Compared to the week I was having, I wasn’t sure if I could make it two or three months in England before I finally lost every bit of sanity that I had to my name. Every other day I would get a call from my father. As usual, I would ignore it. This was an ongoing pattern for about two weeks before I eventually figured out how to block his number. The uncomfortable feeling settled in when I realized the caller I.D. read “England”
“He’s fucking near me, Harry!” I shouted across the room as he walked in.
“Who’s near you?” Harry asked worriedly.
“My..well, I guess you should say father. But the bastard that left my mom is near me!” I cried out, throwing my phone across the room. I began to break down silently.
He rushed himself across the room right to where I was, and he took me in his arms, “Shhh,” he said. “it’s going to be alright.”
“I don’t see how.” I muffled.
“It will be. What’s his name?” He questioned.
“James….Fields.” I whined as I tried to pull myself back from Harry. His grip was far too tight though.
Harry’s hold on me was both comforting, and yet alarming because I wasn’t sure how to react. I was just now getting to know him. However, he treated me as if he had known me for the longest time. His grip was like someone protecting a person they loved, and that alone made me feel uneasy.
“Harry,” I said. “you can let go.”
He pulled away and looked at me, “You don’t need to worry about him. If he shows up anywhere, I’ll make sure he leaves you alone.”
“Thank you,” I said. “but can I ask you something?”
He looked at me, “Yes, anything.”
“Why are you being so nice to me? I don’t know you that well.”
He chuckled, “Doll, I’ve known you about a month almost. I know you well enough to know I really enjoy your company, and I want the best for you.”
“Okay, that’s it.” I said getting up. I walked past him and made a line for the front door.
I noticed out of the corner of my eye that Harry began to follow me. I picked up my pace, and he did the exact same thing. Eventually, I felt my legs turn into a jog, and he was right behind me. I was soon running. I lost him for a brief moment, but I ended up running right into Niall.
“Shit, I’m sorry.” I apologized while I tried to help him up.
He laughed and smiled, “It happens. No problem. Why were you running?”
“Oh, Harry was chasing me.” I pointed back towards the area I came from.
Niall peeked his head around me, and he smiled some, “I see. He just won’t stop, will he?”
“No, he won’t. I’ve been trying to tell him since I got here that I’m not interested in a relationship.” I confessed.
“That’s odd. Some boy called here a while ago saying he was your boyfriend.” Niall said.
“Who the hell?” I snorted.
“Beats me. He said his name was Chance.” he told me.
My face went red, “Mind if I use your phone? He knows my number.”
“Oh sure, here you go.” He handed over his phone.
“Thank you.” I said. I placed private call on the phone, and put it to my ear.
“Hello?” Chance answered.
“I’m not your girlfriend.” I bluntly growled.
“What are you talking about?” He said.
“You know exactly what I’m talking about. I was just told you called here and called me your girlfriend! I’m not interested in a boyfriend.” I snapped. “You, of all people, should know this!”
It was silent for a moment, but then I heard laughter. “You’re silly.” he said. “I know you say you don’t want a relationship, but I believe you need one, and I know you like me.”
“I’m not in need of anything, Chance. So, why don’t you just shut up!”
“Whatever, but I’ll be waiting here when you get back.” He said in an upbeat tone.
“Over my dead aunt Shelly’s grave!” I hung up.
“The nerve of some people, right?” Niall asked as he took his phone back.
“I know right?” I agreed.
****
Later that night I had put myself up in my room. I spent a good two or three hours by myself reading a book. I heard my phone ring.
“Hello?” I answered. Before I even realized what I did, my father’s voice rang in my ear.
“Mitchie, can’t we just talk?” He asked.
I totally forgot to make sure it wasn’t my dad on the phone. My body went cold and tears came into my eyes, “I have nothing to say to you, you bastard.”
“Why are you running from me? I know you’re here in England. I just want to get everything right.” my dad said.
There was a knock on my door. Harry walked in, and he could tell immediately that my father was on the phone, “Do I need to talk to that idiot?”
I just nodded. I began to cry. Harry came over and took the phone, “Hello?” he answered.
I didn’t even put together what was being said. Among each sob that I let out, all I heard was Harry say, “Look, if you call her again, and I take notice of it. Well, all I can say is hell will be brought. There will be hell to pay. Now, leave her alone! You’ve done enough damage to her for her lifetime, you ignorant asshole!”
Harry placed my phone on the table next to my bed, and he put himself next to me. I was still in a hysterical cry. I felt his arms come around me.
“Are you sure you’ll be alright?” He asked me.
“I don’t even know anymore, Harry. I just don’t know. I have Chance basically forcing me to be his girlfriend. Then, he fucking called me and acts as if he cares simply because he knows he doesn’t have to pay for my child support anymore. I’m done.”
“Now, don’t say that.” He said taking my head in his hands. “You’re going to be okay.”
I just closed my eyes and found myself burying my head into his chest. He rubbed my head, “Can I tell you something?”
I nodded.
“Look, I know you told me that you don’t want a relationship. I understand that. I truly do. However, I can’t stand to see you hurt. I’ve known you a month at the most, but I can tell that you’re an amazing person. I want to be there for you. Please, I’m asking you, please don’t shut me out, Mitchie. So far, I’ve done what I can to be there for you. I know I may come off a bit creepy, but I’m only trying to help you in any way I can.” He told me.
I looked up at him, “What are you asking me for?”
He shrugged, “I guess I’m asking you if you could give me a chance. I’ll give you the space if you need to think about it. I’ll go if you want me to. Is that what you want?”
I shook my head, “I want you to stay here with me tonight…please.”
He smiled, “Anything you want.” He lied down, pulled me closer to him, and pulled the blanket on me.
“Won’t you get cold?” I asked.
“No, babe. I’ll be fine. You get some sleep. Everything will be alright. You’re safe now.”
I drifted off to sleep in his arms that night.