HALF A HEART
Chapter 19
Annie’s POV
“C’mon honey. Let’s go to a party tonight.” Eleanor said as we lay on my bed staring blankly at the ceiling. She had come over after school to make sure I was okay. I thought I was but as the day progressed I realized that I really wasn’t. I just couldn’t believe that he would do something like that, ESPECTIALLY with Celine of all people. How could I not have seen that something was up before? He was so sweet…so caring and I thought I knew what he was feeling, that our feelings for each other were mutual. We were in love…or so I thought.
I continued hugging my pillow, “I’m not really up for anything tonight El…”
“Trust me sweetheart. I know someone who is having a party and it’s gonna be awesome! I’ll call up the girls and we can all go have a fun night without thinking about boys!”
“I don’t know…”
“Oh c’mon Annie.” She jumped off my bed and started raiding my closet. “Here wear this!” She pulled out a burgundy dress that was long sleeve and round neck. It was skin tight to my belly button and draped down to my mid-thigh. A thin black belt hid the seam that connected the torso and the shirt.
I rolled my eyes, “Fine.” I got up and grabbed the dress from her. I stripped my warm sweatpants and sweatshirt off and inched on the dress.
“Uhm isn’t this Harry’s?” El asked as I buckled the belt around my waist. She was holding Harry’s Jack Wills pullover.
“Oh uh. Yeah…” I walked over to her and grabbed it out of her hand. I wadded it into a ball and crammed it into one of my drawers.
“I’m gonna run home and change but I’ll be by to pick you up at 7:00 okay?”
“Sounds good.”
Eleanor skipped down my stairs as I walked to my bathroom. I turned on the light and flinched at my own reflection. My eyes were puffy and red and my eyes were bloodshot. I looked awful. I grabbed my makeup and did what I could to hide the pain that was visible on my skin. I heard the doorbell ring and glanced at the clock, 6:47. She must be early. I slipped on some black flats and threw my winter coat on.
“Mom I’m going out with the girls!”
“I thought Harry was coming for dinner!”
“That was before he cheated on me!”
“He WHAT?!”
“I don’t want to talk about it!” I called as I flew my door open and saw El’s car with Dani and Perrie already there.
I ran to the car and hopped in, ignoring the bitter cold air that nipped at my cheeks.
“How are you doing love?” Dani asked.
“I feel like shit but I plan on getting drunk and not feeling it.” I laughed sarcastically.
“Aw Annie. We’ve got your back okay?”
I nodded trying to hide the tears that rimmed my eyes. We drove for a few minutes and pulled into a driveway. It looked incredibly similar to the party Celine had taken me to when I had first gotten here. We climbed out of the car and entered the house that was blaring music and reeked of alcohol. Excellent.
“Let’s get a drink!” Perrie squealed and grabbed my hand to lead me to the bar. She got me a shot and I threw it into the back of my throat, tequila burning me on the way down. I immediately felt my head get lighter. She handed me another two shots and I took them gladly, welcoming the burning sensation the tequila left on my throat.
“I’m gonna go dance!” I yelled over the music and Perrie nodded at me as she swallowed another shot.
I didn’t know where Dani and Eleanor were but I didn’t care. I could feel myself getting buzzed from the alcohol I had just consumed. I never drink so this feeling was so fucking weird. I walked onto the dance floor and started to sway with the music. I felt someone’s hands rest on my hips as they pushed their groin into my ass and started grinding into me. I glanced at who it was and saw that it was Jeremy from my physics class.
“Jeremyyyyy!” I slurred and laid my head back on his shoulder.
“Heyyyy Annieee,” He slurred, the reek of whiskey burning my nose, “Whereee is Harrrrrrry?”
“Not hereee. But who caaaaares?”
We grinded on each other until the end of the song and I stumbled away from him so I could look into his eyes, “I’mmmm gonna get another shooooot.” I giggled.
“Im coming!”
We walked over to the bar and got three shots of tequila. My throat was on fire as I welcomed the alcohol into my system. My head started feeling light and my stomach started to churn….ughhhh.
I started giggling as I felt someone wrap their hand around my waist. “Anniee how are you feeling?” Perrie asked me. She wasn’t as drunk as I was but I could tell she had had a few more shots than the ones we had together.
