The Downfall [h.s]

Chapter 2;

Holly's POV

"I love christmas,"

"Me too," Eleanor smiles as we both walk along Oxford Street with one hand full of shopping, another with our Starbucks.

"What have you bought Louis?"

She groans, "He's the worst person to buy for but, a driving experience day. He gets to go and drive different cars and do.. boy stuff. See how they're made."

"That's an amazing present!"

She shrugs. "What have you bought Harry?"

"It probably sounds ridiculous but, a guitar."

"That's not ridiculous."

"He can play and he loves to play so I went to this specialist, had it all specially prepared, even got his initials on it."

"Wow Hol, you've gone all out."

I shrug. "Least I could do,"

"Anything else?"

I look down. "A silver ring, it's just pure silver. He likes rings so.."

"He'll love those presents."

"Then I just bought him like, socks and chocolate and things."

"You've really thought about his presents."

"I guess I wanted to spoil him a bit."

We both smile.

"I'm glad you're happy Hol."

"Me too,"

"How has it been so far, y'know.. without him?"

"Easier than I expected, still difficult."

"I don't think I could go a week without Louis."

I raise an eyebrow. "Really?"

She nods. "He goes away overnight sometimes for business and I freak. Does that make me crazy? I mean.. you're not freaking out over a week.."

"We're different people El. I'm freaking out on the inside. You've been with Louis a lot longer, your bonds a lot stronger."

"I guess. I just think sometimes I get on his nerves, drag him down you know?"

I frown at her confession, El has never been the type to doubt her relationship. I've only ever known Eleanor to be with Louis, they've loved each other a long time.

"What's going on El?"

We walked aimlessly with a slow pace not really needing to go anywhere.

"I don't want Louis to leave me, get fed up."

"You're engaged, you're planning is coming along so well and-"

She looked pained, I would say she was going to cry but I couldn't say for sure. Eleanor to me, has always been strong, out of the five years I have known her, I've seen her cry three times. She's always had to support me, not vice versa.

"I.."

"What?" I ask softly.

"I found out Louis had slept with someone else. Some girl from a bar."

That knocked me, what? Louis? He's always been so loyal. Whenever I saw them together they were always loved up. She's never seemed different or as if anything was going wrong, she was always so chipper and happy.

"Oh El, you should have told me."

"I was going to, I was so close to leaving him but I couldn't. I couldn't walk away, forget we ever happened. I know Louis loves me, and I love him. That's why he.."

Her lip trembled.

"He proposed so he'd keep you?" I finish.

She doesn't speak, a mere nod is what I'm given. That's messed up.

"Oh Eleanor,"

"I know. I'm stupid, he only proposed because he was guilty but.. I couldn't turn him down."

"Are you okay now?"

"We're doing great now, we've really built our life together."

"But.." I add.

"But," She sighs. "I still have that feeling. When he's out late or on his phone, I always wonder and.."

I swallow, this was all so overwhelming, all of this information. Is this how a relationship is supposed to be? Built on mistrust and uncertainty?

"..I went through his phone. I didn't find anything but, I felt awful for simply going through it."

"I.. understand."

I didn't but I felt like they were the words she needed to hear right now.

"Thanks for listening Hol."

"It's okay," I take her hand in mine. "I'm always here."

- - - -

"Hey babe,"

I smile at Harry. "Hey you"

"I've missed you today." He sighs. He genuinely looked distressed and tired.

"Hard day?"

"I had to write a song but I just.. couldn't. Nothing was coming to me, had to leave the studio."

"Sorry to hear that babe."

"It's okay, how was your day?"

Do I tell him about Eleanor's confession?

"Great, spent the day with Eleanor, almost finished Christmas shopping."

"Wish I was with you,"

"Well I'll wait and do my last bit of shopping with you, how does that sound?"

He nods. "Perfect."

We spoke for another hour or so before he noticed my constant yawning, I declined when he told me to go to sleep.

"Harry.."

"Yes?"

"We love each other, right?"

"Of course,"

"And if there's ever a time you're unhappy with me, or anything.. you'll tell me right?"

He frowns. "Of course, what's brought this along?"

I shrug with a lazy smile. "Nothing, I just want you to know that I love you. You're mine."

He smiles. "I love you too, and you're mine."