Between the Lines

Dakota’s POV

The next day, my parents were nowhere to be seen, but their things still here. I was relieved, but a little sad. They didn’t say goodbye or even leave a note. But now I feel comfortable in my home. I have Harry and Duchess and I am happy. I know I’m going to see my parents again, but I’m going to cherish the moments we don’t.

We decide to go to the bookstore the second to last day Harry has here. I don’t like the thought of him leaving me for a few weeks to shoot for Midnight Memories. Bright side was that after the shoot, he has a three month break that we’re going to spend with his family. It’d be nice to see Anne and Robin again. They more my parents than my actual parents.

My favorite bookshop, Bookends, is just outside London and Harry’s gonna drive me. He wants to pay for my books. At least, that’s he says. I know Harry. He just wants to come to protect me. I don’t blame him. I have the worst luck with people. Especially the Directioners and people near my age. They all hate me.

I get dressed and meet Harry at the base of the stairs. He chuckles, “You look like a feminine version of Zayn with the Batman sweater.” He kisses my cheek softly and wraps an arm around me.

“Thanks?” I say confusedly.

“But you look beautiful as always,” He says with his childish smile. “Now let’s go. I want you surrounded by books so you don’t miss me as much.”

I chuckle, “I am always going to miss you when you’re gone.”

“I know because I’m gonna miss you too,” He says

*~*~*~*

Half an hour later, we arrive at Bookends and I drag Harry inside happy seeing the place filled with popular and hidden gem titles. I walk into my favorite aisle and snatch a the closest title that grabs my attention. Stolen by Lucy Christopher. Today, I'm gonna buy five random books with knowing the plot to see different storylines. That and I'm bored.

I hand it to Harry and continue down the row. I toss in Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell and Breathe by Abbi Glines and turn to Harry. "Can you pick out two more?" I ask.

He smiles, "You know, most boyfriends would carry a giant pile of clothes for their girls. I have to carry a pile of books. Heavier, but easier." He balances the stack in one arm and grabs another in his other. "Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson. That sounds interesting." He places it on top and grabs another, "When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle."

"Hm," I take the one Harry just picked and had to read the back. "I have to read this. It's a Romeo and Juliet kind of story just seen from a different viewpoint. Good choice."

"I try," He smiles and places the book on the pile. "Are we good?" I nod and he takes my hand in his. He pulls me to the familiar chasier and places down the books.

The boy that held An Abundance of Katherines by John Green looked up at us. I believe his name is Parker. "Hi," He smiles nervously making me feel a little better for being shy. He started scanning the barcodes and rang us up. "That'll be £50," He murmured as he bagged the books.

Harry handed it to him in cash quickly. I continued to watch him silently as he finished with the cash register. "Parker," I whisper unsure if that is him.

He looks up hesitantly, "Yes?"

"Nothing. I just thought about your name," I whisper quickly and held onto Harry reverting to my timid self.

"What's yours?" He asks handing Harry the bags.

"Dakota," I answer.

He smiles slightly, "See you next week when you finish the books."

I nod and smile back. Harry tells him goodbye and we head back home.

Notes

Hey guys, sorry it took me so long. I had to finish a science fair project, watch the State of the Union speech, go to a baby shower, and other stuff that escapes my memory. Oh and, who else is sad that Harry is no longer a teen? One Direction are officially adults.