Mirrors (A Harry Styles Fanfic)

I wake startled by the vibration under my pillow, I reach for my phone as my eyes adjust to the light. I fell asleep on Harry's sofa last night after we watched two films; we could barely remove ourselves from the seats.

I sit up and almost step on his feet, I didn't notice he'd fallen asleep on the floor. He's face down on the floor, fully clothed, with shoes and all. I grab the blanket that was covering me,I don't recall getting a blanket.I stand, being careful with Harry, and throw the blanket on top of him; his face shots sideways, he puffs out air and his lips close, lightly puckered. I smile at his peacefulness, his cheeks lightly pink from the heat of the rough couch cushion he used as a pillow. I unlock my phone; I have ten missing calls from Nan,I'm in deep shirt.
I get up and grab my wallet from the side table next to the couch. I call a cab then look around for paper or and pen to leave a note for Harry, I could text him but I find it to be rather rude if I do. I walk over to the large kitchen, the appliances all cover the right and back wall, modern counters and shelves occupy the spaces the appliances aren't. It sort of looks like a modern version of Nan's lovely kitchen. The middle of the kitchen is occupied by a large counter table, with stools facing the entrance to the room. I notice he doesn't actually have a dinner table and wonder why. As I walk around the room I find a notepad next to the coffee machine and take it with me. I find a marker on the side table next to the love-seat.

Dear Harry,
Have a safe drive over to your mum's, don't worry about me Nan came to pick me up. Call me when you wake up or when you're about to leave. Hope your back is fine :)

I leave it on the couch I slept and walk out of his apartment. The cab arrives two minutes later, I give the driver the address and he takes me home.

Luckily I arrive to a sleeping family and make my way to my bedroom carefully. I know I won't be able to sleep if I go back to bed so I proceed to cleaning the mess of a room I have. I have clothes all over the floor, I don't know how since I have quite a decent closet. It's not particularly a "walk-in closet" but my clothes and myself fit inside. I reckon Nan always said that it looked like my closet threw up all over the place. I laugh at the memory as I pick up the last item of clothing on the floor. By the time I finish fixing up my room it's already 9:40 and wonder why Nan nor my brother are up.Maybe if I make breakfast I won't get in deep trouble, just trouble.

-----

As I finish the last pancake, I hear someone coming downstairs and prepare myself to be yelled at by my Nan. My brother walks into the kitchen half asleep and scratching his head

"Oh, girl, you are in trouble"

"What did she tell you?" I ask nervously. I'm almost terrified to death of my own grandmother. She has always been a little strict about curfews and specially boys, that was one of the main reasons why I didn't have a boyfriend in college. I had crushes and maybe I went on like two dates but when Nan found out, I was grounded. Mum told me once that Nan was never strict when it came to boys, now I understand why she's strict with me; mum dated dad at fifteen and married at eighteen and he was obviously the wrong man for her but she never realized it until he let her know it. I guess that's why I didn't have my first boyfriend until eighteen; I didn't want to jump to anything so soon in life, afraid to end up heartbroken like her.

"She said that she was going to Google Harry" he said with a saddened expression.Why would she Google Harry? And she knows how to Google, I was gone that long?

"Google?"

"Yeah," Mark sits on a stool and grabs a pancake from the large plate on top of the counter and starts eating it; he never liked syrup with his pancakes, "something about 'what is that boy's deal with girls, he better be respectful'" I laugh at his imitation of Nan

"Very funny Mark" my inside turn as Nan walks in, I didn't hear her coming. The internet lies a lot about Harry and girls, I hope she doesn't think bad about the situation. She walks over to the fridge and takes out some chocolate spread for my brother and hands him a plate "Eat like a decent person Markus" I flinch at my brothers full name

"Marcus is my dad, don't call him that" I say

"But mine's with a 'K', I keep telling you I'm a Kardashian" my brother says and puts a spoon-full of chocolate spread in his mouth

"I heard your phone ring as I passed by" Nan says and takes a seat next to my brother. I think the pancakes are working. I run up to my room, as I go up the stairs Nan tells me to return quickly,oh boy.

