*Friday

Lana's POV

I trudge up the stairs to my apartment, absolutely exhausted. This week has completely killed me. I think over the last five days I've gotten about twelve hours of sleep. Just to be clear, that is not enough to function. And yet I managed to write a three hour test today. I have a feeling I didn't do very well....

I walk inside and right past El and Louis, waving slightly at them and going straight to my bedroom. I flop down on my stomach, eyes closing the instant I hit the mattress.

---

"Lana." I groan and turn my head, laying on my other cheek. Eleanor shakes my arm again. "Lana, you have to get up. If you don't leave soon you won't make it home on time for your Dad's party."

"What time is it?" I groan, eyes still closed.

""It's almost four. Are you packed? Your train leaves at 4:30."

"Yeah. I'll get up."

"Okay, well stand and hug me. I have to go." I get up slowly and give her a lazy hug. She ruffles my hair, much to my protest. "Have fun. Say happy birthday to papa Forester for me."

"I will. I'll be back monday night."

"Okay. Love you!"

I smile and she walks out. I packed my bags the other day because I knew I would be way too tired to do it today. Plus, I'm obviously way too tired. Hopefully I get on the right train...

I shake off the thought and get everything I need, dumping it on the floor by the door. I should probably go get Harry. We really have to go. I walk as quickly as I can manage up the three flights of stairs to the guys' apartment. I walk straight in and jump back a little when I see a girl sitting at the table.

"Umm..hi," I say quietly. She smiles and gets up, extending her hand to me.

"Hi, I'm Mia."

"I'm Lana," I say, shaking her hand. She smiles awkwardly. Who is this. "I'm sorry, who are you?"

She laughs and tucks some of her dark red hair behind her ear. "I'm a friend of Niall's. He's told me a lot about you. It's nice to finally meet you."

Interesting. He's talked about me plenty but I have no idea she even existed. "Sorry, I'm not usually this awkward. I just wasn't expecting to see you."

"No, it's fine! Are you looking for Niall? He's not here yet, he'll be back from work in like a half hour."

"No, I was here for Harry. Is he here?"

She nods and walks back to the kitchen table. "He's in his room."

"Thanks." I smile shyly and furrow my eyebrows in confusion while I walk to Harry's room at the end of the hall. Niall has a girlfriend? That's new. I guess this means Harry can finally let this whole Niall-has-a-crush-on-me thing go. She's really pretty too...good for him. Niall is always the single one. Even still, it's weird that he didn't tell us.

I walk into Harry's bedroom, mouth falling open when I see that he isn't ready at all. Not even close. He's in joggers and he has no shirt on, and he looks to be watching a movie on his laptop. He doesn't notice me at first, so I just lean against the doorframe and wait. He starts giggling at the screen, making me smile as well. Those dimples get me every time. After a few minutes he finally notices my presence.

"Babe!"

I wave and he puts his computer on the bed beside him, taking out his earphones and hopping off the bed and walking over to me. He gives me a quick kiss on the lips and takes my hands in his, swinging them back and forth.

"I was worried you left without saying goodbye," he says, smiling at me. Confusion spreads across my face.

"Say goodbye?"

"I don't know if you knew this, but it's your Dad's birthday today," he says, smirking at me.

I'm still confused. Why would I say goodbye? "What are you talking about? Why would I say goodbye?"

"Well I know we aren't together, but I figured you would at least say goodbye before you left for a few days."

"Wait, you're not coming with me?"

He takes his turn look confused. "What?"

"You're staying here?"

He looks more confused than ever, holding our hands still now. "Aren't I?"

"I thought you were coming with me," I say quietly. Does he not want to go?

"I just...you didn't ask me to come."

I smile and take my hands out of his, reaching up and putting them on either side of his face. "I didn't think I had to." He smiles widely and leans down to kiss me again, hands resting on my hips. I push him back and he pouts. "We can do this later. You need to pack. And get dressed."

"Right!"

He spins around and pulls out a duffel bag, handing me items of clothing so I can fold them and put them in the bag. He changes after that, looking good even in his simple outfit. He pulls on a hat and picks up the bag.

"Finally. We have to hurry, the train leaves at 4:30," I say, grabbing his hand and dragging him to the door. He pulls me back, using his free arm to secure my body against his.

