fireproof {l.s}

chapter seven

Saturday, July 27th, 2013

9:30 a.m

Harry

"Good morning, Mr. Styles," Dr. Karr said, waking me up.

"Oh, yeah, morning."

"I'm sorry for waking you up, but we do need to discuss some things before visiting hours," she spoke in a somewhat motherly voice. "But first, I need to check your wounds. Can I see your wrists?"

My heart dropped. Uh, oh.

I slowly pulled my wrist out from underneath the blanket. "I, uh, didn't mean to," I said, extremely embarrassed. The blood had dried, but you could still clearly see that I had reopened the cut. Not to mention, the bandage was torn off. She looked shocked at first, but then held her composure.

"It's okay. Really." She paged a nurse- who came in a few moments later- and started wiping off the dried blood. "How can we help you?"

Bring me Louis. That would help.

"Uh, I'm fine. I just can't wait to get out of here." I said as the nurse restitched my arm. I winced, but all I could think about was how good it felt. I think I was starting to get addicted to pain.

"About that... we think it'd be best if you spend a few more days here. And maybe talk to one of our psych doctors. However, it's completely your decision. You're 19."

"I'll think about it, yeah?" I lied. I had already made my mind up. I was going home. Today.

"Ok, but we really recommend it," Dr. Karr said as she headed out the door. "I'll send your visitors in when they arrive."

The door closed and I sunk back into the bed. I pulled the new, white bandage down slightly, admiring the fresh stitching job. I traced it with my thumb, trying to fight the urge to press into it again. I was saved when I heard a knock on my door. I stuck the bandage back down and sat up. "Come in."

I swallowed when Louis popped his head in. "Hey, Haz."

"Punctual, Tommo," I said, smiling. I have no clue where my smile came from, but I liked it.

"I love your smile," he said and his face immediately went red. "I-I'm sorry, that was weird."

I just laughed and gestured for him to sit on the bed. I could physically feel my face glow as my eyes followed him until he was right in front of me.

"I really don't wanna ruin your mood, but I'm here for a reason, remember?" My smile faded without my control. Louis noticed and went on, "Jesus, see I already did."

"No, it's okay. I told you that I would talk to you. I never said it was gonna be easy."

"Ok, well, can we just talk about the accident, first?" he asked. I nodded, so he continued, "Let's discuss the elephant in the room. It was an accident, right? I mean the almost dying part."

"Yes, Lou, you can't get rid of me that easily." I punched him in the arm, trying to lighten the mood.

"Harry, I'm serious. You can't go through whatever you're going through alone. I just need you to know that you can tell me anything." This was the most serious I've ever seen him.

"I know, Lou, it's just not that easy. Whenever I think about it, all I wanna do is rip off this bandage and dig my nails in and-and-"

"Harry, stop. Breathe."

Tears pooled in my eyes and I squeezed my eyes shut.

"Louis, get out. Please."

"No, what are you talking about? I'm not leaving y-"