Idiosyncrasy (Harry Styles AU)

Forty-six

Chapter 46

Bethany

Today is Harry’s and my first date. I find it kind of funny that we’ve never really bothered to go on one, this whole month we’ve been together.

But today isn’t the only reason today is memorable, its’ also the day that six years ago Harry’s mother and sister were killed.

All day he was quiet and deep in thought. I didn’t try to bring him back to reality or talk to him about how he was feeling; if he wants to talk to me about it, then he will.

But I do make an effort to distract him, for a little while at least. We go for a movie (not a scary one), then go out to dinner.

“This is nice,” I say, spreading a napkin over my lap.

Harry agrees somewhat disinterestedly, sipping his diet coke.

We eat in silence, not really something normal people do on dates. But last time I checked, we’re not your typical couple.

“Harry,” I say as we leave the restaurant.

“Mmm?” he mumbles vaguely.

“Let’s go to Cheshire.”

Harry abruptly stops walking, turning to me with wide eyes. ‘Really?” he breathes.

I nod with a slight smile. “Show me your old life; where you grew up.” I touch his arm gently. “Remember the good memories.”

He swallows audibly, and I can see he’s struggling not to cry. “C-can we,” he pauses to blink tears away. “can we bring roses to their graves?”

I smiles slightly, feeling like crying as well. He doesn’t need to say their names for me to know. “Of course, Harry.” I entwine our fingers as we resume walking to his car. “We’ll bring them the most beautiful roses ever.”

About three and a half hours later, we drive into Cheshire. I’ve never been here so it’s all a new experience for me.

Harry keeps driving through his small home town, pointing out things like where he used to work or go to school or his favorite place to hang out with his friends.

He finally parks on the outskirts of the town, getting out of the car, roses in hand.

It’s a cold, foggy day like most in England. The landscape is beautiful though. The grass is green and lush and I can see the outlines of two bug oak trees on a hill in front of us.

Harry begins climbing the hill, becoming suddenly quiet and solemn. He puts his right hand in his pocket, and bites his lip. I can’t help but admire him in that moment. He’s truly a beautiful person.

We continue up the hill until Harry stops in front of two identical graves stones. He kneels down, not seeming to care very much if he gets his jeans muddy. He runs his fingers over the engraved epitaph of his mother’s stone, expression unreadable.

Those we love don’t go away,

They walk beside us everyday,

Unseen, unheard, but always near,

Still loved, still missed and very dear.

It reads.

“I used to just sit here and reread this for hours; just to try to understand. I never felt her there, you know?” His voice is rough as he looks up at me.

I kneel beside him, having nothing to say in return.

He places two roses on each of their graves, sniffling.

“Hey, mum,” he whispers.

I shift uncomfortably, wondering if I should leave them alone.

“This is Bethany.” He takes my hand, placing it on top of the headstone. “She’s my girlfriend, my best friend.”

I look at him, tears filling my eyes.

“You would love her, mum. She’s funny and smart, and just,” he cups my cheek in his hand. “perfect.

___

god im tired of writing. i HAVE BARELY GOTTEN UP TO DO ANYTHING. I AM DETERMINED TO FINISH THIS. ONLY A FEW LEFT *takes last breath*

(coming home by skylar grey at the side)