Free (Sequel to Through The Dark) Complete

Chapter 79

A few days had past since the end of the trial. Harry was sitting at home, alone, as he had done a lot lately. Julie had spent most of her time at the library writing and researching for her novel. At least that's what she'd told him. She was trying to finish it and send it to the publisher prior to leaving for Wisconsin and then Ireland. Harry hardly ever saw her. The last few nights, she'd even stayed at Niall's without him. He was trying really hard to understand and be supportive, but he wanted to get a handle on how she was doing. He had text her earlier, and she'd promised she'd come to his place tonight. He checked the clock, again, and it was already 8:30 pm. He sighed and picked up his phone and text her. He was beginning to think she wasn't coming. "Hey love, just wondering if you knew when you'd be here, so I could have dinner ready." Well, it was true, but he was also wondering if she'd show.

Harry sighed when he hadn't received an answer ten minutes later. He was just about to order himself something to eat when he got a text alert. He saw it was from Julie and held his breath expecting her to bail on him again. Instead the message said, 'on my way so about 20 minutes'. He let out a breath and started to laugh at himself. It had only been a few days. He really should stop panicking, but he didn't want her to run or pull back from him. He ordered them some dinner from a more fancy restaurant than they ate normally. Baked fish for him and a chicken dish for her. Lots of vegetables for him and extra garlic mashed potatoes for her. She hadn't been eating well lately, and she was becoming a bit thin again. Hopefully once things settled down, she could get back to a more normal pattern.

He set the table and added a couple of candles and wine glasses. She would tell him it wasn't necessary, but to him, it was. She didn't want him to take her out right now. She wasn't into the whole public outings scene. Not much had gotten out about the trial, but she wasn't taking any chances. When he heard the door open, he lit the candles and then walked toward her. He saw her set her bag down and smiled. "Hey stranger."

Julie shook her head and rolled her eyes. "It hasn't been that long. Always the drama queen." She took a moment to look at him and then walked up to him. "Hi. How was your day?" She reached up and tugged on the ends of the top of his hair. "I miss your curls." She smiled as he kissed her. She clasped her hands behind his neck. "How are you doing?"

Harry clasped his hands behind her lower back and looked down at her. "I'm fine. I should be asking you that. You've sort of become ghost since the trial ended. I've missed you."

"I know. I'm sorry." She took one hand and ran her thumb over his cheek. "I just had to decompress, and I know you wanted to help, but I was overwhelmed. I just needed some time to escape. But I've missed you, too."

"And, so, how are you doing?" He asked her taking her hand from his face and kissing it. He then held it as he led her to the table. "Dinner should be here soon."

"Wow, this wasn't necessary." She said as she sat in the chair he pulled out for her. "But it's beautiful." She watched him pour her a glass of wine. "I'm, ok, I guess. All of the ancient past coming up in trial was hard. I'm still struggling with the memories overwhelming me. And I know you have questions. I just wasn't ready to deal with them."

"Are you now?" He poured himself a glass of wine and then looked her.

"No, not sure I ever will be though." She lifted her glass and took a sip. "Do you have something particular you want to ask?"

"Honestly, no, you lived in that hell long enough. You explained enough on the stand. I will always believe you over him. All I need to know is if you're ok. As long as you're ok. Then I'm good." Harry reached over the table and took her hand. He meant it. He didn't need to know anything else. He'd heard enough. He struggled to accept it for a bit, but it was her past. He knew it had been bad. He didn't need to know anymore details.