Blinded by You

Chapter Thirty Two- Take Courage

April-

The days to the tour starting were slowly dwindling and I still hadn't seen Harry. Calls and texts here and there weren't enough. Playing basketball was the only thing that was keeping me sane. That, and going on runs around my neighborhood. Scrolling through twitter, I smiled when I saw Harry tweeting about the tour. Favoriting it and retweeting it, I chuckled before sitting it on the table next to me.

"What are you so smiley about? Happy to be able to go to the pool?" Ashton's voice startled me.

"I've gotten all my work done for today. I decided I needed to just calm down and not worry about things so much."

"What are you so worried about, pretty girl? Talk to your favorite brother." Slightly smiling as he sat down on the end of my chair, I sat up.

"It's just hard. I've got so many people pulling me in so many directions and all I want to do is be with Harry."

"Well, you guys knew this would come with his job, but I know how you feel."

"How could you possibly know how I feel?"

"I've spent the last eight and a half years in Europe with you guys here. How can't I know how you feel?"

"I guess."

"You're afraid you don't love him as much as you thought aren't you?"

"No." How did he know? He was like a male Oprah.

"Elle, it's okay. Distance puts a strain on relationships. What do you think about when you wake up in the morning?"

"Harry."

"And when someone says his name, how do you feel?"

"It instantly makes my day better. I can't stop smiling."

"You love him," Ashton smiled, rubbing my knee. "You look at him the way you look at pizza."

"Shut up," I laughed, hitting his arm.

"I'm just teasing."

"I miss him," I sighed. Resting my head on my knees. "A lot."

"I know. Posters just don't do it for you as much do they?" he teased.

"Ashton!" I squealed, punching his bicep. "You're disgusting."

"It's natural," he shrugged.

"Go away and let me tan." I waved my hand at him and chuckled to myself.

No. The posters didn't. Asshole.

*****

After dinner, my phone began to ring and I quickly ran from the bathroom to answer it.

"Harry?!" I squealed excitedly. Okay, don't judge. We hadn't talked in three days. I was dying.

"Someone's excited," he chuckled. His voice had gotten deeper. "How's my beautiful girl?"

"I was actually just in the tub," I laughed as I walked back into my bathroom, sitting down in he hot water.

"Mmm. What were you doing in there?"

"Harry. Stop." No matter how bad I wanted him to keep going, I awkwardly laughed.

"When we're done in South America, I get a little bit of a break before the European leg starts."

"That's months away, but I guess posters will have to do," I teased.

"Trust me, if I could be there right now, I would. I really would."

"I'm not complaining. I'm just happy you still love me."

"Of course I do. Why wouldn't I?" His laughter comforted me in a way I can't put into words.

"I don't know. You know how I am, Har," I shrugged.

"I know. But, listen, I've gotta go to sound check, but I love you with all my heart and I'll call you after the show. Okay?" Feeling tears build up in my eyes, I quickly wiped them away.

"Okay. I love you more."

"I love you most," he murmured. "Bye gorgeous."

"Bye." Slightly smiling as the line cut off, I took a deep breath and finished bathing. Pulling some of the clothes Harry had left out of my dresser, I was overwhelmingly surrounded my his scent as I pulled his shirt over my head. Laying down and turning on the TV, I flipped channels until I came across SNL. It just had to be the one where the boys performed. Highlight of my fucking night.

"I miss you," I whispered into the shirt. "I miss you."