When I Come Around

Chapter 18

I rubbed my eyes, trying to stay awake for just a little longer to finish packing my bags. I sighed, going to get a cup of tea to hopefully wake myself up.

"Hey Lou," Valerie said with a small smile as I came into the kitchen.

"Hey," I said, pulling a pack of tea from the cabinet, "what are you doing?"

"Going through this catalog I picked up the other day at the store," Valerie said, "trying to pick out the cheapest possible crib, I only have so much set aside."

"If you find one you like, Harry and I can help pay for it, too. Anything you want for the baby, we are here to help," I said. Valerie definitely wanted to go bare minimum for the baby. When I asked her what colours she wanted to paint the nursery, she wanted to keep it white. When we would be in the store and pass by baby clothes, she would dismiss it. I know she didn't have much money, but that is what she has friends for; we were here to help her.

"I know, but I can buy a crib. As long as it isn't too expensive, I'll be fine, honest," Valerie said, "she is just a baby, she won't care how much her crib costs."

"Vivian deserves best," I said, laughing with Valerie. Once my tea was done, I went back to my room when I suddenly had an idea. I quickly went into Harry's room, where he was watching TV, half-asleep.

"Harry, wake up. I have an idea," I said in a hushed tone so Valerie didn't hear me.

"What?" Harry asked.

"Y'know how Val doesn't want to decorate the nursery too much because it's too expensive? Why don't we go together and decorate the nursery, split the cost right down the middle, yeah?" I said.

"How do we know what colours and stuff she wants?" Harry said.

"We just ask her, we have to be nonchalant about it though," I said. I smiled to myself. I didn't have ideas this great come along too often, so I was proud of myself.

"You sure she won't be mad if we go behind her back and decorate it all?" Harry asked.

"No, not at all! We can even ask El to help, she is best friend's with Val. We just need to get her out of the apartment for a couple days, and we will be good to go!" I said.

"We would have to do it quick, we only have a week before we leave," Harry said, referring to our upcoming tour. I considered this, and I knew we couldn't do it once we came back home because Valerie would nearly be due.

"I'll call El, you look for stuff online," I said, leaving his room. I went into my room, talking to Eleanor on the phone. I was happy to be able to do this for Valerie, because I knew it would get a huge weight off her shoulders. This made me feel better, too, since we couldn't make it to her baby shower. Tours are fun, but they screw around with your life at home. I could only imagine how Harry felt, missing baby showers, ultrasounds, all that pregnancy stuff. I felt bad for the both of then, simply because they wouldn't have each other. No matter how you put it, it is hard going on tour. Even though Harry would be having fun, I know he would miss and think about Valerie, because that is how I feel with Eleanor. And Valerie would have to continue her daily life, just with a part of her missing. I know it was hard on both sides, sorta like someone you love moving out of town or going off to college.

Once I got off the phone with Eleanor, I decided to start packing again. It was only a few minutes into my work when I found a pair of Harry's shorts in my closet. I sighed, pulling it out and getting ready to take it to him when a piece of paper fell out of the pocket. I couldn't resist picking it up and reading it.

Harry,

I realise we haven't seen each other in so long, but I just wanted to share with you some news. I should have told you much earlier, but unfortunately I didn't. Please call me as soon as you get this letter. 999-4068

Lauren Winter

I stared at the letter confusedly. I know Harry had read it, because it wasn't in the envelope. What was she talking about? I folded the letter back neatly, going to give him the clothing item. As I walked into his room, I went to lay it on his bed when I intentionally made the letter fall out.

"Oh, this fell out of the pocket," I said nonchalantly, picking it up and handing it to him.

"Oh, thanks mate," Harry said, taking it and placing it on his dresser? What the hell? Read it, will ya?

I left the room, praying Harry would read it. Suddenly, the name Lauren Winters came to mind. Lauren was his girlfriend back during x-factor days. He broke up with her two whole years ago! What does she need now, of all times?