Perfect Act
Let's Go To The Beach
Quick notes to read before the chapter please
1. Sorry for not updating I have had so much homework
2. WARNING: This chapter is f***ing long
3. Hold shit 100 votes I love you all so much. Keep voting!
4. this is Riley ikr how hot is he
5. This is the Beach
6. This is what they wear to the beach
Louis PoV
"Harry." I clicked my fingers in front of his face and he snapped out of whatever daze he was in....again. He hadn't been able to focus since we got on the plane. Now, waiting out the front of the airport for Bella's friend, he's the same.
"Yeah." He looked over at me, his eyes slightly duller than usual. I rolled my eyes and pointed to a guy getting out of a car about 50 meters away, I could tell he was Riley from seeing pictures of him and Bella around Eliza's house. He followed my gaze and then rolled his eyes. I knew he wouldn't be fond of Riley since he seems so close to Bella. Eliza had been picked up by a friend that lived nearby and was going to meet us at Riley's later.
"Iz!" Riley's voice called out from where he was. Bellas head snapped to his direction and a huge grin split out on her face.
"Ri!" She screamed and started to run over to him, letting go of Harry's hand. When she reached him she jumped into his arms and he lifted her up and spun her around, both of them laughing. Harry huffed beside me and I rolled my eyes at his childish behaviour. Bella loves him for gods sake Harry needs to stop getting so mad. We started to walk over to the other two and reached them as he was putting Bella back on the ground. He took one look at her and his jaw dropped.
"Holy shit your hair has no colour in it! I swear to god this is the first time in years I've seen you without colour in your hair." He gaped at her brown hair.
"You had colour in your hair?" I asked curiously. Bella laughed and nodded.
"Yeah, I let it grow out and fade though." She shrugged.
"Well I still think it looks great." Riley complimented her. Harry scoffed quietly beside me. Riley then turned to me.
"Hey mate, I'm Riley obviously." He chuckled and held his hand out. I shook it and smiled back.
"Louis." He nodded and turned to Harry.
"You must be Harry. Gotta say I've heard a lot about you already." He flashed Bella a quick smile and she blushed, before turning back to Harry.
"Can't say the same for you." Harry mumbled, although not very quietly. Bella shot him a glare and I elbowed him.
"Stop being a dick." I muttered to him. He rolled his eyes and we all got in Riley's car.
"So how was Eliza's family reunion thing?" He took a side glance to ask Bella. Me and Harry were in the back.
"Like every year, Eliza got bored and hated talking. It was really good though. Lilliana's six! I mean seriously she's so big I remember when she was just born and now she's six and I feel old." Bella whined. Riley laughed, smiling.
"Well your 19. Not too old yet. Now you can officially say you have been drinking for over a year. Ya know, legally." He winked and Bella rolled her eyes, though still smiling. The two continued to chat about anything really, and Harry slumped back in his seat. I nudged him and leaned over.
"Why are you being so pissy about everything." I asked quietly. Harry narrowed his eyes.
"I'm not." He practically growled.
"Geez someone's on there man period." I muttered under my breath. he glared at me again before turning his attention to the window while Bella and and Riley continued to talk. I swear Harry huffed every time Riley called her Isabella. What's the big deal, its her name.
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Harry's PoV
Since we stopped at a lot of places along the way, including to get dinner, by the time we actually got to Riley's house it was about 7:30 and it was becoming obvious that Bella was tired. Still it didn't stop her from talking to fucking Riley. His house was pretty great though. It was directly across from the beach, the beach had about a 30 meter strip of bushes between the road (there were paths leading to the beach) so when we went to the beach it would be really quiet and nice.
"You gonna stay in your usual room?" Riley asked Bella who nodded, grabbing her bags out of the car. Then the others all pulled up. Groggily, each one of them got out of the car.
"I'm tired." El stifled a yawn. "I should have come on the plane with you guys." She complained. Everyone introduced themselves to Riley then we all went inside and put our shit in our rooms. The place was pretty damn big. In the upstairs rooms, Jamie would stay with Riley, I was staying in Bella's room (why the fuck does Bella have a room at this guys house) and Luke, Zayn and Niall were sharing a room. The rest were staying in the rooms downstairs. After I put our bags in Bella's room, I went out onto the belcony. I found it a little weird how the kitchen and main room was upstairs and were joined but apparently that's what most beach houses are like. Small arms wrapped around my waist and I turned around smiling at Bella. I'd barely spoken to her since the airport.
"Hey." I leaned down and lightly kissed her soft lips. She smiled up at me.
"Hey. So...what do you think." She was referring to the house and beach and where we were. I knew she was trying to hide it but I could see that nervous/hopeful glint in her eyes and I realised just how important this place was to her.
"I think it's beautiful." I wrapped my arms around her much smaller frame and breathed in her scent. "Just like you." I whispered in her ear. She didn't respond.
Louis' PoV (two sentences with people talking right ontop of each other with no space line means they are talking at the same time)
I have to do it. I have to do it now. It's driving me crazy knowing that I'm still her boyfriend. I still love El but not in that way. At all. Like seriously I need to break up with her. Now.
"El, could you come here for a second?" I asked quietly. She nodded and sat down on the bed next to me.
"We need to talk."
"We need to talk." We both said at the same time. I laughed awkwardly and had a strong feeling she knew what I wanted to talk about.
"You first,"
"Your first,"
"Okay I'll go,"
"Okay I'll go,"
"No you can go,"
"No you can go,"
"Fine,"
"Fine,"
"I'm breaking up with you,"
"I'm breaking up with you,"
"What?"
"What?" We both stopped talking and just looked at each other.
"You speak first." I told her. She nodded and gulped.
"Well I don't really need to tell you this because you already know it......but this is so not working out." I smiled and nodded in agreement. "Now you say something."
"I still love you El.....I'm just not in love with you. I don't want this to ruin everything between us because I don't want to loose you but I don't want to be with you." I admitted what I had wanted to say for quit ea while now. To my surprise a huge smile broke out on El's face.
"Oh thank god, I thought I was the only one that felt that way." A grin made its way onto my face and I realised that this would actually work, we were actually going to stay friends.
"Can I ask you one thing though?" She asked. I nodded.
"If I had cheated on you, would you have cared." My eyes widened. Is she saying she cheated on me?
"You cheated on me?"
"Oh no god no! I'm saying if I did, would you have cared." I thought about it. For a second when I thought she had I was shocked. But upset? Mad? No.
"No....I don't think so." She shook her head thoughtfully.
"Okay, I don't think I would have minded if you cheated either." She shrugged.
"I didn't." I quickly said.
"I know." She laughed, the stuck her hand out. "Friends?" She raised her eyebrows. I smiled and grasped her hand.
"Friends."
Harry's PoV
Bella was sitting on one of those long chair things on the balcony practically asleep so I went inside to get a jacket incase she got cold. I opened her suitcase and looked around for a jacket. There's nothing good in here that will keep her warm. I sighed and went to my suitcase, picking out a hoodie, secretly glad that Bella would end up with my hoodie on. Mine. Not Riley's.... I went to leave the room when something caught my eyes from Bellas suitcase. Papers? I picked out the papers. Lyrics? I sat down and read through them. (Plz read through it its actually an original written by 'Bella' {i mean me btw, just incase u didnt get that})
You pick me up from the ground
Only to once again push me down
You told me you loved me, and you'd never hurt me
But in my nightmares yo're all I see
Your evil eyes and powerful fists
The words that hurt more the the hits
But I don't care anymore
Not since I walked out your door
Hit me, beat me, make me cry
Tell me you love me and other lies
I don't care
I don't wanna hear it
'Coz None of it means anything anymore
Not since I walked out your door
I had faith in you, you were my rock
But now I flinch at every knock
I trusted you, I gave you my heart
But you tossed it aside and tore it apart
Hit me, beat me, make me cry
Tell me you love me and other lies
I don't care
I don't wanna hear it
'Coz None of it means anything anymore
Not since I walked out your door
Get out of my life
Get out of my head
Your no longer what I think about
Before I go to bed
You hurt me more than I ever thought you could
And did things I never thought you would
But I no longer care, do you know why?
Do you know why I don't care about your lies?
Because I moved on
I'm a new me
And it feels wonderful
Because I am free
So hit me, beat me, make me cry
Tell me you love me and other lies
I don't care
I don't wanna hear it
'Coz None of it means anything anymore
Not since I walked out your door
I don't think about you anymore
Not since he walked through my door
I read over the lyrics, over and over again. Clearly this was not another song she had written drunk. I looked at the date scribbled at the top. A week after I told her I loved her. This song, every word of it....was indescribable. I couldn't figure out how to describe it. It was written straight from her heart.
