Shortly after Harry had left me in tears out back, I made my way inside and went straight to Madeline. She was sitting in one of the sofas, leaning on Ted and I subtly told her I didn't feel well and needed to go home. She pouted for a bit but when I briefly mentioned my run in with Harry, she understood.
As I breezed past the bar, I got another glimpse of Max where he stood laughing with a blonde guy but couldn't bring myself to care about him right then.
I needed to get the hell out before I ran into Harry again. I wasn't sure I would be able to face him after what he'd just said. I choked down a sob and more stubborn tears that tried to claw their way out from my somewhat calm facade and burst through the entrance doors.
I took a taxi to my house and gasped when I got a glimpse of my face in the mirror above the sink. I looked like a crazy person who'd just escaped from the asylum. My eyes were wild, red and puffy, splotched with dark smudges of mascara all around. Tearing off my dress, I showered quickly in scorching hot water before I cuddled up in bed and buried myself under the thick duvet.
I couldn't live like this anymore, it would slowly kill me. I didn't want to and it pained me to even think of it, but I needed to end things with Harry once and for all. I had to stop hoping and wishing for something that would never happen. The way he kept sending out mixed signals had me emotionally drained.
I closed my eyes and willed myself to go to sleep, the lingering effects from the alcohol helping me doze off quickly.
When I woke up the next morning, a feeling of determination motivated me to get dressed and drive all the way to Harry's house. I couldn't care less if he didn't want to talk with me or if he found me annoying for coming over — all I wanted was to get him out of my life.
The neighbourhood looked just as calm, quiet and tidy as last time and I parked my car by the pavement. I took a deep breath and glanced at the clock before I got out. It was nearly noon and I hoped Harry would be up. Or else, he would have to get up.
As I stepped up on his porch steps, butterflies broke free in my belly. My hand shook as I raised it to knock hard on his front door and I almost threw up in the bushes from nervousness.
A loud bang sounded from the inside, followed by muffled profanities. "Just a minute," Harry's raspy voice echoed and I felt my pulse race.
The door flew open and I found a blinking Harry on the other side. His eyes narrowed as they adjusted to the bright light and spotted me. A matching frown appeared and he pursed his lips.
"You woke me up."
I tried not to get affected by his deep, morning voice, but it was hard. I swallowed a couple of times, tearing my eyes away from his bare chest covered in tattoos.
"I need to talk to you," I said.
He huffed, still frowning. "Alright. Come on in, I'll just put a shirt on."
I tentatively stepped inside and closed the door behind me, as he dragged himself into his bedroom to change. Walking into the living room, I studied the picture of us on the wall.
Losing myself in memories and longing for a time that had passed, I didn't hear him come up behind me. I jumped when I felt his hand on the small of my back, letting out a quiet squeak.
"Sorry," he muttered and sat down on the sofa. "What is it you want to talk about?"
I placed myself in the futon across from him and contemplated how to start. I realised it was better to just cut to the chase, it would only hurt more if we tried to make small talk before all hell broke loose.
YOU ARE READING
Contrite ✓
FanfictionBest friends since they were kids, Ella is devastated when Harry leaves. Despite their promises of keeping in touch she never hears from him again. But when he unexpectedly returns to town four years later, Ella's world is about to be turned upside...