H&M

Chapter 26

"Keep my secrets close, our hearts aligned, I see darkness where you see light."

Maya • • •

"The doctor said I'm fine." Harry rushed past me, his right arm was now in a thick cast.

I hurried to match his long strides. "What were his exact words?"

He shrugged, continuing to make his way towards the car. "Not important."

"Did he prescribe any medication?"

"Yeah, I'll get it on my own time." We both stood on either side of his car, almost challenging each other.

"I could get - "

"I'll get it on my own time." He said more firmly this time, before ducking into the passenger seat.

"I'm just trying to help you, Harry." I settled into the car, eyeing the dashboard.

"I don't need your help." He spat. "I could've done this myself."

His words stung more than I wanted to admit. "I know, I just thought -"

"I know what you fucking thought, Maya. What, I'm so fucked up in the head I can't even drive myself to the hospital?"

"Don't raise your voice at me." I whispered, holding back tears. "I'm sorry for saying those things to you. I just thought you needed help."

I could feel the heat rise in my face. I no longer had the energy to be angry.

"I just told you multiple times that I don't. Are you a fucking idiot?"

I turned to face him, examining all his facial features, looking for some drastic change. What had those doctors done to my Harry? The Harry that swore up and down to never hurt me, who came to my dorm room just to kiss me goodnight, who professed his love for me a million times, who I let see the most vulnerable parts of me.

I slowly stepped out of the car.

"You've helped me so much these few months and I just wanted to do the same." I sighed, creating more and more distance between Harry and I. "And I know you're hurt or angry but pushing me away isn't going to do you any good."

We locked eyes once more before I finally turned away. I let the tears rush freely from my eyes, I had been holding them in for so long. My own voice echoed in my head, I sounded so pathetic, helpless.

•••••

Harry • • •

She was gone. And it hurt more than my fractured hand.

It hurt more than a lot of things, but I knew that creating distance between us was the right thing to do, no matter what she thought. She didn't know the truth, she couldn't tell me I was wrong.

•••••

I sat across from Liam's tense body. He had picked the worst place to meet; Scantily clad girls and a lively atmosphere.

"Say something, you're driving me crazy." I quickly took a sip of the bitter beer. I took a quick glance around the crowded sports bar, afraid that I'd see Maya's face.

"There's nothing to say, Harry." The weight of my confession still sinking into him. I had told him the truth about Maya's brother and my dad against my better judgement. It had been gnawing at my chest, I had to tell someone.

"Fuck, are you sure?" He asked for the 3rd time since we sat down.

"I mean, pretty fucking sure." I laughed at my misfortune.

"What happens now?" Liam sighed. "She'll find out eventually, you can't just avoid her."

"Of course I can." A retrieved a box of year-old cigarettes from my right front pocket.

"I thought you quit." Liam accused.

"I thought I did, too." I lit the cigarette before taking a desperate puff.

•••••

Maya • • •

I stood completely still, too afraid to move.

He slowly turned towards me, bandaids covering different regions of his face, swollen eyes and lips.

"Hey." He called out, walking in my direction

"Stop where you are or I'll scream." I threatened.

"I just wanted to apologize. That wasn't me last night. I was drunk."

"What's your name?" I asked.

"Dominic." He stared at me intensely.

"Well Dominic, I plan on pressing charges." My voice was leveled, my breath steady.

"Thank God Dominic isn't my real name, right." He smiled eerily.

I gasped in disgust. "I'll find you. I promise I will. My boyfriend's dads a cop, you won't get away with this."

"Emotions fold, our blood runs dry. I see a future inside your eyes. We're fading out again." - Jacob Lee (I Just Know)