Realising I had let quite a bit of time pass, I put the papers back where I had found them and left the room, taking the hoodie near me. Bella was in the exact same position I had left her. I gently slipped the hoodie over her and laid next to her, my arms wrapped tightly around her sleeping body. I held her close and vowed to myself that I would always love her, that I would never intentionally hurt her, and if I do I will spend every waking moment trying to get her back. I placed a gentle kiss to the top of her head and closed my eyes.
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"Harry." Someone cleared there throat and I opened my eyes to see Riley standing by the door, staring disapprovingly at Bella in my arms.
"Yeah?" I asked, my tone ruder then it needed to be. Although his face was now neutral, his eyes showed pure jealously. On the one hand it made me want to dance around and chant 'haha she's mine not yours.' But on the other hand it made me want to throw him off the balcony. He is not allowed to look jealous because that means.....never mind. Bella is mine and that's not going to change. She loves me. She. Loves. Me.
"We've just walked down to the fish and chips shop ((A/N practically everything is walking distance btw I'm basing this place on where I go)) so in half an hour food will be here. Just make sure Isabella's up by then." His voice was stiff and emotionless, very different to earlier when he was speaking to Bella.
"Ok." I spoke quick and sharp. Also her name is Bella asshole..... It's going to be a long week.
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"Bella, love wake up." She shook her head and snuggled closer to me. Honestly I'd be perfectly fine to stay here but the food is here now and she needs to eat.
"Bella c'mon. Get up." When she didn't move I stood up, and she immediately wrapped her arms around her body, trying to regain the warmth.
"Your mean." She pouted. I laughed and helped her up. Holding hands, we walked back inside and sat down around a wooden circle table that everyone was already at, opening the papery packages the food was in.
"Ahh sleeping beauty is awake." Riley joked, causing Bella to laugh and me to subtly glare at him, but he didn't miss it. He oh so slightly smirked. 1 point to him.
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"Oh before everyone goes to bed n stuff me and El just have something to tell you." We all tuned back around to Louis. Were they engaged or something? Wait no that wouldn't make sense they havn't been going to well.
"We broke up." The collective gasp would have been funny, had the situation been different.
"But we're friends and everything is good so....yeah." They both disappeared into he room they were sharing with some of the others before any of us could respond.
"Did he just say-"
"That they-"
"Broke up. But-"
"That makes absolutely-"
"No sense."
"At all." Everyone except for Bella seemed shocked. Eventually we all went to our rooms.
Bellas PoV
"So you seem to have a fair amount of names." Harry smiled curiously. "What was there.....Izzy, Ramos, Little Bella, Hailie....." He pretended to be deep in thought.
"Oh shut up I get called different things for different reasons" I giggled, lightly slapping him on the arm.
"Okay, let's hear them." He sat down next to me on the bed, looking straight into my eyes, his eyes are so green. Really they are so pretty, so perfect. "Bella?" I blinked and realised I had just been staring.
"Oh um." I coughed awkwardly and blushed, Harry was trying to hide a smile. "So, Isabella I've told you was my birth name and only a few people still call me that. Hailie is my middle name so since there are no other Hailies in Eliza's family some call me that. Ramos, that one doesn't need an explanation. Little Bella is both because I'm shorter then them and because Eliza's great auntie or something is called Bella. Izzy, that's mainly just what Lillian and the little ones call me." Harry nodded thoughtfully before leaning over and pulling the covers back, gesturing for me to get in. Harry took of his shirt and jeans and I had already changed into little sleep shorts and one of Harry's t-shirts. I snuggled up to his bare chest and he put his arms around me.
"I love you so much Bella." He whispered. Even now the words still make my heart flutter.
"I love you too." I spoke back, and no truer words have ever been spoken. I felt Harry tense a little, before he pulled back and looked at me.
"Do you?" To say I was shocked by the question would be a massive understatement.
"Of course I do. Why are you asking?" I was slightly nervous to hear his answer, honestly. He shook his head.
"Never mind." Harry smiled and I almost forgot what we were talking about. I decided not to push it further so when he pulled me back into his arms I didn't object, it wasn't until later that I started to panic.
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Why did Harry ask if I loved him? It's because I'm a terrible girlfriend isn't it. I'm ugly. I'm overweight. I slit my skin where it is hidden. I'm not a good girlfriend. I'm not a good person. I don't deserve Harry, or anyone for that fact. Crap I need music, or something. I can't have a breakdown. Not here. Not now.
I crept out of bed and went into the main room, the one open to the balcony, tv, couches and kitchen, and found my small bag with only a few things in it. I started to rummage through it, frantically looking for my phone and headphones. Where are they? Why can't I find them?
Riley's PoV
I woke to a very quiet rusting from the main room. I groggily got out of bed and put on a shirt before leaving my room. My heart broke at what I saw. Isabella frantically digging through her possessions in her bag, tears threatening to fall from her beautiful eyes.
"Where are the, where are they..." She muttered under her breath, she must be looking for her headphones since her phone is right beside her.
"Isabella?" I softly spoke her name and crouched down next to her. She jumped, startled, before realising it was me and not one of the others.
“I....I can't f-find..." She stuttered on her words and I gently placed my hand on her shoulder.
"I know I know." I took the bag from her hands, pulling out the headphones and attached them to the phone, unlocking it and finding her music playlist named C.D shit. CD stood for calming down but it was an easy cover for if she didn't want to explain it. I stood up and took her hand, leading her to the couch. Half sitting and half laying down, I pulled Isabella down softly next to me and placed the earphones in her ears, pressing shuffle and letting the music play at the volume I know she likes. Wrapping my arms around her, I let her snuggle up to me and could feel her body relaxing as time passed and the music played. Over time she slowly drifted off to sleep, and eventually I did too.
Eliza's PoV
At about 7 I woke up. Yeah I know its early but when we are here we all seem to wake up at 7, probably because we never bothered to get good curtains so the sun wakes us up. We don't mind anyway because it means we get to the beach quicker. I quickly put on a bra under my top and went upstairs, about to have breakfast. Although when I got up there the first thing I saw was Harry standing next to the couch, his face hard and angry. Curious, I silently walked up to him and saw what he was looking at, Bella and Riley cuddled up on the couch.
My face dropped, but not because of the same reason as Harry. Bella had fallen asleep with her headphones in with Riley and I know what that means. It means she was about to have a breakdown.
"Harry-"
"Don't." He spoke through gritted teeth and I could see past the anger all the pain.
"No Harry listen. You know Bella would never do something like what you're thinking. She loves you so much." I promised him.
"Then why did she fall asleep out here with him and not in there with me?" The hurt he felt became more evident with each word.
"Because she didn't want to worry you." At this he turned to me, confused.
"What do you mean?" He asked cautiously.
"Harry, Bella only ever falls asleep like this if she was about to have a breakdown. I don't know why but something last night stressed her out and Riley probably woke up when he heard her or something. Riley is the only person I know who can actually calm her down when she gets really bad. No one else, not me or Luke or Jamie and maybe not even you could. But Riley can. He knows Bella better then Jamie, Luke and I put together. But that's not something to be jealous of because you're the person she loves. You have to beleive that because she loves you so much Harry and I can promise you she only see's Riley as a brother and friend." The anger deflated from his features and was replaced with defeat.
"What about how he feels?" I sighed at his question. There's no point in hiding that Riley obviously has feelings for Bella. Whether they are a tiny crush or something more I don't know, but everyone except for Bella seems to be able to see them.
"It doesn't matter how he feels, it matters how she feels, and how you feel." He nodded sadly before walking to the kitchen a few meters behind the couch Bella and Riley were on. I took one last look at Bella, muttering what I had been wondering for a while.
"Oh Bella what's going on with you."
Harry's PoV
I got my breakfast and sat down at the table, wondering if Bella really did love me. Eliza says she does but she's seemed more distant lately. I ate my breakfast, silent and listened to the movement from downstairs, letting me know the others were all waking up early. Then I felt a small, warm pair of arms loosely wrap around me and a delicate kiss was placed to my neck.
"Hey." Bellas voice was quiet and not quite her own.
"Hey." I turned around and pushed my chair out, pulling her down on my lap. She immediately wrapped her arms tightly around me.
"Bella are you okay?" I asked softly. She leaned down and brushed her lips against mine.
"Yeah." She nodded, but we both knew she was lying.
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Less then an hour later we were all pulling wetsuits over our bathers.
"Have you ever gone boogy-boarding before?" Bella asked, rubbing some sun cream on her face.
"Um no." I admitted, laughing. This brought a smile to Bellas face. ((If you don't know what it is google it))
"Well it's not that hard but it's really fun." She took the outside stairs and went to the garage whi was used for about everything except for storing a car. Everyone else was already down there and Riley was handing everyone a boogie board, Bella went straight past him and took one that I assumed she always used.
"Let's go." We all walked over to the beach which took all of about 2 minutes maybe. As soon as we stepped onto the sand Bella and Eliza were sprinting to the water. I heard a small shriek escape both of there mouths as they entered the water but they kept running and both dove under, resurfacing laughing. This should be a good day.
