Against One's Wishes

Chapter 22

Harry watches the rain pounding down outside Louis' bedroom window as he stands in front of it smoking a joint. He listens to the sound of the falling pellets through the open window, and he closes his eyes and allows the sound to relax him for several moments.

Suddenly, he's envisioning a home, somewhere in the countryside with a pond close by. He can see the rain falling on the front porch of this secluded home... he can see 2 rocking chairs sitting on the porch.

And he can see Louis Tomlinson's face... the person he wants so desperately to share a lifetime with.

He snaps out of his thoughts quickly and sighs again, his eyes beginning to sting once more... because he knows how things with Louis will end. He can't even admit to himself how much this hurts; how much he wants to hold onto Louis forever now.

He looks back at Louis lying under the covers sleeping sound, and a tear is falling down Harry's cheek. He quickly wipes it away and decides to push away his feelings once again; he doesn't want to focus on the idea of losing Louis... even though he knows without a doubt that it's coming now.

He puts out the joint, then he's going to Louis' living area, his eyes glancing around for Louis' telephone.

He dials Ben's number and he nervously awaits for either Ben or Sarah to pick up the phone. It rings about 4 times and Harry's finally hearing someone pick up.

"Hello," Ben is saying at once, and suddenly Harry's throat has gone dry.

"When did Mr. Jones talk to you about this concert idea of his?" Harry just outright asks, no hesitation whatsoever. He's nervous to even speak to Ben, but he can't let Ben know that.

"Wow.. uh, good morning, H," Ben states softly, "was hoping to hear from you..."

"Answer the question, please," Harry manages to whisper slowly.

"Uh, Mr. Jones and I had lunch... the other day. He... he had asked that... I bring you," Ben replies, Harry's face falling for a moment. "He... uh... had some plays that... needed talented actors. And... he really adores your work..."

Harry bites his lip for a moment and glances out of the window. "He... he was offering me parts?"

"He was offering several plays, yeah. Was gonna put in a good word for you. He... he wanted to help you get the parts," Ben states and sighs. "I... I was gonna talk to you about it... later on. You needed some time..."

"So, you just... discuss my career without me being present," Harry nods, "got it."

"H... come on...," Ben almost laughs, "he asked me to bring you... but..."

"You never mentioned it," Harry replies quickly. "You never fucking mentioned it to me... I don't understand why you wouldn't... I mean, it's my career..."

"Because... you will be gone for about 3-4 weeks," Ben interrupts, "alright? I met with him and I told him that I would have a discussion with you... and you could get in touch with him after your break..."

"So, you just... mention his concert idea to me... nothing more," Harry starts again as he's sighing.

"That's because I wanted you to know... you have wanted that for so long..." Ben states in almost a plea. "You have talked about it for... ages... and I knew you'd be excited...."

"I'd be a lot more excited if... if circumstances around me were different at the moment," Harry blurts out before he's sighing. "Uh, where's Sarah?"

"She's at her sister's," Ben answers and sighs, "uh, she... she did ask about you and I..."