Chapter 6.
*Harry's POV*
The smile on her face was priceless. I don't think I've ever seen her smile so genuinely before.
"You should smile like that more often, love." I smile at her.
"Why is that?" she questioned back.
"It's contagious. That beautiful, genuine smile you just had, that was the prettiest you've ever been. Granted, you're always quite gorgeous, but if I could just stare at you when you're smiling like that, I would." I speak towards her.
She looks down with a smirk.
"You are quite the flirt Mr. Styles, but thank you. That was very sweet of you to say." she smiled.
We are about half way to the hotel when Riley starts crying. Which is weird because she never cries in the car.
"Is she alright, Char?" I questioned as Charlotte looks back to see what's going on.
"I think she's running a fever." She stated, giving Riley her binky.
"Poor thing. We'll be at the hotel in about 20 minutes." I calmly said.
Out of the corner of my eye I could Charlotte texting somebody. It looked like the texts were lengthy.
I wonder who she's texting. I thought about for a good minute.
"Who are you texting over there? Your little fingers seem like they've been typing for ages!" I laugh slightly.
"Oh, uh, nobody." She replied coldly.
"Are you alright?" I asked her.
"Yeah I'm fine, just worried about Riley. That's all." She smiled weakly.
Weird.
Her phone started vibrating. She looked nervous- but didn't answer.
Deciding that asking her who was calling wouldn't be a good idea, I let it go.
"So Charlotte, have you always lived in Washington?" I asked her, trying to lighten the mood.
"No, I was born in Colorado. We moved to Washington when I was about 9." She said.
As we enter the hotel parking lot Charlotte seemed to be getting antsy.
I didn't say anything, though.
"Okay! We're here! Time to get out. You want to get Riley? Or can I?" I asked with a smile.
"Uh you can get her. She loves you." Charlotte giggled.
*Charlotte's POV*
The hotel room was very nice. Harry sat down on the couch and turned on the TV with Riley.
"Oh Charlotte! I had Lou pick up some swim suits for you and Riley while we were gone. Water park at 3:30!" He almost shouted.
"Okay... I'm just going to make a phone call." I giggled while walking towards the balcony. Walking out, I shut the door behind me and sat down.
Here goes nothing. I thought to myself.
After a couple rings, he picked up the phone.
"Char. How are you? Are you safe? Is Riley safe?" I could hear my brother on the other end of the phone.
"Drew, I'm okay. Riley is great. I'm safe. I'm so glad you wanted to talk." I half smiled.
"Char I'm sorry that I was distant from you. I-I didn't realize what was going on. And I should've been there for you when you needed me most. I hope that you can forgive me." He blurted out.
"Of course I can forgive you, Drew. You're my big brother! You were always there for me before and I understand that I didn't make the best choices and that was hard for you as my brother to take in. I get it." I spoke. Tears in my eyes.
"Have you talked to mom & dad? They've been trying to get a hold of me for a few weeks now." He said.
"I did... but it didn't go well." I said coldly.
"Yeah, they were real jerks to you so I wouldn't want them in my life either." He stated.
It was silent for a moment.
"Why didn't you tell me? About what was going on between you and Zach, Char?" He asked.
"Because I felt like you didn't want anything to do with me. I didn't want to bother you and your studies with my personal problems. It didn't seem right. And besides, no one knew. And a lot of people still don't know. I don't want people to pity me." I spoke softly.
"I just thought that we were close enough to tell each other everything, Char..." Drew trailed off.
"We used to be, Drew. I wanted to tell you. I wanted to tell someone because keeping a secret like that for as long as I did, killed me. Pretending like everything was butterflies and rainbows all the time was like torture. Seeing you for holidays and acting like I was amazing was terrible. And then the fact that you acted like you wanted nothing to do with me? That had to be the worst part, Drew." At this point, I was in tears. I couldn't stop them from coming.
I heard sniffles on the other end of the phone.
"Are you crying Drew?" I asked.
"Yeah I am and you know what? I feel awful. You should've never had to go through that feeling alone. God damnit Char! I was right there! I was right next to you and the awfulness of what was going was right in front of me, staring me in the face and I was blind to it all of it. I feel so stupid! Me of all people should've been the one who knew! I'm so sorry Char." He crying and crying hard.
"Drew! Drew, calm down. It's okay. It's not your fault. I hid it from everyone! You're not the only one who didn't notice anything going on. I was good at putting on a show and acting like I loved my life. I think part of it was because of mom and dad. I wanted them to think that I was handling the adult life amazingly well. Okay? Don't beat yourself up about this. Please. Don't feel guilty. Drew, you're my big brother. I love you, okay?" I said kindly.
"I know baby sister. I just can't believe the things you wrote me in those texts. It's terrifying to think that MY baby sister went through all of that, alone." He spoke quietly.
"I want to see you. As soon as possible. Are you in Florida?" he asked.
"I am... I would have to see if I could sneak away from Harry for a few hours." I laughed.
"Is this Harry guy good?" Drew asked.
"He's really good, Drew. And we're friends. He's been helping me through all of this and keeping me safe." I smiled at the thought of Harry.
"Okay... If he wasn't, you can tell me." He spoke sternly.