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Water swirled around me as I -once again- fell off my board. When I came back up Bella was a few meters away laughing.
"Oh god Harry." She continued to laugh. I shook my head and swam over to her (the water was up to about my armpits), jumping onto her and pulling her under the water just as a wave crashed over the top of us. I pushed off the bottom of the sand and we resurfaced. With our boards floating nearby, attached to us by our wrists, Bella jumped and wrapped her legs around my waist.
"You, Harry Styles, suck at boogie boarding." She stated matter-of-factly.
"Well you've been doing this for years." I defended myself, smiling.
"It's really not that hard though." She kissed me before holding ever breath as another wave crashed over us. As soon as we got above the water her legs unwrapped around me and she got onto her board, paddling and catching the next wave alongside Eliza. All morning has been amazing. I've never seen Bella so carefree and at home I guess.
It got to 11 o'clock (Bella had that awesome ability to be able to tell the time from the sun) and only Bella, Riley and I were still in the water. As much as I hated leaving her out here with just him I was getting exhausted and cold.
"I'm gonna head in for a little." I called out to Bella. She smiled and nodded. I caught a wave in successfully and went over to the others on the sand who were turning Niall into a mermaid. I peeled off my wetsuit and left it with the others before joining them in shaping Nialls boobs.
Louis PoV
"So are we gonna stay at the beach the whole day?" Dani asked Eliza. She shrugged.
"When Bella and Riley come in we'll probably walk to the shops ((which are just a small strip of about 10 small shops)) and grab something to eat, then we'll probably come back." At Eliza's answer everyone smiled, we were having a great time.
I looked around the beach, my gaze falling on Eliza as she watched Bella with an unreadable expression. She started to tap on her legs with her fingers in a way I know she only does when she's getting stressed. The rise and fall of her chest started to become uneven and quick and her eyes darted around frantically, becoming damp with tears. She was starting to have a panic attack.
"Hey Eliza can you show me where the toilets were again? I remember Bella saying they were somewhere along the path but I can't remember where. I stood up quickly and the some of the others looked at me, a little confused. Eliza nodded and stood up, brushing some sand from her legs and following me to the windy rubbery path that lead from the beach back to the path. Once we were well out of sight from anyone I turned back to her and noticed she had gotten worse.
"Hey hey Eliza, look at me." I spoke calmly. She bit her lip and looked me in the eyes, her swimming with tears.
"Your gonna be fine. This feeling will pass, it's not going to last I promise." After her first panic attack around me I researched them to try and find out what to do to help.
"Focus on your breathing with me okay?" She nodded. "Okay breath it......out." For a few minutes I helped her focus on her breathing while a few tears slipped out of her eyes. Eventually her breathing started to steady and she started to calm down. She looked down and wiped the tears from her cheeks.
"Sorry." She whispered. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion.
"What? Why?" I asked. She shrugged.
"Just....'coz..." She shrugged again and trailed off.
"Are you okay Eliza?" I asked cautiously. She took a breath and nodded, finally looking back up at me.
"Yeah I'm fine. Thank you Louis." She smiled at me and I nodded. I wrapped my arms around her and hugged her tightly. I thought about telling her I was worried about Bella but decided against it.
"Let's go back now." She said and stepped back.
Harry's PoV
After a bit Louis and Eliza came back.
"Is everything okay?" I asked Louis quietly, noticing the worry etched into his features.
"Yeah of course." He gave me smile I knew was fake before turning back to Niall. Before I could respond thin wet arms wrapped around my shoulders.
"Hey." I turned around and pulled Bella down by the waist. She squealed and landed on my lap. Her laugh was music to my ears and something I feel I have been hearing less of recently. I tugged her forwards and pressed my lips to hers. The kiss was quick and salty but, call me crazy, it was so light and happy and beautiful.
"I've missed this beach so much." She sighed happily, a genuine smile on her face.
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Bella's PoV
Apart from lunch we stayed at the beach until 5:30. When we got back everyone started taking turns to have a really quick shower, mainly just to rinse off the sand. After Dani got in the shower it was just me and Harry left. We sat down on the grass, our wetsuits rinsed in the cold outside shower and hanging up on the line.
"Mmm I really love those bathers." Harry hummed against my neck, leaving a trail of warm kisses on my skin. "But you know I have this feeling they'd look even better on the bathroom floor." I could feel his smirk against my skin.
"Oh really. And why might that be?" I asked innocently. He slowly skimmed his lips up to my ear.
"I think you know why." He whispered seductively.
"Is that so?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Hey lovebirds! I'm done with the shower." I looked back to see Dani standing in the house doorway in just a towel. She has a really nice body. How does she do that? How does she eat perfectly normally and still have a body that's amazing. Why can't I look like her? I bet Harry would find me more attractive if I looked like her.
"Bella?" I blinked out of my daze and smiled at Harry, standing up and following him inside into the bathroom. As soon as I stepped into the shower my back was pressed to the shower wall. I gasped at the coldness but with Harry's body up against mine I quickly forgot about the temperature.
~~~~~~48 Hours Later~~~~~~
"Dammit, dammit, where is it?" I mumbled to myself, searching through our bags for a top. Any top. Where the fuck are they all? I sighed and found the smallest of Harry's tops I could find, though I knew it was still too big. I heard the doorknob turn and I quickly pulled the top over my head. Riley walked in as I was tugging the top down my stomach. His eyes quickly darted to my midsection.
"Isabella....." He trailed off and looked me in the eyes.
"Yeah?" I asked casually.
"What's going on with you?" So he's not beating around the bush I guess.
"What do you mean?" I did my best to keep my voice from shaking because even the tiniest flutter Riley would tell.
"Don't play dumb with me Isabella you've been acting different every since you got here." He called me out on my shit, knowing I wasn't as good a liar when it came to him.
"No I haven't." I replied stubbornly.
"Isabella I know you, I can tell when something's up." He tried to keep the irritation out of his voice.
"Well I guess you're just wrong this time." I shrugged.
"Isabella stop acting like nothing's going on. I know you. Don't think you can keep acting like everything's fine. That crap doesn't work on me. I've known you your whole life you're not okay. Don't think I didn't notice how thin you've gotten. Isabella I'm worried about you." I gulped and kept a straight face.
"Oh really? Well if you say I've gotten so skinny how come no one else has said anything." I challenged. He tugged at his hair, frustrated.
"I don't know! But I know you and I know you're not okay. Maybe no one else can, but I can see that your putting on some fake 'okay' thing and something's up with you. Isabella please tell me what's going on." He pleaded. It killed me to know I was causing pain. Actually Na he probably just wants something to gossip about.... I doubt he actually cares. Why would he? Why would anyone?
"Look Riley I don't know what you're talking about but I am perfectly fine, at least I was until 30 seconds ago." I snapped.
"Bella you're too thin, you haven't been eating enough and after spending full days swimming and running around your barely even eating a normal meal. And I've noticed those scratches on your shoulders, your legs. I'm not accusing you but Isabella I know you and-"
"Stop fucking saying that!" I screamed, cutting him off. "Stop saying you know me. And stop calling me Isabella. Yea you know me better then pretty much anyone, you know a lot of things about me but that doesn't mean you 'know' me. Harry knows me. Eliza knows me. I barely even speak to you any more. You knew me extremely well, but that doesn't mean you know me Riley." I spat his name. "You are not the person who knows me best. You might be the person who knows me most, but not best. You are not that person so don't you come in here and fucking talk to me about all this shit. Screw you Riley." I pushed past him and stormed out of the room.
Louis PoV
I held my breath and sat down onto the couch as quietly as I could, trying not to eavesdrop as Riley and Bella bickered, but I couldn't not hear when Bella started yelling. I became more and more still with each word. Suddenly she stormed out of her room and ran downstairs. I heard the front door slam and was glad that all the others had walked up to the muffin shop, otherwise this would have been an even worse situation. Riley swore and I watched as he came out of Bellas room and went to go downstairs.
"Don't follow her." I spoke up, surprising the both of us.
"How much of that did you hear?" He asked cautiously.
"Nothing really." I lied. "Just yelling, no words." I shrugged. He obviously didn't believe me but didn't fight back, instead slumped back onto the couch behind him.
"Fuck." He pulled at his hair, extremely frustrated.
"Should I call Harry?" I asked. At Harry's name he visibly tensed. It was pretty obvious this guy had feelings for Bella but I know he has her best interest at heart so hopefully he won't do anything.
"No that'll only make it worse." He mumbled. "She's probably gone down to the beach, she'll be back when she's ready."
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Three hours later it was starting to get dark and Bella still wasn't back.
"Umm does Bella usually stay out so late when she goes on beach walks?" El asked, slight worry etched into her features. Riley glanced at Harry who was nervously fiddling with his fingers. We told them Bella just went on a walk.
"Yeah sometimes. She'll be back when she wants." Riley shrugged nonchalantly.