“I feel AWESOME.” I squealed.
Jeremy grabbed my hand and dragged me back on the dance floor. He wrapped his hands around my waist and pulled me against his chest. I swayed with him awkwardly because we were both drunk.
“Annie…” I heard a much too familiar voice croak behind me. I turned around and slapped him across the face before walking away, tripping on someone’s foot as I went. I landed on my knees and disregarded Jeremy’s attempt to help me up. I got up clumsily and felt a hand wrap around my waist.
“Gaaaaaah! I don’t need helppppp.” I turned my gaze to the person holding me and was met by Harry’s concerned emerald eyes. “UGH especially not from you ASS HOLE!!” I ripped his arm away from me and stumbled to the floor again. “LEAVE ME ALONE!!!” I bellowed as he tried to help me up again.
“God dammit.” He picked me up bridal style and shoved his way through the crowd. He took me onto the porch and let me down and I struggled to regain my balance until I found the railing.
I leaned over the edge as vomit escape my mouth and burned the inside of my throat. I coughed and whimpered as more vomit came out. I felt Harry take my hair in his hands and hold it back. I glanced over at him and saw that the hand that wasn’t holding my hair was holding his face and that elbow was on the railing of the porch. He wasn’t looking at me.
“Harry, go awaaay.” I whimpered.
“I’m not gonna do that…”
I snatched my hair out of his hand and smacked his hand away before turning around and stumbling back into the house. I stumbled back up to the bar and reached for another shot of tequila. I felt someone wrap their arms around me by grabbing both of my arms and guiding me to the front door. I didn’t need to look to see who it was. I would recognize that smell everywhere…
“Harryyyyy.”
“I’m taking you home.” He said.
“Noooooo.”
“Dammit Annie I know I fucked up but I’m not gonna let you feel any worse because I already know that you’re like this right now because of me. No I’m taking you home.”
I shut my eyes and let him guide me as I tried to stop the tears that were threatening to escape my eyes. He guided me to his car and released me only to unlock the door. My intoxicated body struggled to keep me upright and I leaned on his car with my palm pressed to my forehead.
“C’mon love.” He said resting his hand on my back to guide me into the car.
“Don’t call me that anymore.” I ordered and he remained silent.
Harry’s POV
I sat at my desk staring blankly at a picture I had of Annie on my desk. I looked at my phone when it started ringing.
“Huh?” I answered. I really didn’t want to talk. Annie hates me and I can’t think of anything worse in the world.
“Harry, give me some damn answers. What the FUCK happened today?”
“I don’t want to talk about it Lou…”
“Well Eleanor called me today and told me that Annie is a mess and so are you. WHAT happened?”
“It’s happening again Lou…”
“What? What is?”
I laid my head in my hand and took a deep breath, “I made out with Celine and she found us…”
There was silence and then he responded, “Annie was the best thing that had ever happened to you…”
“YOU DON’T THINK I KNOW THAT?!?”
“Then what the hell were you thinking Haz?!”
“Gah I don’t know! She wanted to talk and then all of a sudden she started kissing me and I kissed her back! I don’t even fucking know why! But I hate myself for it so I don’t need a pep talk thank you!”
“Well get your ass together and go over to Jeremy’s place tonight. He’s having a party and Eleanor is taking Perrie, Dani, and Annie so get your ASS over there and FIX what you did!”
That got my attention. I hit the end button, shoved my phone in my pocket, grabbed my coat and my car keys and flew down the stairs. I got in my car and drove a few blocks to Jeremy’s house. I saw Eleanor’s car there and it had a thin layer of snow on it so they must’ve been here for a while. I entered the house and ignored the smell of alcohol and the blaring music. I needed to find her. She hates these kind of parties and she’s gonna do something stupid if she’s not careful or too drunk. I glanced around and saw her grinding with Jeremy. Anger immediately coursed through my body and it took everything I had to not punch his jaw right then and there.
