Mistreated
Unexpected - Part 1
Monday May 5th
Iris’s POV:
“Who is this?” Niall asked. I saw him walking in the school hallway, so I decided to sneak up behind him and place my hands over his eyes. I just giggled in response to his question, so he placed his hands on mine. “Oh, I know these manly hands anywhere. This must be Iris.”
“Hey,” I pulled my hands away and slapped his shoulder.
He chuckled, “I’m kidding. Your hands are way too petite to be manly.”
“Whatever,” I giggled and rolled my eyes. “Anyways, I’ve been an awful friend to you, and I’ve decided to make it up to you.”
“And how do you plan on doing that?” he smirked, leaning against a couple lockers.
“You are coming to my place tonight to help me bake some cookies,” I poked his chest.
He crossed his arms, “Bribing me with food, I see. You know me too well.”
I found myself rolling my eyes again, “So I’m guessing that’s a yes.”
“You didn’t really ask a question,” he claimed. “You’re practically forcing me to go.”
“I couldn’t even force you to do anything if I tried.”
He picked up one of my arms and tried making me flex. “You’re right. You’re too petite and dainty,” he dropped my arm, causing it to flop against my side.
Before I could say anything back to him, I noticed a head of curly hair walking into the school. I feel like I’m starting all over again with my crush on Harry, and I don’t mind it at all. This is a new side of Harry now, so it’s like I’m crushing on a whole other person. I know there’s a strong chance that this side of him would never hurt me again, but I think I’d like to get to know him before we dive back into a relationship. It’s like when we first confessed our feelings to each other, except he was the one who wanted to wait. I think part of me is just really scared because I know this would be our last chance.
“Hey Hazza,” Niall greeted Harry with a bro hug. Ah, so they’re friends again. I’m assuming this is why Harry told me I shouldn’t avoid Niall anymore. I’m just glad he’s no longer angry at Niall for liking me.
“Hey,” Harry smiled once he pulled away. “Hello Iris,” he bowed his head to me. So formal.
I chuckled, “Hello Harold.” Two can play that game. “Anyways, see you tonight, Porky?”
“Wow, first time I heard that name in a long time,” Niall shook his head. “See you then, Flower.”
I gave Niall a quick hug and bowed to Harry jokingly, “Later Styles.”
“Later Mercer,” he curtsied, making me laugh as I walked away. Well, this is definitely new.
“Hey Iris,” Dakota smiled as I joined her, Kyle, Liz, and Riley at their table in the cafeteria.
“Hey,” I smiled at the four of them. “Did you guys go to prom? I know Riley and Kyle did,” I winked at them, and Kyle’s face turned red. I laughed at Kyle’s reaction and began eating today’s lasagna. I usually only eat the healthy stuff here, but the lasagna is actually really delicious, you know, when I'm not wearing it.
Liz turned to them with her mouth wide open, “You did?”
Riley rolled her eyes with a huge grin plastered to her face, “Yes, okay? We went together, and he’s actually an amazing dancer.”
“Aww,” Dakota and I cooed.
“Shut up,” he muttered, his face still burning red. Riley just giggled and rubbed his back.
“I didn’t go because Liz didn’t go, and I didn’t have a date,” Dakota shrugged. “It would’ve just been boring.”
“Why didn’t you go?” I furrowed my brows at Liz before taking a bite out of my salad.
“Might have been in a business meeting with my dad,” she said, trying not to smile as she moved her food around on her plate with her fork.
Dakota raised her brows, “Really? That sounds boring.” It’s obviously not boring since Liz’s father is one of the most successful businessmen there is, but Riley is the only one at this table that doesn’t know that. We always have to act like we don’t know who her dad really is.
“Well,” Liz dropped her fork and wiped her mouth with her napkin. “You know how I’ve always wanted to be a fashion designer?” We all nod. “My father wants to help me make that dream a reality.”
Kyle smiled widely, “That’s great. I’ll get free clothes from you.”
“I only design women’s clothes, but I’d be happy to make you some anyways,” Liz snickered, making all of us laugh and Kyle blush yet again. He has to be the shyest and most easily embarrassed guy in the world. “Anyways, my father even said he’d invest in my company if he could.” Oh, he can.
Dakota squealed and clapped, “This is amazing! What are you gonna call you’re company?”