"Well I'm going anyway." Harry mumbled and stood up. Before anyone could respond he disappeared down the stairs and we watched him through the large screen doors as he walked across the road and to the beach.
Harry's PoV
What happened when I was gone? Louis' been quiet, the fucker Riley's been nervous and Bella is gone. What the hell did he do?! When I got onto the beach I took my thongs ((flip flops for you Americans and whoever else calls them flip flops)) off and decided not to carry them, instead to just leave them half buried in the sand near the entrance so they won't fly away. When I didn't see Bellas shoes where she usually left them I decided she must have just come here barefoot. I looked around the beach and saw only a few people here and there. I looked more carefully and spotted Bella, maybe 200 meters away sitting high on the sand with her knees pulled up to her chest. I began to walk over to her and as I got closer I could see the distress clear on her face. When I finally reached her I sat down next to her. Putting my arm around her, she rested her head on my shoulder.
"You know I could be some random stranger, you haven't looked at me so you don't know." I joked. I saw a small smirk playing at her lips.
"Peripheral vision my dear friend." She smiled and looked at me.
"What happened?" I asked, and the smiled immediately left her face.
"Nothing, I just wanted to come here I guess. I miss this beach. It's my safe place." She sighed and closed her eyes.
"Bella you know you can tell me anything, right?" Her smile faltered a little but she nodded.
"Yeah I know."
"And....you'd tell me if there was something I should be worrying about?" I asked nervously.
"Of course." She looked genuine but for some reason I knew she wasn't being completely honest.
~~~~~20 hours later~~~~~~
I was laying down on the bed reading one of Bella's books trying to figure out what was so great about it when Riley walked into the room.
"Where's Isabella?" His tone was completely dull. Partially because I know he doesn't like me, but also because he hadn't spoken to Bella since whatever happened yesterday.
"Bella went for a walk." I told him bluntly. Whatever he did, Bella hadn't been the same.
"When." I rolled my eyes at him.
"20 minutes ago maybe. I don't know." I shrugged.
"Let me know when she gets back." He turned to leave but stopped when I scoffed.
"And why would I?" I challenged. He scowled and shook his head.
"Fuck you Styles." He spat and went to walk out. He froze when he heard a crinkling sound. Bending down, he picked up what he had stepped on and I realised too late what it was. I jumped up and ripped it out of his hands, but his eyes were wide with a range of emotions swirling around.
"What the fuck." He hissed and looked up at me with anger burning in his eyes. "What this fuck is this, where did you get it?" He demanded.
"At the airport before we came here. These two women kept looking at Bella and one of them dropped it." There was really no point lying.
"Well did you show Isabella?" He asked, clearly trying to not scream at me.
"No." At this he took a deep shaky breath.
"Don't you think she has the right to know?" He spoke through gritted teeth.
"I think she was having a hard enough time with family and this would only make things harder and more confusing for her." He ran his hand though his hair as he figured out what to say.
"That's not your decision to make." He shook his head.
"And it's yours?" I spat back.
"I know her like you don't." That sent me over the edge. I shot up from the bed and strode over to him.
"Then where the fuck were you when Ky raped her? Where were you when he came back? Where you when she had to have fucking surgery and almost died? Where the fuck were you? Because I was there for her and she leant on me. You think just because you know more about her past, or because she called you after we saw her dad that means that you mean more to her then I do? Have a think for a minute. She treats you like a brother! She will never love you like she loves me so fuck off." His face was hard and furious and I assumed mine looked the same.
"Maybe she loves you, but she trust's me." Before I could even think my fist collided with his jaw. He swung his fist back but suddenly Eliza appeared and stepped between us.
"I don't know what the fuck you two boys were just fighting about but for Bellas sake can you just pretend you like each other." Neither of us spoke, we just glared at each other until Eliza let out an annoyed groan.
"Harry go find Bella and calm the fuck down, Riley you come with me." She left the room and we both did as we were told.
Eliza's PoV
Once I was in Rileys room I waited to hear the front door close, then turned back around to Riley.
"What the fuck do you think your doing?! You know that this is the one place in the world Bella loves more then anywhere and you're ruining this trip by fighting with her god damn boyfriend! Not to mention whatever you did yesterday. I don't know what your deal is with Harry but you need to stop being a dick to him." I huffed as I finished my rant. Riley didn't respond, he just sat down on the bed and let his head fall into his hands. I stood, confused. Then the realisation hit me like a ton of bricks.
"Oh god Riley." I sat down on the bed next to him and he shook his head.
"I would be so much better with her." His voice was barely a whisper. "I know her so well and we would be amazing together. I'd be so much better then him." He shook his head again and bit his lip.
"Riley...." I couldn't think of what to say to comfort him. The little crush I thought he had? He loves her. I can't believe I never saw it before. I knew what I needed to say and I couldn't think of a nice way to put it. "Riley you know she loves Harry, she's happy with him and they love each other." I told him softly.
"You think I don't fucking know that." He snapped and stood up, towering over me. "I know she loves him and I know she's happy. That doesn't make it any easier. Just....drop it." Before I could say anything he stormed out.
Harry's PoV
I slammed the front door and could faintly head Eliza start yelling at Riley. I walked along the side of the road, paying no attention to where I was going. Eventually I looked up and noticed Bella about 50 meters away, her headphones were in and she was just looking around thoughtfully as she walked. When she spotted me she took out her headphones and smiled, but her face fell as she neared me and saw my expression.
"What happened?" She asked as soon as I reached her.
"Do you trust me?" I completely disregarded her question.
"What?" She scrunched her eyebrows in confusion.
"Do. You. Trust. Me.?" I repeated.
"Of course I do Harry. Why are you asking?" I ran my hand through my hair, aware my distress was showing.
"Harry?" Bella's concerned voice brought my attention back to her.
"You love me, right?" I don't know why but I was terrified to hear her answer. Bella's eyes softened and she stepped forwards, loosely putting her arms around my neck.
"Harry I love you so so much. You know that. You know I love you." Her simple words relaxed me instantly. I wrapped my arms around her and burried my head in the crook of her neck.
"I love you so much Bella. So much. Please don't ever leave me."
~~~3 days later~~~
The last three days had been pretty good. Although Riley and I were completely cold to each other whenever Bella was around we acted nice enough for her not to notice something was up. Bella still wasn't acting totally normal with Riley but for the most part she was. Louis and El weren't even even a little awkward around each other. In fact, when a guy was checking out El, Louis practically forced her to talk to go up and talk to him. Many times Bella had recognised someone who lived here and would chat to them. She had seemed happier then I had seen her in a while. While I was a little sad to go back to Sydney today, I was glad to be leaving Riley.
Louis PoV
The last three days had been a little weird. Riley and Harry were stone cold to each other when not in the presence of Bella. Bella and I hadn't really spoken and things had been a little awkward between us. She knew I knew something was up, but neither of us said anything about it. I'd kept a close eye on her but it seemed she could tell when I was watching because she acted extra normal around me. Harry was so damn clueless. Every time he looked at Bella she had this fake happy glow to her but the second he turned away it disappeared.
The plane we were catching today took off at 2 so we needed to leave the house at about 10:30. It was only 8:30 so I had plenty of time.
I watched curiously from the couch as Bella walked into the kitchen, not noticing me, and picked up a peach, looking at it for a few seconds before putting back down and sitting down at the table, reading. About 10 minutes later Harry, shirtless, walked in and kissed Bella on the top of the head.
"I'm gonna make some breakfast, you want me to make you some?" He asked. Bella shook her head and smiled at him.
"I've already eaten, but thanks." She kissed him lightly before he walked into the kitchen.
Wait. What? She hasn't had breakfast. Why did she tell him she did?
~~~~~At the airport~~~~~~
Bellas PoV
After everyone had said goodbye Riley he came over to me.
"I'll miss ya Isabella." He smiled.
"Yeah I'm gonna miss the beach a whole lot." I smirked and he gasped in mock horror.
"And what about me?"
"Yea I guess I'll miss you a little too." I shrugged nonchalantly and he laughed.
"Make sure you call me." He smiled fondly.
"I promise. But you gotta promise to check your phone because chances are when I try to call you you won't have reception." I pointed out smiling.
"Okay I promise to check my phone. Bye Isabella." He pulled me into his arms and I hugged him tightly ignoring Harry 'subtlety' watching us. Our flight was called and Harry took hold of my hand as we boarded the plane. I put a headphone in while Harry took the other and we sat comfortably, but I felt someone's eyes on me. I looked over and made brief eye contract with Louis. His face was completely blank. Then he just looked away. What's his problem?
1. Sorry for not updating I have had so much homework
2. WARNING: This chapter is f***ing long
3. Hold shit 100 votes I love you all so much. Keep voting!
4. this is Riley ikr how hot is he
5. This is the Beach
6. This is what they wear to the beach
Louis PoV
"Harry." I clicked my fingers in front of his face and he snapped out of whatever daze he was in....again. He hadn't been able to focus since we got on the plane. Now, waiting out the front of the airport for Bella's friend, he's the same.
