Free (Sequel to Through The Dark) Complete

Chapter 80

Harry watched Amanda walk up to him later that night.  He knew why she was coming for him.  People would be arriving any time now for the party.  The four of them were at Harry's now, would all have dinner and a little fun, and then the girls were to go off to Niall's and the guys were staying here.  One last hoorah in LA before heading off to Ireland.  Well, tomorrow night Julie and he would be heading for a short stop to Wisconsin to see her family, and then on to Ireland.  He hoped it did her some good.  He shook his head remembering Amanda was headed over to him.  He smiled at her. "Hey, something need to be done?"

"You know dang well why I came over to you."  She shook her head and chuckled.

"She was with you for how many nights in a row?  She's only stayed with me last night."  Harry patted Amanda's shoulder.  "You had her more."

"No, she came in, went straight to her room, and I didn't even get to see her often at all.  And she wouldn't tell me anything."  Amanda told him exasperated.

"Well you are just about to be married.  She doesn't want to worry you, so she tries way too hard not to."  Harry wrapped his arm around Amanda's shoulders.

"Yeah. But there were times I heard her in the night.  I know she's having nightmares, but she avoids talking to me."  Amanda pouted.

"Some things never change."  Harry laughed looking down at Amanda pouting.  "Yes, the nightmares have gotten pretty bad.  But, I've got her.  You worry about getting married, and I'll make sure she gets through this and is there for you fully."  He kissed her head.  "I promise, if I don't think I can handle it, you'll be the first to know.  But, I like being able to be there for her.

Amanda sighed.  "I can get married and be there for my best friend."

"You can, and you are.  Everyone knows that."  When the doorbell rang, Harry removed his arm from Amanda's shoulders.  "Saved by the bell."  Harry smiled and went and answered the door.  People showed up over the next 45 minutes or so until everyone was there.  They sat down and had a wonderful catered meal.  They had a few drinks with dinner and then listened to some music picked especially for Niall and Amanda.  So far, everything was going smoothly.

Harry kept an eye on Julie through the night, but she seemed to be doing ok.  He'd seen her talk to most people at one time or another.  He saw some smiles.  He could tell she was tired, emotional, but she was doing what she needed for her best friend.  He turned towards one of the girl's friends from the hospital when she tried to get everyone's attention.

"Hey, everyone.  My name's Kristen, I've worked at the hospital with both Amanda and JJ before.  There's this, thing, we used to do when we all went out as single, very, very, single nurses.  We knew this day would come for one of us, eventually."  She turned to watch a few other girls from the hospital join them.  "Uh, JJ.  Where are you?  Amanda may not be able to do this with us, but we still need you."

Julie's eyes widened when she heard Kristen.  She knew exactly what she was referring to.  And no way was she going to partake in any such thing in front of Harry and his friends.  Besides she wasn't drinking tonight.  Usually when they got her to do this, she was already a few drinks in.  She'd only had a half of glass of champagne to toast at dinner.  She vigorously shook her head no at the girls.  She turned and planted her feet when Amanda tried to push her forward.  "Panda!! I'm not doing this."  She told her with no room for argument.

"Yes, JJ, you are.  I'll do it with you.  Come on."  Amanda told her still pushing her towards where the girls were standing.

"Oh, come on.  Show us what they're talking about.  We are all curious now."  Louis laughed.