When I retrieve my phone I see I have three missed calls from Harry. I ponder whether I should call back or wait 'till later, for the sake of my throat on the line, when it starts ringing again. I answer it without thinking

"Hello" I say

"Good morning, Piper" a raspy morning voiced Harry says, something in my stomach happens at the sound of his voice and I can't help but smile, "just woke up like five minutes ago, what time did your grandmother come to get you?"

"It was early, I don't quite remember" I honestly don't remember when I left his house.

"Why did you sleep on the couch, I told you to go to the guest bedroom" he says laughing that lovely laugh, "I go the restroom and come back to a sleeping Pipes" he says, I can picture the dimpled smile on his face.

"Sorry," I say smiling, I don't think I remember him saying that, all I remember was falling asleep on the couch because I couldn't even get up from how tired I was. "I just remember blinking and then I guess I drifted off to sleep. Thank you for the blanket by the way" I wonder why he didn't go up to his bedroom, I know he was tired as well but the floor did not look comfortable.

"Welcome, you looked cold"

"Why didn't you sleep-"

"Piper" I turn around to find Nan standing by my door and raising an eyebrow at me.

"Sorry Harry, I have to go. Call me when you get to your mum's"

"I will, have a great day" I smile at his politeness and put my phone in my pocket. Nan folds her arms and walks inside.

"What time did you come back last night?"Oh, oh.

"I didn't... I came back this morning"

"What? Piper Harris, you know the rules" I also know that they're stupid because I'm 18. I push aside my rude remark, I know I have quite a mouth on me but I would never be ride to my Nan.

"I know Nan Luna, I'm sorry. Harry and I where just watching films and we got so sleepy we couldn't even leave the couch, I fell asleep without noticing" I notice her expression soften as she realizes I'm being honest.

"So you and Harry didn't-"

"No Nan" I say startled, "Harry's just my friend, he's a gentleman trust me" he really is, from opening doors for me to sleeping on the floor next to me to make sure I'm okay.

"Well that's not what the tabloids say" she says with a smile

"Tabloids are stupid, they make up things Nan" I tell her as I lightly press my hands on her shoulders. I kiss her forehead and walk over to one of my drawers to grab two towels.

"That's true because they keep saying you're his new girlfriend" I turn to look at my grandmother and wonder if she's kidding. But then again it is the tabloids. She smiles at me and walks out of my room. My brother runs in, I'm positive he was listening to our conversation, a smile planted on his face.

"Dad called me" I'd forgotten that we had that thing today.

"What did he say" I ask as I take off my shoes

"He said he'll pick us up at twelve, which is in two hours" he says smiling, I wish I had my brothers enthusiasm when it came to my father but nope.

"Why so early"

"He wants us to meet his new place" my brother says looking down at his feet, I know I said we could only have lunch with him but I guess I could put up with Jane for a couple more hours.

"Where are we eating?" my brother looks up at me with a smile

"His place" great, Jane's cooking.

-------

I came out of the longest shower yet and wonder if it meant I would have to rush to get ready. My father is very strict when it comes to eating with him; you have to be dressed decent. I grab some black dress pants, they remind me of parachute pants and wonder if my father would mind them,who cares.I grab a colorful shirt and my black wedges. Half an hour later I've got a little bit of make up on and I'm trying to make my hair look nice. The door to my room opens and my brother walks in, he's wearing dress pants and a shirt almost similar to mine. My father's dress code is absolutely stupid, it started when he began earning a lot of money which was when Jane's dad got him a better position in his job. With mum it was simpler, we were never rich but we managed. Jane's father is powerful and has some connections with my dad's company, and when Jane moved in with my father he helped my dad get more money. Both men crazy about power, money and wealth. I guess Jane married her father and I can't help but smile.

"Dad said he's almost here, about five minutes" I grab a very damaged black purse and stuff my wallet and some pads just in case. I have a feeling we'll be spending the whole day with my father and his lovely girlfriend.

When dad told my brother that he'd be there in five, by he he meant his driver.Since when does he have a driver?My brother and I get into the back seats of what I believe to be a black Cadillac Escalade.

