The Hitchhiker

Harry's POV

We entered New York State late that night, driving for a good few hours straight, only stopping to fill up on petrol and a new phone for Tyra. She was back to her happy old self today, not mentioning the previous night, asking me to hold her.

That night was the first night I slept well in months, her soft skin touching my own and her sweet fresh scent.

She had called that boy- Calum and got an address for the lads who drove up with her brother. She was excited, I could see it in her posture.

I was quite sad to tell you the truth. I thought it might take us slightly longer, which would give me some more time with her. I didn't think I needed it until we crossed the line into NY. But now, every inch we got closer, my heart became heavier. I knew it was selfish of me to wish her to stay. I had to figure out myself, my problems, and my future. I had to let her go to do that, she had a life of her own, her own family, her own problem to fix, and still, I wanted her with me.

"You know Harry, I believe I have met you for a reason," Tyra turned to look at me after peering out the window for a quiet hour.
"Oh you do don't you," I smirk. I've been waiting for her to wake up and chat out one of her theories, loving every single one of them.
"Yes!" Her eyes go wide and she shoves me for laughing at her.

"Look at the stars shine!" She speaks again after a while looking out the window and up at the sky.
"mmmm…" I agree by humming.
"They are just like us," She says
"Let's hear it then," I chuckle.
"Hear what?" She furrows her brows.
"The theory you have cooking in your head," I laugh.

I glance at her and notice the smile on her lips. I have come to know her quite well. Being with someone for a long period of time will do that to you.

"Well then," She starts, angling her body to face me.
"It's like we are all stars in the sky of life you know? Sometimes we pass near each other and sometimes we collide, spinning tracks similar to and different… We all shine and some occasionally fall. We shine the brightest when it's the darkest, and someone will always illuminate us if we raise our heads and look," She whispers the end.

Once again I wonder about the way her head works. The way a thought just pops into her head and she rolls it over and turns it into something that is worth thinking about.

"You know Tyra, I will miss you," I say sincerely.
"No you won't, you'll go on to your next big thing, though you should know that I'll miss you! I will remember you forever as the boy who helped me find my brother," She replied.

She told me after speaking to Calum that once I get her to his friend in New York I am free to part and continue on my path to wherever I was headed before she came and hijacked me and my wheels. I wanted to tell her no. That I will stay, that I am not ready to part just yet, not after she managed to get so far under my skin, though I couldn't tell her a thing. I couldn't bring myself to share my thoughts and feelings. Who am I to do that to her? After all she is just a hitchhiker passing through my life, maybe leaving a mark bigger than any of us intended but still.

Maybe it will push me to come to terms with what happened with Megan, seal that part of my life and finally move on.
I have not touched the package in back since I have first met Tyra, not being able to take it out and dealing with it.

"What are you thinking about?" She question, snapping me out of my deep thoughts.
"What if your brother isn't there?" I ask instead of answering.
"He will be! If not by Liam then somewhere close! Where else would he go?"
It amazed me how such a smart girl could be so naïve. She was so sure of her brother being there, waiting for her. She is not even open to the possibility of him moving on to someplace new.

I stopped in front of the building number Tyra had scribbled down. We both peered up at the windows.
"This is it," She whispered, through she didn't move. I look down at her hands, squeezed into tight little fists, telling me she is nervous.

"Do you want me to come up with you?" I inquire, but she shakes her head no. I knew she would, wanting to face him herself.

I got out of the car handing over her bag from the back and walking her up to the building door.
"Thank you Harry for everything!" She tilted her head up to me.
"You sure you're all right?" I ask once more, not ready to let her go.

"OH Harry," She spread her arms, bringing them around my waist hugging me tightly.
"I wish all of human kind was as good hearted as you! I hope you find what you're looking for! Thank you for everything," She pulls back just enough to stretch up and kiss my cheek softly. The feel of her warm lips against my skin was sensational. I wanted to kiss her back, but held myself so I won't ruin this moment.

I watch her turn and climb the stairs. When she took the turn and disappeared from view I walked back to the truck. I slouch against the metal door. I felt sad and empty. I look up at the windows again. Maybe I shouldn't leave just yet? Maybe I should make sure she is safe.
I walk to the back of the truck opening the package I neglected this past week.

Tyra's POV

When I finally stood in front of the door I will soon knock on I stop, taking in a deep breath. I lean my forehead against the surface giving me a minute to collect myself. I wasn't sure what I was feeling.