I walked up to them calmly, “Annie…” I flinched as a stinging sensation ignited on my cheek. She just slapped me…fucking hard…damn…I didn’t know she had that in her…though I knew I deserved every ounce of the effort she put into that swing. I almost punched Jeremy again when I saw him smirking at me. Bastard…
I looked back at Annie and saw her trip on Carla Brown’s foot and land on her knees. My heart lurched as Jeremy tried to help her up but she shoved his outstretched hand and I almost smiled. I shoved him out of the way and wrapped my arm around her waist to steady her.
“Gaaaaaah! I don’t need helppppp.” She slurred and turned her ocean gaze on mine. Anger flared in her eyes and she said, “UGH especially not from you ASS HOLE!!” She ripped my arm away from her and bellowed, “LEAVE ME ALONE!!!” as she tried to walk away again.
“God dammit…” I huffed and picked her up bridal style when she almost fell again. I carried her to the porch and let her down. She steadied herself on the railing before leaning over and vomiting. She coughed and vomited again as small whimpers escaped her mouth. I squinted my eyes as her whimpers pierced my heart like daggers. I put her soft golden curls in my hand and rested my other elbow on the railing and placed my head in my hand and closed my eyes until she was finished.
“Harry, go awaaay.” She whimpered and I felt my heart ache again.
“I’m not gonna do that…” I answered honestly.
She snatched her hair out of my hand and slapped my hand away. She turned around ungracefully and stumbled back into the house. I rushed to her as she reached for another shot. I wrapped my arms around her and grabbed both of her wrists in my hands and began to lead her to the front door.
“Harryyyyy.” She whined.
“I’m taking you home.”
“Noooooo.” She whined again.
“Dammit Annie I know I fucked up but I’m not gonna let you feel any worse because I already know that you’re like this right now because of me. No I’m taking you home.”
She didn’t argue after that and she let me take her to my car. I rested her on the side of my car as I unlocked the passenger side door.
“C’mon love.” I said resting my hand on her back to guide her into the car.
“Don’t call me that anymore.” She ordered and I felt another emotional dagger plunge into my heart. I helped her in and helped her buckle her seatbelt, ignoring her complaints.
By the time I got in the car she was already asleep with her head resting on the window. I drove her back to her house and turned off my car. I took a second and rested my head on the steering wheel. I would give anything to go back in time and not meet Celine that morning…Anything…anything…
I got out of my car and walked over the passenger side door. I unbuckled her seatbelt and carefully picked her up bridal style trying not to wake her. I wrapped her arm around my neck to help steady her a bit and her head immediately rested on my shoulder and the smell of her rose and orange perfume wafted into my nose and calmed me. I walked into her house and all the lights were off. I tiptoed and a light flicked on.
“Harry.” Annie’s mom said. It wasn’t a question it was more like a statement or an accusation. I looked at her pleadingly and gestured to Annie asleep in my arms and she motioned for me to come back and talk to her after I had put Annie to bed. I nodded not really wanting to confront what her mother would say to me. It couldn’t be good.
I walked up the stairs and laid Annie on her bed. I pulled the covers back and tucked her in. I moved a stray curl away from her face and planted a lingering kiss on her forehead, a tear threatening to escape my eyes…I can’t lose her…I walked into her bathroom and grabbed the Advil out of her mirror and grabbed a glass and filled it with water. I placed them on her bedside table and left the room.
I met Annie’s mom in the kitchen, a cup of tea pressed to her lips.
“Sit Harry.” She said not looking at me. I did as she ordered. “I can’t believe you.”
I felt my shoulders sag and I put my head down trying to hide the tears that were gathering in my eyes. “I don’t have an excuse for myself Mrs. Richards. I love Annie more than anything and I can’t believe what I did today.”
“You should go now.” She said quietly. She still hadn’t looked at me. I nodded and walked back to my car and drove home. I crashed on my bed but couldn’t sleep. My mind was filled with the days events and I just wanted it to go away…Gahd I’m an idiot…
“C’mon honey. Let’s go to a party tonight.” Eleanor said as we lay on my bed staring blankly at the ceiling. She had come over after school to make sure I was okay. I thought I was but as the day progressed I realized that I really wasn’t. I just couldn’t believe that he would do something like that, ESPECTIALLY with Celine of all people. How could I not have seen that something was up before? He was so sweet…so caring and I thought I knew what he was feeling, that our feelings for each other were mutual. We were in love…or so I thought.
