To Fall So Deep

Harry and Nina sat across from each other inside a small locally-owned bistro. Their feet tangled together underneath the table as they shared a meal. Harry was right. Canterbury was definitely a place where they could be safe. They were invisible to the locals who roamed the streets, and even if they were recognized, the people who made up the town weren't as lavish and cutthroat as Ashford. Canterbury was a peaceful and beautiful place, and Nina definitely did not miss school.

"Thanks for bringing me here today," Nina grinned.

"Of course. What was I going to do? Leave you to suffer at school?" Harry reasoned. "We need to do this more often."

"Do what more often? Go out in public?" Nina wasn't exactly sure what their relationship entailed, and if she could handle the scrutiny.

"Yes, go out in public. Nina, I want to take you out. I want to hold your hand, and present you to the world as mine," there he went again. Staring at Nina with an intensity that often made her feel nervous, and made her stomach flip.

Mine, Nina let Harry's word linger. It was such a strong word to use so early in the relationship, but she relished in the butterfly feeling. She was his, and he was hers.

No questions asked.

"Harry, I don't know how all this is going to work. Our fathers are running against each other. I've become undesirable number one, and you're losing your best friends in all of this. What are people going to say when they see us together? We don't fit," Nina expressed.

"I don't give a fuck what anyone thinks about us. Its our lives. I'm here for you, I got your back, and I won't let anyone cause you pain. It's you, and it's me baby," Harry's words could move mountains, and this is what scared Nina. That like Kathleen, Harry would do whatever it took to protect her. But what scared Nina even more, was that she would do the same.

"But Harry--"

"Don't but Harry me! Ashford can suck my dick. We fit baby girl, we fit," Harry grabbed Nina's other hand, leaning in closer. "They may not think we're perfect for each other, but if we believe we are, then that's all that matters! It's us against the world babe. Till the day I stop breathing."

The truth was written all over Harry's face as Nina sat in silence studying it. He was so willing to risk everything; so willing to put his heart and soul on the line. Nina stood from her chair and walked around to Harry. She sat on his lap, her arms wrapped around his neck. She gave him a light kiss on the lips, and pulling apart, she looked him straight in the eye,

"You and me, till the day I stop breathing."

And that was all Harry needed. An assurance, a sign of some kind that he and her were on the same page; the same love length. Nina was still weary, but with Harry's support, she could try to take the heat day by day.

After finishing their meal, Harry and Nina left the bistro and continued their trek around Canterbury. Nina felt a vibrating from her jacket pocket, and pulled out her phone. It was a text from Corrine.

You skipped school? Where are you?

The school called Corrine to inform her that Nina was missing since the morning. Whatever trouble she would get into when she got home, she didn't mind. Nothing could compare to the harassment from her peers. Harry looked at her,

"Everything okay?"

"It's Corrine. I guess the school told her I skipped school," Nina told him, texting Corrine one-handedly:

Sorry. I couldn't do it. I'm with a friend.

Immediately as Nina pressed send, another message popped onto the screen:

We'll talk later. Come to the hospital. Your sister is awake.

Nina's eyes widened, and her breath stopped. Her legs stopped in its tracks, anchoring Harry as his body leaned back,

"You okay?"

"My sister is awake. Can you take me to the hospital, please!?" Nina asked, stuffing the phone back into her jacket pocket. Harry nodded, and lead Nina back to the car.

Harry drove the same long road back to Ashford. Their time in their safe haven was cut short, which disappointed Harry, but with Kathleen waking up, he understood. Kathleen was everything to Nina, like how Gemma was everything to Harry-- except that Kathleen had a fighting chance, while Gemma will soon encounter an unthinkable fate.

"Hey, why are you worried?" Harry reached over and held Nina's trembling hand. "Your sister is awake, she's okay."

"I know, I know… I just can't help it. I wish I knew who put her in this position," Nina looked at Harry with worry.

"We'll find out who it was,"

"How can you be so sure? I'm not even sure if my sister will remember anything about that night,"

"Someone was bound to see her. Someone should know something. But for now my love, don't worry. Just go hug your sister,"

Nina grinned, "only if you do the same."

Harry kissed Nina's hand in response. He continued to drive, heading into Ashford.

Harry pulled into the hospital's main entrance and were greeted by mobs of reporters. Cameramen, news anchors, microphones, photographers, and station vans crowded the parking lot. Nina looked at Harry with concern, sinking in her seat from intimidation. As Harry drove past the crowd, one reporter took notice of the lavish black car, and the couple inside it. Suddenly, their attention turned from the hospital doors, to the Ranger Rover, and began to bang on the windows and doors.

"Harry," Nina breathed with apprehension.

"I know, I got you," Harry comforted. He parked his car and naturally, the intrusive reporters followed suit. Once parked, Harry took the keys out of the ignition and turned to Nina, holding her face in his hands, "babe keep your head down low. Don't answer any of their questions, and ignore any comments. Let's just get in the building and to your sister. Ready?"

