Just a Flicker of Hope

Chapter 5-The Missing Link

Harry felt like he was losing his mind. It seemed like something was always trying to fight against him. He would find something good, that gave his life joy, only to have it taken away. He was always left heartbroken, and he wasn't entirely sure as to why. He thought Felicity was different. He thought he had finally meet someone who was worth his time. However, being him, he might have scared her away.

After their New Years kiss, he thought everything was fine. The two of them had a few drinks, and Harry took her home. He had been surprised to find out where she lived, and was extremely concerned. Her neighborhood was highly dangerous, and he feared for her safety. He, however, felt like he would be overstepping his boundaries if he placed these concerns.

He kissed her goodnight at her doorstep and left without another word. He had not stopped smiling since that night. He couldn't get her out of his mind, and he knew that he was in major trouble. After the way things had ended with Courtney, he swore he would never give his heart away to anyone else.

With Felicity it had been different, he never stood a chance. She was just so nice, and it was like her heart was made of pure gold. Her laugh alone seemed to light up his world like never before. It was like he had been walking in total darkness, even when he was with Courtney.

Courtney had never made him feel that safe and secure. She was always more focused on herself, wanting to be in the spot light. Harry was the perfect accessory for her. She knew that dating Harry Styles would further her career. Harry had been oblivious to this at the beginning of the relationship, but as the time went on he began to pick up on it. He thought that if he were to propose they would become closer. He longed for a close and loving relationship with her.

He felt hopeful, after meeting Felicity. She seemed to be the flicker of a spark that lite the fire inside his soul. He felt like a blind man, who was seeing the vast green fields filled with wild flowers for the very first time. It was like he was walking in darkness all of his life, until he walked into Hopes bar and heard a laugh he would never forget. Her laugh was contagious, and it made the entire room lite up with joy.

Harry had never been a believer in love at first sight. Sure he loved watching romantic comedies—and his favorite movie was the notebook— but, he knew that real life wasn't that simple. The movies portrayed a happily ever after, where the guy finally wins the girl of his dreams.

He longed for a love like that. All he wanted in life was to have somebody that he loved with all his heart, and to have them love him just as much in return. He didn't think that was too much to ask for.

He wanted to go to the bar the day after New Years, with a big bouquet of roses. He was all smiles, and he was eager to ask Felicity out on a proper date.

He knew that she worked the night shift so he waited until it was late to go in. The anticipation was killing him. He stared at the clock as it slowly ticked by. Just waiting for the perfect time to surprise her.

When he finally felt like it was late enough, he got dressed up in a suit and tie. He wanted to look nice. He took one final look in the mirror and headed out. He had to stop himself from speeding down the highway. The last thing he wanted was to get into a wreck and not be able to tell her how he felt.

He finally pulled into the familiar parking lot and put his car into park. He had to take in a few deep breaths, before he could get out of the car. In all of his life, he had never felt nerves like this before. His hands were shaking, and he didn't know if it was from excitement or fear of rejection. Sighing he shook his head. He knew he was overreacting and worrying to much. He had to muster up the courage and take a chance.

"You can do this!" He told himself, while staring into the mirror. "What's the worst that can happen?"

Without another thought he climbed out of the car. He knew if he waited any longer, he would talk himself out of asking her out. Locking his car, he slowly made his way to the entrance. Before entering, he stood up tall and puffed out his chest a bit. He wanted to appear confident, rather than show off what a nervous wreck he was on the inside.

Walking into the crowded bar, he scanned the room. His face fell automatically, when he didn't see her right away. He did a double take, just to make sure he didn't scan over her. When he came up short once more, he looked every face over even slower.

Sighing, he couldn't help but feel disappointed. He walked up to the bar, when he noticed the girl behind it. He recognized her as Felicity's friend. The girl that Felicity was always joking around with. He had always found their encounters quite humorous. He believed her name was Jenna, but he wasn't 100 percent certain of that.

Approaching her, he waved to get her attention. She gave him a bright smile and came over right away. Harry smirked. He had always had this effect on women. He couldn't understand it himself, but he had always found it quite amusing.

"What can I do for you, handsome?" She asked beaming.

Harry had to fight the urge to roll his eyes. "I was just wondering if you knew where your friend Felicity was this evening? She's usually working around this time of night."

Harry gave her a breathtaking smile, wanting to mess with her further. To his greatest pleasure, she was momentarily speechless. He had to get her attention once more, as she stared into space. Harry sighed. Although amusing, he had always found this quite disappointing. Most women, now a days, couldn't seem to see passed his handsome face or piercing green eyes. To his frustration, they never seemed to want to get to know the real him. This is one of the millions of reasons he had found Felicity so refreshing.

It took her a moment to gather a coherent thought and answer Harry's question. "Felicity?" He asked again.

"Right!" She smiled. "I'm not sure honey, she called in earlier. I guess something came up, she said she wouldn't be back in for a week or so."

Harry tried to mask his disappointment, trying to keep his composure.

"I see," he said lost in thought. "Do you know where she went?"

"I believe, she went back home to visit her family. Some drama with her brother, or something. She's rather closed off when it comes to them. I couldn't even tell you where she's from."

Harry felt his heart drop, as his excitement faded entirely. "Well thank you for your help!" He told her, giving her one last smile. After thinking it over briefly, he handed her the roses. "For your troubles. If you will just have her call me, when she gets back."

The girl was all smiles, as she thanked him and excitedly took the flowers. He was glad some use had come from them.

He walked out of the bar, without a second glance. Although he could really use a drink, he decided he wanted to be alone tonight. If he couldn't talk to Felicity, he didn't want to speak with anyone.

He stopped by the nearest liquor store, on the way back to his hotel room. He picked up a fifth of whiskey and locked himself in his room to sulk the night away.