Love Me [Harry Styles]

16.

"True when I told you you're the only reason why I don't flip and go insane, my roof in the pouring rain.."

Dani's POV

It was now the night before my flight back to LA. I was packing my things in my room, for the last time, hopefully.

The past few days Harry and I have been texting nonstop, FaceTiming, sexting, the whole shebang.

I looked at myself in the mirror, I was completely drained. My face pale, dark bags under my eyes, dried lips, I almost looked like a ghost. I also noticed I lost a few pounds from only being home for a week. Aren't people supposed to be happy and lively once they're reunited with their families? What's wrong with me?

I shrugged off the weird gut feeling I had and went to grab my wallet before heading downstairs.

Slipping some flip flops on, I called out to my parents, "Mom, dad, I'm going to get myself some coffee. I'll be right back,"

They nodded at me slowly as I opened the front door and walked out. It was warmer tonight, so I decided a 10 minute walk wouldn't be too bad.

I decided to take the shortcut, cutting through a familiar neighborhood.

Once I was about to reach the end of the street, I felt my heartbeat quicken as I saw the person I'd never want to see again in my life.

Alex.

"Dani, Dani is that you?" he asked jogging up behind me.

I was frozen, I didn't know if I should stay or run for my life. I turned around, meeting his sharp gaze. He looked fairly built. His dark brown eyes burning into mine as his jaw clenched firmly at the sight of me.

"Leave me alone," I spit harshly as I crossed the street.

"Hey, hey," he followed, grabbing my arm and pulling it behind my back, making me wince in pain. This can't be happening. Not again.

"That's not the way you greet your ex, now is it?" he questioned, grabbing my hip with his other hand, his grip was so strong I literally felt the marks that were appearing onto my skin.

"What do you want, Alex?" I asked as I felt tears form in my eyes. I needed Harry right now. I ached for him.

"What? You think you're too good for me now that you're in some other state living the fucking dream? News flash, bitch, you're still the same weakling you were a few months ago," he said as he tugged on my ponytail.

"Please just go," I begged him, trying to get out of his grip but he wouldn't budge.

"Oh, I am," he smirked and I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding in.

"Just one thing.." he said stepping closer to me again.

"What's that?" I asked, my voice was barely heard as I looked down at my feet, trying not to break down.

Out of nowhere, he kicked my rib, hard, and I felt the pain shoot up through my stomach. Unable to hold myself up, I fell straight to the concrete floor. He kicked my ribs again, and again, until I couldn't feel the pain anymore. Why wasn't anyone saving me?

With one final kick, he kneeled down to me and said, "I'll find you anywhere you go, bitch."

It was now pitch black, and I stayed put on the concrete sidewalk for a few minutes before attempting to pick myself up. Why the fuck is this neighborhood so empty?

I slowly stood up, wincing at the sharp pain that shot through my spine as i gathered my wallet that had fallen to the ground, empyting all the cards onto the sidewalk. I took extremely slow steps and limped on my way back home, completely disregarding the stupid coffee I left the house for. I was this close to not seeing Alex, and the night before, he ruined everything for me.

This is exactly why I left to LA, I thought to myself. This was the reason. Who was there for me? Nobody. I love my friends, but nobody is here who actually loves me. But someone like the boys or Harry, Harry, cares about me. We're only friends but his presence alone makes me feel safer than any other man would. I needed to go back to Harry. He promised to always pick up the pieces. And I believe him. And I trust him. I want Harry.

I decided on not telling Harry, he'd find out eventually. I just wanted to see him and that was all.

Once I got home, my parent's didn't even bother greeting me, as they were already in bed. Thankfully, they won't see me in this state because if they did I'm sure they'd never let me go.

----------

9 am. It's finally time for me to leave this hell of a place I call, or once called "home."

I was ready and packed everything into my car as I waved goodbye to my parents. My dad gave me some money in case I needed anything, and I tried rushing so I wouldn't get emotional at the sight of my mom balling her eyes out. I tried my hardest not to wince in pain when I hugged them, since I had nothing to wrap around my ribs. Completely ignoring my pain, I was still upset that I couldn't see my brother since he's away on a trip, but I knew I'd see him soon as well.

Before I placed the car in reverse to back out my driveway, my phone buzzed.

From: Harry

Baby, Monique won't allow me to pick you up at the airport so I arranged for an Uber to drive you back to my place, okay? See you soon xx

I smiled at his kindness and quickly replied.

To: Harry

Okay, thank you, see you in a few hours H :)

And with that, I sped off to the airport.

Parking my car, I took my suitcase and dragged it into the Check-In's section. Once I got my ticket and passport checked, I passed through security and waited patiently for my flight number to be called.

"Flight 1805 is ready to board," I heard one of the employees call out.

----------

The flight was long, much longer than I had expected. I was now in the Uber that Harry had requested for me, eager to see him.

Not more than 15 minutes later, I was outside of Harry's home. I thanked the driver and as I tried to pay him, he told me all fees were already taken care of.

Rolling my suitcase to Harry's front door, he was already waiting for me, his arms crossed over his chest as we was leaning against the door frame, a small smirk growing on his face. I dropped the suitcase and ran towards him wrapping my arms around him as he unfolded his arms and wrapped them around my waist, with his gentle touch. I tried not to wince at the unbearable pain, just like I tried not to when I said goodbye to my parents, it seemed to be working.

He looked down at me with a huge smile on his face, connecting our foreheads before crashing his lips onto mine for the first time in a week. And once our lips moved together, all the pain that I suffered, all the loneliness that I felt in his absence was now long gone. Everything would be okay.

His smell.

His eyes.

His smile.

Him.