Liz pulled out a piece of paper and laid it in the middle of the table for us all to see. The paper said “BLIZZARD” on it in blue, and the “LIZ” in blizzard was green. Sitting on the bar of the “A” is a girl with long brown hair wearing a black dress, dangling her bare feet.
I pointed to the girl on the logo, “Is that you?”
She nodded, “Yup. I used to be brunette before I bleached it and dyed it green.”
“Well, I love it,” I grinned.
“I’m jealous,” Dakota stated, still staring at the logo. “How’d you already get the logo made so fast?”
“I already had an idea,” Liz chuckled before tossing a grape in her mouth. “I just told my dad about it, and since he’s good with computers, he made it in Photoshop.”
“That’s so cool,” Riley gushed. “You’re so lucky. Need a model?”
Liz shook her head, “That would require having some of my designs made first.”
“Besides, I’m sure Kyle would be jealous if you took his dream job,” Dakota teased as she nudged her elbow against his ribs.
“Remind me why I hang out with you guys,” Kyle rolled his eyes, making us all laugh. Oh these people. I love them so much.
“Stop eating the cookie dough,” I slapped Niall’s hand as he reached for more. “Don’t you want them baked?”
He shrugged, “I’ll take them either way.”
“Well, they need to go in the oven right now,” I pulled the tray off the counter.
“Aww,” he whined. “Can’t I have one more?”
“Only because you’re my best friend, and I love you,” I smiled and handed him the tray. I watched him force a smile as he grabbed a ball of cookie dough. Damn it, I shouldn’t have said that. “Niall I’m-“
“Don’t apologize,” he half smiled, shaking his head at me.
I sighed and placed the tray in the oven, and set the oven timer for twenty-three minutes. Then I sat in a barstool at the kitchen counter, patting the seat next to me for him to join me. Niall slowly but surely made his way over to the seat and munched on the cookie dough as he waited for me to say something.
I placed my hands on the counter and fiddled with my thumbs, “I’m an ass.”
“Iris-“
“No,” I interrupted him. “Don’t tell me I don’t have to apologize. I do. You deserve an apology. Niall, I never should’ve avoided you or ignored you. You never did a damn thing wrong. I’ll admit when I first started ignoring you it’s because I thought it’d make Harry realize I only wanted him. After that, I guess I was just trying to prove a point that I could stay away from you. I never should’ve done it though. It was never about you having feelings for me, it was just about me being selfish. So yeah, I’m incredibly sorry for everything.”
“I forgive you,” he smiled widely.
“That easily?” I raised my brows at him.
He slightly nodded, “That’s exactly what I needed to hear: the truth. We’re gonna have to lay down some ground rules though.”
“Like what?” I propped my elbow up onto the counter and rested the side of my head against the palm of my hand.
“Well for one, please don’t call me your best friend anymore. It’s bad enough being friend zoned,” he pointed out.
I pouted, “Yeah, sorry about that.”
“It’s okay,” he chuckled. “Just keep it at Porky.”
“Okay,” I agreed. I got quiet again, waiting for him to continue. “What are the others?” I asked after a few minutes.
He shrugged, “I don’t really have any more.”
I laughed and pulled my phone out of my pocket once I felt it vibrate. Harry’s name popped up on the screen and for some reason, I had an uneasy feeling. It’s just that he hasn’t even tried to call me since the breakup, so why would he call now?
“Something wrong?” Niall furrowed his brows.
I cleared my throat and shook my anxiety away, “No. Sorry. I have to take this.”
“Go ahead."
I placed my phone to my ear, “Harry?”
“Iris?” a voice sniffled on the other end of the line, but it wasn’t Harry’s voice.
“Who is this?”
“It’s Anne,” his mother’s voice sounded so hoarse, I could barely recognize it.
“Anne? Are you okay? Why are you crying?” I asked all of the questions so fast. My heart began pounding hard against my chest. Something’s off.
She sniffled again before saying, “It’s Harry.” My heart fell to my stomach.
I stood up from the barstool and swallowed hard, “What happened? What’s going on?”
“He’s missing,” she breathed shakily. “His father paid us an unexpected visit, and things got heated. He’s been gone for hours. He left without his wallet, phone, and car. Gemma, Robin, Gavin, and I can’t find him. I was just wondering if you had any idea where he might’ve gone or if maybe he’s with you.”
“He’s not here,” I shook my head as if she could see me.
