Ditched (a Harry Styles love story)

Chapter 41

***Elizabeth's P.O.V.***

New Years. All the lights, the couples kissing, and the drunken people waltzing down the street clumsily. There was some sort of feeling in the air that was different even to the feeling you have on Christmas. There was something about a new beginning that made everyone abuzz with happiness and excitement. Even Carson, who wasn't really one for really big celebrations, was aglow with awe.

Yes, Carson was here because the next college semester was starting soon and she was settling into Louis' flat. She had already punched Harry in the jaw (don't worry, he said he was okay with it). Louis went back to his flat, after days of me reassuring him that I would be fine if he left me alone with Harry, and he and Carson were practically perfect in every way. She was so happy to be here and honestly I couldn't be happier to have her here too. It was nice to see her so happy after what had happened to both of us. Louis made her happy, and that made me happy so all together we're all happy. Well, except for Harry...

It's New Years Eve, Louis and Carson are our flat to celebrate, you would think he'd be overjoyed that we're all back in London to celebrate together, and yet he was still staring at the wall blankly. All day he had been staring at it and sighing heavily every now and then before mumbling a string of curse words and bowing his head as if in shame. I had gone over a few times to talk to him and he had just smiled and told me he was okay. I wasn't buying it though.

He had been acting different ever since we got back. Not the kind of different where he just sort of withdraws himself from everything, like when he's made, but he was just really down. I wasn't feeling the best either, but maybe it was just because I knew he wasn't feeling too good. So, for the hundredth time that night, I sat next to him on the couch to speak to him. It wasn't as if Carson and Louis would miss me or anything; they were too busy making out in the corner or something.

''You sure you're okay?'' I wondered.

He put on another fake smile and nodded his head, ''yeah, I'm alright.''

''Harry, if something's up, you can tell me,'' I told him and he stared at his lap for a moment.

''I-I, um... can I talk to you outside on the balcony?'' he asked nervously just as Louis and Carson's giggles could be heard coming into the room. I nodded and he pulled me up and led me outside where he leaned up against the rail with his hands stuffed in his pockets.

''So, what's up?'' I prompted.

He took in a deep breath and set his determined gaze on the sliding glass door instead of me, ''Elizabeth, I told your dad.''

I froze for a moment and just waited for him to continue, but he didn't. ''Told him what?'' I tried to clarify.

''Everything,'' he sighed before finally looking at me, ''about Darren, about us, and about what I did to you.''

''Are you insane? He's going to wring your neck when and if you see him again,'' I panicked, ''oh gosh, please tell me you're kidding.''

''No, I'm not,'' he shook his head, ''and don't worry, he's not going to hurt me. I told him while we were in New York and that's what his letter was about.''

''Why did you tell him?'' I fretted. I didn't like keeping secrets from my dad and now that he knew I had, I couldn't help but feel ashamed. He had to hear it from Harry after all.

''I didn't think it was fair to keep something like that from someone who loves you so much, Elizabeth. He deserved to know everything, and I did what I did so I had to own up to it eventually. I just couldn't stand to look him in the eyes and know that I was technically lying to him,'' he admitted. When he noticed how wide my eyes were, he diverted his own and kicked at the ground of the balcony. ''Please don't be mad at me,'' he mumbled innocently.

''Harry, I-I'm not mad at you, I'm just a bit surprised,'' I assured him as I took a step towards him. ''You didn't have to tell him; I would've found the courage to eventually.''

''No, Elizabeth, I did what I did and I'm the one who has to deal with it,'' he argued with a shake of his head.

''How'd he take it?'' I questioned.

''He was, um... surprised I think. He wanted to kill me probably, but he still remained calm and he seemed a bit grateful once I explained it all to him,'' Harry informed me and I could just imagine my father planning Harry's death in his head when he had told him. The thought and the cold combined made me shiver. Harry took his weight off of the railing and turned to look at me directly while reaching into his sweat pants' large pocket for something. ''I have something for you... I was going to give it to you earlier but I never seemed to have the time...'' he trailed off as he finally pulled a CD from his pocket.

''What is it?'' I asked in confusion while studying the CD for a clue to my question. I was expecting the charm bracelet, that hadn't left my wrist since I got it, to be the only present from him. Guess I was wrong.

''It's videos of Liberty,'' he answered. My head snapped up to look at him and see if he was joking or something. He seemed to be waiting for me to react and I just stared up at him in surprise.

''Y-you... How?'' I wondered in disbelief.

''You're dad gave them to me on a flash drive and I put them onto that disk so that you could watch them whenever you wanted to,'' he replied nervously as he still waited for me to do something. I felt the sting of wet tears mixing with the frigid air and as they trailed down my cheek he wiped one away before pulling me into a hug.

''Thank you, Harry,'' I muttered though the words were muffled into his chest. He just held me tighter until a boom made us both jump. From my place in his arms, I could see the lights filling the dark sky and lighting up the skyline for a few moments before being replaced by another. The crack and booms loud and close though they weren't scary to hear.

''I guess we missed the countdown,'' he chuckled.

''Oh well,'' I sighed as I hugged him closer.

''What are you guys doing out here?'' Carson's tipsy giggles filled the night air and we pulled away from our embrace to look at her.

''Just watching the fireworks,'' I told her and she smiled even wider.

''They're pretty, but you guys better come in before you freeze your butts off,'' she laughed and then shut the door. I looked up at Harry and he just shook his head before ushering back into the flat. We headed to the kitchen where Louis and Carson were already giggling as they did toasts and drank their champagne. Harry went to the refrigerator to go get the sparkling cider, but Louis stopped him.

''We already got you guys some while you were outside,'' he informed us as he pushed two glasses towards us. I picked up one and Harry picked up the other before clinking his against mine and bringing it to his lips. I took a sip of mine before spitting it out and causing Louis and Carson to break out in laughter. Harry quickly put down his glass and rubbed my back.

''You okay?'' he asked in concern.

I wiped my tongue on my shirt sleeve before glaring at Carson and Louis. ''That was not sparkling cider.''

''Oops,'' Louis gasped through his laughter and Carson slapped her knee.

''C'mon guys,'' Harry chuckled.

''You going to drink yours, Hazza?'' Louis wondered as he watched Harry grab the cider from the refrigerator and pour two glasses.

Harry glanced at me before shaking his head, ''thanks, but I'm trying to stay away from alcohol.''

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Hey, so this story only has a few more chapters left. I don't know how I'm going to let go of it, though. I really don't like ending things, but it is coming to the end. Oh, the sadness... I hope you have enjoyed the story so far, and there is still a bit more to come, but like I said, it is nearing the end. I cant thank you guys enough for all of the reads. :)

-cow_queen