"Stay with me, and I'll be fine," Nina nodded. Harry kissed her on the lips.

"I got you," Harry said, before opening the door and jumping out. Immediately, reporters bursted into his bubble, yelling pestering questions and flashing bright camera lights.

"Harry! Harry! Is that Nina Dela Vera in your car?"

"Does your father know about this? What's his opinion?"

"Harry you're fraternizing with the enemy! What's going on with you?"

Harry opened the passenger door, grasped Nina's hand and helped her out of the car. He held her protectively as she buried her head into his chest. The reporters were having a field day with their sudden relationship, and the obnoxious questions continued. As Harry and Nina walked towards the main entrance, they ignored the bombardment. It wasn't until their rude remarks started, that evading became difficult.

"Nina are you still in therapy?"

"There's rumor that your sister is in a gang? Nina!"

"Nina! Are you toying with Harry's heart?"

Harry held Nina closer, feeling her body shake. He wrapped his arm around her head, covering her exposed ear with the palm of his hand. Quickly they entered the sanctuary of the hospital, leaving the reporters and their cameras behind. Once out of camera sight, Harry let go of Nina to get a good look at her. She was in no doubt shaken up, and feeling overwhelmed.

Harry held Nina by her shoulders, rubbing her arms, "wasn't too bad, babe?"

"No," Nina sighed, "but I have a feeling it'll get worse."

Harry pulled her into a hug, caressing the back of her head, "I feel the same way. But for now, let's get you to your sister."

Hand in hand, the couple made their way around the corner to the elevator. They rode up to the sixth floor, to the same quiet unit. Nina suddenly felt a pleasant rush when she caught a glimpse of the boy holding her hand. Her body filled up with warmth and happiness. She let go of Harry's hand, and held him by his waist. He grinned, dimples and all, draping his arm around her shoulder. They looked at one another, with only love in their eyes, and together they shared a tender kiss. Nina slid her hand down to his bum, and gave it a light pinch.

"Hey!" Harry exclaimed, his body jolting forward.

"I couldn't help it," Nina laughed. "I'm sorry."

"I don't really think you're sorry," Harry insinuated with a smile.

"You're right, I'd do it again," Nina declared, and with that Harry slapped his hands onto his bottom as protection.

"Oh no you don't," Harry ran down the empty hall with his hands still attached to his butt. Nina launched forward, chasing after Harry. He slowed down, allowing her to grab ahold of him. "For your information, you're the only one who will ever be allowed to touch my bum."

"I better," Nina raised her arms and held Harry's neck. Stepping on the tip of her toes, she reached forward and gave him a kiss.

Their moment of affection was cut short when a deep sound of someone's throat clearing echoed in the hall. Harry and Nina quickly separated and turned their heads towards the sound, only to find Leo angrily glaring at Harry. Nina's eyes grew double in size when she saw her father, and retreated her hands behind her back.

"Tay!" Nina gasped.

"Anak, you're here," Leo said, his eyes never leaving Harry.

"Hi Mister Dela Vera," Harry nervously smiled with a quick wave. He even threw in a small bow, but the tension still lingered.

"Mr. Styles, I think it's time for you to leave. As you can see, this is a very personal time for Nina, so if you don't mind, we'd like our privacy," Leo sternly advised.

"Yes sir, I understand," Harry agreed. He looked at Nina and waved, "I'll see you at school, Nina, bye."

"Bye Harry," Nina softly said, giving him a wave. Harry turned on his heel, and power walked his anxious ass out of sight.

Leo turned to Nina, "what are you doing with that boy? He's a dangerous character Nina."

"Dangerous? I really doubt--"

"You know who his father is, and what he's capable of. What makes you think you can trust him? What if he's just using you to fish information for his father?"

"Dad, Harry's not like his father. He's different," Nina claimed. "He's kind, he respects me, and I trust him whole heartedly."

"I don't want you to spend time with him. I forbid it," Leo demanded.

"That's ridiculous! I need him!" Nina protested.

"There won't be any negotiating, or anymore discussing of this. You and Harry are done," Leo began walking down the hall, "now come see Kathleen. She's been waiting for you."

Nina stood in disbelief from her father's ludicrous demand. Forbidding her to see Harry was like cutting a flowerbed's water supply. She'd dry up without speaking, seeing, or touching Harry. It seemed a little overdramatic, but this feeling that Nina felt was not like some teenaged crush, or obsessive "feels" over a boy band. These were deep feelings that knew know boundaries.

It was crazy, scary, and beautiful... all at the same time.

Notes

OhTAYYY!

There's chapter 25 my loves! I hope you liked it, and are having a great week so far. It's suddenly super warm here in Southern Cali, that it's time to pull out all my summer clothes! Any who, if you're liking this story so far, please leave me feedback... good or constructive criticism. There's always room for improvement! Also, vote up this story as well, subscribe if you haven't done so already, aaaand also tell your friends about it too! Have a great day.

Thanks,

-Erica Jaine <3