Free (Sequel to Through The Dark) Complete

Chapter 10

The morning of Amanda and Niall's engagement party, Julie arrived at the banquet hall to oversee that everything was ready for the celebration.  She had thrown herself into planning and organizing the party, which had allowed her to ignore the turmoil she constantly felt brewing inside her. Julie wanted to make this night as perfect as possible for Niall and Amanda. She loved them both so dearly, and their love for each other had been joyful to behold.  Julie was grateful that the party was taking place at the hall and that it included catering.  Preparing dinner for the four of them had been tough enough when Niall and Amanda had gotten engaged.  That the arrangements also included cleanup was a major benefit in her book.  She hated cleaning, and she didn't want to do any of it. She just wanted to enjoy the moment and then go home and fall into bed. However, she wanted to be here to oversee the set up this morning and attend to all the details.  Julie had banned Niall and Amanda from coming this morning because she didn't think they should be working on a party that was supposed to be for them.  She helped the staff move some of tables and then looked around.  She shook her head ruefully.  Who would have thought she would be doing this already?  But Amanda and Niall seemed to know immediately that they were the ones for each other.  That they belonged together.  Julie was 25 now.  She didn't even know how to comprehend what she wanted in her future.  Amanda was 23, and Niall just 22, and they knew.  How?  Harry was going to turn 22 just after the party.  Maybe they just weren't ready to know.  Not everyone could have the same awareness like Amanda and Niall had.  It was a lot to ponder, but she had to return her attention to getting this party ready. She took a drink of her coffee and spoke to a few workers.  The staff was great and very accommodating.  They did everything she asked well, with no complaints. A few heads suddenly swiveled toward the entrance, and Julie could feel herself tense up.

"Julie?"  Harry said walking into the banquet hall. She could always feel his presence, an energy that reached out and touched her even if she wasn't looking at him.

Julie stopped and took a deep breath as she turned around.  "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see if I could help.  Niall told me that you weren't allowing them to come until the party begins tonight."  He replied standing a few feet in front of her.

"And you thought that you would be the best one to come help me?  You've got to be kidding me."  Julie shook her head and turned away.  "Can you just go?  Please."  Jesus Christ.  He seriously had to come here?  Right now?  She was already resigned to the fact she would have to be here with him tonight, but she knew she'd be able to avoid him since there would be so many people attending the party.  Now it was just her and some of the staff who worked at the hall. And she really did not have the emotional wherewithal to deal with his presence right now.

"Or you could just say thank you and accept my help."  Harry responded. Her back was turned toward him, and he couldn't help but drink her in. He noticed the tense set of her shoulders and the stiffness of her spine. This was not going to be easy going, but he was determined to make her engage with him.

"Are you serious, right now?"  She quickly turned back towards him.  "Harry, what the fuck do you want?  There is no reason for you to be here.  I didn't ask anyone for any help."

"Of course, you didn't.  That's just you right?  Never needing anyone for anything."  He said to her his frustration coming out, running his fingers through his hair.  He hadn't come here to fight with her, but still she came at him right away.

"This is not a conversation that I need to be having today."  She seethed turning abruptly to look at some napkin colors for the tables.  One of the staff had similar colors in his hand.  She picked one she wanted and then thanked him as he quickly walked away, casting curious eyes in their direction.