“Dammit,” she cursed into the phone. Wow, I've never heard her cuss before which makes me even more worried. “I’m sorry, it’s just that I’m really freaking out. You know what happened the last time he was upset. I’m just afraid-“
I cut her off, not wanting her to finish that sentence. I’m scared of that too. I don’t want a repeat of visiting him in the hospital or even to end up at his funeral. “I think I have an idea where he might be. He’s probably at-“
She intervened, speaking so softly I could barely hear her, “Do you think you could go get him?”
“I uh…” I contemplated it while looking over at a very concerned Niall. I brought him over here to spend some quality time with me that I owed him. Wouldn’t it be rude to leave him for Harry? Especially after all I’ve done to him?
“Please?” she begged me. “It’s just that I doubt he’d want to see me right now, and I know he’d be okay with you showing up.”
“Okay,” I agreed. “Okay, I’ll go get him.”
“Oh, thank you Iris,” she cried. “Just text his phone when you find him, just so I know he’s okay.”
“I will. Bye Anne.” Before she could respond, I hung up. “Niall, there’s a problem with Harry.”
“Is he okay?” he furrowed his brows.
I sighed and ran into my living room to grab my purse and a blanket off the couch, “I don’t know. He left hours ago, and they can’t find him. Do you want to go with me to get him?”
I walked back into the kitchen to find him pointing at the oven, “No one’s home, and you just want to leave the cookies in the oven?”
“Well, we could take them out,” I pointed out.
“You don’t have time for that,” he smiled sympathetically. “Just go get him, and I’ll clean up in here. I know where your spare key is, so I’ll just show myself out.”
“Are you sure?” I frowned.
“Iris,” he chuckled and placed his hands on my shoulders. “It’s okay. Just go do what you’ve got to do.”
I nodded, “Thanks Niall. I owe you a lot more Flower Time now.”
“And don’t you forget it,” he waved his finger jokingly. I lightly laughed and gave him a huge hug before leaving the house.
As I drove, my mind wondered to what could’ve happened between him and his father. Did his father hurt him again? Why was he even there? What did Anne mean by Harry might not want to see her? Did she defend his father again? What the hell happened?
Worry overrides my thoughts and emotions. I hope he’s okay.
Iris’s POV:
“Who is this?” Niall asked. I saw him walking in the school hallway, so I decided to sneak up behind him and place my hands over his eyes. I just giggled in response to his question, so he placed his hands on mine. “Oh, I know these manly hands anywhere. This must be Iris.”
“Hey,” I pulled my hands away and slapped his shoulder.
He chuckled, “I’m kidding. Your hands are way too petite to be manly.”
“Whatever,” I giggled and rolled my eyes. “Anyways, I’ve been an awful friend to you, and I’ve decided to make it up to you.”
“And how do you plan on doing that?” he smirked, leaning against a couple lockers.
“You are coming to my place tonight to help me bake some cookies,” I poked his chest.
He crossed his arms, “Bribing me with food, I see. You know me too well.”
I found myself rolling my eyes again, “So I’m guessing that’s a yes.”
“You didn’t really ask a question,” he claimed. “You’re practically forcing me to go.”
“I couldn’t even force you to do anything if I tried.”
He picked up one of my arms and tried making me flex. “You’re right. You’re too petite and dainty,” he dropped my arm, causing it to flop against my side.
Before I could say anything back to him, I noticed a head of curly hair walking into the school. I feel like I’m starting all over again with my crush on Harry, and I don’t mind it at all. This is a new side of Harry now, so it’s like I’m crushing on a whole other person. I know there’s a strong chance that this side of him would never hurt me again, but I think I’d like to get to know him before we dive back into a relationship. It’s like when we first confessed our feelings to each other, except he was the one who wanted to wait. I think part of me is just really scared because I know this would be our last chance.
“Hey Hazza,” Niall greeted Harry with a bro hug. Ah, so they’re friends again. I’m assuming this is why Harry told me I shouldn’t avoid Niall anymore. I’m just glad he’s no longer angry at Niall for liking me.
“Hey,” Harry smiled once he pulled away. “Hello Iris,” he bowed his head to me. So formal.
I chuckled, “Hello Harold.” Two can play that game. “Anyways, see you tonight, Porky?”
“Wow, first time I heard that name in a long time,” Niall shook his head. “See you then, Flower.”
I gave Niall a quick hug and bowed to Harry jokingly, “Later Styles.”