"Yeah." He looked over at me, his eyes slightly duller than usual. I rolled my eyes and pointed to a guy getting out of a car about 50 meters away, I could tell he was Riley from seeing pictures of him and Bella around Eliza's house. He followed my gaze and then rolled his eyes. I knew he wouldn't be fond of Riley since he seems so close to Bella. Eliza had been picked up by a friend that lived nearby and was going to meet us at Riley's later.
"Iz!" Riley's voice called out from where he was. Bellas head snapped to his direction and a huge grin split out on her face.
"Ri!" She screamed and started to run over to him, letting go of Harry's hand. When she reached him she jumped into his arms and he lifted her up and spun her around, both of them laughing. Harry huffed beside me and I rolled my eyes at his childish behaviour. Bella loves him for gods sake Harry needs to stop getting so mad. We started to walk over to the other two and reached them as he was putting Bella back on the ground. He took one look at her and his jaw dropped.
"Holy shit your hair has no colour in it! I swear to god this is the first time in years I've seen you without colour in your hair." He gaped at her brown hair.
"You had colour in your hair?" I asked curiously. Bella laughed and nodded.
"Yeah, I let it grow out and fade though." She shrugged.
"Well I still think it looks great." Riley complimented her. Harry scoffed quietly beside me. Riley then turned to me.
"Hey mate, I'm Riley obviously." He chuckled and held his hand out. I shook it and smiled back.
"Louis." He nodded and turned to Harry.
"You must be Harry. Gotta say I've heard a lot about you already." He flashed Bella a quick smile and she blushed, before turning back to Harry.
"Can't say the same for you." Harry mumbled, although not very quietly. Bella shot him a glare and I elbowed him.
"Stop being a dick." I muttered to him. He rolled his eyes and we all got in Riley's car.
"So how was Eliza's family reunion thing?" He took a side glance to ask Bella. Me and Harry were in the back.
"Like every year, Eliza got bored and hated talking. It was really good though. Lilliana's six! I mean seriously she's so big I remember when she was just born and now she's six and I feel old." Bella whined. Riley laughed, smiling.
"Well your 19. Not too old yet. Now you can officially say you have been drinking for over a year. Ya know, legally." He winked and Bella rolled her eyes, though still smiling. The two continued to chat about anything really, and Harry slumped back in his seat. I nudged him and leaned over.
"Why are you being so pissy about everything." I asked quietly. Harry narrowed his eyes.
"I'm not." He practically growled.
"Geez someone's on there man period." I muttered under my breath. he glared at me again before turning his attention to the window while Bella and and Riley continued to talk. I swear Harry huffed every time Riley called her Isabella. What's the big deal, its her name.
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Harry's PoV
Since we stopped at a lot of places along the way, including to get dinner, by the time we actually got to Riley's house it was about 7:30 and it was becoming obvious that Bella was tired. Still it didn't stop her from talking to fucking Riley. His house was pretty great though. It was directly across from the beach, the beach had about a 30 meter strip of bushes between the road (there were paths leading to the beach) so when we went to the beach it would be really quiet and nice.
"You gonna stay in your usual room?" Riley asked Bella who nodded, grabbing her bags out of the car. Then the others all pulled up. Groggily, each one of them got out of the car.
"I'm tired." El stifled a yawn. "I should have come on the plane with you guys." She complained. Everyone introduced themselves to Riley then we all went inside and put our shit in our rooms. The place was pretty damn big. In the upstairs rooms, Jamie would stay with Riley, I was staying in Bella's room (why the fuck does Bella have a room at this guys house) and Luke, Zayn and Niall were sharing a room. The rest were staying in the rooms downstairs. After I put our bags in Bella's room, I went out onto the belcony. I found it a little weird how the kitchen and main room was upstairs and were joined but apparently that's what most beach houses are like. Small arms wrapped around my waist and I turned around smiling at Bella. I'd barely spoken to her since the airport.
"Hey." I leaned down and lightly kissed her soft lips. She smiled up at me.
"Hey. So...what do you think." She was referring to the house and beach and where we were. I knew she was trying to hide it but I could see that nervous/hopeful glint in her eyes and I realised just how important this place was to her.
"I think it's beautiful." I wrapped my arms around her much smaller frame and breathed in her scent. "Just like you." I whispered in her ear. She didn't respond.
Louis' PoV (two sentences with people talking right ontop of each other with no space line means they are talking at the same time)
I have to do it. I have to do it now. It's driving me crazy knowing that I'm still her boyfriend. I still love El but not in that way. At all. Like seriously I need to break up with her. Now.
"El, could you come here for a second?" I asked quietly. She nodded and sat down on the bed next to me.
"We need to talk."
"We need to talk." We both said at the same time. I laughed awkwardly and had a strong feeling she knew what I wanted to talk about.
"You first,"
"Your first,"
"Okay I'll go,"
"Okay I'll go,"
"No you can go,"
"No you can go,"
"Fine,"
"Fine,"
"I'm breaking up with you,"
"I'm breaking up with you,"
"What?"
"What?" We both stopped talking and just looked at each other.
"You speak first." I told her. She nodded and gulped.
"Well I don't really need to tell you this because you already know it......but this is so not working out." I smiled and nodded in agreement. "Now you say something."
"I still love you El.....I'm just not in love with you. I don't want this to ruin everything between us because I don't want to loose you but I don't want to be with you." I admitted what I had wanted to say for quit ea while now. To my surprise a huge smile broke out on El's face.
"Oh thank god, I thought I was the only one that felt that way." A grin made its way onto my face and I realised that this would actually work, we were actually going to stay friends.
"Can I ask you one thing though?" She asked. I nodded.
"If I had cheated on you, would you have cared." My eyes widened. Is she saying she cheated on me?
"You cheated on me?"
"Oh no god no! I'm saying if I did, would you have cared." I thought about it. For a second when I thought she had I was shocked. But upset? Mad? No.
"No....I don't think so." She shook her head thoughtfully.
"Okay, I don't think I would have minded if you cheated either." She shrugged.
"I didn't." I quickly said.
"I know." She laughed, the stuck her hand out. "Friends?" She raised her eyebrows. I smiled and grasped her hand.
"Friends."
Harry's PoV
Bella was sitting on one of those long chair things on the balcony practically asleep so I went inside to get a jacket incase she got cold. I opened her suitcase and looked around for a jacket. There's nothing good in here that will keep her warm. I sighed and went to my suitcase, picking out a hoodie, secretly glad that Bella would end up with my hoodie on. Mine. Not Riley's.... I went to leave the room when something caught my eyes from Bellas suitcase. Papers? I picked out the papers. Lyrics? I sat down and read through them. (Plz read through it its actually an original written by 'Bella' {i mean me btw, just incase u didnt get that})
You pick me up from the ground
Only to once again push me down
You told me you loved me, and you'd never hurt me
But in my nightmares yo're all I see
Your evil eyes and powerful fists
The words that hurt more the the hits
But I don't care anymore
Not since I walked out your door
Hit me, beat me, make me cry
Tell me you love me and other lies
I don't care
I don't wanna hear it
'Coz None of it means anything anymore
Not since I walked out your door
I had faith in you, you were my rock
But now I flinch at every knock
I trusted you, I gave you my heart
But you tossed it aside and tore it apart
Hit me, beat me, make me cry
Tell me you love me and other lies
I don't care
I don't wanna hear it
'Coz None of it means anything anymore
Not since I walked out your door
Get out of my life
Get out of my head
Your no longer what I think about
Before I go to bed
You hurt me more than I ever thought you could
And did things I never thought you would
But I no longer care, do you know why?
Do you know why I don't care about your lies?
Because I moved on
I'm a new me
And it feels wonderful
Because I am free
So hit me, beat me, make me cry
Tell me you love me and other lies
I don't care
I don't wanna hear it
'Coz None of it means anything anymore
Not since I walked out your door
I don't think about you anymore
Not since he walked through my door
I read over the lyrics, over and over again. Clearly this was not another song she had written drunk. I looked at the date scribbled at the top. A week after I told her I loved her. This song, every word of it....was indescribable. I couldn't figure out how to describe it. It was written straight from her heart.
Realising I had let quite a bit of time pass, I put the papers back where I had found them and left the room, taking the hoodie near me. Bella was in the exact same position I had left her. I gently slipped the hoodie over her and laid next to her, my arms wrapped tightly around her sleeping body. I held her close and vowed to myself that I would always love her, that I would never intentionally hurt her, and if I do I will spend every waking moment trying to get her back. I placed a gentle kiss to the top of her head and closed my eyes.
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"Harry." Someone cleared there throat and I opened my eyes to see Riley standing by the door, staring disapprovingly at Bella in my arms.