I was sad for saying goodbye to Harry, though I was relived I was finally about to see Ni and take him back home to mom. She would be so happy, and maybe just him being there, back home with us will help her get better.
I exhale and knock on the door, taking then a step back.
I hear footsteps and a turn of a key.

When the door swings open, there is a boy with short brown hair and kind eyes looking down at me.

"Tyra!" He smiled, opening the door wider.
"You must be Liam," I smile, holding out my hand for him to shake. He reaches out, his fingers closing over mine.
"Come- come in," He offers moving aside making room for me to pass.

As I step in, a blond head, attached to a tall lean body came into view his back to me. My breath caught in my throat as I called out his name and leaped forward grabbing the arm, making him turn to glance at me. Why didn't he open the door for me if he was here? What is wrong with him?

The head turns, surprise in his eyes, a ring in his lip. The blond head did not belong to my brother.

"I am not Ni, but I could be," The boy winks at me. I let go of his arm fast, recoiling immediately. My shoulders hit Liam's chest, his hands catching them, steadying me so I won't fall over.
"I'm- I'm sorry, I thought- I- I thought you were someone else," I stuttered.

"Tyra, this is Luke my roommate, Luke this is Tyra, she is Niall's sister- remember? The guy who stayed with us last year for a while?"

Luke smiled nodding his head, "Nice meeting you, we heard much about you,"
I look around at their apartment. It was a boy's crib no doubt about it, a black leather couch, a flat screen TV and beer bottles all over the floor.

"Last year? You mean he isn't here anymore?" I shift my glance back to Liam, his words registering in my mind.
"He stayed with us for about a month, and then continued on," Liam gave me a sympathetic look.
"So.. Where is her then?" I asked, pushing the tears away, promising I will not cry in front of them.
"Well he didn't say, but I have a number he had at the time," Liam handed over a piece of paper to me.
I take it nodding, feeling my heart break a little more.

"Thank you so much for your help," I look from Liam to Luke. I turn to leave, wanting to get out of there as fast as I could.
"Wait- where will you go so late?" Liam called after me.
"Don't worry about me," I flash a fake smile and run down the hallway stairs.

When I reach the door to the building, I pull it open and let it slam behind me. I then bring my hands up to cover my face, not able to keep the tears from streaming down. I can't believe I wasted time coming here. I have wasted Harry's time too. I regret now sending him away, being stuck alone in a city I don't know. How stupid of me being so sure he will be here.

"Tyra?"
I look up. Harry! He was still here. I watched as he pushed himself off the truck and hurried over to me.

I didn't need to explain, my tear stained face was enough to know I was wrong about my brother being here.

Harry wiped my tears with his fingers, pulling me in to a hug. His big palm resting on top of my head, as his cheek touched my forehead.

"I'll never find him," I sobbed. "His gone, he doesn't want me to find him, why? Why would he run from me?" I cry
"I'm sorry love. .. I don't know, he probably doesn't know you're looking for him," Harry tried to make me feel better, rocking back and forth.

"He does! He asked me to come! He was crying! He asked me," I was shaking, falling apart in Harry's arms.

"I promise we will find him," He said over and over again into my ear.

When I finally managed to calm down I realize he is really here with me.
"You stayed," I look up at him.
"I had to make sure you were all right, I couldn't drive off not knowing," He shrugged.
I nod at his answer, trying to collect myself.

"Tyra,"
Harry and I look up to find Liam standing at the door.
"I'm happy you're still here, it's late, why don't you both stay with us for the night, we can figure out the rest in the morning," He offers. I glance up at Harry. He stares into my eyes, and then turns to Liam.

"Thanks mate," He offers his hand to shake.

I feel Harry's fingers slide down my wrist and through my palm, lacing with my own fingers. Hand in hand we followed Liam back into the building and up the stairs. Tomorrow will be a new day, a fresh start, with fresh hope.

Notes

Hello again!

I just wanted to say- first of all- how incredible you guys are for the lovely comments! Gosh it makes me so happy to read them and know you like my story and are waiting for an update, and I know I keep saying how happy it makes me- but it's only because it really does! SO THANK YOU SO MUCH!

I promise you'll find out about Megan soon enough...
and about all the other's who are joining the story line...

I really hope you liked this new chapter- come talk to me and let me know what you thought...
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loads of love to you all
Raylee xx