"Don't be silly." He looks down at my lips, leaning in closer so his breath is warm against my mouth. "I'll drive." I nod slowly and he smirks, now leading me to the door. My brain feels fuzzy.

"Going somewhere?" Mia asks.

"Yup, we're going home," Harry says proudly.

"Oh, that's fun. Safe trip," she says politely, waving as we exit.

"Harry, who the hec is that?" I ask as we walk down the stairs.

"She claims to be a friend of Niall's. I think they're sleeping together," he says, smiling as he leads me to the door of my place to get my stuff.

"Someone's happy. Did he tell you about her?"

"No, I don't think he told anyone. I met her on Sunday, so she's been around more lately."

"Weird. I wonder why he never told us about her," I say, wondering more to myself than asking him. I pick up my bags and take my keys, locking the door as we leave. He takes my hand once again while we walk down to the truck. He takes my bag for me, putting them in the back seat. I open my door and I'm about to climb in when he puts his arms around my waist and lifts me, pulling me away from the car.

"Why are you doing that?" I whine, kicking my legs until he sets me down. He reaches around me and pushes the door closed, then steps in front of me. He puts one hand behind his back, then opens the door for me. He wears a goofy grin as he gestures to the interior. I roll my eyes and climb in the truck. He shuts the door for me and jogs around the front of the car to his side.

"Ready?"

"You're so cute," I say, not answering his question. He flashes a crooked smile and pulls out of the parking lot. After about five minutes I can feel my eyelids drooping.

"Lana, just go to sleep. I'll wake you up when we're close," he says as he reaches over and rests his hand on my thigh, making slow circles with his thumb.

I close my eyes again, but the constant movement on my leg isn't calming me, it's exciting me. I put my hand on his to stop him.

"Harry, that's not a good way to get me to sleep.

He chuckles in response, giving my leg a light squeeze before lacing his fingers in mine. "Better?"

"Mhmm."

---

My eyes shoot open when my body is suddenly forced forwards, Harry's arm across my chest to keep me from slamming into the dashboard.

"Shit, sorry."

"What happened?"

"This idiot in front of me doesn't know how to drive is what happened," he says loudly, obviously frustrated. "Are you okay?"

I push his arm back down my lap, rubbing the back of his hand. "Yes. Take a breath, Harry. Try to control your road rage." His look softens as he starts driving again, shaking his head and exhaling deeply. "Where are we?"

"About twenty minutes away. Good nap?"

"The best."

"I told you staying up all night was going to be bad."

"Okay, you were right. Enough with the lectures."

He laughs and takes his hand back, making me feel instantly colder. I reach over and take it back, holding it firmly between mine on my lap. My body craves his touch constantly, unwilling to function without it. When I'm not near him I feel like part of me in missing. When he's close to me, but we aren't touching in some way I feel my body gravitating towards him naturally. It's like there's some sort of magnetic force drawing me to him, something I have no control over. It's almost unhealthy. Almost.

We drive the rest of the way in a comfortable silence. I haven't been home in a while, which I know bothers my dad. Since Christmas I haven't gone back. He's visited twice, but I know he wishes I would come home. In all honesty I've been avoiding Anne. She means so much to me, but I couldn't stand seeing her after Harry left. They're too much alike, and she just reminded me of everything that happened between us. I couldn't handle seeing her.

"Harry, I'm nervous," I say suddenly, gripping his hand tighter.

"Why? I thought things were good with your dad?"

"No, they are. They're great. I'm not worried about him. It's...welll..."

"What?" he prompts, stealing glances at me while also focusing on driving.

"Your mom. What if she hates me?"

He sighs and makes small circles against the back of my hand with his thumb, a small but extremely comforting motion. "Lana, she doesn't hate you."

"How can you be sure?"

"Because she told me. She knew you'd feel bad about everything and she told me to tell you not to worry about it. She gets it. It was hard to see her. She understands that."

"Are you sure?" I ask, biting my thumb nail.

"Positive. Don't worry about it. She could never hate you." He takes his hand out of mine and pulls my nail from my teeth. "That's a bad habit. Relax, alright? Everything will be fine."