"Yeah?" I asked, my tone ruder then it needed to be. Although his face was now neutral, his eyes showed pure jealously. On the one hand it made me want to dance around and chant 'haha she's mine not yours.' But on the other hand it made me want to throw him off the balcony. He is not allowed to look jealous because that means.....never mind. Bella is mine and that's not going to change. She loves me. She. Loves. Me.
"We've just walked down to the fish and chips shop ((A/N practically everything is walking distance btw I'm basing this place on where I go)) so in half an hour food will be here. Just make sure Isabella's up by then." His voice was stiff and emotionless, very different to earlier when he was speaking to Bella.
"Ok." I spoke quick and sharp. Also her name is Bella asshole..... It's going to be a long week.
-------
"Bella, love wake up." She shook her head and snuggled closer to me. Honestly I'd be perfectly fine to stay here but the food is here now and she needs to eat.
"Bella c'mon. Get up." When she didn't move I stood up, and she immediately wrapped her arms around her body, trying to regain the warmth.
"Your mean." She pouted. I laughed and helped her up. Holding hands, we walked back inside and sat down around a wooden circle table that everyone was already at, opening the papery packages the food was in.
"Ahh sleeping beauty is awake." Riley joked, causing Bella to laugh and me to subtly glare at him, but he didn't miss it. He oh so slightly smirked. 1 point to him.
-------
"Oh before everyone goes to bed n stuff me and El just have something to tell you." We all tuned back around to Louis. Were they engaged or something? Wait no that wouldn't make sense they havn't been going to well.
"We broke up." The collective gasp would have been funny, had the situation been different.
"But we're friends and everything is good so....yeah." They both disappeared into he room they were sharing with some of the others before any of us could respond.
"Did he just say-"
"That they-"
"Broke up. But-"
"That makes absolutely-"
"No sense."
"At all." Everyone except for Bella seemed shocked. Eventually we all went to our rooms.
Bellas PoV
"So you seem to have a fair amount of names." Harry smiled curiously. "What was there.....Izzy, Ramos, Little Bella, Hailie....." He pretended to be deep in thought.
"Oh shut up I get called different things for different reasons" I giggled, lightly slapping him on the arm.
"Okay, let's hear them." He sat down next to me on the bed, looking straight into my eyes, his eyes are so green. Really they are so pretty, so perfect. "Bella?" I blinked and realised I had just been staring.
"Oh um." I coughed awkwardly and blushed, Harry was trying to hide a smile. "So, Isabella I've told you was my birth name and only a few people still call me that. Hailie is my middle name so since there are no other Hailies in Eliza's family some call me that. Ramos, that one doesn't need an explanation. Little Bella is both because I'm shorter then them and because Eliza's great auntie or something is called Bella. Izzy, that's mainly just what Lillian and the little ones call me." Harry nodded thoughtfully before leaning over and pulling the covers back, gesturing for me to get in. Harry took of his shirt and jeans and I had already changed into little sleep shorts and one of Harry's t-shirts. I snuggled up to his bare chest and he put his arms around me.
"I love you so much Bella." He whispered. Even now the words still make my heart flutter.
"I love you too." I spoke back, and no truer words have ever been spoken. I felt Harry tense a little, before he pulled back and looked at me.
"Do you?" To say I was shocked by the question would be a massive understatement.
"Of course I do. Why are you asking?" I was slightly nervous to hear his answer, honestly. He shook his head.
"Never mind." Harry smiled and I almost forgot what we were talking about. I decided not to push it further so when he pulled me back into his arms I didn't object, it wasn't until later that I started to panic.
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Why did Harry ask if I loved him? It's because I'm a terrible girlfriend isn't it. I'm ugly. I'm overweight. I slit my skin where it is hidden. I'm not a good girlfriend. I'm not a good person. I don't deserve Harry, or anyone for that fact. Crap I need music, or something. I can't have a breakdown. Not here. Not now.
I crept out of bed and went into the main room, the one open to the balcony, tv, couches and kitchen, and found my small bag with only a few things in it. I started to rummage through it, frantically looking for my phone and headphones. Where are they? Why can't I find them?
Riley's PoV
I woke to a very quiet rusting from the main room. I groggily got out of bed and put on a shirt before leaving my room. My heart broke at what I saw. Isabella frantically digging through her possessions in her bag, tears threatening to fall from her beautiful eyes.
"Where are the, where are they..." She muttered under her breath, she must be looking for her headphones since her phone is right beside her.
"Isabella?" I softly spoke her name and crouched down next to her. She jumped, startled, before realising it was me and not one of the others.
“I....I can't f-find..." She stuttered on her words and I gently placed my hand on her shoulder.
"I know I know." I took the bag from her hands, pulling out the headphones and attached them to the phone, unlocking it and finding her music playlist named C.D shit. CD stood for calming down but it was an easy cover for if she didn't want to explain it. I stood up and took her hand, leading her to the couch. Half sitting and half laying down, I pulled Isabella down softly next to me and placed the earphones in her ears, pressing shuffle and letting the music play at the volume I know she likes. Wrapping my arms around her, I let her snuggle up to me and could feel her body relaxing as time passed and the music played. Over time she slowly drifted off to sleep, and eventually I did too.
Eliza's PoV
At about 7 I woke up. Yeah I know its early but when we are here we all seem to wake up at 7, probably because we never bothered to get good curtains so the sun wakes us up. We don't mind anyway because it means we get to the beach quicker. I quickly put on a bra under my top and went upstairs, about to have breakfast. Although when I got up there the first thing I saw was Harry standing next to the couch, his face hard and angry. Curious, I silently walked up to him and saw what he was looking at, Bella and Riley cuddled up on the couch.
My face dropped, but not because of the same reason as Harry. Bella had fallen asleep with her headphones in with Riley and I know what that means. It means she was about to have a breakdown.
"Harry-"
"Don't." He spoke through gritted teeth and I could see past the anger all the pain.
"No Harry listen. You know Bella would never do something like what you're thinking. She loves you so much." I promised him.
"Then why did she fall asleep out here with him and not in there with me?" The hurt he felt became more evident with each word.
"Because she didn't want to worry you." At this he turned to me, confused.
"What do you mean?" He asked cautiously.
"Harry, Bella only ever falls asleep like this if she was about to have a breakdown. I don't know why but something last night stressed her out and Riley probably woke up when he heard her or something. Riley is the only person I know who can actually calm her down when she gets really bad. No one else, not me or Luke or Jamie and maybe not even you could. But Riley can. He knows Bella better then Jamie, Luke and I put together. But that's not something to be jealous of because you're the person she loves. You have to beleive that because she loves you so much Harry and I can promise you she only see's Riley as a brother and friend." The anger deflated from his features and was replaced with defeat.
"What about how he feels?" I sighed at his question. There's no point in hiding that Riley obviously has feelings for Bella. Whether they are a tiny crush or something more I don't know, but everyone except for Bella seems to be able to see them.
"It doesn't matter how he feels, it matters how she feels, and how you feel." He nodded sadly before walking to the kitchen a few meters behind the couch Bella and Riley were on. I took one last look at Bella, muttering what I had been wondering for a while.
"Oh Bella what's going on with you."
Harry's PoV
I got my breakfast and sat down at the table, wondering if Bella really did love me. Eliza says she does but she's seemed more distant lately. I ate my breakfast, silent and listened to the movement from downstairs, letting me know the others were all waking up early. Then I felt a small, warm pair of arms loosely wrap around me and a delicate kiss was placed to my neck.
"Hey." Bellas voice was quiet and not quite her own.
"Hey." I turned around and pushed my chair out, pulling her down on my lap. She immediately wrapped her arms tightly around me.
"Bella are you okay?" I asked softly. She leaned down and brushed her lips against mine.
"Yeah." She nodded, but we both knew she was lying.
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Less then an hour later we were all pulling wetsuits over our bathers.
"Have you ever gone boogy-boarding before?" Bella asked, rubbing some sun cream on her face.
"Um no." I admitted, laughing. This brought a smile to Bellas face. ((If you don't know what it is google it))
"Well it's not that hard but it's really fun." She took the outside stairs and went to the garage whi was used for about everything except for storing a car. Everyone else was already down there and Riley was handing everyone a boogie board, Bella went straight past him and took one that I assumed she always used.
"Let's go." We all walked over to the beach which took all of about 2 minutes maybe. As soon as we stepped onto the sand Bella and Eliza were sprinting to the water. I heard a small shriek escape both of there mouths as they entered the water but they kept running and both dove under, resurfacing laughing. This should be a good day.
-----
Water swirled around me as I -once again- fell off my board. When I came back up Bella was a few meters away laughing.
"Oh god Harry." She continued to laugh. I shook my head and swam over to her (the water was up to about my armpits), jumping onto her and pulling her under the water just as a wave crashed over the top of us. I pushed off the bottom of the sand and we resurfaced. With our boards floating nearby, attached to us by our wrists, Bella jumped and wrapped her legs around my waist.
