." I roll my eyes. "Be there."

"We have an interview, you know. At ten." He yawns and I can hear him shuffling around, probably throwing on a shirt of some sort.

"Yeah, we'll be done by then." I promise.

"What are we even going to do?"

I let out a breath louder than I had wanted and wait a second to make sure I didn't wake up neither Mason or Ciara. Once I know it's okay to talk, I blow of his question. "Just be there, I'll tell you then." I say and hang up before he can say anything more.

In a rush, I try my best to scoot out of my spot without interrupting their sleep. I feel horrible for leaving, but I would feel worse for waking them up when they both look so beautiful and peaceful. Once I'm up off of the couch, I take a look around the den. I spot a notepad and a mug full of pencils and pens next to the computer and walk over. I keep my feet from pounding loudly on the floorboard and sheepishly grab a black pen, scribbling down a lie that would hopefully comfort Ciara.

'Left early for an interview. I couldn't wake neither you or Mason. Did you know you're even more beautiful when you're asleep? - Harry'. I place the pen back in the cup and stick the note next to where Ciara and Mason are sleeping. I bend down and softly kiss Mason's forehead and then Ciara's. I can't help but to look back to Mason, I can't believe he is really my son.

I carefully open up the door and gently close it behind me. All my mind can think about is what I'm going to say when I come face to face with Mike in less than thirty minutes. What if he tries to do something to Louis or me? He wouldn't in a public place, right? From what I can tell, Mike's the kind of person who will do anything once he's given the opportunity. And though I probably should be, I'm not scared of him. I'm just scared of what he could do to Mason or Ciara when I'm not around, it makes me go ill just thinking of the endless possibilities.

I shake the disgusting thought from my brain and slightly jog to the front door. I grab my coat off of the hanger and shrug it on. My fingers feel in my pocket for the keys and once I feel the cold metal, I know I'm all set to leave.

"Harry?" I hear Jordan's mom's voice say from behind me. I turn around, she's dressed in a white robe with a cup of tea in her hands. Slippers cover her feet and her hair is up in a ponytail. It looks like she had just woken up. "I didn't know you had slept over."

"Yeah, I hope I that's okay." I reply, even though I don't want to be having a conversation with her right now. I have to be at the police station in less than 15 minutes, and a conversation would set me back a couple minutes.