Illusion

Chapter 16 : Hospital's, Empty Threats And Bittersweet Reunions

Harry was torn between feeling angry, guilty and terrified as news anchor after news anchor spewed the same misinformed nonsense on almost every channel. He'd been trying to tune it out for hours, trying to ignore the constant drivel but it was becoming difficult to ignore. News had travelled fast, everyone who was anyone thinking they knew what had happened that night, but in true Hollywood fashion, idiotic and untruthful versions of events were blowing up headlines worldwide. All too soon, Harry had become overwhelmed, his emotions fragile.

The longer he sat in the crowded waiting room of the hospital's Emergency Department, the harder it became. Security formed a wall between Harry and the sea of fans and paparazzi outside the doors, cameras flashing, voices yelling, a constant banging on the doors and windows. Harry couldn't help but listen. He needed to know what he was up against, needed to know what lies were being told, but he was also trying to hold the bile at bay that rose in his throat as the vicious rumours crowded his mind. Hot, angry tears streamed down his cheeks. Harry sat with his head in his hands, staring at the cold linoleum floor of the waiting room as Jay ran a hand up and down his arm, trying to offer him some comfort.

“The rumoured boyfriend of Pop megastar Harry Styles is fighting for life in a Melbourne Hospital this morning. It's reported that he was the victim of a vicious attack that happened at FM Karaoke Bar in Melbourne, only mere hours ago. Sources close to the pair have said that…”

A nurse stood at the triage desk, a sour expression on her face, flicking through the channels, trying to find something more cheerful for the people littering the waiting area to watch. But she was having no luck. Every time she changed the channel the rumours only got worse; Harry's personal life, or what they thought they knew of it, being projected back at him.

“Lewis Tomlinson, a confirmed fan of singing sensation, Harry Styles, is reported to be in police custody at  St Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne after instigating a vicious bar brawl. It is reported that Tomlinson was injured during the attack. Sources have confirmed that this is not the first time Tomlinson has been at the centre of such controversy after being pictured mobbing Styles at an event at the exclusive  Melbourne nightclub Lux, back in April. It is said that Tomlinson kissed the star as he was entering the nightclub, before being detained by Styles’ security….”

“A source has revealed that tension between Styles and Tomlinson was high in the hours leading up to the brawl. It is reported that Louis Tomlinson, an obsessed fan of English Pop sensation Harry Styles, had been harassing Styles all night. Witnesses have said that it appeared as though Styles’ security was lacking, leading a member of the public to take matters into his own hands. It's then reported that Tomlinson became verbally and physically aggressive after being asked to leave the establishment and the as yet unidentified man was forced to defend himself…..”

“Mark, please ask the nurse to switch that off. None of us need to hear it,” Jay said through gritted teeth, indicating to the television mounted on the wall opposite them. Mark nodded, offering her a sympathetic smile and moved towards the triage desk. Harry jerked his head up as Jay spoke.

“You didn't have to do that Jay,” Harry said, voice gravelly, wiping roughly at his face with his sleeve.

“Yes I did. I don't want or need to listen to this utter, excuse me, bullshit, about my own son and you don't need to hear it either. It’s not doing anyone any good. We know the truth Harry, we know what happened, that's all that matters.”

“How long has he been back there, Jay? Why haven't we heard anything?” Harry asked, tears still trickling gently down his cheeks despite his best efforts to contain them.

“It's been a few hours. But from what you've said happened, it's standard procedure unfortunately,” Jay said, squeezing Harry's arm gently.