Above the Crimson Sky (Sequel to Beneath the Midnight Sky)

XXIII. Life Goes On

They say that a true friend is one in which will do the uncomfortable to take care of you. A friend will not always take the easy route; sometimes they will take the one less traveled by if it is in your best interest. Niall, of course, was exactly what Harry needed (like always) in his angsty time of need.

With the scholarship audition a day away, he locked Harry into the music room with the permission of Professor Corden. He explained to Harry that sometimes we can put all our energy into our pain, use it as fuel to ignite a spark into our creativity. He told Harry to write down every thought he had over the last few months.

Harry read them to him, thoughtlessly.

Back in February, everything was perfect. Louis came home from England and we made love for the first time. He believed me was worth something in that moment.
March came to us with rain. I learned that Louis hadn't recovered at all, he just became a better liar. Go figure.
April – here we are. I never thought I'd survive this pain, but I have so far.

"Good, Lad. Now turn this into a song for your audition. I know your life isn't perfect right now and I've had to clean more wounds in the last couple weeks than I care to admit both figurately and literally, but this scholarship will pay for your entire Senior year. No loan debt. Show Louis you don't need him; that he was only complementary to a strong person," Niall cooed.

"You deserve the scholarship more than me, Ni." Harry swallowed dryly. "Obviously I'm just a fuck up."

"What did I tell you about the angst? No! Put your hands on those keys and write a song, Harry. I'll be in the next booth writing my own song. This is one competition I want to lose," Niall chuckled.

"Same. I'll be happy for you," Harry smiled as he turned his legs around and placed them under the grand piano.

It may have taken him two days, but the song was complete and when the scholarship audition came, he did not feel enthusiastic or confident. The memories of last years recital fresh; he remembered how confident, proud, and eager he was to share his song with the world and tell them the story of how the love of his life was across the ocean getting help.

Now he just wanted to get this over with, so he could go in his room and figure out why he couldn't move on. Louis obviously had.

Was he ever mine at all? Was I just a temporary fling until he sorted his feelings out for Zayn? Was it my purpose in my life to help him become strong enough for someone else?

"Good evening and welcome to the 47th Robert Madison Memorial Scholarship. Professors from the music department have picked students in which have the most honorable of merit. Our first audition is Maya Andrews," the announcer said.

Harry and Niall peaked their head out of the curtain and scanned the audience. Harry noticed his Mother sitting proud in the first row.... beside Mrs. Tomlinson.

"Fuck. Typical Louis didn't even tell her!" Harry rolled his eyes.

"Did you tell your Mom?" Niall cocked an eyebrow.

"No.... I thought we'd be back together by now..." Harry admitted.

"Me too, honestly.... maybe it's a good sign he hadn't told her. Have you thought about trying to work it out with him?" Niall questioned as he adjusted Harry's tie to make it symmetrical.

"I have, yes. I just try not to think about it. It is what it is," he shrugged. "I feel my old self coming back, you know? The one who is carefree, happy, and able to take on the world. I miss...me." He said surprised at himself. "The one who sits in class and think about painting turtle shells or complimenting a stranger to see them happy; one who takes too many shots at a party and dances like a maniac."