Twenty minutes later we drive into a street full of white large houses, separated by long streaks of trees. The driver stops in the middle of the street, in front of one of the smallest houses from the lot. It's still pretty big, not even Harry's house is this big. We get out of the car and walk up to the front door, my brother rings the bell. A minute later Jane opens the door, wearing a lilac dress shirt, black pencil skirt and black pumps. She smiles at us and proceeds to hug my brother and he hugs her back, I admire my brother's ability to never hold a grudge.

"Hello Markus, you've grown since the last time I saw you" she says as she rubs his arms, it boils my insides when she pretends to act like family, specially when she tries to act motherly towards my brother. She's 28 for fuck sakes. "Piper, you look lovely" she steps aside to try and hug me but I fold my arms and pretend to look at the trees on the side of the house.

"Is dad in?" Mark asks

"Yes, he is. Come on in" my brother pulls me inside by the arm, we enter a hallway. To the left is a large living room, to the right are large stairs leading to the next floor. At the end of the hall is what I believe to be the kitchen.

"When did you guys get this house?" my brother asks as Jane leads us into the living room, vintage sofas surround the fire place, on the opposite side is the bar, with a wall full of assorted wines.

"We purchased it two weeks ago, we moved in yesterday" Jane says smiling and gesturing for us to sit on one of the sofas.

I hear footsteps coming down the stairs, a few seconds later my father appears in the entrance to the living room.

"Hi dad!" Mark says and stands up from the sofa

"Hello Markus," he doesn't even look at him, he ignores him and walks over to his girlfriend who is now standing and waiting for him. I gesture for Mark to sit down as they sit as well. "How are you Piper?" my father looks at me and I scowl. He completely ignores my brother and expects me to be friendly towards him. He can be so cold towards him.

"Fine" I say coldly, my brother pinched the side of my leg and I slightly jump. "Aren't you going to ask my brother how he is dad?"

"Piper!" my brother whispers

"Of course, how are you Markus?" he finally makes eye contact with my brother who lights up at my father's attention.

He spends about an hour going on about his new house. He shows us all seven bedrooms and ten bathrooms. The huge library and study on the third floor. I'm about done with his bragging and my brother's fake excitement when Jane tells him that the ham should be ready.
We sit down on the large dining table, it's separated from the kitchen and living room by walls and two large doors. My brother sits next to me, facing my father, and I facing Jane. The mood is awkward and it takes all the will power in me to swallow my food and pretend that I like the turkey. I never liked turkey, my father knew that.

"The turkey's great, Jane" my brother says in between drinking his wine. I don't think he's ever tried wine because his expression almost makes me spit out the turkey. I wouldn't mind though.

"Thank you Markus" she says while smiling at my brother. He smiles and continues to eat his food.

"So, son, how do you like the house?" my father asks. My brother looks up expectantly, "It's just a question son"

"It's beautiful dad, big, I like the library"

"Great," my father looks at me and I swallow my food fast, "Piper, how much do you earn in your job"I knew this was coming.

"Enough"

"Enough for you to get a place on your own?" I furrow my eyebrows at his question, why does he care.

"Enough to help Nan with the groceries, and buy my necessities dad. I'm saving up for a place."

"What carrier are going to persue then Piper" why does he pester me about it every time we speak.

"I don't know dad, maybe music. It's what I've always liked"

"That's what you said about film" I take deep breath and try to calm myself down at his stupid remarks.Why does he like to torture me like this? He's supposed to be supportive and all he's doing is aggravating me.

"What are you saying dad" I say through grated teeth.

"Have you considered studying music engineering" yes, but I'm not telling you that.

"I like the radio dad, it's great. Nick has told me that after I work there for a year he could help me move up in the studio, I won't be on the radio just yet" I hoped the information would stop him from nagging me, I hadn't even told Nan about it "but it's something" I take a sip of my wine.

"That's great news" and my father does something I haven't seen him do in so long; he smiles, "for your ambition to move forward in the music or radio industry, I'd like to offer you a check so you can get your own place and move out of Luna's place" my mouth falls open and I stare at him. I don't want his money, I'm tired of taking money from him.

