Run(a)Way S.T

“Come on Ellie- up you get!” Zoe pulls on my duvet.
“Noooo.. I don’t want to go to work.. I’m going to get sacked anyway,” I moan.
“NO you won’t- come on, get up, get dressed and go speak to your boss, it’ll be all right Ellie, don’t worry honey,” Zoe assures me.
When I got in last night I had told her everything that has happen. Zoe was appalled by Harry’s behaviour, though didn’t give it much thought as I have, saying that is what to expect from such a spoiled child.
Although, I couldn’t let it go. This trip I got to know Harry a little better, got to learn he is not as spoiled as he leads people on to think, but he is rude and nurses a bad temper which I just can’t handle anymore.
I get dresses and head into work.
“Anne is looking for you, she asked you to come see her once you get in,” Lila says to me in a low sympathetic voice.
The journey back was dreadful. Harry and I both were in such a bad mood, which put everyone down. At first Lila tried to get us to speak but then Harry laid in to her, no one spoke a sound after that.
“Anne- you wanted to see me?” I knock on her half open door.
“Please Eleanor, come in, and close the door after you,” She beckons me.
I close the door after me and pace over to her desk taking a seat.
“I heard the trip was quite a success,” She smiles widely at me. Gosh her and her son have the same smile- how didn’t I notice this before?
“It was,” I nod, grinning back at her.
“And yet you refuse to be Harry’s assistant any longer,” She gestures to my side.
I glance sideways only to notice now that Harry is sat on the small sofa at the back of the room.
“I- I can’t do it anymore- I understand if you want to fire me- I get it, But- I’m sorry,” I stutter.
“I know my son can be a handful,” She frowns.
“It is too much for me- I am not build for all this drama, I cannot take on his problems- those are things you need to work out as a family,” I blabber, only after realizing I have said too much. I glance back at Harry in horror, to catch a dark shade run across his face.
“Harry- what have you done?” Anne scolds him.
“Whatever- if she doesn’t want to be my assistant let her go, you can find someone much better than her anyway,” Harry scoffs.
“No I cannot,” She sends him a disapproving stare before turning back to me.
“You cannot work with Harry under any circumstances?” She questions.
“I’m afraid no,” I answer quietly.
“Well Eleanor, I do not want to see you go, you are a good and dedicated worker. I’ll just get Harry a new assistant, and if he causes any more grief we’ll send him to the branch in Paris,” Anne’s remark sounds like a hiss, and I turn my head to look at her son.
The look on his face- my god. Turned from dark and hateful to hurtful. His eyes go wide and you cannot mistake the pain in them. M heart squeezes for him once again remembering our talk in the hotel room.
“That won’t be necessary,” I hurry to say.
“Oh?” Anne asks.
“Harry and I just didn’t get on as workers- I cannot be his assistant that’s all- there is no reason for him to be sent to Paris, especially when he is finally back in the country after such a long time- And you must want him here with you?” I say quickly, putting her on the spot.
“Well- of curse I do- It has been a while- hasn’t it Harry? Very well- but you don’t cause her anymore trouble boy- you hear me?” She raises her brows at him.
“Yes mum,” Harry mumbles.
“Very well, I’m sure Eleanor you have work to do,” Anne excuses me.
“Yes, thank you,” I mumble getting up swiftly, wanting to get out of her office as fast as I can.
I hurry down the hall back to the studio when he calls my name.
"Clark!" His steps echo as he strides up to me, yanking my arm turning me forcefully to face him.
I stop and turn slowly not sure what kind of mood he might be in after this chat with his mum. "What is wrong with you?" I hiss at him, trying to break free of his hold, but Harry's strength is no match to mine.
I try a different tactic instead.
“I’m sorry for-“
“I don’t want to hear it,” He snaps pulling me by my arm after him to the little supply room on the side.
“Harry- you’re hurting me,” I swat his hand. Once he shuts the door after him he lets go. As soon as his fingers leave my forearm I step back, putting as mush distance between us.
“What the hell was that?!” He demands in a hushed growl, stepping closer to me.
“You do NOT man handle me! Am I clear?” I narrow my eyes at him, and fold my arms.
“You go and cry to my mum like a little girl? Can’t you handle your own fights?” He spits.
“What about a thank you instead ha? You almost got shipped to France- but I saved your arse.”
“I wouldn’t have been in trouble in the first place if you would have kept your mouth shut!” Harry replies sharply. I shake my head and try to suppress my smile.
“Why the hell are you smirking at me?” He takes a step closer. I recoil back, and my back hits the back wall.
“Because we both sound like two year olds- gosh!! Look what you have done to me,” I bring my palms to my cheeks.
“Me? What I have done to you?” Harry takes another step towards me. I don’t remember ever being this close to him before.
“You need to learn to keep your smart mouth shut! I should have known better then to tell you things about my mum- you went straight to her- didn’t you?” He simmers.
“You know what? Move away- I have no time for this,” I push him back my palm colliding with his chest. Before I have a chance to remove my hand from the shove he catches my palm between his hands keeping it pinned to his chest. A gasp leaves my lips, not sure of what is happening and slightly scared of being alone with him in such a small space.
"You could have just said thank you," I huff trying to pull my hand back, however he holds it firmly.
"Thank you for what? For saving your own skin? Your big mouth is the one getting me in trouble in the first place," he snorts.
