Chapter 26

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Darkness filled every corner of my room, although it was day. The curtains were drawn and the radio played a doleful Lana Del Ray tune. I lay on my bed, my limbs all spread out. I'd remained in that position for about an hour.

It was Daniel's 22nd birthday. Lindsey's little sister was turning 8 on the same day. He'd been calling me and sending me tons of text messages but I haven't been replying. After yesterday's incident, I didn't know how I could face him. But I decided not to confront him about it. I just tried to forget that video I watched. I know he didn't mean to do it. He was highly intoxicated.

My parents have forbidden me to ever see Daniel again or apparently, they'll take action. I told them that I'd broken up with him when I really didn't. It wasn't a major problem because I've done a lot of things behind their backs and dating someone in secrecy wouldn't be that much of a problem.

Harry comforted me the day before. He bought me a smoothie at the bowling alley and sent me back to my car. He wasn't his usual immature self. He promised that he wasn't the one who sent those videos to my parents and I believe him. But I needed to find out who the anonymous sender was.

When I was done sorting things out in my mind, I called Daniel. I spoke quietly.

"Hello? Daniel?" I said through the phone.

"Finally, you called me back. Where have you been?" He sounded relieved.

"Umm... I've just been sorting some things out. Happy birthday, by the way."

"Thanks, Hel. Hey listen, I'm going to the mall with Harry to get some things for tonight's party. Come with us?"

"Sure, I'd love to." I replied. I just hoped my mother wouldn't go there today.

I quickly changed into skinny jeans and a white sweater before heading downstairs.

"Where are you going?" I heard my mother ask. She was carrying a basket of laundry. 

"I'm going to the bowling alley with Lindsey. I need some peace of mind." I sighed, turning back to look at her.

"Honey, remember what we talked about yesterday."

"Mum, I told you, Daniel's in college! How on earth am I supposed to meet him?" I lied.

She nodded. "Just becareful."

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"Oh Hipster Bunny's getting feisty." Harry teased and ate a spoonful of yoghurt.

 "I don't like being called Hipster Bunny." I stated.

"Alright, Hipster Bunny." He grinned.

Daniel, Harry and I sat at a frozen yoghurt stall in the mall after buying paper cups and plates from the grocery shop.

"Wow, you guys have been bickering for the past hour." Daniel looked at his watch. "You haven't even finished your yoghurt."

I realized that my frozen yoghurt was already melting. I'd only finished half of it. "Oh. Sorry." I bit my lower lip.

"You know what? It's fine, I'll be in the grocery section. Need to get some more things." Daniel stood up. He looked a little uneasy.

I grabbed his hand. "I could come with you."

"No, just finish your yoghurt. I'll be back in a few minutes." He told me. He shot a weak smile at us before walking away. Something bothered him.

"What's with him?" Harry chuckled and ruffled his hair.

"He's probably stressed out about his college." I assumed.

"Hey, let's go to that store over there." He suggested and stood up.

"Only if you'll pull your pants up." I joked.

"Why? I have a nice bum." He smirked. "Come on." He dug his hands into his pockets.

Harry and I strolled over to a toy store nearby. The massive remote control airplanes that were on display surely caught his attention.

"A toy airplane? Come on, Harry." I shook my head. "How old are you again?"

"This isn't a toy, it's an RC plane." He replied as he fondled the remote control and looked at the large plane in awe. 

I couldn't help but laugh at his intense interest in the toy. "Fine, would you rather go to an 'adult' toy store instead?" He asked. "Cos I wouldn't mind that either."

I nudged his arm and followed him into the store. "The first time I saw you, I was carrying your box of toys." I told him.

"Yeah, and you were wearing that Hipster Bunny t-shirt." He smiled. "You looked beautiful in it."

"Harry, let it go." I sighed.

We strode along the empty action figures aisle as Harry intently studied the Iron Man toys. "If you really want to play with it, just get it." I suggested. 

"I don't play with them. I collect them." He corrected me. I flashed a quick smirk at him before trying to reach for a Barbie doll on the highest shelf. I tip-toed and even tried jumping but I couldn't reach it. Harry's arm brushed past me and grabbed the Barbie doll and handed it to me. "Here you go, mini me." He whispered near my ear.

"I want to get this for Lindsey's little sister." I told him.

"Or for yourself..." He shrugged. He then slid his fingers into mine, interlocking our hands. He tried to pull me towards the next aisle but I stood my ground.

"What are you doing, Harry?" I asked him.

"What?"

"You know exactly what."

He moved closer to me. "Look, I just like you."

"I'm dating your brother." I reminded him. "I know you're doing this to get back at him for moving here."

His hand left mine and travelled up to my cheek. "You like me too." He whispered. His forehead touched mine and I felt him holding my arms tight, his bright, mesmerizing eyes looking deep into mine.

I breathed heavily, nervously trying to pull out of his grip. "Harry, stop..." I demanded quietly, trying to divert my eyes away from his intense gaze.

"You like it when I kiss you." His voice was low and heavy. He slowly pushed me against the shelf and sent my hair behind my shoulder. "Remember the last time?" He asked, his fingers caressing the newly exposed skin. Images of our last intimate encounter flashed through my mind. I could feel goosebumps all over.

He leaned in, his eyes still locked on mine. His lips barely touched my exposed neck as they were dragged across it. The beautiful scent of his soft, brown curls saluted my nostrils. I could feel his warm breath on my neck as he slowly brought his lips to my ear. "The thing is... I know you're with my brother but... I can't help myself." He breathed.

I couldn't believe he was doing this to me in public. He was completely fearless.

His hand was placed behind my neck as he indulged in a kiss on my chin. I shut my eyes tight as my fingers tugged onto his curls. I couldn't help but enjoy what he was doing to me. "Harry..." I let out a low whisper.

Then I heard a faint giggle in the distance. I zoned back in and looked over Harry's shoulder as he pulled away. It was Lindsey's little sister, Meg.

I froze. Did she witness the whole thing? 

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