Love Will Tell Us Where To Go

Just as I said we would, Harry and I began our school work the next day. Or should I say he did. Because I’m not as behind as him, I’ll wait to start doing my work once he is caught up with me.

“But that’s not fair!” he complained with a pout. “You know I’ll be here to help you.”

“So you’re pretty much my teacher my teacher?”

“Exactly. Now, let me get rid of that pout.” As my lips neared his, he smiled. “I don’t think this is very appropriate teacher-student behavior…”

“Just kiss me.”

“Alright, I just don’t want to get in trouble and not be able to finish - “
Instead of waiting for him to kiss me, I kissed him first. This went on until we realized we would never get anything done if we kept this up.

The rest of the week and the week after was spent like that. The struggle between helping Harry do his school work and doing literally anything else didn’t let up. School work sucks enough, having a long break from doing it makes it worse. But we pushed through it anyway, and eventually got into the swing of things.

Six weeks passed and Harry’s leg was slowly but surely healing. He got to take his cast off after two weeks, and he should have been fine by then, but he still had to use crutches to walk. After his appointment he was told it would take another two weeks before he was fully healed.

Thankfully, this time they were right.

With Harry being able to walk, we almost didn’t mind that it was Monday and we had a full week of school work ahead of us. “I have never appreciated having the ability to walk like I do right now.” he said as we walked inside the house. “Too bad you won’t have to take care of me anymore. I know how much you’re going to miss that.”

“Absolutely. We definitely didn’t almost fall down or up the stairs enough.”
He gave me a look that made me know he was about to do something I probably wouldn’t like. “Harry…” He gave me a sly smile and just as we reached the stairs, he picked me up. “Put. Me. Down.”
“What? I can carry you up the stairs.”

“You’re leg just healed! Just let me - ” he let me down and smiled. “You’re so silly. Like I would actually do that. Of course I’d drop you, recently broken leg or not.”

I rolled my eyes and took his hand in mine. “You better be glad I love you.”

“Oh, I am. Always.”
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

The rest of the week flew by with Harry having the ability to walk again. I had to admit that the fun of waiting on him had begun to wear off. What was even worse was how much he felt like a burden. A part of me was happier that he could stop feeling bad.

But of course Harry is Harry, and he will always go the extra mile to be nice. “What do you want to eat?” he asked on Tuesday, the day after his last visit to the doctor. “Um, I don’t care.” I said as I stood up. “I’ll make the food, sit back down.” he told me as he lightly pushed me back on my chair.

“Why?” I asked with a laugh. “Because you took care of me for so long. You deserve to be taken care of for a change.”

That was way too sweet to try to change his mind.

Luckily he let up after a while. When Friday came, it was just like any normal day. That night, after helping paint the nursery with Harry and my dad, Harry and I watched some television before going to bed. We kissed before saying goodnight and went our separate ways. It wasn’t very late, but we had somehow gotten into the habit of actually going to bed around ten.

I fell asleep fairly quickly as I had been and awoke to someone lightly knocking on my door.

“Megan.” a voice whispered. It took me a few seconds to wake up and realize it was Harry. A bit disoriented, I glanced at my window that showed no sign of daylight. “Coming.” I whispered back before checking my phone for the time. 10:45? I’ve only been sleeping for like, thirty minutes.

“What’s wrong?” I asked as I opened the door. Of course I was expecting an answer, but instead I got silence and pit in my stomach. No one was there. I looked right and left to see if he had begun to walk away because he decided not to disturb me, or that he was trying to be funny and scare me, but I saw nothing. I grabbed my phone to use my flashlight app but still, no one was there.

I was half asleep a few seconds ago, but I couldn’t be more awake now. I also couldn’t want to not be awake more than now. I should be used to being alone, or at least feeling alone in a giant house, but apparently not. Besides, I heard his voice. I know I did.

Instead of going to his room which is on the third floor, not the second, I called his phone. Twice, actually. “Harry!” I whispered with a quiet groan. “What are you doing?” As much as I didn’t want to, I knew I had to go check on him.

With my phone flashlight as my guide, I walked slowly down the hall. As I walked by a table, something caught my eyes. It was a piece of paper with a red rose on top of it. On the paper was written, “Hello, Megan. I want you to meet with me, but to get to where I am you must follow the notes. But before you continue on your way, make sure to wear warm clothes. Nothing fancy, just some warm pajamas. I can’t wait for you to get here, my darling. Love, Harry.”

A smile spread across my face and I let out a small laugh. Unafraid now I quickly went back to my room and put on a warmer pajama set. I also put on slippers instead of shoes. Although I second guessed that decision since I was obviously headed outside.

The second note was taped to the top of the staircase along with another rose. “Be careful walking down the stairs. Especially if you don’t turn a light on. Believe me, you don’t want a broken leg. Falling was only fun when I fell for you. (Okay, so I technically didn’t break my leg from falling, but you know what I mean.) Love, Harry.” I seriously can’t believe he is real.

Once I reached the bottom of the stairs, I found the third note and rose on the last step. “Go to the kitchen where you will find the next note. I’m sure you’re thirsty, but don’t stop for a drink. You’ll get one once you get here. Love, Harry.”