I try and let his words relax me, but they don't have the same effect they usually do. Anne was like a mother to me and I completely cut her out of my life. How could she not be mad at me? If I was her I wouldn't even let Harry date me again. I was so horrible to do that to her.

"Lana, seriously. Stop worrying."

"Easy for you to say, everyone loves you."

"Not true. I'm sure your Dad won't be very pleased with me."

Shit. I hadn't thought about that. My dad probably lost ten years of his life from all of his worrying after Harry left. I was basically unresponsive and he had no idea how to handle my heartbreak. Obviously his protective father instincts would be in overdrive. I told him Harry came back and he didn't say much, but I could tell he wasn't exactly happy. His birthday may not be the best day to reintroduce the boy that shattered my heart.

"So, I'll take your silence as confirmation then," he says, pulling into the driveway of his mother's house.

"No, he'll be fine."

He laughs and opens his door. "You're not very convincing, love."

I smile apologetically at him before he shuts his door, walking around while I get out of the car. He opens the door to the back seat and takes out both of our bags.

"So, who do you want to face first?" he asks, cupping my face with his free hand. I lean against his palm and take a deep breath.

"I guess yours. I can apologize to your mom then we can go over to my Dad's."

He kisses my forehead lightly and takes my hand. We walk to the front door in silence. I'm sure the nervousness is pulsating from me as Harry pushes the heavy door open. He gives me a reassuring smile and pulls me into the house, swinging the door shut.

"Mum?" he calls, walking into the kitchen. I hear Anne's voice as she greets her son, probably hugging him and pinching his cheeks to tease. She used to always do that. I take a deep breath and walks slowly through the door of the kitchen, heart beating hard. Harry looks past Anne, eyes landing on me. She turns and smiles widely at me, walking over and wrapping me up in a tight hug. I'm surprised but hug her back. She pulls away and puts her hands on my arms.

"You have no idea how much I've missed you, my dear," she says sweetly.

I feel a lump in my throat. This is literally the nicest woman I've ever known. "Anne, I'm so sorry."

"I know. I'm not mad, Lana. Don't worry about anything, okay? I'm just happy you're here. Let's just forget about all that, okay?" A tear rolls down my cheek and she hugs me again. She feels like my mom again, comforting me and forgiving me like nothing even happened. "Okay, enough. It's your father's birthday, you should go see him."

I nod and smile at her. She hugs Harry again and heads up the stairs. He takes his turn next, wrapping me in a tight embrace. "Told you it would be fine."

"She's incredible," I say against his shoulder. He nods.

"I know. Let's go to your place."

He releases me and gets my bag from the entrance so we can head over to me house. I lead the way this time, walking right inside. My dad calls my name from upstairs and Harry shuts the door, running his hand through his hair nervously. I give him a thumbs up as my Dad appears at the top of the stairs. He jogs down and hugs me. I feel him stiffen, meaning he must see Harry.

"Happy birthday Daddy," I say, pulling back from the hug. He smiles at me, then glances back at Harry. I take a step backwards, closer to Harry.

"Happy birthday sir," Harry says nervously. My dad glares at him without breaking eye contact or moving. After what feels like an eternity he finally speaks.

"Thank you." His voice is hard. I give him a pleading look and he takes a deep breath. "Good to see you again Harry. Back for good?"

"Yes, sir."

He looks back to me and steps forward, extending his hand. Harry shakes it and watch nervously.

"I'm willing to forgive and forget. But I swear, if you break her heart again I will use my gun."

"Dad!"

Harry's eyes go wide as my dad's gaze locks on him. After a minute it breaks into a small smile. Harry and I both exhale and relax. So that was a joke. I think. He goes back upstairs, calling to us that we have to leave at eight o'clock. Harry wraps his arms around my neck, pulling my head against his chest.

"Well that was the scariest thing I've ever done," he says, chuckling. I wrap my arms around his middle and breathe in his scent. "The hard part's over, right?"

"And I need to get ready. I have like half an hour to shower and do my hair. That's impossible." I push away from him and take my bag off the floor, running up to my room.

