Ultraviolence

Chapter Thirteen

"The greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse." 

...

As he read the news article I decided that I fully believed him. Not that I didn't believe him before, but there was always a small speck of doubt in my mind. Also as he read, he would stop after every sentence and look up at me like he was waiting to see what I would do. Jack's eyes were on me the whole time, I assume for the same reason. 

It was nearing midnight, which meant I only had about two and a half hours with Harry and Jack. Now that our first plan in finding proof succeeded, we needed a new one to bring him down. I began thinking of what would happen if Noah had changed and wasn't like what Harry said. What if he just actually cared and only lied to keep me all to himself in a sweet, not selfish way. But Jack interrupted my thoughts before I could take them any further. 

"So why does your sister not live here?" He asked.

"I've told you five times, man, she's off at college in New York." Harry replied. 

I laughed at his annoyed response, and as the noise escaped from my mouth Harry turned to me and flashed the green eyes that tripped me when I fell in love with him. 

Once we picked up the newspapers that had been sprawled out on the floor, all three of us sat on the couch in the living room and turned on the TV, catching the beginning of a Fresh Prince of Bel-Air marathon that would last until the early morning. It seemed perfect for our night that would have to be cut short. I found blankets in the hall closet and got two, one for Jack and one for Harry and I. I plopped down on the couch and sat next to Harry, who was between Jack and I. He wrapped his arms around me, protectively, yet gently. With that gesture, I realized that I have never felt safer than when I was in his arms. And moments later, I was asleep; my head was buried into his chest, his finger tracing shapes and "I love you's" on my arm, and the sound of Will Smith trying to get Carlton to do something a little on the wild side. 

...

I awoke to Harry slightly nudging me.

"Hey...Spence..aren't you supposed to be home by 2:30?" He was asking.

"Yeah, what time is it?" I said as I was slowly coming to my senses.

"1 a.m. You've been asleep for an hour." He told me. 

"Are you ready to go home?" He added.

"Yeah, I guess."

"Then, come on. Let's get you home." He said, picking me up bridal style and carrying me to the car.

I slept just about the whole ride home. There was no blaring Rolling Stones music, so it was a very peaceful sleep. We arrived to Jack's house around two and Harry dropped him off.

"Are you sure you want to go home?" Harry asked.

"Where else would we go?"

"To my house."

"Oh.." I took a few seconds to think about this. But then thought, why not? "Sure." I concluded.

"Okay."

Once we arrived at Harry's house, he and I snuck in through the back door, trying not to wake his parents. I remembered to text Alison and tell her to tell Mom and Dad that I was staying the night at a friend's and would be back midmorning. Harry led me up the stairs, which were somewhat familiar from the last time I was here, and to his bedroom. I sat on the bed as he dug through his drawers, only to pull out the same white tee shirt I slept in last time. 

"Do you want some water?" He asked, waiting by the door.

"Sure." I said as he went downstairs to get water and as I undressed and changed into his tee shirt. I crawled in bed and under the sheets. Not long after, I felt him crawl in with me, once again wrapping his arms around me firmly. It may have been my half-asleep mind playing tricks on me but as I drifted to sleep, I thought I heard him whisper "I love you." as he kissed the top of my head and fell asleep too.