I continued hugging my pillow, “I’m not really up for anything tonight El…”
“Trust me sweetheart. I know someone who is having a party and it’s gonna be awesome! I’ll call up the girls and we can all go have a fun night without thinking about boys!”
“I don’t know…”
“Oh c’mon Annie.” She jumped off my bed and started raiding my closet. “Here wear this!” She pulled out a burgundy dress that was long sleeve and round neck. It was skin tight to my belly button and draped down to my mid-thigh. A thin black belt hid the seam that connected the torso and the shirt.
I rolled my eyes, “Fine.” I got up and grabbed the dress from her. I stripped my warm sweatpants and sweatshirt off and inched on the dress.
“Uhm isn’t this Harry’s?” El asked as I buckled the belt around my waist. She was holding Harry’s Jack Wills pullover.
“Oh uh. Yeah…” I walked over to her and grabbed it out of her hand. I wadded it into a ball and crammed it into one of my drawers.
“I’m gonna run home and change but I’ll be by to pick you up at 7:00 okay?”
“Sounds good.”
Eleanor skipped down my stairs as I walked to my bathroom. I turned on the light and flinched at my own reflection. My eyes were puffy and red and my eyes were bloodshot. I looked awful. I grabbed my makeup and did what I could to hide the pain that was visible on my skin. I heard the doorbell ring and glanced at the clock, 6:47. She must be early. I slipped on some black flats and threw my winter coat on.
“Mom I’m going out with the girls!”
“I thought Harry was coming for dinner!”
“That was before he cheated on me!”
“He WHAT?!”
“I don’t want to talk about it!” I called as I flew my door open and saw El’s car with Dani and Perrie already there.
I ran to the car and hopped in, ignoring the bitter cold air that nipped at my cheeks.
“How are you doing love?” Dani asked.
“I feel like shit but I plan on getting drunk and not feeling it.” I laughed sarcastically.
“Aw Annie. We’ve got your back okay?”
I nodded trying to hide the tears that rimmed my eyes. We drove for a few minutes and pulled into a driveway. It looked incredibly similar to the party Celine had taken me to when I had first gotten here. We climbed out of the car and entered the house that was blaring music and reeked of alcohol. Excellent.
“Let’s get a drink!” Perrie squealed and grabbed my hand to lead me to the bar. She got me a shot and I threw it into the back of my throat, tequila burning me on the way down. I immediately felt my head get lighter. She handed me another two shots and I took them gladly, welcoming the burning sensation the tequila left on my throat.
“I’m gonna go dance!” I yelled over the music and Perrie nodded at me as she swallowed another shot.
I didn’t know where Dani and Eleanor were but I didn’t care. I could feel myself getting buzzed from the alcohol I had just consumed. I never drink so this feeling was so fucking weird. I walked onto the dance floor and started to sway with the music. I felt someone’s hands rest on my hips as they pushed their groin into my ass and started grinding into me. I glanced at who it was and saw that it was Jeremy from my physics class.
“Jeremyyyyy!” I slurred and laid my head back on his shoulder.
“Heyyyy Annieee,” He slurred, the reek of whiskey burning my nose, “Whereee is Harrrrrrry?”
“Not hereee. But who caaaaares?”
We grinded on each other until the end of the song and I stumbled away from him so I could look into his eyes, “I’mmmm gonna get another shooooot.” I giggled.
“Im coming!”
We walked over to the bar and got three shots of tequila. My throat was on fire as I welcomed the alcohol into my system. My head started feeling light and my stomach started to churn….ughhhh.
I started giggling as I felt someone wrap their hand around my waist. “Anniee how are you feeling?” Perrie asked me. She wasn’t as drunk as I was but I could tell she had had a few more shots than the ones we had together.
“I feel AWESOME.” I squealed.
Jeremy grabbed my hand and dragged me back on the dance floor. He wrapped his hands around my waist and pulled me against his chest. I swayed with him awkwardly because we were both drunk.