"I don't want your money dad, I like living with Nan and my brother"

"Don't be difficult Piper-"

"Marcus, please" Jane interrupts and his angered expression softens as she places her hand on top of his, I wonder if he actually loves her.

"Piper just take it as a birthday gift" he says and pores some more wine in his glass.

"My birthday is in November, and I like being with my brother" I press, a little more irritated than before. I feel my brother staring at me, I know he wants me to take it but I won't.

"Well that will be difficult since I would like to offer your brother to move in here with Jane and I" the smile plastered in Jane's face makes the turkey come back up

"What!" my brother and I say in unison.

"And he will say yes of course?" he looks at my brother with that unfamiliar smile.

"Please" Jane says, putting her hand over her chest. Why? Why now. He never cared for my brother, he always wanted girls and my brother knows I've always been his favorite, no matter how much I've pushed my father away. I feel tears forming in my eyes because I know my brother will say yes. He wants my dad to love him. Why is he taking him away from me, how am I supposed to see my brother?

I can't be selfish, but I don't want my brother to struggle with him. I take deep breath and look at my brother; he's still staring at my dad with a smile on his face.

"Yes! I would love to!" he says excitedly. I hear my phone ring but I ignore it.

"How am I supposed to see you?" I whisper to Mark.

"You can always come and visit whenever you want Jean" I hated when he called me by my middle name. What makes him think I will come over to his house and-Oh my gosh! He doesn't actually care for my brother, he just wants to have something to lure me to his house and visit! What the fuck is wrong with him. I can't believe of all the things his done to my brother and I he would stoop so low and use him. I need to keep this to myself because it would break Mark... He deserves to have a relationship with my father but not like this.

"Can I speak with you in the kitchen dad" I stand from the chair and throw the napkin I hadn't noticed I crumbled onto the table. I open the door leading to the kitchen and hear him follow, he closes the door behind me and I'm glad because I don't want Mark to hear.

"How dare you?"

"Excuse me? Don't speak to me that way Piper Jean"

"Stop calling me by my middle name and stop trying to use my brother to have a relationship with me dad!" I whisper loudly.

"I am not-" his expression hardens as he tries to defend bis stupid honor.

"Don't bullshit me dad"

"Then what am I supposed to do, I apologized for the way I acted about you leaving New York and I just- I'm trying to fix it" his expression softens but he's still lying.

"You didn't apologize for anything you have ever done" I say and look away from him.

"Well I'm sorry Piper, your brother can stay with Luna-"

"No! He's staying here, and if you want me to forgive you for everything you have done to us,then you need to try and give him a chance"

"I-I "

"No dad, don't pretend like you care about him because you don't, he's your son! Since you left us you never called him until your sick little plan to get to me" I recall all the times he called my brother and realize that If it wasn't for Mark I wouldn't have agreed to come here.

"He's too much like her" he says quietly, I look at him and see guilt all over his face. Mark has mum's eyes, hair color and positive attitude.

"You need to put your guilt aside dad, it's too late for you to pretend and be a real dad to me, but it isn't for Mark. He's only fifteen, and the only parent that's alive pushes him away" tears start falling and wipe them away,stop it Piper! "I don't think I can ever forgive you for what you did to mum, but he already has" I walk back into the dining room to find my brother laughing with Jane. He sees that I'm crying and a worried expression plasters a cross his face.

"Your phone has been ringing" he says quietly, I walk over to my purse and search for my phone, "Do you want me to tell dad that I won't stay" he whispers only loud enough for me to hear.

"No Mark" I try to smile and walk out to the living room. I have three missed calls from Harry. I press the screen to call him back. It rings three times before he answers

"Hey Piper" Harry says excitedly, "I was calling to say that I arrived a little while ago, how's the thing with your dad going?" I smile at the sound of his voice and wish that he was here to stop me from yelling at my father.

"It's - it's going" I say

"Oh no, what did he say?" I hear shuffling on the other side and wonder what he's doing.

"Harry, I'm about to do something crazy"

"What? Piper you're worrying me"

"Can I drive over to Holmes Chapel?"

Notes