The note was on the kitchen counter next to the sink, and of course, another rose. “You’re about to get cold, but don’t worry, there’s only two more notes left. Get to the bridge as quick as you can, but be careful. Love, Harry.”

Of course I already knew that he was taking me to the mini house across from the main one. I still can’t believe he has one too. Except this one is smaller and doesn’t have a kitchen. Not a full one, anyway. Just a fridge and microwave. There is a bedroom upstairs though.

He was right, it was cold outside. Not as cold as it has been the past two months, but besides that, I was way too excited about what was happening to even care. After going past the deck and trampoline, I got to the small white bridge that is the passageway over the water below. On the ground in the middle of the bridge was the note and rose.

“You’re almost there, love. Cross the bride and go to the mini house. See you soon. Love, Harry.” With four notes and roses in hand, I walked up to the door and almost missed the note lying on the ground at least a foot away from the door. The outside lantern was on so I put my phone in my jacket before picking it up. This one said, “You look absolutely beautiful, Megan. I know I can’t see you yet….or can I?”

Just as I let out a laugh, Harry said, “You really do look beautiful.” I jumped a bit from being startled before seeing that he was handing me the last rose. “Okay, what is going on?”

“Let’s go inside. It’s cold out here.” he told me with a sly smile. He took my hand before we made our way inside. My eyes grew wide at the sight of rose petals on the ground that led to a blanket on the ground with a picnic basket on top. As amazing as all of this was, a part of me couldn’t help but want to ask why he was doing all of this. Today isn’t special; it isn’t an anniversary or birthday.

I decided to not ask, though. Some things are better left unasked.

“I love your pajamas. They’re my favorite ones.” I told him when we reached the blanket. I set my notes and roses on the chair. “Oh, really? Why is that?”

“Because they’re so soft.” I replied. I wrapped my arms around him and brought him close to me. “I love you.” He told me after kissing the top of my head. There was a serious tone in his voice, and it somehow made me feel warm inside.

“I hope you’re hungry. I didn’t bring too much food, but I think it’s enough.” As I began sitting down, Harry helped me. “Thanks.”

“What would you like a drink?”

“Some tea would be nice.”

“Good, because that’s all I brought.”

Once he gave me my drink, he opened the basket and showed me the food. We each got what we wanted and began eating. “How long have you been planning this?” I couldn’t help but ask.

“That’s not important.” he replied with a smile. “So, how are you?”

“I’m great.” I said with a laugh. “I’m with you everyday, why would you ask that, babe?”

“Yeah, but…being around someone doesn’t mean you know exactly how they feel. I just meant…is all of this as great as you imagined it would be? You know, moving here with you’re dad…bringing me along.”

“Of course I am. Why would you even ask that?” I thought back over the past two months and questioned if I had acted in a way that would make him think I wasn’t happy. It just didn’t make sense.

He looked away from me when he replied, “I knew that, I just - I don’t know…it just hit me that I’ve never asked you that before. You know, ‘How are you?’ and I know it’s sounds kind of stupid, but…never mind, that was really stupid.” he laughed, but he was clearly embarrassed.

I felt so stupid. He’s the sweetest, most caring person I know, of course he would ask me how I am simply because he wants to know. I set my food aside before making my way closer to him. He took the hint and set his aside as well. Without a word, I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him.

I buried my face in his neck as he held me tightly. A feeling of warmth enveloped my entire body, and I didn’t want it to go away. “I’m sorry, that was a very rude answer.” I told him as I moved to where I could look at him. “I am wonderful. I have never been happier in my entire life, and I wouldn’t change a single thing.”

“I love you, Megan.” he breathed near my ear before kissing me lightly on the lips. “I love you too.”

We went back to eating and talked about what we’d like to do during our summer vacation. This would be my first one that wasn’t lonely. “I know that it would be easier for us to go to London rather than the boys come here, but…I would really like to not travel anymore for a while.” I love London, but the simple thought of being on a plane anytime soon made me tired.

“I know they’d love to come to America. None of them have been here before.”

“But tickets are so expensive…”

“Well, maybe one or two of them would be willing to hide in a suitcase.” he suggested with a laugh.

“I don’t think any of them - no wait, maybe Niall would.”

“And Louis.” Harry added. “So don’t actually tell them that, we don’t want to risk it.”

Once we finished eating, Harry told me, “The surprises aren’t over, by the way.” The smirk on his face only added to the suspense. “I’m waiting.”

Without a word he went upstairs and came back moments later with a guitar. “Awww.” I squealed. “What song are you going to sing?”

“A new one.”

My heart beat faster as it always does when he’s about to sing me. His songs are always amazing, but with the way tonight has been, it’ll probably even surpass my expectations.

He walked up to me and and gave me his hand to help me up off the floor. He sat down on the couch and I sat next to him. “I wrote this not too long ago.” he started. “And it’s called Fireproof.”

As he sang it occurred to me how grateful I should be for my life. I live in a home that some people dream of living in one day. I have a wonderful dad, step-mom, and soon a step-sibling. I’m healthy, I have plenty of food to eat, and despite how much I complain, I am lucky enough to get an education.

