Harry's Point of View

What did the girls mean? "She deserves it." No one deserves to be pushed around. I thought it was just home issues but now I understand why she thinks I'm going to ditch her when school starts in only four days.

I locked my door and took off the new jeans I bought from their mall. After ice cream I insisted we finish our adventure. She was so upset and I hate seeing her like that. She's never happy--ever.

After throwing some sweatpants on I went downstairs to find Jack and Lily talking quietly at the dinner table.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt." Lily automatically smiled when she saw me. Almost like it was an instinct, 'see Harry: smile'.

"No dear, it's okay. How was your trip with Alyssa?"

"It was a lot of fun. This town is huge."

"I'm sure there is so much more for you to see! Would you like a to join us for a family movie? The others should be coming down soon!"

She's just so cheery. I'm really lucky to be staying here no matter how dysfunctional they may be. "Yeah, I'd love to."

I poured myself a glass of water as Megan and Erin came rushing down the stairs.

"It's my turn to pick the movie!"

"No Megan! You picked last time!" Damn, they're both wearing red. I forced my eyes to follow them as they sat down. Alright, Erin's next to Lily.

"Jack, can you find Lucas and Alyssa please?" Lily said over the twins arguing.

I walked into the living area and searched for a spot to sit. I'd like to sit by Alyssa, she probably still needs some comfort. Those girls were awful to her. Lucas came down and sat on the edge of the sofa. My options are limited; next to Luke or on the other side of the sofa.

"She's not coming down Lily."

"She is coming down. It's family night. Once school starts we won't get to have as many." She was stern but still cheery.

"Her door is locked and her music is up hun. I'm sorry."

"I'll go get her!" Megan yelled. I intervened as fast as I could.

"I actually forgot my phone in my room, I can get her." I smiled and rose quickly.

---

Alyssa's Point of View

Seventeen Mississippi, eighteen Mississippi, nineteen Mississippi....

My breathing began slowing down as I held the pillow tighter,

Twenty Mississppi, twenty-one Missis-

A tap at the door. I removed my pillow from my face and my heart was beating quickly. Three more seconds and I would've beaten my record.

"I'm not coming downstairs Dad. Just leave me alone." I threw my phone at the door. Fuckin' Marilyn isn't answering anyway.

"Uhh, it's Harry." I swallowed my mucasy-spit and sniffled.

"Not now Harry." I put my bracelets back on just in case I did decide to let him in.

"I know you don't want to come watch the movie but it will be more bearable if you come. Your sisters are--half sisters--are fighting over which movie to watch." He chuckled.

"You'll be okay."

"Why are you crying?" I thought I was good at making my voice sound fine when I was crying but not to him. He reads me fairly well.

I wiped my eyes, trying not to press too hard under my eyelids. They will forever have a stinging snesation. It's already eleven, why are they starting movie night right now?

"There's a key above my door." I heard him reach for it and fiddle with the door until it opened. He came in and shut the door behind him.

"Hey."

"I'm not going downstairs, I don't really wanna hear it from the monsters walking around." He smiled at my not so funny attempt of a joke.

"Please? They're expecting me to come back down. If I don't they might think something's going on." I can't read him this time.

What are you thinking Harry Styles?

"I can't go downstairs like this. Mom will freak, dad will act like nothings wrong like always, and the girls will go to town with it."

"What about Luke?"

"He'll thank me because he won't have to sit through the whole movie."

"Oh."

"Yeah." I held my legs close to my body and focused on a small hole on my comforter. Marilyn was drunk and decided to use my bed as an ash tray for her joint a few weeks ago. I should get new sheets anyways.

"I can always just stay up here and we can talk. I'm a good listener."

"No Harry, go back downstairs. You'll get used to dumb and dumber soon enough."

"Is it because of those girls at Carlo's?" He's getting a little too nosy.

"I'm a cry-er Harry. I cry, it's what I do. Sometimes I have no reason and I do it just because. I'm not asking for your sympathy, I just want to be alone." I exhaled after spilling my thoughts in one breath.

"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Maybe." I found a smile and he walked out disappointed.

This is not some love fest. This isn't a movie and it's not going to be some cliche. He lives here for a year and then he's sent back. If I need a therapist, which I probably do, I'll go see someone who's qualified.

I sat in my fetal position for a while until my eyes eventually felt droopy. At that point I decided to lay down and sleep off my pain.

Notes

Anymore thoughts?