"I know- and I'm sorry- I didn't mean for that but it's your fault- you pushed me," I say tugging my hand from him. He takes a step closer. He is so close I can see his pores. He is so close that if he decides to kiss me he can in a heartbeat. What if he does? I will slap his face! Or would I? A small part deep inside of me wonders how that may feel like... Kissing the number one model with the perfect lips.
"What are you thinking?" He whispers.
"That you're too close - you're in my personal space," I swallow. He eyes me carefully and then takes a step back letting go of my hand. I pull it back to me placing both hands in back of me leaning against the wall.
"Am I that awful?" He asks quietly.
"You have a mean streak- you say such hurtful thing and I just can't..." my voice trails off.
"I'm sorry," he mumbles, then turns slowly and leaves the little room.
Once Harry is gone I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding in, and let myself slide to the floor. What the hell was that? I lean my head on my knees pulling at my hair. He is driving me mad! One minute he is hateful and cruel and the next sweet and sincere. I am about to get up when the door reopens and Lila peeks her head in.
"Gosh Ellie! I've been looking all over for you! What are you doing in here? Please tell me you haven't been sacked!" She awaits an answer as I get to my feet and brush off the dust from my clothes.
"No.. I-I just needed moment that's all," I try to flash her an assuring smile but by the look on her face I can tell it didn't quite work.
"How did the talk go?"
"I'm no longer his assistant," I smile, although deep down I feel a small emptiness.
"Does that mean you won't be going to any other fashion shows?" Lila asks in disappointment.
"I don't know. . She was impressed with our work.. So we'll have to wait and see."
We are sat at the studio working on different ads for papers and magazines wanting to feature our new line.
The day passes swiftly with no setbacks and interruptions which are my favourite days. One moment you sit at your desk and the next the day is over and it is time to go home, the real indicator for having the right job for you.
It is late, when I decide to get up and leave. Lila is long gone and so is most of the staff.
I collect my bag and sunglasses and head out.
"You're still here."
Harry is stood in the main entrance of the building.
"Why do I have the feeling you knew I was still here?" I challenge him, walking passed him not feeling like attending one of his moods.
"Don't flatter yourself," he scoffs.
"Whatever Styles- I had a long day I don't have patience for your attitude," I sigh.
"Come on," he falls in step with me.
"What?"
"I'll take you home," he frowns.
"Last time you took me home we stopped at a pub and you ended up getting in a fight.. So I think I'll pass..." I roll my eyes.
"Come on Clark.. I promise I'll take you straight home! Pinkie swear,“ he holds up his little finger. I can't help but smile slightly at that.
"Fineeee," I give in.
"Don't do me any favours," he raises an eyebrow.
"Come on then.. Unless your car can drive itself," I taunt him.
"Smart mouth," Harry whispers to himself.
We walk to the car silently, Harry getting the door for me.
"Thank you," I say quietly and he nods.
He starts the car and starts backing out when my phone rings.
I look at the caller ID. It's my mum.
"You can answer you know," he remarks.
"It's just my mum.. I'll call her back later," I mutter.
"No... You should always answer parents," he states. Because I know how he feels about his own mum, and wanting some attention thrown his way from her I answer.
"Hi mummy."
"Hi darling. You never called when you got in last night," she says, always worrying about me.
"I know-I got in so late I didn't think you were still up," I smile.
"Was it nice? Did you enjoy yourself?"
“Yes I did.. How are you and dad?" I change the subject before she asks anything more about Paris.
"Dad has a cold so he is sat in front of the telly with tissues up his nose," she chuckles and I know she is rolling her eyes at him in endearment.
"Tell him I wish him better."
"I will darling, well.. I'll speak to you later love- keep in touch so I won’t worry about you."
"I will mummy- I love you," I sigh.
"Love you too sweetheart.. ta."
I end the call, looking straight not wanting to see Harry's face.
"Your mum sounds sweet," he notes.
"She is.."
"So.. What are your parents like?" He questions.
"Harry.. We really don't need to talk about my parents.." Why would he want to know about them? What good will it do to him?
"No- I would really like to know," he assures.
"Well.. they worry... keep in touch.. and they love me," I try and sum it up.
"What is your mum like?" He goes on.
"Please Harry.. don't do this... Don't ask about them."
I don't know why he so wants to know about them but I'm afraid he is comparing our families and I don't need to be another reason for his hurting.
"Come on Ellie- I'm a big boy I can handle whatever you're trying to keep me from," he flashes one of his rare smiles.
"Fine. My parents... my parents spent my childhood trying hard to make me feel a part... and not feel different not wanting to add skin colour issues to the adoption issue so.. “
“Your parents are black?” He questions.
“I really don’t want to talk about it.. Can we please just- where is your dad?" I change the subject.
"Dead.. That is why my mum throws herself into her work.. So she doesn't need to miss him.."
"And in the process she missed you," I speak his silent words for him.
"I guess I'll see you tomorrow Clark," he remarks. I look out the window. We are outside my flat and I didn't even notice we got here.
"Oh.. Yeah.. Thanks for the ride," I open the door and get out.
"And Harry-" I turn to look at him.
"You should know.. Things can get better.. Just keep fighting.. You’ll get there."
I shut the door and leave him behind me.. Letting my words sink in.

Notes

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