SOFT SPOT// h.s

0.3 ~ just get in the car..*

The awkward silence between us made me reconsider the fact that this was ever a good idea. The tension in the air was so thick that it could barely be sliced with a knife. I clasped my coffee in both hands as Ellie pressed her face against the window, watching the people outside. I knew Harry wanted to ask about her.

He raised his beverage to his lips and took a long sip before setting it down on the coaster and looking directly at me.

"So, who's the kid?" He asked, looking over at Ellie again. I felt my heart speeding up again and my palms growing sweaty. I wondered if he noticed that her little button nose was just like his and the colour of their eyes were practically identical. Her soft lips were a miniature version of his, often triggering memories of when I had kissed his with tenderness and passion.

"She's my daughter," I admitted, but not with shame or regret. He only nodded and took another drink of his coffee. The cup would be empty soon and I'd be out of time.

"So, are you still living in North Carolina?" I ask him, restarting conversation.

"Mostly," Harry answered. "You?"

I nodded in agreement. "Are you going back there soon?"

"I'm driving there after I finish this coffee actually," he told me, making me panic even more at how time was ticking away and I needed to cut to the chase soon.

"You're driving there?" I asked him confusedly. To drive from one end of the state to another is a 4 day trip, driving at least ten hours a day.

"Yes," he said, raising his eyebrows. "I was going to get a plane, but i need to get home as soon as possible because of personal reasons.. and all the flights were booked up," he explained. I shook my head in sympathy as I let the silence hang between us.

"Momma look! A doggy!" Ellie exclaims excitedly as she points out the window to a brown Labrador.

"Yes Els, a doggy," I laugh, kissing her head and returning my attention to Harry.

"So, when are you getting home?" He asked and that was when I began to squirm uncomfortably under his burning gaze. It was a long shot, but definitely worth a try.

"Well, here's the thing. We don't actually have a way home, we missed our bus, so we therefore missed our flight, but I lost my luggage anyway so I don't have my passport. All I have is everything in my handbag. So I'm basically stranded with my two year old daughter and my phone is dead," I explained without stopping.

Harry stared at me in silence, his jawline clenched, he looked as if he was angry under his almost calm façade and I crossed my fingers under the table.

"So I suppose you need me to give you a ride?" He said eventually, his eyebrows raised.

"Well, if you could, I'd be forever grateful, and I'd pay you back of course. It's just, I'm desperate," I tell him shamefully.

I couldn't read his expression as my heart banged painfully against my chest. I didn't know what I would do if I couldn't get home.

He seemed as if he was having a silent argument inside his head as he thought it over deeply. He then slammed his coffee mug on the table and stood up. "I can't, I'm on a schedule," he said, beginning to storm out. I grabbed Ellie and chased after him, calling his name.

"Harry, please!"

He gracefully strode through the entrance doors as I struggled to keep up. He knew I was following him, but he wouldn't turn around.

I silently prayed in my head that he would relent and show some kindness. I was desperate and this was my only chance.

He stopped once he got to his car and with his fingers grasping the silver handle of his shiny Volvo, he glanced at me before kicking a rock on the ground in anger.

"Harry, I know this is a lot to ask. I really wouldn't bother you if it weren't for Ellie, she's only a baby and I don't know what else to do," I said as I felt my voice crack at the end and I knew I was crying when I felt the salty tear hit the corner of my mouth.

He groaned in frustration as he leant against the car, burying his head in his hands. He pulled at his hair before yanking the door open.

"Goddammit Clary, just get in the car," he muttered, but loudly enough for me to hear him.

I silently thanked the Heavens and hastily scooted around to the other side of the vehicle before he had a chance to change his mind. My fingers lingered on the handle as I mentally prepared myself for the memories that were sure to come flooding back. Was I ready for this? It wasn't like I had much of I choice. It was my own fault for sleeping with him when I was just a kid.

I hesitantly opened the door and slid in, my heart in my mouth. I heard Harry open the boot of the car and take something out of it, muttering curse words under his breath. He then flung one of the back doors open and placed a car seat in the back for Ellie. I wanted to thank him but my mouth was dry and parched from the overpowering nerves that twisted in my stomach.

I helped Ellie into the car seat, vaguely wondering why Harry had a child's seat in the trunk of his car.

"Where we going mommy?" Ellie asked innocently as I strapped her in.

"We're going home. It's going to take a few days but we're going to get there," I reassure her before kissing her forehead and closing the door and slithering back into the front seat.

Harry slumped into the drivers seat and I felt my hands shaking anxiously.

"You don't have to do this you know. I don't want to be any trouble," I said to him quietly, suddenly feeling slightly regretful.

"Let's just go," he replied, starting the engine and driving into the setting sun as I stared out of the window, exhaling a breath of relief that I was assured a ride home.

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