Harry. Ever since I was a little girl I dreamed of a knight in shining army one day taking me far away from my home. I wanted to feel needed, loved, and simply…wanted. Now I have all of that and so much more.

Even in my wildest dreams I never imagined a guy like Harry. As someone who is extremely private and hard to open up, I doubted ever finding love. True love, anyway. A part of me was always worried that I would never be able to be myself around any one. Yet here I am, with someone I can literally tell everything to. I don’t hide. He knows everything, and even though he has seen me at my worst, he is still here.

As soon as he finished the song I set his guitar aside and got closer to him. My hand grazed his arm slightly as my lips neared his. “You’re too much, you know that right?” Our lips only touched for a moment when he pulled away. “Wait, there is one more thing.”

“Another surprise? I don’t think my heart can take anymore!” I dramatically said. He gave me a small smile, and although genuine, his entire demeanor seemed to change. He began to rub his hands together absentmindedly as he looked off in the distance just a bit past me. He took a breath before saying, “I love you.”

“I love you too.” I replied, taking his hand in mine. He smiled once more, but he was definitely nervous or something. “Are you alright, babe?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m great. It’s just…I love you -“

“I love you too - “

“I am in love with you, Megan.” he let out a laugh. “Ah, I’m absolutely rubish at this.” He paused before continuing, “You’ve made my life so much better. I never imagined I’d meet someone like you so early in my life. Megan, the way you’ve changed me - made me better, inspired me to do what I love…I can never repay you.”

“Repay me? Babe, you know how much you have made my life better. Why would you ever think you’d have to repay me? I’m in love with you too, no repaying necessary or wanted.”

“I know. But that doesn’t mean I can’t try.” He reached underneath the couch and pulled out a small black box. “First, don’t freak out, it’s not an engagement ring.” he told me with a laugh. I laughed as well, but my heart continued to beat fast.

“I know that we’re still young and we have a whole lot of life left to figure important things out, but I’m also aware of the fact that life is short and we never know what is going to happen tomorrow, much less years from now. I don’t know where I’ll be in the years to come, but I do know that I want to be next to you. You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me, and that’s why - ” he opened the box to reveal a beautiful ring “I want to give you this.”

My mouth dropped as I covered my mouth with my hands and let out a small gasp. He had a small smile on his face that turned into a big smile when I stretched out my hand for him to place the ring on my finger. I didn’t know why, but my hands trembled slightly as I waited for him to slip the ring on.

Once the ring was on, I looked at it for a moment. Not long though because tears filled my eyes and were threatening to turn to full on tears. When I looked up at Harry, he was already looking at me. His warm smile and the way his eyes fixated on mine made my heart continue to beat fast.

“Are you okay, love?” he asked as I felt tears steam down my face. “Yeah, I just - oh, come here.” I said that, but I came to him. I sat on his lap and held him as tightly and as close to me as possible. “I love you so much.” I said.

“I love you too - “

“I am in love with you.” I told him. Then I added with a small laugh, “You know how some people say that you can love someone so much it hurts? Well, I never really understood that when I was younger. I thought, how can anything related to pain be associated with love? But I get it now. I actually get it.”

His grip on me got tighter. “I know exactly what you mean.” In the same moment, we both lightened our grip and moved to where we could see each other. I only looked into his green eyes for a moment before he began to kiss me. Despite how many times we’ve kissed before, this kiss was somehow different. And even more amazingly, somehow better.

One minute or thirty could have passed before we stopped; I couldn’t tell and I didn’t care. Once we stopped, we just stayed their, intertwined in each others arms, holding each other as close as possible. It’s strange how I never can seem to hold him close enough.

He lied down on the couch and I lied partly on him and the couch. My head rested on his chest and his arms were around my waist. I soon fell asleep as he stroked my hair.

I half woke up as he carried me up the stairs to the bedroom. I later faintly remembered mumbling, “No, don’t.” partially in fear for him hurting himself, but also me too. But we made it up the stairs safely, and I was quickly back to sleep once tucked in bed.

I woke up a little after 8:30 to see that Harry was still asleep. I looked at the ring on my finger and felt just as excited as I did last night. I know this isn’t an engagement ring, and I know I’m too young to even be thinking about getting married, at least I am, but I know. I just know that there isn’t anyone else I’d rather spend my life with. This ring just farther shows how much Harry feels the same way.

I turned on my side so I could wrap my arm around Harry who was also on his side. I laughed because for once, he was the little spoon. “Wake up, babe. It’s morning.” I whispered in his ear while playing with his hair. He mumbled something before falling back asleep.

Harry’s right, we don’t know where we’ll be years from now. I don’t know what college I want to go to, if I even want to go to college. I don’t know what exactly I want to do with my life, except that I love to write. I know whatever I do, I will keep Harry in mind. Not that I’d completely give up any of my dreams entirely, just as I’m sure he wouldn’t do for me.

Life is complicated and things happen that force you to make difficult decisions. But we’ve made some pretty big decisions already, and if I’ve learned anything from it, it’s that even the hardest decisions in life are easier to make with someone you love by your side.

Notes