"I know Drew. I have to go... Riley is crying and we are going to the water park in about half an hour. I will text you, okay?"
"Okay baby sis. I love you. I can't want to see you." He said.
"Bye, brother. Love you." I spoke.
With that, I hung up the phone. I had been out on the balcony for about an hour. Oops.
Walking back into the hotel room I realized was madness.
"Hey! What were you doing out there for so long?" Harry asked.
"I-uhm talked to my brother, Drew." I stated.
"...How did that go? Are you alright? You look like you were crying." Harry blurted.
"Yeah. I'm great actually. We talked things out. Cried. Talked some more and he wants to meet up soon." I smiled.
"That's amazing Charlotte! I'm so glad." Harry beamed.
"Where's Riley? We have to get ready." I spoke.
"Oh we gave her to Lou to get her dressed. Your choices of bathing suits and clothes are in your room." He smiled at me.
"Thank you, Harry. I'll be ready in a little bit." With that I walked into my room and sure enough 3 swim suits and 4 outfits were sprawled across my bed.
After quickly picking something I walked out of my room to find all 5 boys playing peekaboo with Riley.
"You guys are too cute!" I squealed.
"Oh Charlotte! Are you ready?" Liam asked.
"Yes I am!" I smiled walking towards the boys.
"Alright. We'll let security know and then we can leave." Niall said pulling his phone out.
I sat down next to Harry who was holding Riley.
"You look great, Charlotte." Harry said not looking at me.
"Thanks, Harry. You don't look too bad yourself." I smiled.
"We leave for Texas next week. If you want to see your brother I suggest you do it soon. We don't have much time left here in Florida." He spoke softly.
"Okay... But will you come with me? I mean I trust my brother, I just want you two to meet." I said playing with my hair.
"Sure thing Charlotte. Anything for a princess." He winked at me.
I laughed.
"Riley are you ready for the water park?" Harry asked my daughter.
She just giggled.
"She really likes you, Harry." I smiled at them both.
"I really like her too. She's so adorable." Harry spoke with a smile.
"Okay! We're ready to go! Let's get outta here!" Louis screeched.
We all laughed, piling out of the hotel.
It was absolute madness outside of the hotel. Screaming fans, paparazzi, security. It was crazy! Riley seemed to like it. I didn't have her car seat, as it was in the car so I carried her. She just giggled.
"Man that was awesome!" Zayn said after we all got into the car.
"Even Riley liked it!" I said after buckling her into the car seat.
Situating myself next to Harry I saw him on his phone.
"What are you doing over there?" I asked nicely.
"Just going through Twitter." He smiled.
"Louis will you take a picture of Charlotte & I?" Harry asked.
"Sure!" Louis replied taking Harry's phone.
He wrapped his arms around me and I did the same to him. Smiling, Louis took the picture.
"You guys look so cute." Louis smiled, handing Harry his phone.
"Do you like it, Charlotte?" Harry asked me, revealing the picture.
We looked so happy.
"I love it, Harry. Send it to me, please." I smiled.
"It's going on Instagram. What should I caption it?" He asked.
"How about 'favorite person' with a heart at the end?" I giggled.
"Perfect." He smiled, typing in what I said.
I got the picture on my phone and saved it.
"I just wanted to thank all of you guys for taking Riley & I in. You are lifesavers. I honestly don't think I'll ever be able to repay you guys for everything you've done for us." I smiled at all the boys.
"Of course Charlotte. What kind of guys would we be if we didn't help you out?" Zayn said.
"And what kind of mate would we be to Harry if we said no... he seemed desperate for us to say yes. And he's never like that." Liam spoke softly.
"I really am grateful for everything." I said to them.
It was then silent.
"Charlotte..." Harry whispered.
"How bout some music yeah?" Louis cheered.
He turned on some pop station and the rest of the boys started singing along.
I looked over at Harry and his eyes were burning into mine.
"Are you alright, Harry?" I whispered to him.
He just nodded.
"You're so beautiful. I-I'm sorry I'm staring." He spoke softly, looking away.
I didn't know what to say. No man had ever spoken so sweet to me.
"I'm not trying to scare you away. I know that you have a lot to work through, but I just have to tell you that you're so beautiful and unique. I've never met a stronger woman. You've gone through so much and you still manage to smile and laugh." He trailed off.
Thank god the music was blaring and Harry & I were so close together. I don't think he wanted the guys to hear what he was saying to me.
"Harry I-" He cut me off.
"I don't want you to say anything. Do you think we could have some alone time together at the water park? I want to talk with you. Know what you like and dislike. What makes you smile, what makes you cry. I want to know everything, Charlotte." Harry whispered, staring at me.
"Okay." I said.
"You don't have to if you don't want to, I'm not going to make you..." He trailed off.
"No, I'll do it. I want to get to know the man mystery who helped me out. Will the boys be okay by themselves?" I asked quietly.
"They'll be fine. So it's a date then. You, me, and Riley." He whispered to me.
"Okay." I smiled at him
I felt like he was leaning in and then the driver spoke up, making Harry pull away.
"We are here." The driver said.
I awkwardly looked away.
Was I really going to let him kiss me? I thought to myself.
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Okay that's Chapter 6. I hope you like it. I know it took me forever but I had writers block. xoxox
- A
