Heir [Harry Styles]

Chapter 4: Decisions

 

-Chapter 4-

Iris

I lean my head against the window, watching the wing of the plane flash, momentarily illuminating the darkness. I can’t be a leader of my fathers gang. How could he do this to me? It has to be a joke, Zayn was tired and was saying things. Maybe he meant Cam instead of me? My dad never even mentioned it to me, I can’t be true. I roll my head back against the seat and stare up at the ceiling of the jet as is rumbles, the sound making my ears pop. 

I undo my tight ponytail and run my fingers through the tangled mess, in hopes that it will help me relax in the slightest. Maybe Louis or Harry can tell me the truth. I stand up, gaining my balance on the wobbly surface of the jet. I slowly stride down the row of seats, placing my hands on the headrests to keep myself from falling as the plane trembles. Finally, I reach Louis laying peacefully in his seat, reclined with his arm thrown over his face, shielding his eyes as light snores escaping his mouth. I don’t want to wake him up, but I know I won’t be able to sleep if I don’t.

“L-L-Louis,” I silently stutter, but he does even move a muscle. I place a hand on his shoulder and gently shake, “Louis, come on, wake up.”

He jolts awake, sleepiness threatening to pull his eyes closed again as he moves his arm away from his face, “Have we landed? Is the plane on fire?” he groggily questions always going to extremes ever since we were kids.

“N-no,” I start, not sure how to word my question, “I uh, I need to ask you something. It’s really important.” I look into his sea blue eyes, watching has they begin to show curiosity. I feel my hands trembling as I run my finger through my hair again before clasping them together in front of me. 

“Yeah, sure what’s up Iris?” he says through a yawn curiosity still prominent in his eyes.

“Um, Zayn told me tha- that I’m supposed to be the new leader, to replace my father? I don't really understand it but is that true?” His face suddenly drops and he looks away from me, hanging his head. I listen to him silently mumble to himself, like he's having an inner battle. 

“Dammit, Zayn wasn’t supposed to tell you that,” he mutters, “but I guess you deserve to know. You would learn about it eventually.” I reaches over to the jacket tossed on the seat closest to the window. He slides his hand inside a pocket built into the inner lining of the leather coat and pulls out a crumpled envelope.

“Here, I was supposed to wait to give this to you, but you need answers. I am going to get a lot of shit for it, but- here, just take it.” He reluctantly hands me the envelope. I reach my hand out grab hold of the wrinkled paper.  I flip it over in my hands and read the front:

To Adalyn Iris Khale

“Thanks.” I whisper, taking the papers back to a seat in between Louis’ and Zayn’s to reveal the answers to my burning questions. Carefully, I peel open the envelope, making sure not to rip any of the precious papers inside. I pull out the papers and unfold them, they are all written in my father’s neat, cursive handwriting. The paper feels thick and smooth in my hands, he must have used his best paper and one of his beloved fountain pens.

I don’t know if I want to read it quite yet, because somehow I know what’s inside will change my life, my whole world. Closing my eyes, I hold back the tears and peer down at the papers and begin to slowly read, cherishing every word.

Dear Adalyn Iris,
If you’re read this that means something must have happened to me. I know I promised I would always be around, so protect you and Cam, but we both knew that promise was empty and something I couldn’t fulfill. I am so sorry for whatever happened, and for leaving you and Cameron here on this Earth motherless and now fatherless, but the whole family knew of its many dangers and consequences. I was a fool for bring my loved one into it, but I don't regret it because it has helped you become who you are today.