Run(a)Way S.T

As Harry and I near the flat my heart rate reaches a higher state. He has called to make sure the peps are cleared from the front of my building ahead of time which makes it slightly easier.
"Are you alright?" He questions quietly, as he turns onto my street. I nod, however, we both know it's a lie.
How can anyone be alright with such a thing happening to them.
"How do you do it?" I inquire.
It seems at first as if he hasn't heard my question, or choosing to ignore me. But after parking he turns to face me.
"First, I chose this for myself. I knew this is part of the package deal, and second, it's old news.. You learn to adjust to it," He says softly.
"I'm not a front type of person.. I'm in the background way out in the back," I swallow my panic.
"It will calm down.. You’re new meat.. You’ll see.. It’ll get better."
We step out of the car, spotting the agents clearing away the few peps left behind.
We rush swiftly up the steps to the flat, my key handy ready for a quick entry.
"Zoe! Unlock the top- it's me!" I bang on the door, finding it's locked from the inside.
"Eleanor Clark! You have major explaining to do! This madness needs explaining right this instance!"
"Let her breathe Zoe.. you'll get the whole story," Harry rolls his eyes at her dramatic manner, pushing past us and plunking himself on the couch.
"You know what I've been through this morning? The banging on the door? The peps? The paper? News? And all I get from you is a text telling me you're visiting your parents!" Zoe is very much annoyed with me.
"Want to know what Ellie went through this morning?" Harry questions, getting back up and striding over, stopping right over her, making Zoe recoil back.
"She was woken up at the early hours of the morning when you were still sound asleep, then she travelled an hour and a half to make sure her parents get a good and respectful explanation- Just to be ambushed by the Danish who demanded a DNA test so you can understand why I don't give a flying fuck about your feelings and what the hell you went through right now!" Harry barks at her. Once done he moves back to his place on the couch.
"Oh my god! Is that true?" She is gobsmacked.
I nod, glancing at Harry who is flicking through the channels on the telly.
"That is dreadful! You poor thing," Zoe folds me in her arms, her annoyance well forgotten.
"I'm fine really.." my voice loses power by a hard stare from Harry who is obviously listening in.
"I think I need to lay down though," I find my voice again.
"Yes.. There is hot water if you feel like having a bath.. Should I make you some tea?" She questions concern showing on her features.
"No I'm good.. Harry you'll- you're staying right?" I ask, secretly wanting him to, feeling safer with someone who knows how to deal with this around me.
"Sure I'll be here," He flashes an assuring smile. I hesitate before heading into the bathroom. I peel off my clothes while letting the bath fill up. I drop into the water one of lush's soap bombs. Zoe keeps a whole stock of them saying a bath is not a bath without lush's colorful soap bombs.
I try and let myself forget about today and just relax. It doesn't work that well so I get out before the water even has a chance to cool down and get into my pajamas. I climb into bed feeling drained and tired, hoping sleep will come fast. However, every time I shut my eyes the day plays again in front of me.
There is a soft knock on the door and it opens to just a crack.
"Can't sleep?" Harry questions. I shake my head in a pout.
He steps in, shutting the door after him. He then strides over and gets into bed beside me I shift to the side, making him some room.
"Zoe popped out to the shop to get some foods.. How are you holding up?"
"I'm tired... I just want to sleep.. But I can't.." I mumble.
"You know.. Your parents... they're amazing.. I see now why you are so contempt on not searching for your real family," Harry remarks.
"They are my real family," I correct him.
"Well yeah.. You understand what I mean.." He rolls his eyes at me.
"Harry... your mum... she loves you very much.. You know that right?" I say softly, touching his arm.
"She doesn't show it very well does she though?" He sounds bitter.
"She has her own way of showing it.. Did you know Taylor brings her the paper every morning and that your mum cuts out any article or photo of you in it? She has a whole folder dedicated to you.. and her computer screen is a photo of you two when you were younger," I tell him.
"How do you know all this?"
"The perks of being friends with your mum's assistant," I smile.
Harry keeps quiet lost in thought.
"Did this piece of knowledge make you feel any better?" I whisper in question.
"Should it?" He inquires his eyes hard.
I bite my lip while gazing at his profile. His head is bent and he is playing with his fingers.
How can someone in his shoes be so sad?
I lean in and bring my arms around his shoulders pulling him into a hug. I feel him stiffen under my touch but I don't let him go. He needs this. After time which seems like ever I feel him relax under my arms and he leans his chin over my shoulder hugging me back. I hold onto him a little tighter because I feel that I should. I learned that from my mother. She always claims that hugs and kisses push aside the pain making room for warmth and love.
