A Single Daffodil [Harry Styles]

Lebron's Advice

I was sitting at the very top of the steps outside the American Airlines arena with my legs crossed and my hands stretched out behind me. I loved coming here during sunrise because the arena was right by the water, so you had a pretty fantastic view when the sun slowly rose up from beneath the Floridian bay.

I couldn't sleep last night --that was pretty much a given. It was around 5:30 in the morning before I decided I was completely fed up with the tossing and turning. I ripped the sheets off me, slipped my sandals on, and ended up here about fifteen minutes later. The city behind me stayed relatively peaceful until the clock struck 5:50 am. Everyone was awake then and ready to start their day. It was Friday, so everyone in Miami probably woke up with a smile on their face and kept a skip in their step after enjoying their first cup of coffee. But not me.

Why?

Because Harry was leaving today.

I pulled my knees close to my chest as I rested my arms across them. I shuttered every time I thought about it. I feel like I've been anticipating this day since the beginning of time. Today felt so far away, you know? I wasn't expecting it to come so fast, but it did and it was here now. I didn't know what to do with myself.

I'm in love with you.

That moment replayed in my mind every hour of every day since he said it. Every time I closed my eyes, I could see him saying it. I could hear him. I'm in love with you. When somebody loves you, aren't you suppose to feel happy? Delighted? Warmth? I didn't feel any of those things. I felt inconsolable. Despairing. Miserable. He was leaving for good and I was being left behind. It wasn't his fault though. This was the plan all along.

"Hey, you!" Someone called out from behind me. I turned around to see Lebron James in his work out gear, walking towards me with a black duffle bag hanging off his side. "What are you doing here!?"

"I could ask you the same thing!" I replied, bending back as far as I could to look up at him. He was taller than the Goddamn Empire State building.

"Getting my early work-out in before they cover the court for tonight's concert." He dropped the duffle bag to the side as he took a seat on the step below me. Now we were at the same height. "Apparently it's Taylor Swift."

"Oh, you're favorite." For the first time in two weeks, I let a smile pry it's way onto my lips as I teased Lebron. "I assume you're going. Are you gonna cry when she plays Tears On My Guitar?"

"Vita. I'm big, I'm black, and I'm a professional NBA player." Lebron said sternly. "If you were to find me in section 2, row b, seat number 12, it's merely an accident that I'm in that seat at that very moment."

I started laughing. "You're ridiculous."

"You got it." He laughed too, reaching over and giving my knee a hard slap. "How are you doing, Spo? It's been a minute since I've seen you."

"Could be better." I answered truthfully, turning back to the water. The sun was only hovering above sea level, showing off all its beautiful pink, orange, and purple hues.

"Uh oh. So all the talk around town is true then?" Lebron asked.

I gave Lebron a strange look. He shrugged. "Savannah keeps me in the loop, girl. You and that British white boy are all over the internet."

I sighed and shook my head. I don't know who told the media, but it was breaking news everywhere that Harry Styles was back on the market. People who "shipped" us--Sophia spent a solid hour trying to explain to me what 'shipped' meant-- were apparently devastated, while the people who loathed me celebrated. This is all speculation based off of what Sophia told me. I didn't dare go near any of it after Harry and I broke up.

"Yeah, we're over," I said looking down at my folded arms. "He was gonna leave anyway."

I'm in love with you.

I gulped away the butterflies that erupted in my stomach. He was leaving today.

"Alright, kid. I'm about to hit you with some advice shit." Lebron said. "You ready?"

"Lay it on me."

"Someone once said, 'Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.'" He said. "You know who said that?"

I shook my head.

"Michael Jordan." Lebron rolled his eyes. "Now, he was probably talking about basketball when he said it, but I think it can be applied to just about any life situation."

I chewed on my bottom lip as I carefully mulled over his words. I didn't know how much Lebron knew about me and Harry, but to truly dissect what he was getting at, he was implying that I shouldn't give up on Harry so easily. I suddenly got overwhelmed with appreciation for Lebron. He was always looking out for me, even though he didn't need to.

"Lebron, you're not only a great athlete but a great friend too," I said. "Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

"Hey now, we're family." Lebron tapped my shins with the back of his hand. "Us family have to stick together through the best of times and the worst of times."

In that very moment, the heavyweight my heart has been carrying for the past couple of days lifted. While I knew the moment was going to be brief, it was comforting to know I had my Heat family to rely on when times got tough.

"Well, I don't know about you, but I am positively ravenous after my workout." Lebron pushed on his knees with his hands and stood up. He turned to face me and offered me his hand. "How about we go hit up the nearest IHOP? I heard they're offering Pumpkin Pancakes early this year and that's an offer I know you can't refuse."

I grinned, taking his hand and jumping up. "Fine, but you're paying."