“Later Mercer,” he curtsied, making me laugh as I walked away. Well, this is definitely new.
“Hey Iris,” Dakota smiled as I joined her, Kyle, Liz, and Riley at their table in the cafeteria.
“Hey,” I smiled at the four of them. “Did you guys go to prom? I know Riley and Kyle did,” I winked at them, and Kyle’s face turned red. I laughed at Kyle’s reaction and began eating today’s lasagna. I usually only eat the healthy stuff here, but the lasagna is actually really delicious, you know, when I'm not wearing it.
Liz turned to them with her mouth wide open, “You did?”
Riley rolled her eyes with a huge grin plastered to her face, “Yes, okay? We went together, and he’s actually an amazing dancer.”
“Aww,” Dakota and I cooed.
“Shut up,” he muttered, his face still burning red. Riley just giggled and rubbed his back.
“I didn’t go because Liz didn’t go, and I didn’t have a date,” Dakota shrugged. “It would’ve just been boring.”
“Why didn’t you go?” I furrowed my brows at Liz before taking a bite out of my salad.
“Might have been in a business meeting with my dad,” she said, trying not to smile as she moved her food around on her plate with her fork.
Dakota raised her brows, “Really? That sounds boring.” It’s obviously not boring since Liz’s father is one of the most successful businessmen there is, but Riley is the only one at this table that doesn’t know that. We always have to act like we don’t know who her dad really is.
“Well,” Liz dropped her fork and wiped her mouth with her napkin. “You know how I’ve always wanted to be a fashion designer?” We all nod. “My father wants to help me make that dream a reality.”
Kyle smiled widely, “That’s great. I’ll get free clothes from you.”
“I only design women’s clothes, but I’d be happy to make you some anyways,” Liz snickered, making all of us laugh and Kyle blush yet again. He has to be the shyest and most easily embarrassed guy in the world. “Anyways, my father even said he’d invest in my company if he could.” Oh, he can.
Dakota squealed and clapped, “This is amazing! What are you gonna call you’re company?”
Liz pulled out a piece of paper and laid it in the middle of the table for us all to see. The paper said “BLIZZARD” on it in blue, and the “LIZ” in blizzard was green. Sitting on the bar of the “A” is a girl with long brown hair wearing a black dress, dangling her bare feet.
I pointed to the girl on the logo, “Is that you?”
She nodded, “Yup. I used to be brunette before I bleached it and dyed it green.”
“Well, I love it,” I grinned.
“I’m jealous,” Dakota stated, still staring at the logo. “How’d you already get the logo made so fast?”
“I already had an idea,” Liz chuckled before tossing a grape in her mouth. “I just told my dad about it, and since he’s good with computers, he made it in Photoshop.”
“That’s so cool,” Riley gushed. “You’re so lucky. Need a model?”
Liz shook her head, “That would require having some of my designs made first.”
“Besides, I’m sure Kyle would be jealous if you took his dream job,” Dakota teased as she nudged her elbow against his ribs.
“Remind me why I hang out with you guys,” Kyle rolled his eyes, making us all laugh. Oh these people. I love them so much.
“Stop eating the cookie dough,” I slapped Niall’s hand as he reached for more. “Don’t you want them baked?”
He shrugged, “I’ll take them either way.”
“Well, they need to go in the oven right now,” I pulled the tray off the counter.
“Aww,” he whined. “Can’t I have one more?”
“Only because you’re my best friend, and I love you,” I smiled and handed him the tray. I watched him force a smile as he grabbed a ball of cookie dough. Damn it, I shouldn’t have said that. “Niall I’m-“
“Don’t apologize,” he half smiled, shaking his head at me.
I sighed and placed the tray in the oven, and set the oven timer for twenty-three minutes. Then I sat in a barstool at the kitchen counter, patting the seat next to me for him to join me. Niall slowly but surely made his way over to the seat and munched on the cookie dough as he waited for me to say something.
I placed my hands on the counter and fiddled with my thumbs, “I’m an ass.”
“Iris-“
“No,” I interrupted him. “Don’t tell me I don’t have to apologize. I do. You deserve an apology. Niall, I never should’ve avoided you or ignored you. You never did a damn thing wrong. I’ll admit when I first started ignoring you it’s because I thought it’d make Harry realize I only wanted him. After that, I guess I was just trying to prove a point that I could stay away from you. I never should’ve done it though. It was never about you having feelings for me, it was just about me being selfish. So yeah, I’m incredibly sorry for everything.”