"You, Harry Styles, suck at boogie boarding." She stated matter-of-factly.
"Well you've been doing this for years." I defended myself, smiling.
"It's really not that hard though." She kissed me before holding ever breath as another wave crashed over us. As soon as we got above the water her legs unwrapped around me and she got onto her board, paddling and catching the next wave alongside Eliza. All morning has been amazing. I've never seen Bella so carefree and at home I guess.
It got to 11 o'clock (Bella had that awesome ability to be able to tell the time from the sun) and only Bella, Riley and I were still in the water. As much as I hated leaving her out here with just him I was getting exhausted and cold.
"I'm gonna head in for a little." I called out to Bella. She smiled and nodded. I caught a wave in successfully and went over to the others on the sand who were turning Niall into a mermaid. I peeled off my wetsuit and left it with the others before joining them in shaping Nialls boobs.
Louis PoV
"So are we gonna stay at the beach the whole day?" Dani asked Eliza. She shrugged.
"When Bella and Riley come in we'll probably walk to the shops ((which are just a small strip of about 10 small shops)) and grab something to eat, then we'll probably come back." At Eliza's answer everyone smiled, we were having a great time.
I looked around the beach, my gaze falling on Eliza as she watched Bella with an unreadable expression. She started to tap on her legs with her fingers in a way I know she only does when she's getting stressed. The rise and fall of her chest started to become uneven and quick and her eyes darted around frantically, becoming damp with tears. She was starting to have a panic attack.
"Hey Eliza can you show me where the toilets were again? I remember Bella saying they were somewhere along the path but I can't remember where. I stood up quickly and the some of the others looked at me, a little confused. Eliza nodded and stood up, brushing some sand from her legs and following me to the windy rubbery path that lead from the beach back to the path. Once we were well out of sight from anyone I turned back to her and noticed she had gotten worse.
"Hey hey Eliza, look at me." I spoke calmly. She bit her lip and looked me in the eyes, her swimming with tears.
"Your gonna be fine. This feeling will pass, it's not going to last I promise." After her first panic attack around me I researched them to try and find out what to do to help.
"Focus on your breathing with me okay?" She nodded. "Okay breath it......out." For a few minutes I helped her focus on her breathing while a few tears slipped out of her eyes. Eventually her breathing started to steady and she started to calm down. She looked down and wiped the tears from her cheeks.
"Sorry." She whispered. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion.
"What? Why?" I asked. She shrugged.
"Just....'coz..." She shrugged again and trailed off.
"Are you okay Eliza?" I asked cautiously. She took a breath and nodded, finally looking back up at me.
"Yeah I'm fine. Thank you Louis." She smiled at me and I nodded. I wrapped my arms around her and hugged her tightly. I thought about telling her I was worried about Bella but decided against it.
"Let's go back now." She said and stepped back.
Harry's PoV
After a bit Louis and Eliza came back.
"Is everything okay?" I asked Louis quietly, noticing the worry etched into his features.
"Yeah of course." He gave me smile I knew was fake before turning back to Niall. Before I could respond thin wet arms wrapped around my shoulders.
"Hey." I turned around and pulled Bella down by the waist. She squealed and landed on my lap. Her laugh was music to my ears and something I feel I have been hearing less of recently. I tugged her forwards and pressed my lips to hers. The kiss was quick and salty but, call me crazy, it was so light and happy and beautiful.
"I've missed this beach so much." She sighed happily, a genuine smile on her face.
------
Bella's PoV
Apart from lunch we stayed at the beach until 5:30. When we got back everyone started taking turns to have a really quick shower, mainly just to rinse off the sand. After Dani got in the shower it was just me and Harry left. We sat down on the grass, our wetsuits rinsed in the cold outside shower and hanging up on the line.
"Mmm I really love those bathers." Harry hummed against my neck, leaving a trail of warm kisses on my skin. "But you know I have this feeling they'd look even better on the bathroom floor." I could feel his smirk against my skin.
"Oh really. And why might that be?" I asked innocently. He slowly skimmed his lips up to my ear.
"I think you know why." He whispered seductively.
"Is that so?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Hey lovebirds! I'm done with the shower." I looked back to see Dani standing in the house doorway in just a towel. She has a really nice body. How does she do that? How does she eat perfectly normally and still have a body that's amazing. Why can't I look like her? I bet Harry would find me more attractive if I looked like her.
"Bella?" I blinked out of my daze and smiled at Harry, standing up and following him inside into the bathroom. As soon as I stepped into the shower my back was pressed to the shower wall. I gasped at the coldness but with Harry's body up against mine I quickly forgot about the temperature.
~~~~~~48 Hours Later~~~~~~
"Dammit, dammit, where is it?" I mumbled to myself, searching through our bags for a top. Any top. Where the fuck are they all? I sighed and found the smallest of Harry's tops I could find, though I knew it was still too big. I heard the doorknob turn and I quickly pulled the top over my head. Riley walked in as I was tugging the top down my stomach. His eyes quickly darted to my midsection.
"Isabella....." He trailed off and looked me in the eyes.
"Yeah?" I asked casually.
"What's going on with you?" So he's not beating around the bush I guess.
"What do you mean?" I did my best to keep my voice from shaking because even the tiniest flutter Riley would tell.
"Don't play dumb with me Isabella you've been acting different every since you got here." He called me out on my shit, knowing I wasn't as good a liar when it came to him.
"No I haven't." I replied stubbornly.
"Isabella I know you, I can tell when something's up." He tried to keep the irritation out of his voice.
"Well I guess you're just wrong this time." I shrugged.
"Isabella stop acting like nothing's going on. I know you. Don't think you can keep acting like everything's fine. That crap doesn't work on me. I've known you your whole life you're not okay. Don't think I didn't notice how thin you've gotten. Isabella I'm worried about you." I gulped and kept a straight face.
"Oh really? Well if you say I've gotten so skinny how come no one else has said anything." I challenged. He tugged at his hair, frustrated.
"I don't know! But I know you and I know you're not okay. Maybe no one else can, but I can see that your putting on some fake 'okay' thing and something's up with you. Isabella please tell me what's going on." He pleaded. It killed me to know I was causing pain. Actually Na he probably just wants something to gossip about.... I doubt he actually cares. Why would he? Why would anyone?
"Look Riley I don't know what you're talking about but I am perfectly fine, at least I was until 30 seconds ago." I snapped.
"Bella you're too thin, you haven't been eating enough and after spending full days swimming and running around your barely even eating a normal meal. And I've noticed those scratches on your shoulders, your legs. I'm not accusing you but Isabella I know you and-"
"Stop fucking saying that!" I screamed, cutting him off. "Stop saying you know me. And stop calling me Isabella. Yea you know me better then pretty much anyone, you know a lot of things about me but that doesn't mean you 'know' me. Harry knows me. Eliza knows me. I barely even speak to you any more. You knew me extremely well, but that doesn't mean you know me Riley." I spat his name. "You are not the person who knows me best. You might be the person who knows me most, but not best. You are not that person so don't you come in here and fucking talk to me about all this shit. Screw you Riley." I pushed past him and stormed out of the room.
Louis PoV
I held my breath and sat down onto the couch as quietly as I could, trying not to eavesdrop as Riley and Bella bickered, but I couldn't not hear when Bella started yelling. I became more and more still with each word. Suddenly she stormed out of her room and ran downstairs. I heard the front door slam and was glad that all the others had walked up to the muffin shop, otherwise this would have been an even worse situation. Riley swore and I watched as he came out of Bellas room and went to go downstairs.
"Don't follow her." I spoke up, surprising the both of us.
"How much of that did you hear?" He asked cautiously.
"Nothing really." I lied. "Just yelling, no words." I shrugged. He obviously didn't believe me but didn't fight back, instead slumped back onto the couch behind him.
"Fuck." He pulled at his hair, extremely frustrated.
"Should I call Harry?" I asked. At Harry's name he visibly tensed. It was pretty obvious this guy had feelings for Bella but I know he has her best interest at heart so hopefully he won't do anything.
"No that'll only make it worse." He mumbled. "She's probably gone down to the beach, she'll be back when she's ready."
-------
Three hours later it was starting to get dark and Bella still wasn't back.
"Umm does Bella usually stay out so late when she goes on beach walks?" El asked, slight worry etched into her features. Riley glanced at Harry who was nervously fiddling with his fingers. We told them Bella just went on a walk.
"Yeah sometimes. She'll be back when she wants." Riley shrugged nonchalantly.
"Well I'm going anyway." Harry mumbled and stood up. Before anyone could respond he disappeared down the stairs and we watched him through the large screen doors as he walked across the road and to the beach.
