To Fall So Deep

Robbie took Nina's hand and pulled it into Button's Ice Cream parlor. They stood behind the long line, pointing at the different ice cream flavors for them to choose from. Harry walked inside, and casually stood behind them, keeping an eye on Robbie's hand who kept it on Nina's shoulder. He dropped his hand, sliding it further down till it was on her lower back. Harry leaned forward so his head was in between their's,

"Lovely night for ice cream, isn't it?"

Robbie and Nina turned their heads. They both smiled at the sight of Harry. Robbie took his hand off of Nina and raised it towards Harry.

"Styles, what's up my good man?" the two boys shook hands, and did a manly pat on the back.

"Harry, seeing you twice in one day," Nina started, "are you stalking me?"

"You caught me," Harry threw his hands up in defense, "I was curious to see what other illegal activities you did. First Flintstones vitamins, now ice cream? California… you need an intervention.

Nina played along, "I know. I need help, but I can't help it. I'm all about that rock and roll life."

"Am I missing something?" Robbie questioned. Harry patted Robbie on the back,

"Naw man, don't worry about it."

Robbie glared at Harry, who stood with his eyes on Nina before glaring back at Robbie with a mischievous smile. Nina tapped Robbie and gestured towards the employee,

"Hey we're next."

Robbie's hand was back on Nina, this time around her waist. Harry wanted so bad to pry Robbie's hands off of Nina. Harry has known him for several years, and while he's a decent friend, Robbie had a track record of hitting it, and quitting it. His game plan was simple: get to know girls, take them out on dates, make them trust him by spilling all their secrets, have sex with them, and then he does the dirty need-- leaving the girls cold and heartbroken. Nina was a sweet girl, who needed protection.

It was Harry's turn to purchase ice cream. He chose a cup of mint chip for Gemma, and another cup of strawberry for himself. After paying he went outside where he saw Robbie and Nina sitting on a bench, enjoying their sweets.

"I'm so glad you suggested ice cream," Nina dropped her spoon down into the paper cup of her cookie dough ice cream, "this place is amazing."

"I'm glad you like it," Robbie said with a smile. Harry passed by, Nina noticing,

"Harry!"

He turned, "yea?"

"Would you like to join us?" Nina offered with a big smile, scooting down the bench to make room for him. Harry look at them, and was very tempted. However, the mint chip ice cream in his left hand reminded him of who was sitting in the car waiting for him.

"Thanks for the invite, but next time. I got someone in the car who's very eager to get her hands on this," Harry held up the second cup of ice cream. Nina's smile softly dropped to a smooth line. Robbie's however, grew bigger,

"Aw really? Darn, okay. Next time man. I'll see you around."

"See you around California," Harry winked at Nina with a dimpled grin. Her insides dropped.

"Say hi to Jezabelle for me," Robbie quickly added as Harry walked off.

"Jezabelle?" Nina breathed.

"Yea, I'm pretty sure that's who's waiting for Harry. She mentioned earlier about going to Harry's for dinner, so it makes sense for them to get dessert here. I'm just surprised she's not out here with him. She loves to hold his hand in public, making it known who Harry belongs to," Robbie had a mouth full of words and ice cream. Nina's disappointment made her lose her appetite.

Back at his car, Harry handed Gemma her cup of ice cream. She quickly lifted the plastic lid and dug her spoon into the creamy yumminess. She took a big bite, letting her eyes close with the enjoyment,

"This is exactly what I needed. Thanks for dragging me out here."

"Anytime," Harry grinned, starting to delve into his ice cream.

"Was that Robbie Henley you were talking to outside?" Gemma asked.

"Yup, and his new victim," Harry nodded. Gemma's jaw dropped.

"Aw, poor girl. Maybe you should warn her," Gemma suggested. "Who's the girl?"

"Newbie. Nina Dela Vera,"

"Dela Vera? As in--"

"Yup,"

"Damn… if I were you, I'd still warn her about Robbie. She may be a Dela Vera, but she's not running against dad,"

"Why do you keep defending him, Gemma?" Harry snapped. "He treats you like you're not part of the family, but a tenant in the house."