“Annie…” I heard a much too familiar voice croak behind me. I turned around and slapped him across the face before walking away, tripping on someone’s foot as I went. I landed on my knees and disregarded Jeremy’s attempt to help me up. I got up clumsily and felt a hand wrap around my waist.
“Gaaaaaah! I don’t need helppppp.” I turned my gaze to the person holding me and was met by Harry’s concerned emerald eyes. “UGH especially not from you ASS HOLE!!” I ripped his arm away from me and stumbled to the floor again. “LEAVE ME ALONE!!!” I bellowed as he tried to help me up again.
“God dammit.” He picked me up bridal style and shoved his way through the crowd. He took me onto the porch and let me down and I struggled to regain my balance until I found the railing.
I leaned over the edge as vomit escape my mouth and burned the inside of my throat. I coughed and whimpered as more vomit came out. I felt Harry take my hair in his hands and hold it back. I glanced over at him and saw that the hand that wasn’t holding my hair was holding his face and that elbow was on the railing of the porch. He wasn’t looking at me.
“Harry, go awaaay.” I whimpered.
“I’m not gonna do that…”
I snatched my hair out of his hand and smacked his hand away before turning around and stumbling back into the house. I stumbled back up to the bar and reached for another shot of tequila. I felt someone wrap their arms around me by grabbing both of my arms and guiding me to the front door. I didn’t need to look to see who it was. I would recognize that smell everywhere…
“Harryyyyy.”
“I’m taking you home.” He said.
“Noooooo.”
“Dammit Annie I know I fucked up but I’m not gonna let you feel any worse because I already know that you’re like this right now because of me. No I’m taking you home.”
I shut my eyes and let him guide me as I tried to stop the tears that were threatening to escape my eyes. He guided me to his car and released me only to unlock the door. My intoxicated body struggled to keep me upright and I leaned on his car with my palm pressed to my forehead.
“C’mon love.” He said resting his hand on my back to guide me into the car.
“Don’t call me that anymore.” I ordered and he remained silent.
Harry’s POV
I sat at my desk staring blankly at a picture I had of Annie on my desk. I looked at my phone when it started ringing.
“Huh?” I answered. I really didn’t want to talk. Annie hates me and I can’t think of anything worse in the world.
“Harry, give me some damn answers. What the FUCK happened today?”
“I don’t want to talk about it Lou…”
“Well Eleanor called me today and told me that Annie is a mess and so are you. WHAT happened?”
“It’s happening again Lou…”
“What? What is?”
I laid my head in my hand and took a deep breath, “I made out with Celine and she found us…”
There was silence and then he responded, “Annie was the best thing that had ever happened to you…”
“YOU DON’T THINK I KNOW THAT?!?”
“Then what the hell were you thinking Haz?!”
“Gah I don’t know! She wanted to talk and then all of a sudden she started kissing me and I kissed her back! I don’t even fucking know why! But I hate myself for it so I don’t need a pep talk thank you!”
“Well get your ass together and go over to Jeremy’s place tonight. He’s having a party and Eleanor is taking Perrie, Dani, and Annie so get your ASS over there and FIX what you did!”
That got my attention. I hit the end button, shoved my phone in my pocket, grabbed my coat and my car keys and flew down the stairs. I got in my car and drove a few blocks to Jeremy’s house. I saw Eleanor’s car there and it had a thin layer of snow on it so they must’ve been here for a while. I entered the house and ignored the smell of alcohol and the blaring music. I needed to find her. She hates these kind of parties and she’s gonna do something stupid if she’s not careful or too drunk. I glanced around and saw her grinding with Jeremy. Anger immediately coursed through my body and it took everything I had to not punch his jaw right then and there.
I walked up to them calmly, “Annie…” I flinched as a stinging sensation ignited on my cheek. She just slapped me…fucking hard…damn…I didn’t know she had that in her…though I knew I deserved every ounce of the effort she put into that swing. I almost punched Jeremy again when I saw him smirking at me. Bastard…
I looked back at Annie and saw her trip on Carla Brown’s foot and land on her knees. My heart lurched as Jeremy tried to help her up but she shoved his outstretched hand and I almost smiled. I shoved him out of the way and wrapped my arm around her waist to steady her.
