Detrimental

Episode 38

Harry and I stay silent as we wait for his luggage to appear on the moving conveyer belt of luggages. He hasn't uttered a word since I've handed him the hot cup of tea. He reassures me with a smile every now and then but it still makes my heart ache that I've caused so much sadness in him. He went through a lot because of me. He was a bubble of sunshine when I met him. Louis made him the spirited lad that he was. I drained his energy away. He gave up a lot for me but I couldn't return the favour. It's my fault he's not himself.

"Do you have to go back right away?" I ask Harry as he gets a black luggage from the moving belt.

"Yeah," Harry nods nonchalantly.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be." Harry smiles. "I'm okay I'm just not used to rejection cause you know how everyone wants my dick." I pinch his cheeks as he giggles.

"You're my best friend, you know." I sigh. "I've already lost Kelly, I can't lose you."

"She still hasn't called?"

"Nope. I don't think she wants to be found."

"Give her some space." Harry says as he looks into my eyes. "When my mom had a miscarriage, I've never seen her more devastated. Kelly's going through a tough time. She'll come back when she's done grieving."

"I'm just worried about her."

"How's your lover slash stepbrother?" Harry grins playfully.

"We're really happy." I feign a smile.

"What did he do this time around?"

"He didn't do anything, Harry."

"I know you, Rae. I can tell something's off but I'm gonna respect that you don't wanna tell me. I just hope he values you as much as you deserve to be."

"Do you really have to go back?" I ask Harry one more time as I take his luggage from him.

"I have to get the rest of my stuff from Nick's before he flies to Los Angeles." Harry says as he hands a brown duffel bag to me. "Can you hand these to Niall and ask him to bring them to our room? I'll be back in two days."

"Sure," I say as I give him a big hug. He doesn't hug me back immediately but he eventually does. "Text me as soon as you arrive, okay?"

"See you, Rae." He smiles as he kisses my forehead. I watch him walk away and a bitter taste enters my mouth. Was that a taste of regret? I don't know. I hope not.

"We could use a lift." I hear someone whisper to my right ear. I turn around to face the Australian coke guy. "Do you have a ride?"

"Where are you headed?" I ask as I look at the massive guitar case beside him and a few amplifiers. "And by 'we' did you mean you and your music stuff?"

"Well there's that and a couple more." he says as a red haired guy in a Nickelback shirt appears beside him.

"This is Luke and I'm Michael." the red haired guy smiles as he extends a hand. I shake his hand and I squint my eyes.

"I don't think I've got enough space. I'll help you look for a taxi."

"Here's the thing," Luke laughs. "Our bandmates sort of stole my wallet as a joke because we flew here earlier and they wanted to prank us so I figured you'd be willing to drive us since you owe me one."

"I don't owe you any--"

"I gave you my coke."

"I'll give you cash for the coke then." I say as I take a twenty from my left pocket.

"Look, we don't need money. Luke here's just afraid of taking a cab." Michael admits.

"Seriously?" I start to laugh. "I guess you two will have to sit on top of each other but yeah we'll fit. Follow me."

We all had our hands full as we walk towards the parking lot.

"It's not here." I shake my head.

"What? The key?" Luke asks as he rests his guitar against a red car.

"No." I turn around to face the two of them. "The car."