Changes (N.H & L.P)

Chapter 24 - Back to Normality

A/N: Oh my god so...hello again.

It’s been a while since we talked, did you have a good Christmas? It has been months since we’ve updated an actual chapter, and we’re sorry. November/December is a really busy time for both of us. And I guess, as I’m writing and editing this at 4am, I finally found a moment where I can focus on Changes. Sorry that it took forever to update! 

Meanwhile on Bri’s page, she has just finished writing her short Niam fanfictions. If you would like to, go check them out. Also (hopefully within this week) I should have an update on my new Zarry story called ‘New Roomie’. Changes has not been neglected, we’ve just been extremely busy. And the plans that we have for this story are huge! So happy reading, and see you soon! 

Here's a small filler chapter that I quickly whipped up to prepare you for a little something soon...

Miss Ironik xx

 

Harry’s POV

Since when was it in the plan that Jess and I were going to be sent to some remote place to be ‘happily ever after’? As much as I would love that to happen, it can’t be forced. You can’t force a relationship, or fake a pregnancy. I love Jess, I love her unconditionally and I’ll do everything I can to keep her safe. I know that she can be stubborn and she doesn’t want anyone’s help. But in a situation where she nearly gets shot in the head...I couldn’t help but panic. The love of my life, shot right in front of my eyes. I couldn’t get the image out of my head. The fear in her eyes, the tears falling down her cheeks. The blood...her blood covered hands as they tortured her wrists with wire and ropes.

We’re going home now. Not to the hotel room that Jess and I were living in, we were actually going home. Jess with Niall...and myself with Bri and Liam.

The hospital was, well, a hospital. Jess and I weren’t in there for long, we were just checked up on. The only thing that wasn’t good about it was Jess’ screams of pure pain when they were disinfecting and cleaning the cuts on her wrists. Niall was even crying. Bri and Liam were upset too, and I held back my tears, as they bandaged her up and let her go.

Liam was quick to drive back to Niall’s place, where Niall and Jess got out of the car. Niall could not stop holding Jess. She didn’t mind it, she looked small and pale and so vulnerable. The things I would give to be able to hold her that close, for her to rest her head on my chest as I stroke her hair, letting her know that she is safe in my arms. A luxury that I will never receive, because the only way that I’ll get her to like me is by force, and there is no way on this earth or in any situation will I force her to date me.

Now with Sebastian clearly heading for jail, Eric Modest will come back and be our manager. Again. The last thing we need is him back. He probably knew what Sebastian had planned for us, and decided that he wanted him to do his dirty work so Eric didn’t get caught. Dirty bastard.

Soon after we drop off Jess and Niall, we park in Liam’s and Bri’s driveway, and head inside. Bri doesn’t hesitate for a moment to grab me a banana and a glass of water, and Liam sits me down at the dining table and sits next to me. Bri soon joins us, setting down the fruit and drink in front of me and sitting on the opposite side of me.

“Just if you need to talk or anything, we’re always ready to listen.” Bri holds my hand and rubs it gently, like a small gesture to suggest that she's supporting me.

“If you need help with anything or you just want to get something off your chest, just let us know,” Liam adds.

“Mhm,” is all I mutter, “Thank you.”

“Anytime,” Bri nods and they both leave me be. Alone. Sad.

Scarred.

 

Jess’ POV

“For the last time Niall I’m fine,” I snap, and Niall backs off finally.

“Just let me know if you need anything okay?” Niall says.

“I will,” I curl up into a ball on the couch and that is how I stay for hours. Refusing to eat or drink anything, because anything that I try to consume I fear that I’ll just throw it up.

Niall’s basically at my feet, asking me if I need or want anything - and to be honest I really just want some peace and quiet from him. I don’t want to snap at him though, he is trying his best.

I must have fallen asleep on the couch because I wake up later in my bed, hearing Niall having a conversation. I get out of bed and walk out to the kitchen, seeing Louis sitting at the bench.

“Hi Jess,” Louis greets me with a smile. I nod back and pour myself a glass of water. Niall and Louis seem to be deep in conversation, so I decide to go back to bed and just relax, before Louis walks in a couple of minutes later.

“Hey, I was wondering if you wanted to go out somewhere? Just around here. Get you away from the house, and a rowdy Niall,” Louis chuckles.

I haven’t really hung out with Louis recently, which should be good. I trust Louis, we seem to be close, and it’s nice that he’s offered to take me out for the afternoon.

“Yeah sure, I’ll be ready in ten,” I smile. Louis smiles back and leaves the bedroom.

I put on some denim shorts, a tank top and some sandals, before fixing up my hair and going back out to Louis and Niall.

“You two have fun,” Niall hugs me and gives me a small peck on the cheek.

“We will,” Louis nearly pushes me out the door and we start driving off into the city.

“God he was even bugging me,” Louis laughed, “I can’t even think about how much stress he would cause you.”

“He’s trying too hard I guess,” I laugh.

Now it’s no secret that Louis can be immature and say bad things at inappropriate times, but at the same time he can be really down to earth and he’s really easy to get along with. He just seems to understand a lot and we can have a good laugh at the same time, so it’s not a surprise when we end up at an arcade, we have so much fun.

My wrists are still hurting, but this little afternoon out has made me forget about it, and it feels good. I’m living a happy, normal life, with some friends, I guess. Sebastian is gone, Modest won’t do anything with me involved, so it’s back to the way it was.

If only I could go back and change the events that have happened recently. Nothing can seem to be going perfectly right all at the same time, and that’s not what I want for the rest of my life.

I want to be happy, surprise surprise. Not like the cheesy happy with the perfect family with the perfect house and the best neighbours that come to your house with pudding every Sunday while you eat together and watch Quiz Shows; that’s lame. Although if my neighbours could bring me some pudding, that would be appreciated.

Now back to the serious thoughts. With pudding aside, all I ask for in my life is to end up with the right guy, whether it’s Niall or it’s not, I don’t know that yet. I just want a long life with a happy family. That isn’t too much of an ask, right? Sure I have some bad people in my life, but who doesn't? I have people that make my life a living hell, and I really don’t need to name the wanker at the top of my list, but I also have people in my life that make me happy. 

As I whoop Louis’ ass at Air Hockey, surprised that we at least haven’t been seen by fans or anything with a camera (which nowadays is everyone and everything) and with Zayn proposing to Perrie just recently, I think we can finally start calming down, relaxing, and putting all this drama behind us.

But that’s easier said than done.