Invisible 2 (H.S. AU)

Chapter 28

Harry's P.O.V

After hours upon hours of searching for colleges, I ended up passing out on the couch, too tired to move. You would think having my own apartment, and my own giant bed, that I would want to sleep in my comfy bed as much as possible but that simply just wasn't the case.

I woke up and realized I had left the T.V on. Switching off the news, I looked at the clock. Was it too early to call Victoria and tell her my plans?

10:30. That was actually late enough to bring her over here and tell her in person. Maybe she could help me with some decisions or something, I had no idea what it took to get into college.

"Hello?" She asked, she sounded groggy.

"Hey baby!" I said cheerfully. I loved her.

"Harry!" She said, "Hi! What's up?"

She was awake now. I laughed.

"I was wondering if you wanted to come over here and hang out, I have a surprise for you." I smiled.

"Uh-oh. That doesn't sound good. What did you do?" She asked.

"Nothing bad, I promise." I told her. "So can I come get you?"

"Yeah!" She said.

"Would you maybe like to spend the night again?" I asked, hopeful.

"I don't know about that one baby." She sighed.

My heart buzzed when she called me baby. I decided to not call her out on it and embarrass her though, I was just going to enjoy it this time. 

"Why not?" I asked. "Maybe you shouldn't lie to her and just tell her where you're going to be. Ask her to spend the night."

"Yeah, right. 'Hey mom, can I spend the night at my 17 year old boyfriends house please? No, his mom doesn't know. He lives on his own.'  I'm sure any parent would jump on that opportunity." She said sarcastically. 

"I just don't like you lying to her about where you are. It isn't good for your already shaky relationship."

"I know that. That's why I said I can't stay."

"But I want you to." I groaned. I missed having her in my arms while we slept.

"Well I don't know what to do Harry." She sighed. I heard the conflict in her voice.

"Up to you. Can I come get you still?" I asked, already putting my shoes on.

"Yes you can. See you in a bit?" 

"Yes I'l text you when I get there." I told her.

"I love you." She said quietly. It was very cute how shy she was about saying that to me still.

"I love you more." I smiled.

"... No you don't" She said, even more quiet.

"Yes I do, I love you so much more." I couldn't help the ridiculous smile that spread across my face. Normally, I would have felt like an idiot doing this but her reactions to it were too cute. And it was true, I did love her more. So much more.

"Nooooo." She said. I could hear that she was finally smiling. 

"Yesssss." I said back, getting into my car.

She must have heard my car start because she said, "We can continue this argument when you get here. I don't want you calling and driving. Okay?" 

"Okay," I said. "I love you."

She said it back and we hung up. The car already felt lonelier without her voice in it.

I sped to her house.

***

Once I got to her house, she came running outside with the biggest smile on her face and a bag over her shoulder. 

My face lit up as soon as I laid eye on her. Oh lord, did we have it bad for each other.

"Going somewhere?" I asked, eyeing her giant bag as I leaned over and gave her an unexpected kiss.

"I told my mom I was staying at Paige's house tonight, now drive before she sees the wrong car."

"Got it," I said, whipping out of the driveway. 

A few miles down the road, I turned to her and asked, "So what made you decide to stay?"

"I... wanted to be with you longer." She said sheepishly. She was worse than me when it came to expressing feelings.

"Good. Because I felt the same way." I smiled, putting my hand on her leg.

***

Back at the house, we sat down on the couch and she looked at me expectantly. She still had no idea what the surprise was.

"I'm sure you would like to know why I have gathered you here today." I told her, trying to make jokes to push away the sudden nerves that fluttered in my stomach.

What if she didn't think it was as big of a deal as I made it out to be? We had never talked about college, and she never knew that I previously didn't want to go.  She probably assumed I was always going to go to college. Aw man, I did not think this through, as always.

She smiled, still waiting.

"Well... I uh... I never told you this but I originally wasn't planing on going to college and I actually just changed my mind. In the fall I will be going to go to Winston Community College."

"Oh Harry that's amazing! I'm so proud of you! Congrats on making that decision!" She squealed and gave me a hug.

Surprised, it took me a minute to hug her back. "You're really excited for me?" I asked. This wasn't the response I was expecting.

"Of course!" She said, pulling away slightly. "Why wouldn't I be? College is a big deal."

"Well I didn't think you would care that much because it might not have been that big of a dealt to you." I said.

"Honey, any decision you make like that is a big deal. Don't you want me to be excited?"

"Yeah of course I want you to be. And there's something else too."

"What is it?"

"My mum is coming down for a bit when school starts to help me get everything settled. And she wants to meet you." I told her, smiling.

"Didn't I already meet her?" Victoria asked.

"Yes you did, but this time I don't have to hide my feelings for you and I can tell her how much I love my beautiful girlfriend," I nuzzled into her neck, "And I can introduce you as my amazing girlfriend."

I felt goosebumps rise on her skin and I smiled. She really loved the sound of that. So did I.