"I'm going to get ready at my house. I'll be back soon," Harry calls after me. I wave without turning around and head to my room, pulling out my dress and laying it out on the bed. I run into the bathroom to have the fastest shower of my life. When my hair is dried and slightly curled, I move onto my makeup, keeping it simply with black glittery eyeliner and mascara with a nude lip. I don't have time for anything more complicated than that. I walk back into my bedroom, jumping back in surprise when I see Harry sitting on my bed.

"Shit, you scared me," I say, gripping the top of my towel. Thank goodness I put my underwear on already.

He smiles and stands, walking around the room. "It's weird being in here again. The last time was..." He stops short and stares out the window, fingers fiddling with his lips while he thinks back to the night he left me. I don't want him to feel bad about that anymore. I just want to move on. I walk over to him, wrapping my arms around one of his and looking up at him.

"Harry." He puts his free hand in his pocket continues to stare into the darkness. He looks so sad. "Look at me." After a minute he slowly turns his head, eyes searching my face. "Don't think about that."

"I can't help it."

"Yes, you can." He closes his eyes and I reach my right hand up to stroke his cheek. "I don't want to go back there anymore."

"I'm sorry," he whispers, eyes still closed.

"I know. Don't think about it. Instead, why don't you just think about all the good times we had in here." He opens his eyes and smirks, pupils dancing between mine excitedly. "Remember?"

"I believe I do. Are we thinking about the same thing?" he asks, turning his body towards me and putting his arms around my waist, which is only covered by a towel.

"Probably."

"You're right, that's a better memory."

"Just one?" I ask, confused.

"Yeah. The face masks." My eyebrows pull together and he chuckles. "Why, what were you thinking about?" My face goes red and I duck my head, avoiding his eyes. I shrug and he laughs again, putting his finger under my chin and tilting my head up to face him again. "Such a dirty mind."

"In my defence..." he raises his eyebrows waiting for my excuse. "I've got nothing," I admit in defeat, hiding my head against his chest. He laughs and kisses the top of my head.

"Don't worry. I was thinking about the same thing from the second I walked in here." That doesn't improve the state of my already red cheeks, turning them to a deep crimson. He releases me and spins me around by the tops of my arms, pushing my forward. "Get dressed," he commands, tapping my backside. I turn and glare at him before getting my dress off the bed so I can finish dressing in my closet. After about five minutes of staring at what's left of my wall of shoes, Harry barges in.

"What is taking so long? Your Dad wants to go. It's eight already."

"I don't know which ones to wear," I whine, disappointed by the lack of selection. There's probably fifteen pairs, but most of the ones that I really like are in my closet in London. Harry stands next to me, eyes travelling up and down my body.

"That dress..." he trails, biting his bottom lip. I giggle and reach forward for a pair of strappy, sparkly silver heels. I move to my jewellery box for a silver bracelet, then select a matching silver clutch. Harry follows me back to the bed, standing with his hands in his pockets while I put on my shoes. When they're on he extends a hand to me, helping me stand. He lifts his arms, twirling me around a few times and collecting me in his arms.

"You look incredible," he compliments.

I look down at his suit. "Thank you. You're not so bad yourself."

"I know," he says smugly. "You're going to have a hard time controlling yourself."

"You're too confident for your own good."

"I disagree." He leans down and kisses me softly, then takes my hand to lead me down the the car. "Let's not keep your father waiting too long."

---

Harry's POV

I happily receive my drink from the bartender, turning as I take a sip to see where Lana's disappeared to. There's a ton of people here, probably mostly people from Stanley's office. Their family all still lives in California, but his mother came here for his birthday. Lana introduced me to her earlier. She's quite....friendly. Kissed me square on the lips. I was too shocked to respond fast enough. Lana just laughed quietly while she watched, then tugged me away saying we had more people to say hi to. She continued laughing while my cheeks turned back to their normal colour.

My eyes find Lana sitting at a table with her grandmother now, laughing and chatting like friends. Lana has never talked about her before. Come to think of it, I don't think she ever told me much about her family back in California. I wonder why.

"So you're really back for good?"

I turn and see Lana's father leaning against the bar beside me. Now that Lana isn't around I guess this talk was bound to happen. "I am."

He sighs and looks into the room, my gaze following his to where Lana is seated with his mother.

