Secrets / Black & White / Playing for Keeps

Behind closed doors Julian’s words meant nothing. They enjoyed their last week in the virtual exile of Harry's apartment, ordering take out and watching movies. Harry had claimed back his spare key weeks ago, so there was no chance of a surprise visit by Julian or Ben.

A surprise visit from Louis, however, was a different story. He turned up at Harry’s door one night to be greeted by Lara.

“You’re still here.” He said bluntly.

Lara sighed before letting him in.

“Where did you think I’d be?” She asked.

“I don’t know… your own home maybe.” He answered with a raised eyebrow.

Lara rolled her eyes before she sat down on the couch where she had been watching television.

“Where’s Harry?” He asked.

“In the shower.” She replied not taking her eyes off the TV. Louis eventually joined her on the couch, and they sat there quietly not looking at each other. Minutes passed before Louis spoke up.

“So how do you feel knowing it’s all about to end?”

“I bet you’re thrilled.”

“Yes I am… I won’t lie to you.”

“Why do you hate me so much?” She asked suddenly.

He looked away embarrassed as though he wasn’t sure how to answer.

“Because I want him for myself.” He finally said with a pointed look as if he were challenging her.

“What about Eleanor?” She asked. “How do you expect to have them both?”

“Don’t say her fucking name. And don’t pretend to know me, or her or even Harry.”

“I’m just asking the question. Maybe you should think about the answer.”

At that moment Harry appeared in the living room, a surprised look on his face that would have seemed comical under other circumstances. His hair was wet and he was shirtless except for his boxers, as he stared at the two of them seated next to each other. Louis’ face softened in a smile when he saw him, and was about to speak when Harry cut in.

“Louis don’t talk to her like that.” He said. “And anyway… she’s right. You’re with her now.”

“You know how I feel about you Harry.” Louis said evenly.

“You know how I feel about my career.” Harry replied.

“Oh yeah… Harry fucking Jesus Christ Superstar, how can I forget?” Louis snarled before standing up. “Why don’t you make your bloody mind up about what you want?”

He walked over to the front door but not before looking back.

“He’s been doing my head in since day one.” Louis said directly to Lara. “Good luck with him, you’re gonna need it.”

Before anyone could respond he then turned to Harry.

“Just don’t fucking come crawling back to me when this is all over.” He said with an air of finality before he opened the door and slammed it shut behind him. Lara turned to Harry to see him take in a shaky breath, clearly rattled by what had just happened.

“It’s for the best.” He mumbled half to himself.

*****************************************

The Louis episode aside, the last two weeks were uneventful. Lara received the odd text message from Ben asking if everything was okay and if she wanted to meet up with him. She also began to notice all the little stories that began to pop up about her and Harry.

Where in the World is Harry Styles?

It’s been a long two weeks for the Directioners who are wondering where Harry has disappeared to. One Direction are currently in London wrapping up the new album, but what of Harry and his girlfriend Lara? They have not been sighted in public for two weeks, which is forever in the world of Harry Styles. Is this the beginning of the end for the couple?

She thought about Paige, Harry’s next ‘girlfriend’, and realised how little she knew about her. Harry claimed to know nothing, so she felt compelled to send Ben the following text message.

Who is Paige?

Ben’s reply came within minutes.

Meet up with me and I’ll tell you all about her.

Lara heaved a sigh. She should have known Ben would use any excuse to meet up with her. He asked her back to the apartment, but she refused, preferring to meet in a public setting. They returned to the same café as before and they quickly ordered before Lara asked the burning question.

“So what do you know about her?”

Ben shook his head in disbelief.

“You’re not even going to pretend to make small talk?” He asked pleasantly.

Lara made a face and he laughed again.

“Okay, okay. She’s an actress.”

Lara nodded her head and waited for more.

“She’s just starting out now, but she’s heading for big things.” Ben continued. “Her manager is trying to drum up some publicity which is where Harry comes in.”

“What else do you know?”

“I don’t know Lara… er… she’s twenty two years old. She’s starring in some movie that’s about to be released.”

“And?”

“Oh and she’s also a model. I think that’s how she started out.”

“Oh.”

“What are you worried about?” Ben asked with a smirk. “Scared Harry’s going to forget about you?”

“Shut up.” Lara snapped as their drinks were served. “So what else?”

“That’s all I know Lara.” Ben said. “I haven’t even met her yet… although I’ve seen photos of her, and I must say she’s pretty easy on the eye.”

He fumbled with his phone for a few moments before showing her a picture.

“This is Paige.” He said, not hiding his admiration.

Lara eyed the photo carefully. There was no doubting she was beautiful. Long brown hair, sun kissed skin and blue eyes that sparkled with confidence.

“I think I hate her.” Lara grumbled as she sipped her lemonade, trying to ignore Ben’s fond gaze.

“Jealous, are we?” He asked sounding amused.

“Oh stop it. You know I still haven’t forgiven you for how you acted at the last meeting.”

“What did I do?” He feigned innocence. “All I did was mention Louis and Harry looked like he wanted to punch me. And then you started crying… it was a right proper mess.”

“I couldn’t help it.” Lara mumbled feeling embarrassed.

She was relieved when they were interrupted by the waitress serving their meal, but was aware that Ben’s gaze did not leave her face.

“I don’t want to see you get hurt Lara.” He said softly. “And that will happen if you keep thinking that you and Harry are going to be together. It’s not going to happen. Once the break up is announced there is no going back.”

Lara considered his words carefully as she played with her salad.

“I’m not going to get hurt.” She said flatly.

They began to eat in silence, avoiding each other’s eyes.

“You used to be on my side.” Ben said. “Remember? That’s how this all started.”

Lara considered his words carefully and nodded. It was worth playing along for now, now that the rules were being thrown out the window.

Notes

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