Barista • h.s

8

HARRY

"Until now." She finished. Her face was covered in tears, looking defeated as ever.

"What do you mean?"

She smiled lightly and gave a little laugh. "Well, he tracked me down, of course! Moved into my apartment building, and just showed up one day. And, Harry, I am so fucking scared."

I was in complete shock. I feel awful for ever wondering why she was so closed off, she had every right to be. I didn't know what to do, how to react. How to make it better. I've known the girl for a week and she's already told me one of the most awful life stories I'd ever heard.

"Jesus, Lina..."

"Hey," she smiled. "New nickname. I like that." She yawned.

"Sorry, I don't even know what to say. I'm so sorry."

"Don't apologize. I didn't expect you to say anything. Although, I've just told you basically the entire story of my fucked up life, which means you're stuck with me for probably forever. Sorry to dump that on you."

I couldn't help but laugh lightly. I stood up, reaching my hand towards her. "C'mon. You're tired."

"That, I am." She replied, taking my hand. We walked to my bedroom, not letting go of each other.

We lay in my bed, facing each other.

"What are you gonna do, Lina?" I whispered. "How can I help? I want to help."

"I have no fucking clue, Styles. He's manipulative, he won't stop trying to get my attention. I still have three months left of my lease, and I don't have the money to end it this early." She sniffled.

"Feel free to call me crazy... but, you could stay here? I have an extra room, and a lot of extra room in general."

"Kind of crazy. I don't wanna do that, that's not my intention. I didn't tell you so that you could swoop in and be my knight in shining armor. It's my shit, and I need to handle it on my own."

"I don't want you to handle it on your own, though. You don't have to. Seriously, Lina. I want to help you. I will do anything you need, just say the word." I rubbed the top of her head lightly, moving to stand from the bed. "Get some sleep, love. Seriously, think about my offer." I smiled, and I could see her smiling back due to the light from the moon shining into my room.

I moved to open the door, when her voice stopped me.

"Harry?" She said, barely above a whisper.

"Yeah?"

"Could you stay in here with me?"

I shut the door. "Course," I said, lying down next to her.

"Thank you, for everything tonight."

"No need to thank me. Move in with me."

She chuckled. "Shut up and go to sleep, Styles."

And despite every horrible word I heard tonight, I did fall quickly to sleep; with a smile on my face, too.