Harry's PoV
What happened when I was gone? Louis' been quiet, the fucker Riley's been nervous and Bella is gone. What the hell did he do?! When I got onto the beach I took my thongs ((flip flops for you Americans and whoever else calls them flip flops)) off and decided not to carry them, instead to just leave them half buried in the sand near the entrance so they won't fly away. When I didn't see Bellas shoes where she usually left them I decided she must have just come here barefoot. I looked around the beach and saw only a few people here and there. I looked more carefully and spotted Bella, maybe 200 meters away sitting high on the sand with her knees pulled up to her chest. I began to walk over to her and as I got closer I could see the distress clear on her face. When I finally reached her I sat down next to her. Putting my arm around her, she rested her head on my shoulder.
"You know I could be some random stranger, you haven't looked at me so you don't know." I joked. I saw a small smirk playing at her lips.
"Peripheral vision my dear friend." She smiled and looked at me.
"What happened?" I asked, and the smiled immediately left her face.
"Nothing, I just wanted to come here I guess. I miss this beach. It's my safe place." She sighed and closed her eyes.
"Bella you know you can tell me anything, right?" Her smile faltered a little but she nodded.
"Yeah I know."
"And....you'd tell me if there was something I should be worrying about?" I asked nervously.
"Of course." She looked genuine but for some reason I knew she wasn't being completely honest.
~~~~~20 hours later~~~~~~
I was laying down on the bed reading one of Bella's books trying to figure out what was so great about it when Riley walked into the room.
"Where's Isabella?" His tone was completely dull. Partially because I know he doesn't like me, but also because he hadn't spoken to Bella since whatever happened yesterday.
"Bella went for a walk." I told him bluntly. Whatever he did, Bella hadn't been the same.
"When." I rolled my eyes at him.
"20 minutes ago maybe. I don't know." I shrugged.
"Let me know when she gets back." He turned to leave but stopped when I scoffed.
"And why would I?" I challenged. He scowled and shook his head.
"Fuck you Styles." He spat and went to walk out. He froze when he heard a crinkling sound. Bending down, he picked up what he had stepped on and I realised too late what it was. I jumped up and ripped it out of his hands, but his eyes were wide with a range of emotions swirling around.
"What the fuck." He hissed and looked up at me with anger burning in his eyes. "What this fuck is this, where did you get it?" He demanded.
"At the airport before we came here. These two women kept looking at Bella and one of them dropped it." There was really no point lying.
"Well did you show Isabella?" He asked, clearly trying to not scream at me.
"No." At this he took a deep shaky breath.
"Don't you think she has the right to know?" He spoke through gritted teeth.
"I think she was having a hard enough time with family and this would only make things harder and more confusing for her." He ran his hand though his hair as he figured out what to say.
"That's not your decision to make." He shook his head.
"And it's yours?" I spat back.
"I know her like you don't." That sent me over the edge. I shot up from the bed and strode over to him.
"Then where the fuck were you when Ky raped her? Where were you when he came back? Where you when she had to have fucking surgery and almost died? Where the fuck were you? Because I was there for her and she leant on me. You think just because you know more about her past, or because she called you after we saw her dad that means that you mean more to her then I do? Have a think for a minute. She treats you like a brother! She will never love you like she loves me so fuck off." His face was hard and furious and I assumed mine looked the same.
"Maybe she loves you, but she trust's me." Before I could even think my fist collided with his jaw. He swung his fist back but suddenly Eliza appeared and stepped between us.
"I don't know what the fuck you two boys were just fighting about but for Bellas sake can you just pretend you like each other." Neither of us spoke, we just glared at each other until Eliza let out an annoyed groan.
"Harry go find Bella and calm the fuck down, Riley you come with me." She left the room and we both did as we were told.
Eliza's PoV
Once I was in Rileys room I waited to hear the front door close, then turned back around to Riley.
"What the fuck do you think your doing?! You know that this is the one place in the world Bella loves more then anywhere and you're ruining this trip by fighting with her god damn boyfriend! Not to mention whatever you did yesterday. I don't know what your deal is with Harry but you need to stop being a dick to him." I huffed as I finished my rant. Riley didn't respond, he just sat down on the bed and let his head fall into his hands. I stood, confused. Then the realisation hit me like a ton of bricks.
"Oh god Riley." I sat down on the bed next to him and he shook his head.
"I would be so much better with her." His voice was barely a whisper. "I know her so well and we would be amazing together. I'd be so much better then him." He shook his head again and bit his lip.
"Riley...." I couldn't think of what to say to comfort him. The little crush I thought he had? He loves her. I can't believe I never saw it before. I knew what I needed to say and I couldn't think of a nice way to put it. "Riley you know she loves Harry, she's happy with him and they love each other." I told him softly.
"You think I don't fucking know that." He snapped and stood up, towering over me. "I know she loves him and I know she's happy. That doesn't make it any easier. Just....drop it." Before I could say anything he stormed out.
Harry's PoV
I slammed the front door and could faintly head Eliza start yelling at Riley. I walked along the side of the road, paying no attention to where I was going. Eventually I looked up and noticed Bella about 50 meters away, her headphones were in and she was just looking around thoughtfully as she walked. When she spotted me she took out her headphones and smiled, but her face fell as she neared me and saw my expression.
"What happened?" She asked as soon as I reached her.
"Do you trust me?" I completely disregarded her question.
"What?" She scrunched her eyebrows in confusion.
"Do. You. Trust. Me.?" I repeated.
"Of course I do Harry. Why are you asking?" I ran my hand through my hair, aware my distress was showing.
"Harry?" Bella's concerned voice brought my attention back to her.
"You love me, right?" I don't know why but I was terrified to hear her answer. Bella's eyes softened and she stepped forwards, loosely putting her arms around my neck.
"Harry I love you so so much. You know that. You know I love you." Her simple words relaxed me instantly. I wrapped my arms around her and burried my head in the crook of her neck.
"I love you so much Bella. So much. Please don't ever leave me."
~~~3 days later~~~
The last three days had been pretty good. Although Riley and I were completely cold to each other whenever Bella was around we acted nice enough for her not to notice something was up. Bella still wasn't acting totally normal with Riley but for the most part she was. Louis and El weren't even even a little awkward around each other. In fact, when a guy was checking out El, Louis practically forced her to talk to go up and talk to him. Many times Bella had recognised someone who lived here and would chat to them. She had seemed happier then I had seen her in a while. While I was a little sad to go back to Sydney today, I was glad to be leaving Riley.
Louis PoV
The last three days had been a little weird. Riley and Harry were stone cold to each other when not in the presence of Bella. Bella and I hadn't really spoken and things had been a little awkward between us. She knew I knew something was up, but neither of us said anything about it. I'd kept a close eye on her but it seemed she could tell when I was watching because she acted extra normal around me. Harry was so damn clueless. Every time he looked at Bella she had this fake happy glow to her but the second he turned away it disappeared.
The plane we were catching today took off at 2 so we needed to leave the house at about 10:30. It was only 8:30 so I had plenty of time.
I watched curiously from the couch as Bella walked into the kitchen, not noticing me, and picked up a peach, looking at it for a few seconds before putting back down and sitting down at the table, reading. About 10 minutes later Harry, shirtless, walked in and kissed Bella on the top of the head.
"I'm gonna make some breakfast, you want me to make you some?" He asked. Bella shook her head and smiled at him.
"I've already eaten, but thanks." She kissed him lightly before he walked into the kitchen.
Wait. What? She hasn't had breakfast. Why did she tell him she did?
~~~~~At the airport~~~~~~
Bellas PoV
After everyone had said goodbye Riley he came over to me.
"I'll miss ya Isabella." He smiled.
"Yeah I'm gonna miss the beach a whole lot." I smirked and he gasped in mock horror.
"And what about me?"
"Yea I guess I'll miss you a little too." I shrugged nonchalantly and he laughed.
"Make sure you call me." He smiled fondly.
"I promise. But you gotta promise to check your phone because chances are when I try to call you you won't have reception." I pointed out smiling.
"Okay I promise to check my phone. Bye Isabella." He pulled me into his arms and I hugged him tightly ignoring Harry 'subtlety' watching us. Our flight was called and Harry took hold of my hand as we boarded the plane. I put a headphone in while Harry took the other and we sat comfortably, but I felt someone's eyes on me. I looked over and made brief eye contract with Louis. His face was completely blank. Then he just looked away. What's his problem?
Notes
Follow me on tumblr and ask me anything or just follow me coz I have an awesome blog ;) thebeautyofmidnight.tumblr.com
Lots of drama in the next few chapters!!!! Sorry for not updating I have had so much homework I will try to write as much as I can hopefully I won't have as much homework this week.
COMMENT AND VOTE PLEASE I I WILL LOVE YOU!!!! Seriously comment about what you think will/should happen and everything. Comments=motivation for me to write ;) love ya and ur beautiful xoxo
to clear something up I forgot to write in, Bella has put university on hold for a little while because she couldn't focus on her studies for various reasons
Holy fuck I need to know what happens. Please just tell me Harry and Bella make it through everything and end up together because I might lose my mind if not. This is so good but holy shit my emotions
11/18/16