"You know, after you left-"

"I know." I probably shouldn't cut him off like that, but I can't bear to hear the explanations anymore. It breaks my heart to think of what I did to her. I can't handle it, not again.

"I like you, Harry. You make her happy. But you also made her more sad than I've ever seen. And not just for her, I mean ever. I've never seen anyone that sad....like that." My expression must be pained, because when he looks back at me he looks sympathetic."I never got the full story, and I don't need it. I just need to know that my daughter will never feel the pain she felt two years ago."

I feel weird having this conversation with Lana's father, but I guess he needs to be reassured.

"I get that you don't quite trust me, but I'm not going anywhere. I know she's far too good for me and I'm going to do everything in my power to make her happy. I promise that if she's ever hurt again, it won't be by me. I won't allow it."

He nods and takes his drink from the bar. "I believe you. I can see she still loves you." With that he walks off, leaving me once again alone at the bar. But not for long.

"Hello, handsome."

I turn my head slowly to reveal an extremely short girl, at least six inches shorter than me even in her massive heels. "Hi."

"What would your name be?"

"Harry."

"Amber. Nice to meet you." I nod and turn away, hoping she gets that I'm not interested. This has been my routine for two years. I'm not an idiot, I know girls take interest in me. I just don't really care to return the favour. "Who are you here with?"

"Lana."

"My dad works with hers. I didn't want to come but he forced me."

"How unfortunate."

"I know. I don't even like the Foresters. My dad was supposed to get his job. They're American, they don't deserve all that money."

Wow this girl is unpleasant. "You heard the part where I came with his daughter, right?"

She waves a hand dismissively. "Her boyfriends usually get bored. I fooled around with the last one too."

"Excuse me?"

I look to my left to see Lana standing a few feet away, arms folded over her chest. She doesn't look happy.

"Oh, honey, everyone had their turn with Josh. I can only assume that, like him, this one isn't getting what he needs," she says darkly, smiling devilishly at Lana. Lana's mouth drops open for a second.

"Fuck you," she spits, turning on her heel and storming off. I start to go after her but this bitch grabs my arm to stop me. I turn and glare at her. She looks a bit frightened as she releases my arm, allowing me to turn in time to see Lana turn the corner to where the bathrooms are. I weave quickly through the crowd, jogging when I get out of it. I get to the bathroom and pound on the door of the ladies' one.

"Lana, come on. Come out of there." I stop when the door swings open and a pissed off old lady comes out, glaring as she passes. "Lana!" I call once more, hands on my hips while I wait patiently. She doesn't come out, so I lean against the wall opposite the bathroom to wait. How much of an ass was that guy! How did Lana ever even start dating him? How could someone hurt her like that? I don't get it.

Wait. I guess I did....but not like that. Am I any better than Josh though, really?

"Harry? Are you okay?" Lana takes a few steps to close the distance between us, eyes filled with concern as she studies my face. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Don't lie. What were you thinking about?"

"I just...I realized something. I'm just as bad as him."

"Josh?" I nod and let my head hang a little. She reaches up to push my hair back from my forehead, lifting my head a little in the process. "Harry, you're nothing like him. Why would you say that?"

"I hurt you worse than he ever did," I reply honestly.

"You also love me more than he ever did," she says softly, putting both of her hands behind my neck. "Don't think like that, okay? I'm not kidding. I'll kick your ass."

She smiles slightly at me, smiling more when one appears on my own face.

"I don't deserve you," I whisper, running the back of my fingers along her cheek.

She leans up and kisses me sweetly. "I know."

"Are you okay?"

"Of course. Why?" She genuinely looks confused.

"What that girl said."

"Oh," she laughs. "That didn't bother me at all. I just had to pee."

"That is allowed."

She smiles and leads me by the hand back to the room and straight to the dance floor. I don't know if it's possible for someone to love another person more than I love Lana. If she ever decided she didn't want me anymore, I have no idea what I'd do.

Notes

heres the next one! i know the story is moving suuuper slow, but things will start happening again, i promise! also, ive gotten some awesome suggestions so far. if anyone else has somethign they want to see happen in the story, just let me know! the story is all for you guys, so i want to give you what you want :)

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thank you so much for readingg.xx