"I should be the one comforting you, making you feel better.. Not the other way around," Harry claims in a soft voice. He doesn't pull away but keeps holding on, an indicator to the fact he really does need this hug so I don't let go of him. He'll pull away when he is ready.
The sound of the front door makes us both pull away, both not wanting Zoe finding us like this.
"It did make me feel slightly better," Harry speaks up a hint of a grin on his lips.
"I'm glad," I let out a soft chuckle.
"I.. I just wish life wasn't so complicated," he huffs.
"Maybe that is the beauty of it... what good was it if it was easy?"
"So your saying having to battle one problem after the other is normal?" He crinkles his forehead.
"Well no.. I believe there has to be a balance.. You can't have it good all the time or bad all the time.. There is a balance," I state. I'm repeating words that were spoken to me when I was younger.. When I would come home crying for getting bullied. If it was because of my eyes or the fact I'm a white girl living with black parents or being adopted.. But mum always promised that it gets better. That it won't always be this way and if I accept these things about me, then others will too. She was right, and I came to live by it, which is why I am repeating them to him.
"You're one strong woman.. You know that?" Harry smiles.
"I was raised to be strong and think positive, even when things don't seem that way," I shrug.
"So how are you looking at this new situation you're in?" He inquires.
"It's a mistake.. It has to be.. No way I'm a princess! The moment the test comes back they'll know it.. I just feel bad it gave false hope to that poor family," I say sadly.
"You feel bad for them," Harry states astonishment in his voice.
"Well yeah.. Can you even start to imagine what that poor mother went through? A child taken away! Not knowing what has become of her? If she is safe or even alive? It just shows.. no matter what status you belong too.. You’re not safe from karma," I finish.
"You have it all figured out then," Harry chuckles.
I feel my cheeks redden.
"I wish," I laugh dryly.
"But then life would be easy," He notes, a big grin on his face.
"You're catching on quickly," I acknowledge, making him laugh again.
"You my friend need to laugh more often," I shove him playfully.
"You think so? You like my laugh?"
"Yes I do," I giggle.
"Well you need to laugh more as well.. It suits you.." He replies simply.
"Why thank you," I smile.
"I laugh more when I'm around you," he suddenly adds.
"I used to be on pin and needles when I am around you.."
"Used to?"
"Yeah... but the past two days.. I feel safe," I whisper, scared to look at him, afraid to see my honesty reflect in his eyes.
"I'm happy," he touches my arm lightly. I nod to myself. We sit quietly for a few moments before he speaks again.
"Ellie.. I was wondering.. Would you want to go out with me again? This time just us.. Without a million people watching."
"There are always people watching you," I claim.
"Yeah but I'll ignore them.. It’ll be only us.. You and me," He promises.
"I would like that," I smile, glancing up at him.
"Who would have thought," He chuckles covering his face.
"What?"
"That you would ever agree to date me.. You hated me loads.. You should have seen the look on your face every time I came your way," He laughs.
"Well that was because you were mean to me.. You tormented me every moment you could," I remind him.
“That was because I thought you are stealing away from me what little of a mother I have left,” He replies.
“I hope you know that is a load of shit!” I exclaim.
“Yes- I do.. “ He chuckles.
“Harry.. I’m sure you and your mum can work this out- she doesn’t know how you feel- if you tell her- it might do you both some good,” I offer.
“I cannot… It has been too long already.. I got what I wanted, I’m in the company.. I’m close to her.. This is the best it’s going to get,” He says, his tone final.
“I don’t believe that!” I contradict him. However there is a knock on the door and Zoe peeks in.
“Ellie.. Someone’s at the door for you,” She whispers.
“Send them away.. She should try and sleep,” Harry demands.
“Err.. I can’t,” She replies in a low voice.
“How hard can it be?” Harry rolls his eyes, pushing himself out of bed. I follow after him, Zoe moving out of our way. She is shadowing us, staying behind, making me wonder who would make her act this way.
There is a young man stood at the door way, the door still slightly open behind him. He is in a button down white shirt and dark slacks. He is wearing expansive looking shoes, he is not a reporter- so who might he be?
“Eleanor?” He turns to me in question.
“Ellie,” I correct him. Harry is quiet, but his jaw is clenched, making his jaw muscles show.
“Gosh, you look just like her,” He whispers to himself.
“I’m sorry- who may you be?” I crinkle my forehead.
“I’m Liam-“ He replies.
“Prince Liam,” Harry corrects.
“Prince?” I question, not believing this is actually really happening.
“Yes.. I’m Prince Liam- I’m your brother.”

Notes

I made Liam a prince.. What do you think about that?