Always

Chapter 18

One (favorite so far) more because you are all the best and I love you :) x

"Hey, Joey," he answered happily, no way of knowing the state I was in.

"Harry?" I managed to choke out.  Immediately, his tone shifted to one of concern.

"Joey? What's wrong? What is it?" he asked anxiously, clearly hearing the distress in my voice.  I hiccupped once, tasting the alcohol coming back up my throat. 

"Ha-Harry, can you come get me?" I asked pitifully before thinking that it was late, it was a lot to ask, he was probably busy, and a million other reasons why he wouldn't.  Why he shouldn't. 

"Yes, of course, where are you?" he replied instantly, not a second thought to be had.

"Oh, thank you, Harry, you're," hiccup, "you're the best."  I tried to stem the tears leaking from my eyes, but they just kept rushing past my fingers, gravity pulling them down.

"Joey, where are you?" he asked again, more persistent this time. 

"I'm at Lydia's house," I told him, realizing he probably had no idea where that was.

"Do you know the address, babe?" All I could register was the fact that he had called me babe.  My heart fluttered.

"Did you just," hiccup, "did you just call me babe?" I sniffled a little, my drunken state making things extremely difficult.

A sigh from Harry could be heard on the other end of the line.  "Yes, Joey, now do you know the address?" Patient.  He was always so patient.

"Umm... no.  I'm walking, hang on," I said, approaching a corner to read the street signs.

"You're walking? Joey, it's freezing out, go back inside!" he said, sounding more authoritative than I'd ever heard him.

"No, I don't like those people," I said, hearing the pathetic whine in my own voice. 

"Joey..." he said, growing exasperated with me.  "Please go back inside?" he pleaded.  I could hear him shuffling around before the slam of a car door sounded.  Coming to my rescue.

"No, Harry, I'm fine, it's hot out," I lied, rather unconvincingly because as I said it my teeth started to chatter. 

"Ugh, fine.  Do you know where you are yet?" I heard him start his car.

"Um, I'm on..." I squinted up at the street signs, trying to read them. "8th and Dover."

"I'm on my way.  Just stay on the phone with me, okay?" he replied.

"Okay," I said, wrapping my free arm around myself.  It really was very cold outside.  If I had thought for two seconds before bolting out of the party, I could have grabbed my jacket and overnight bag.  But with my newfound hatred for everyone in the house and Harry being on his way, there was no way I was going back. 

"I'm sorry for calling you, Harry," I told him.  I'm sure he had much better things to be doing than picking up an emotional drunk girl on a random corner.

"No, Joey, don't worry.  You can always call me," he reassured me.  I let out a long sigh.

"You're too nice to me, Harry," I said, letting the alcohol do the talking, wiping my fingers under my eyes one last time.  I could only imagine what a wreck I must look like. 

"Hush," was all he said.  Suddenly I could see headlights of a car pulling around the corner. 

"Is that you?" I asked, squinting my eyes at the large black SUV that was coming towards me, alcohol making the lights swim.