"Because he's our dad, and I will always love him," Gemma's tone dwindled to a more serious one, "Harry, I'm dying--"

"Recovering," Harry growled.

"No, shut up, listen to me! I'm dying… I get weaker by the day, I'm in pain all the time, there's no way in hell that I'm surviving this time and that's the truth! Not dying the first time I was diagnosed was just God's way of giving me a second chance. I'm not going to hold a grunge against dad, mum, you, or anyone. I'm tired enough as it is, and I'm not going to waste my energy on negativity," Gemma stared at her brother, who let his emotions go, and actually had tears in his eyes.

Gemma took a tissue from the glove compartment, and wiped Harry's tear's away. Even in sickness, Gemma was still the older sister who tired to take care of Harry. She had to be strong for the both of them, because despite the tough-guy facade he puts out there, behind it was someone who could break at any moment.

"Bro, now please do me a favor, and warn that girl? Dad's going to be ripping that whole family to shreds during the campaign, and I don't think it's fair if she had to deal with a broken heart too," Gemma concluded.

Harry nodded, "yea, I'll try my best."

The Styles siblings returned home to their mansion in laughter. Harry parked the car, and quietly the two crept around the house to one of the back doors near the elevator. They walked inside. It was dark, the only source of light was a small one coming from the kitchen. They could hear Rosie singing along to the radio. Both Harry and Gemma snickered, making their way to the elevator in a hurry. Once in the elevator, they released all their laughter. The doors slid open on the third floor, and standing there waiting for them were Mister and Mrs Styles.

Shit.

"Where have the two of you been?" Anne angrily questioned.

"Calm down mum, we just went out for ice cream," Harry said.

"You two went out?" Desmond repeated. "Harry do you understand how irresponsible that was of you?"

"You could've just went by yourself and brought it back for your sister," Anne suggested. "It's dangerous for her to be galavanting outdoors. What were you thinking?"

"It was my idea," Gemma lied. Harry's head turned so fast to look at his sister, he swore he heard something crack in his neck.

"What are you doing?" Harry whispered to Gemma. She ignored him.

"I forced him to take me. I've been sick and tired being in the house all the time, I wanted to just get out for a bit. Is that so much to ask? Harry just felt sorry for me," Gemma explained.

"Honey, why did you have to go out-out? If you wanted some fresh air, maybe the backyard? You two could've--"

"What if you were seen Gemma?" Desmond interjected. He was furious.

"Seen? Is that what you're so worried about?" Harry shouted. "That Gemma could be seen? You're so obsessed with your stupid campaign that you've got your priorities all fucked up!"

"Harold!" Anne bellowed.

"No mum, it's true!" Harry declared, raising his arms and gesturing towards his father. "And I don't understand why you're supporting this idea. Lying about Gemma, pretending she's in America when she's not. You keep her locked up like she's in prison."

"Harry look around you, this is far from prison. We've given her all the amenities she needs to stay home, be comfortable, and away from hospitals," Anne explained.

"Keeping her from the outside world isn't going to make her live longer. If anything, she's going to die faster. Can't you see that all she wants to do is live life normally? Go outside? Spend time with friends? Fucking eat dinner downstairs with the family when guests are here?" Harry turned to his dad and looked him straight into the eye, "if word got out that you've been hiding Gemma from the world because she didn't fit in your picture perfect puzzle, you'd lose everything."

"You wouldn't dare…" Desmond breathed, fear and disappointment in his eyes as he stared at Harry. "You're my son."

"I'm your son yea, but you're not my father,"

Notes

Hey lovely readers!

Again, I hope you're liking the story so far. This is another one of my favorite chapters to write, and to read. The tension in the Styles household is crazy intense in my head, and I hope I was about portray it through these last few chapters. Anyways, please give me feedback if you have any. Vote up this story, subscribe, and please recommend to all your friends if you think it'd be something they would enjoy too!

Thanks,

-Erica Jaine <3