To Fall So Deep

The world around Nina slowed down, and the trance that was casted upon her froze her mind and body with numbness. She grew cold, not from the frigid November air, but from the sadistic mess around her. Her act of defense in her father’s name though brave, was ludicrous at best. Her father’s chances of winning Mayor were thwarted, and Nina’s state of vulnerability caused Harry to save her—an act that stirred controversy among the crowd.

“Help me get her out of here,” Harry looked to the wolf pack, and the girls for aid. Without hesitation they all nodded their heads.

“Of course,”

“Yes, we got you man,”

“Just tell us what to do,”

“Liam, Zayn and Louis, cover the front and lead us to my car,” Harry started, quickly devising a plan at the top of his head, “Niall, Leina, Elissia, you guys create a barricade around Nina and I. Make sure those bloody reporters don’t get too close.”

Harry took a deep breath, eyeing each one of his friends before him. Worrisome smeared his face, but it was at this moment did he feel sublime from the support of he and Nina’s friends. They all stared back at Harry, sensing his gratitude and bowed their heads in understanding. This was more than just having a friend’s back; this was a vow of protection. And each one was willing to do what it takes to shelter a friend in need.

Harry took off his blazer and flung it around Nina’s body, and covered her head. He held onto her tightly, and began following Liam, Zayn, and Louis through the throng of uproarious Ashford locals, and reporters. Immediately cameras closed in on the couple, as zealous anchors clutching onto their respective station microphones tenaciously pressed for answers.

“Harry, does this mean you’re turning your back on family?”

“Your father mentions control, control, control. How do you feel about that?”

“Oi! Bugger off!” Leina yelled, shoving a reporter who held a microphone in Harry’s face. The reporter fell backwards into his cameraman.

“Leave them alone!” Niall shouted over the mob, holding his arm out and pressing his hand into the chest of another determined reporter.

As nimble as they could, the wolf pack, Leina, and Elissia pushed through the crowd and out of the Town Square courtyard. The frenzy continued as eyes turned to Desmond Styles, who began to sweat in nervousness. His plump face was red with ire, and his beady eyes glared at his son’s disloyal act. His years of building up creditability was slowly turning into a travesty all because his son decided to rush down the City Hall steps and rescue the love of his life. Desmond’s attempt to bring down the Dela Veras backlashed in his face, because although he believed Nina to be an illicit girl who cannot be controlled, it was his very own offspring who exuded the very same rebellion.

“Harry, your car keys,” Zayn turned his head and brandished out his hand. Harry dropped a set of keys onto Zayn’s palm.

The group finally made it out of the jungle and back onto Civic Drive where Harry’s car was parked parallel to the curb. They sped walked down the sidewalk, reporters following and bombarding them with endless questions. Zayn unlocked Harry’s Range Rover and opened the passenger seat where Harry helped Nina climb in.

“Stay safe man,” Zayn handed Harry back his keys, and gave him a pat on the back.

“I’ll text you guys later. Thanks for all your help,” Harry breathed, giving the wolf pack a quick hug.

“You’ll be okay Nina,” Leina reassured, dipping her head trying to look at her friend from beneath the blazer.

“We love you,” Elissia rubbed Nina’s knee before fastening her seatbelt and slamming the car door.

Harry climbed into the driver’s seat, stuck the keys into the ignition, and turned it. A heavy rumble escaped, and after one last wave to his biggest supporters, Harry drove away, almost ramming into a few reporters in the process. At this point, he didn’t know where he was going. He just knew he had to get away. All that concerned him at that moment, was making sure Nina was going to be safe.

Harry breathed out, finally feeling a sense of relief as he found himself back on a familiar, winding two-way road towards Canterbury. He quickly glanced at Nina who had her back to Harry. Nina’s body was turned to face the passenger window, using the blazer as a blanket. Harry reached over to lovingly squeeze her thigh.

No reaction.

Turning on the heat to keep Nina warm, Harry continued to drive to their safe haven in silence. He eventually flipped on the radio, letting the happy beats and lyrics of some Australian pop-rock band take his mind off of things. As Harry entered Canterbury, he parked away from the main streets where he assumed most people were spending their Saturday. He decided on Canterbury Cathedral, because a little faith is what both he and Nina needed the most.

“Nina? Are you awake baby?” Harry shook Nina gently. There was no reaction from her, but a soft sniffle. Harry stepped out of his car, walking around the front to the passenger side. He opened the door, face to face with an awake, but very teary Nina.

“Baby,” Harry whispered, pushing her messy hair away from her face and behind her ear. He leaned in and kissed her forehead, and that simple gesture caused her to break into more tears.

Immediately Harry climbed back into the car and closed the door. He unbuckled Nina’s seatbelt, and lifted her slightly. He sat down on the seat, bringing her body on top of his lap. With her legs sprawled across the center armrest, Harry cradled her with his protective arms. He rested his chin on top of her head, and rubbed her arm tenderly.

“Harry, how could I be so stupid?” Nina finally spoke, hicupping through her shaky voice.

