Innocent

Chapter 22

Harry's POV

Taylor's naked body is spread across mine as she traces over my tattoos, remaining silent.

That was the best moment of my life, every single part of it was phenomenal. The way I saw Taylor on top of me, telling me she loved me repeatedly, allowing me to love her.

"Her name was Marie, she was born two months early so she had a tough time learning. People didn't get that, so they made fun of her everyday for being in team-taught classes." I listen closely to the confession, "her and I were best friends. Everything I did, she did with me and the other way around. On January 22 I came home from a movie with Liam and went up to our room to tell her all about my first date. When I couldn't find her, I assumed she went out with my parents and brother for ice cream.

"When they came home and Marie wasn't with them, I started to panic. I called her and screamed for her, but she never answered. I ran back up to our room to see if she left a note saying where she was or something, and that's when I noticed the bathroom door was closed.

"I assumed she was taking a bath so I shouted over the door, telling her about the date. And when she didn't respond I unlocked the door and saw her body swaying back and forth. I screamed repeatedly, mostly at her for leaving me. My parents came up and when they saw they pushed me back and Austin held me until I cried myself asleep.

"It was the most miserable months I had to go through." She finally confesses to me and I feel warm tears hit my chest, "she was the closest person I had and she was selfish enough to leave me."

"Taylor, I'm so sorry."

"I just wish she would have left a note or something. Something to say goodbye or why she really did it." I push her hair out of her face and kiss her forehead, "that's why whenever I get close to someone I push them away because I never want to go through that again"

"Taylor. I promise you, with all my heart and more that whatever happens, I don't care what it is, I will always be here for you. Whether you love me or you don't, I will always be here. And that's a promise."

She looks up and me and smiles, giving me a kiss that ended way too quickly for my taste. "And ten"

"Ten what?"

"I've been with ten guys, fifteen all together that I've done stuff with."

"So fifteen?" I ask and she nods, "wow"

"But none have ever been like what just was between you and me. That's never happened to me before."

"Some call it love." I joke and get a smile from her, "you know that right? that I love you" her smile grows

"And I love you Harry"

--

The next morning I wake up sweltering hot with Taylor draped across me. I successfully wiggle out of her grip and put some clean boxers that I've left here, on and head to the kitchen.

I make her a ham and cheese omelet and pour a glass of orange juice for her, heading into the bedroom. She stirs a little when I place my weight on the bed, kissing her forehead.

Her eyes flutter open and smiles at me, "happy birthday beautiful"

"Thank you"

today was December 13th and it was her 18th birthday. Reminding me that were both now adults but not even seniors in high school yet. I hate the way California makes us take a year of DK at age 5.

"I made you breakfast, and then after I'm going to have you get ready for a long day ahead" I give her another kiss on the cheek and leave the room.