If It's What You Want A Harry Styles Fanfiction || h. s.

Chapter 35

They sat next to one another on the sofa watching a BBC series, eating dessert, and drinking freshly brewed tea. Ashley had wrapped Harry's hand, cleaned up the remainder of the glass, and brewed new cups of tea while Harry was made to sit by and watch.

"Do you want to talk about the phone call?"

"Do you really want to hear this?" she asked.

"Whatever was said obviously upset you. I care about you, so yes. If it would help, I'm here to listen."

"As you already know, it was my mother."

"Yes."

"The business I took care of earlier today had to do with her finances. She was back on the street using all her stipend on drugs, so she's not getting any more money for the time being. She has the option to go to rehab again or do whatever she does."

"What did she say?"

"The usual. I'm forcing her into prostitution just to be able to live. I'm a horrible daughter. I don't care about her. Those are just the things I can repeat. It's always everyone else's fault that she's where she is."

"Did she agree to go to rehab?"

"No, not yet."

"How far will this go?"

"Until she gets tired of prostituting or arrested again."

"Ashley, I am so sorry."

"It's okay. It's a routine occurrence. Sometimes, she gets to me and I just . . . It's a never-ending battle. Nothing will change. I've resigned myself to that. My goal is to make sure I never go down that road."

"You're an amazing person, sweetheart. The more I learn about you, the more I realize what it's taken for you to be where you are now. It says a lot about what kind of person you are. You have so much strength."

"You are more than generous but thank you."

"You underestimate yourself. What you've done requires focus and discipline."

"I'm very lucky to have the guidance and advice of my aunt and uncle. They helped me to stay grounded especially after I received access to my trust fund."

"Weren't you well on your way to finishing up your studies by the time you received the trust fund?"

"I was but I hadn't yet figured my mother out. She was still playing on my sympathy, distracting me from my studies, manipulating me every chance she got."

"And yet, look at you." He reached for her hand and brought it to his lips just pressing his mouth against her fingers. "Have I told you how much I like you?"

"Not today," she said leaning over and kissing his cheek.

"I like you very much, Ashley."

"I like you too."

"Good," he said pulling her toward him for a kiss that left them both breathless. "I would really like to have sex with you tonight."

"I would like to have sex with you as well."

"Good," he said kissing her again.

"I need a shower first."

"Me too. Taking one together would be practical," he said with a smile.

"I don't think I'm ready for that."

"What is it?"

"If I tell you, you'll brush it off. Let's just say I'm self-conscious."