Drowning

Twenty;

A gender reveal party seemed utterly stupid when all of your friends and family already knew what the gender of the baby was. But, my sister was utterly stupid and wanted the attention of a gender reveal. And I had to go. However, with keeping up appearances, and the fact that we were now, somewhat, dating, Harry would be going with me to the poor excuse for a party. And, despite any previous and any current commitment issues I had, I was glad about his agreeing to come with me, because lord knew my family were insufferable at the best of times.

"What does one even wear to one of these things?" Harry asks me, his back turned to me as he flicked through the many t-shirts in his wardrobe.

"I don't know," I sigh. "Something casual. But look nice." I say.

"That doesn't help."

"I know," I chuckle. "You'll be fine in jeans and a t-shirt." I say.

"Alright, that's a relief," Harry says, picking out some clothes.

It had been only two weeks since our agreement that Harry would continue to see me, as long as I didn't bolt. It was surprisingly easy and, for some reason, my typical self-destructive behaviours were cooling off. I wasn't doing drugs most days, I wasn't working as much as I was, I didn't feel sick or scared at the concept of being appreciated, and I didn't want to jeopardise what Harry and I had going on. It was insane. I wasn't sure how long this would last, but so far, I was enjoying it.

"By the way, if Daniel says or does anything today, I'm beating him up. And honestly, I don't care if you hate me for it." Harry says, pulling a grey t-shirt onto his body. I sighed at the fact that his tattooed abs were no longer on display to me.

"Okay, superman." I chuckle, shaking my head. I didn't want to argue with him about it, so I chose to drop it, instead.

"So, Lauren and her boyfriend are going, too?" Harry asks, stepping into some blue ripped jeans.

"Yeah," I nod. "Family friends 'n all that." I shrug. "You'll love Zack. He's kinda nerdy but he's so sweet,"

"As long as he makes Lauren happier than Luke would," Harry jokes, sending me a wink.

"Oh, ha-ha." I say, rolling my eyes.

"Are you gonna get dressed?" Harry asks me, strolling over to where I sat on his bed. He stood between my legs, playing with the ends of my knotty black hair.

"Can't I just stay in my pyjamas forever?" I whine, allowing a sigh to follow shortly after my words.

"Nope." he chuckles. "We only have an hour until we should get leaving,"

"Shit, is it eleven already?" I ask, confused as to how the morning could pass by so quickly.

"It is indeed, m'lady." he hums, kissing the top of my head.

"Fine," I sigh.

Harry and I had already showered, which was, upon reflection, why the morning seemed to have flown by, because we definitely spent a little too long in the shower. I'd done my makeup, just lightly, and all I had to do now was get dressed into one of the outfits I had packed with me last night.

Harry strolled away from where he stood between my legs, to allow me to get myself dressed. I pulled myself up to my feet, which felt like more effort than it probably should have, and grabbed the clothes from the overnight bag laying beside his bed.

"Mom jeans and this top?" I say, holding up the cream cable-knit jumper.

"That'll look cute," Harry smiles warmly.