“What do you mean? You’re not stupid,” Harry answered, softness in his voice.

“I only wanted to defend my dad—what’s wrong with me? He doesn’t deserve it. I’ll never forget what he did to you,” Nina sobbed.

“Shhh, baby girl,” Harry cooed, hugging her tighter, “your dad’s a great man nonetheless. He cares way too much for you, your sister, Professor Dela Vera, and for Ashford. All mine cares about is being on top.”

“I think I made it worse,” Nina confessed. She finally had the courage to look up at Harry.

“We knew this was going to be hard. I don’t think you made anything worse. I think it became worse the second I caught you in my arms last summer,” Harry gave Nina a sweet smile and kissed her forehead again, “I love you.”

“I love you back. Forever and ever,” Nina reached her arms to Harry’s face, pulling him in closer as if he wasn’t close enough. She kissed him deeply, putting her all into it, and trying to convince Harry that he was all she needed.

* * * *

Harry and Nina disappeared for a few hours, seeking sanctuary in the massive, and enchanting cathedral of Canterbury. Hand in hand they walked around the entire hallowed ground, taking in the beautiful, old structure. They never really discussed religion before, but what mattered to them the most, was the simple notion of having faith—faith that their relationship will work out; faith that things will be okay; faith that their love will conquer all.

They knew that they couldn’t runaway—at least not now. There were so many things back home in Ashford that they would be abandoning if they packed their bags and left. Their friends would understand, but there were two big reasons by the names of Kathleen and Gemma, that when the sun fell into the horizon, they knew it was time to return.

Unlike Harry however, Nina was always welcome home. Harry wasn’t so sure he could show his face in his father’s home despite Nina’s attempts to convince him otherwise.

“Your dad can’t be mad at your forever,” Nina said. Harry was parked right outside of the Dela Vera residence.

“Maybe not forever, but for the next few days, yes he will,” Harry declared, “but don’t worry. Niall texted and said I could crash at his brother’s place for a couple days. The wolf pack homes are out of the question considering their parental units are still supporters of my father.”

“As long as you’re not sleeping in your car or on some random park bench,” Nina nodded, “then it’s okay. Just keep me updated please?”

“Of course,” Harry smiled, giving Nina’s thigh a squeeze of assurance. “I’ll see you later.”

Harry kissed Nina before letting her go. She jumped out of the car but before shutting it she thanked Harry for saving her yet again. If he wasn’t catching her clumsy self, he was whisking her away from horrible situations.

Nina turned away from the Range Rover and walked up the pathway to the front door. Unlocking it, she pushed open the door and stepped inside her house. The lights were on, and she could hear the television playing from the living room. There was shuffling, and the random banging of kitchen utensils that let Nina know that things at least seemed normal. She slowly made her way from the main entrance, to the main living area. Corrine was in the kitchen preparing dinner while her father and Kathleen sat on the couch watching a rerun of Doctor Who.

“Nina,” Corrine gasped. She dropped the large ladle in her hand into a pot of steaming soup. She hurriedly walked from behind the counter to meet Nina and pulled her into a hug.

“Sorry,” Nina was all she could let out.

“We were so worried,” Corrine stated.

“I didn’t get any calls or texts,” Nina pointed out matter-of-factly.

“You wouldn’t have answered,” Corrine said.

Nina shrugged. Corrine was right.

Both Leo and Kathleen turned their heads to look at Nina who anxiously waited for her dad’s anger to take place. Though it didn’t happen. He stood up from his comfortable spot on the couch to hug Nina. He rubbed her back, and let out a sigh,

“I’m just glad you’re home now. No discussing of what happened today, okay?”

Leo pulled away from the hug to look at his daughter. Nina nodded her head.

“Let’s eat dinner?” Leo suggested, looking to Corrine who had tears in her eyes.

“Yes, let’s… I made your favorite dish Nina,” Corrine trekked back into the kitchen to grab the hot pot off of the stove.

“Shrimp penne?” Nina questioned.

“No, your real favorite dish,” Corrine shook her head and placed the pot onto the center of the table.

“But my favorite food is a traditional Filipino soup,” Nina raised a brow.

“I know,” Corrine smiled.

Nina’s eyebrows furrowed, as she approached the large pot, steam dancing out of the opening. She let out a small gasp upon seeing the liquid inside—the veggies and fish floating on the surface. She could smell the familiar scent and was instantly reminded of her mother. Her mother made this traditional meal during special occasions, and at least once a week during the colder months. Corrine’s amazing gesture truly touched Nina, and for once in a long time, faith was on her side.

Notes

Ello! Happy Wednesday / Hump Day!

Here's chapter 33 for you guys! Hope you enjoy it! And the story so far. The next chapter, chapter 34 will be a "filler" chapter more or less. It'll still be eventful, but it will be the last chapter before the story starts to pick up like crazy, and we start counting down to the last 10-12ish chapters of the story! Oh my goshhhh! haha. Anyways, leave feedback if you have any. Vote up, subscribe, and tell your friends about it. Thank you!

-Erica Jaine <3