Just a Flicker of Hope

Part 8- Revelations

Each day that passed, Harry started to feel worse and worse. It had been a week since he last saw Felicity. He couldn't help but feel like he had run her off. His insecurity started to get the better of him, as he started to think the worse. Terrible thoughts filled his head, and all he wanted was to know that she was okay. He was terrified that she was alone, hurt, and scared. He couldn't sleep and could barely eat. He felt as if he were losing all sense of reality.

He still spent most of his time at Hope's Bar, wishing she would return. No one had known where she went or how long she would be gone for. He wish he could call her and make sure everything was alright.

He showed up to the bar late one Saturday evening. He was already buzzed, when he decided to drop by. He had been drinking more and more, since he was so worried something had happened to her. He felt lost and more alone than ever.

Walking into the bar, he automatically scanned the entire room. He froze, when he spotted her behind the counter. He felt as if he were dreaming. Rubbing his eyes, he made sure he wasn't seeing things.

Standing in the entrance way, he studied her for a moment. Although he still thought that she was the most beautiful girl, he couldn't help but wonder if she was sick. Something about her looked majorly off. She was extremely pale and looked as if she would break down in tears at any moment. Her hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail, and she was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt.

Harry was frozen in place. Sensing someone staring, she glanced up from the counter. Meeting his curious gaze, she gave him a sad smile. His heart automatically started to break. He knew in that moment that something was very wrong.

He finally walked up the bar. Their eyes were locked onto one another, but neither one could utter a word. They just studied each other.

She was the one to finally break the silence.

"Hi," she said just above a whisper.

Reaching out, he took her hand. "Hi."

Looking down, she stared at his hand on hers. He could tell she was fighting back tears, but he had no idea as to why. All he knew was that he wanted to help. All he wanted was to wrap her in his arms and tell her everything would be okay.

"Is everything alright?" He asked concern evident in his voice.

He regretted his question instantly, when her head shot up and she met his eyes once more. She remained silent, as the tears escaped her tired eyes.

"I'm sorry," she said shaking her head. She hesitantly ran from behind the counter and headed for the exit.

Harry stared after her, shocked. Without a second thought, he took off after her.

.......................

Felicity stared at her mother's frail body, as she tried to force herself to respond. She had no idea what to say or what to do.

"Felicity?" Her mother croaked out once more.

"Hi mom." She whispered.

"Is that really you?"

"Yes."

"I can't believe you came!" she cried. "Come here so I can get a good look at you."

Reluctantly, Felicity walked towards the hospital bed. Her emotions were all over the place. Part of her wanted to run out of the room and scream. Another part of her wanted to curl up beside her mother and cry. She felt lost and confused. Because of the drugs, she had never been close to her mother. She hated that she had been deprived of the ideal mother and daughter relationship. Her childhood had been rough, and she didn't like to talk about it or even think about it. More than anything, she felt angry for not having a real parent to turn to.