“I forgive you,” he smiled widely.
“That easily?” I raised my brows at him.
He slightly nodded, “That’s exactly what I needed to hear: the truth. We’re gonna have to lay down some ground rules though.”
“Like what?” I propped my elbow up onto the counter and rested the side of my head against the palm of my hand.
“Well for one, please don’t call me your best friend anymore. It’s bad enough being friend zoned,” he pointed out.
I pouted, “Yeah, sorry about that.”
“It’s okay,” he chuckled. “Just keep it at Porky.”
“Okay,” I agreed. I got quiet again, waiting for him to continue. “What are the others?” I asked after a few minutes.
He shrugged, “I don’t really have any more.”
I laughed and pulled my phone out of my pocket once I felt it vibrate. Harry’s name popped up on the screen and for some reason, I had an uneasy feeling. It’s just that he hasn’t even tried to call me since the breakup, so why would he call now?
“Something wrong?” Niall furrowed his brows.
I cleared my throat and shook my anxiety away, “No. Sorry. I have to take this.”
“Go ahead."
I placed my phone to my ear, “Harry?”
“Iris?” a voice sniffled on the other end of the line, but it wasn’t Harry’s voice.
“Who is this?”
“It’s Anne,” his mother’s voice sounded so hoarse, I could barely recognize it.
“Anne? Are you okay? Why are you crying?” I asked all of the questions so fast. My heart began pounding hard against my chest. Something’s off.
She sniffled again before saying, “It’s Harry.” My heart fell to my stomach.
I stood up from the barstool and swallowed hard, “What happened? What’s going on?”
“He’s missing,” she breathed shakily. “His father paid us an unexpected visit, and things got heated. He’s been gone for hours. He left without his wallet, phone, and car. Gemma, Robin, Gavin, and I can’t find him. I was just wondering if you had any idea where he might’ve gone or if maybe he’s with you.”
“He’s not here,” I shook my head as if she could see me.
“Dammit,” she cursed into the phone. Wow, I've never heard her cuss before which makes me even more worried. “I’m sorry, it’s just that I’m really freaking out. You know what happened the last time he was upset. I’m just afraid-“
I cut her off, not wanting her to finish that sentence. I’m scared of that too. I don’t want a repeat of visiting him in the hospital or even to end up at his funeral. “I think I have an idea where he might be. He’s probably at-“
She intervened, speaking so softly I could barely hear her, “Do you think you could go get him?”
“I uh…” I contemplated it while looking over at a very concerned Niall. I brought him over here to spend some quality time with me that I owed him. Wouldn’t it be rude to leave him for Harry? Especially after all I’ve done to him?
“Please?” she begged me. “It’s just that I doubt he’d want to see me right now, and I know he’d be okay with you showing up.”
“Okay,” I agreed. “Okay, I’ll go get him.”
“Oh, thank you Iris,” she cried. “Just text his phone when you find him, just so I know he’s okay.”
“I will. Bye Anne.” Before she could respond, I hung up. “Niall, there’s a problem with Harry.”
“Is he okay?” he furrowed his brows.
I sighed and ran into my living room to grab my purse and a blanket off the couch, “I don’t know. He left hours ago, and they can’t find him. Do you want to go with me to get him?”
I walked back into the kitchen to find him pointing at the oven, “No one’s home, and you just want to leave the cookies in the oven?”
“Well, we could take them out,” I pointed out.
“You don’t have time for that,” he smiled sympathetically. “Just go get him, and I’ll clean up in here. I know where your spare key is, so I’ll just show myself out.”
“Are you sure?” I frowned.
“Iris,” he chuckled and placed his hands on my shoulders. “It’s okay. Just go do what you’ve got to do.”
I nodded, “Thanks Niall. I owe you a lot more Flower Time now.”
“And don’t you forget it,” he waved his finger jokingly. I lightly laughed and gave him a huge hug before leaving the house.
As I drove, my mind wondered to what could’ve happened between him and his father. Did his father hurt him again? Why was he even there? What did Anne mean by Harry might not want to see her? Did she defend his father again? What the hell happened?
Worry overrides my thoughts and emotions. I hope he’s okay.
Notes
Dun, dun, dun (;
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What do you think happened, and do you think Harry is okay?
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11/18/17