“Gaaaaaah! I don’t need helppppp.” She slurred and turned her ocean gaze on mine. Anger flared in her eyes and she said, “UGH especially not from you ASS HOLE!!” She ripped my arm away from her and bellowed, “LEAVE ME ALONE!!!” as she tried to walk away again.
“God dammit…” I huffed and picked her up bridal style when she almost fell again. I carried her to the porch and let her down. She steadied herself on the railing before leaning over and vomiting. She coughed and vomited again as small whimpers escaped her mouth. I squinted my eyes as her whimpers pierced my heart like daggers. I put her soft golden curls in my hand and rested my other elbow on the railing and placed my head in my hand and closed my eyes until she was finished.
“Harry, go awaaay.” She whimpered and I felt my heart ache again.
“I’m not gonna do that…” I answered honestly.
She snatched her hair out of my hand and slapped my hand away. She turned around ungracefully and stumbled back into the house. I rushed to her as she reached for another shot. I wrapped my arms around her and grabbed both of her wrists in my hands and began to lead her to the front door.
“Harryyyyy.” She whined.
“I’m taking you home.”
“Noooooo.” She whined again.
“Dammit Annie I know I fucked up but I’m not gonna let you feel any worse because I already know that you’re like this right now because of me. No I’m taking you home.”
She didn’t argue after that and she let me take her to my car. I rested her on the side of my car as I unlocked the passenger side door.
“C’mon love.” I said resting my hand on her back to guide her into the car.
“Don’t call me that anymore.” She ordered and I felt another emotional dagger plunge into my heart. I helped her in and helped her buckle her seatbelt, ignoring her complaints.
By the time I got in the car she was already asleep with her head resting on the window. I drove her back to her house and turned off my car. I took a second and rested my head on the steering wheel. I would give anything to go back in time and not meet Celine that morning…Anything…anything…
I got out of my car and walked over the passenger side door. I unbuckled her seatbelt and carefully picked her up bridal style trying not to wake her. I wrapped her arm around my neck to help steady her a bit and her head immediately rested on my shoulder and the smell of her rose and orange perfume wafted into my nose and calmed me. I walked into her house and all the lights were off. I tiptoed and a light flicked on.
“Harry.” Annie’s mom said. It wasn’t a question it was more like a statement or an accusation. I looked at her pleadingly and gestured to Annie asleep in my arms and she motioned for me to come back and talk to her after I had put Annie to bed. I nodded not really wanting to confront what her mother would say to me. It couldn’t be good.
I walked up the stairs and laid Annie on her bed. I pulled the covers back and tucked her in. I moved a stray curl away from her face and planted a lingering kiss on her forehead, a tear threatening to escape my eyes…I can’t lose her…I walked into her bathroom and grabbed the Advil out of her mirror and grabbed a glass and filled it with water. I placed them on her bedside table and left the room.
I met Annie’s mom in the kitchen, a cup of tea pressed to her lips.
“Sit Harry.” She said not looking at me. I did as she ordered. “I can’t believe you.”
I felt my shoulders sag and I put my head down trying to hide the tears that were gathering in my eyes. “I don’t have an excuse for myself Mrs. Richards. I love Annie more than anything and I can’t believe what I did today.”
“You should go now.” She said quietly. She still hadn’t looked at me. I nodded and walked back to my car and drove home. I crashed on my bed but couldn’t sleep. My mind was filled with the days events and I just wanted it to go away…Gahd I’m an idiot…
Notes
Hey guys!!! You're comments have been so wonderful to read! I'm SO happy you guys are finding entertainment in this story and have kept reading it. You guys are truly amazing thank you so much <3
GUYS GUYS GUYS GUYS HALF A HEART IS ON THE 8TH PAGE OF THE POPULAR SECTION OMG OMG OMG OMG THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOUUUUUU!!!!!! <3
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QUESTIONS:
What will happen to Annie and Harry
Will Annie ever be able to forgive him?
If not, what's going to happen to Annie's thoughts on London?
Inspirational Quote: "Be the change you want to see in the world." <3
LOVE YOU GUYSSS
~JoseyWhite
Chapter 22 is my fav chapter!!
11/9/16