Between the Lines

Dakota's POV

Most people would be overjoyed to see their parents they haven't seen in three years. Most would jump in glee and rush in for a hug. Some may cry, others may cry in happiness. But I'm not most. I don't love my parents. Now that Harry taught me what love is, I know I don't. They hurt me in so many ways that make me the fragile, scared girl I am.

The moment I saw them, I didn't care if I woke anyone up, I ran up into mine and Harry's room and locked the door. Then and there, I broke down crying pulling on my hair. They just had to ruin my first Christmas didn't they. I had never celebrated it once because of them. I just feel like a broken toy nobody wants to fix because of them.

On Christmas day, I had opened my presents in our room with Harry as witness. He tried to persuade me to go meet them outside, but I couldn't. I knew if I saw them, I would cry so hard I would pass out from dehydration. They made me feel like a prisoner in my own home with Harry keeping my sanity in tact.

One day from 2014 and still struggling to keep my mind from falling into insanity. Not the best way to start off the new year. I only leave when Harry tells me they're gone, but I still fear they might be around. No one understands why I ran away to the fullest except for me. When I find out who told them where we live, I'm getting Duchess to maul them.

Today is going to be different. I promised both myself and Harry that I will leave the room and face them. As much as I hated it, Harry was right. I can't stay in here forever. That and Zayn's birthday is days away and we need to get him a gift. He is my best friend after all. I settled on going out in my pajamas and slowly exit the room. Harry left the room earlier to make breakfast. According to him, my parents are very cold to him and he wants to get on their good side.

I see mom and dad at the table with Harry trying to break the ice. You’d think they’d be accustomed to each other after a week of being here. My gaze keeps to the floor as I grab some pancakes and sit down next to Harry.

He holds me close and kisses my cheek, “Good morning."

I mumble my response and nibble on my pancake. The silence between us isn't awkward. I prefer their silence than their bickering. I press my lips together after eating a third of it and decide to sneak a peek at them. My parents aren't even eating, they're being creepy and staring at me.

"So Dakota, how are you?" Mother asks me trying to sound casual.

I mumble my response, "Okay."

"Speak up. Ladies speak clearly," She says sternly. "Now try again. How are you?"

"I'm okay," I say a little louder while searching for Harry's hand. I grip onto him and he squeezes my dainty hand in his.

"So what have you been doing? I've heard a lot of controversial news in the tabloids," She says. "You've been mauled in Australia by teenagers, am I correct?"

I grip his hand tighter when the memory hits me. She's just full of bad memories, ain't she? I nod my head and scoot in closer to Harry. I rest my head on him and he wraps an arm around me. "I'm just taking a rest for right now," I say with no stutter. I'm scared to the core, but if I act like it she'll hurt me. It's best not to argue with mother. Right now, it's best not to bring up anything she can ruin like my book which is halfway done.

"Rest from what? You're a high school dropout, you can't possibly have a job," She says shamelessly.

I bite my lip, "I finished school online. And I had a job as a maid, but it didn't work out." Well, then again, my boss was a sleazy nut job and his daughter was a bratty b*tch. Thank goodness he's in jail and she's in foster care. I believe she's in Leicester with a family on a farm. Sucks for her.

"So you're depending on Harold for everything," She replies.

I whimper into his chest, hating life. "Look, Dakota's not exactly safe if she goes to college. We're waiting for things to cool down first," Harry intervenes.

"Was I talking to you?" She snaps. "Now Dakota, now that you've left that danky little room, you must be ready to get another job."

"Not if I have a say," Harry says right back to her. "Dakota's not ready."

"Dakota?" Mom looks at me.

I nod my head and press my lips tightly together as if to get rid of my voice. "Nicole," My father's cold voice gruffly speaks. "Just stop."

"Well, excuse me for being curious about my daughter's life," She snaps at him. "I just want to know what happened to my daughter after three years. Don't judge me."

I take a sharp breath when Harry's arms tighten around me, "Look, Dakota's getting scared and you're pissing me off. How about we all cool off before we do anything regrettable."

"What? Like asking about my daughter's life?" She asks, her voice raised. "She left us worried and concerned. I have the privilege to ask!" I cling to Harry to dear life with tears in my eyes.

She's just lying. She doesn't want to seem like a bad parent so she lies. She probably was overjoyed her failure was gone. That her sorry excuse for a daughter couldn't embarrass her anymore. The more I thought about it, the more I knew it was true. She didn’t care then, so she doesn’t care now.

Harry picks me up with ease and carries me upstairs away from the madness. When I feel the plushness of our bed and Duchess’ fur next to me I start crying. This is sending my brain into overload and I can’t take it. Softly, he rubs my back and buries his face in my hair.

“Hey, how about we escape all of this tomorrow since it’s New Year’s Eve?” He suggests pulling me away from his chest. He uses the pads of his thumbs to wipe away my tears. “We can do something, just us two?”

“What are you thinking of?” I ask.

He smiles, “I was thinking that maybe we could go to this small cottage in the countryside my family owns. Get away from the city, sit under the stars, and kiss at midnight.” He leans in and kisses me softly. I giggle when he kisses all over my face.

Duchess barks playfully, jumping on our laps. “I think she wants to join us.”

He laughs, “I guess she can. Our little family should stay together, anyways.” He pecks my cheeks before petting Duchess.

“Family...” I sigh contently. My family.

Notes

Hey! So sequels... Yeah.
Anyways! Please read this! I need help with a science project in school and all I need is some of you to watch five videos and give feedback! I need as many volunteers as I can. Leave a comment or message if you want to help! Thanks!