"Lovely"

Part Nine (Harry)

Part Nine: Harry

I haven’t the slightest idea as to how long I sat with Lou, but by the time we stood up, my bum ached. Louis had gone over to grab his things from the counter; and I was clocking out when Diana poked her head out of the office.

“Harry,” she called, “Can we speak?”

I glance over to see Lou preoccupied by his phone, a small smile settled on his lips. He appeared much calmer, happier even. I didn’t want to leave him alone after what had happened, you know. Louis had hallucinated Liam. For a moment, he thought Liam was actually there; which had scared the daylight out of me.

Perhaps I just didn’t want to leave Lou to his thoughts. I knew that there was only so much that I could do to make him feel safe, but what he thought about was really out of my hands. What if Liam came back, and he became more anxious? The very thought of it made me want to vomit.

“Harry!” Diana called again.

I drop what I’m doing and head into the office.

“Have a seat.” She says, pointing to the chair earlier occupied by Lou.

I sit nervously, placing both my hands on top of my knees. With a stern glare Diana closes the door behind me.

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

“Harry I want to know why your friend’s so distraught about Liam.”

Her tone is firm, direct; and suggestive of serious consequence if this conversation does not go her way.

“I…I don’t think that’s really my place to say.” I stammer, my eyes darting between her and the door. I know that Louis’ waiting for me, and I don’t want to upset him any further by raising my voice. I want to yell at Diana, tell her to leave Lou alone-to keep Liam away from here.

But I can’t bring myself to do it.

She would fire me.

“Not your place.” She mutters under her breath, “So, what you’re saying is that it’s none of your business as to why your boyfriend over there’s a nervous wreck? Is it Liam’s fault? Why is this an issue?”

When I don’t answer, she continues to press. “Harry?”

She scoots herself to the end of her seat, now only inches away from my face.

“Now, we wouldn’t want this little dispute to put your job in jeopardy, now would we Harry?”

“Diana-“I blurt, unable to contain my words. “You know that I nee-“

“I know exactly why you’re here.” She snaps “You’re a Styles. You’re broke for fuck’s sake.”

“You shouldn’t curse.” I snip back, “It’s rude.”

It’s here that I realize I’m quoting Louis. Maybe he did have some effect on me; a positive influence of sorts.

“What’s rude is keeping secrets.” She says firmly.  “You shouldn’t hide something from people that need to know about it.” 

“Well, in that case, I’m not keeping any secrets.”

“Oh, now why’s that?” she insisted sarcastically.

“You don’t need to know.”

I stood to leave, but Diana grabbed hold of my bandaged hand and pulled me back. I rip it away from her, ignoring the sharp pain that remains underneath the wrapping. I reach to open the door, my back away from her icy glare when she speaks again.

“If you leave now, don’t bother coming back.”

 I take a deep breath.

I have to tell her.

I turned around and looked her straight in the eyes. A look of victory decorated her eyes with a smug grin to match and I knew for a fact she could see the defeat within me. I sighed heavily before beginning.

"Diana, Lou-Louis and Liam aren't exactly on good terms."

Diana looks at me, confused and waiting for me to continue… so… I do.

"Y-you see, your grandson L-Liam tried to h-hurt Louis on more than one occasion."

Diana scoffs, "My grandson? My Liam? I'm sure you have him confused with someone else. For all we know, your little boyfriend is full of shit!"

How dare she accuse Louis of lying?! Why would he get so afraid and have damn hallucinations if none of this were true!

"He's not lying!" Pointing at her I went on, "And your grandson tried to run him over with a car for God's sake!"

 Horrified, Diana stands up from her chair and slowly backs away from me.

I could barely hear her for her tone was barely audible, but the words that flowed from her lips were words I never thought I would have to hear.