Harry's P.O.V.

Monday Night

I have dinner with my family tonight. They keep asking me about my first day of work. I'm not telling them about what happened with Avery, though. That's something that I will always keep between the two of us. I can't help but feel like we've known each other for forever. We're very close now. I just wish I could know more about her. But that would require me telling her about myself. More specifically, my past... my secrets. And I can't and won't risk that.

I finish dinner and retreat to my room. I pop in a movie and lay down watching it. About halfway through the movie, I get a text from Avery telling me to meet her out by the water. I smile and reply saying I'll be out shortly. I quickly pause my movie and walk out to my balcony, climbing down the ladder, in order to keep my mother and sister from knowing where I'm headed.

I walk down and see Avery, her back facing me, staring out at the ocean. Oh, what I would do to know what she's thinking about right now. I walk up quietly and stand beside her.

"Beautiful." I say, referring to the ocean and stars.

"I know," She says while sitting in the sand, "I love how the water reflects thee moon and stars." She finishes. I sit down beside her, watching her stare out at nothing in particular.

"So, why did you want me to come out here?" I ask.

"I honestly don't know. I guess I'm just lonely and want some company." She says, not tearing her gaze from the horizon.

"I don't mind. I couldn't get to sleep and had nothing to do."

We end up sitting there for hours, not saying a word. It's so peaceful. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Avery yawning. She stretches a little then lays her head on my lap, causing my heart rate to increase. I stroke her hair back and soon I hear her soft snores. I figure I can't leave her out here and I can't bring her to her house because she usually locks the doors. I end up taking her up the ladder to my balcony, which takes forever, and lay her in my bed, slipping her shoes off and covering her in a blanket.

"Goodnight, Avery. Sleep tight." I say once I reach the doorway, turning off the light. I'm about to walk out when I hear Avery.

"Harry?" She asks, barely audible.

"Yeah, Avery?" I reply.

"Can you stay... stay with me tonight?" She hesitantly asks.

"Of course." I take off my sweatshirt, leaving me in a loose T-shirt and sweatpants. I slip off my shoes, close my door and climb under the covers next to Avery. Trying to keep my distance as not to seem too eager, I stay on the side of the bed opposite her. But she scoots closer and snuggles her head into my chest, wrapping her arm around my torso. I slowly wrap my arms around her waist and eventually fall into a deep slumber.

Avery's P.O.V.

I’m running. Running from something dangerous. I can’t see it. But I can hear it. Its laugh is menacing, raspy, and deep. Suddenly, I’m yanked back by something. It’s still laughing loudly in my ear. It turns me around and I see none other than Harry Styles. I gasp and he starts talking.

“Oh Avery,” He says, a sinister tone to his voice, “I can’t believe you trusted me but, you know, I’m no good for you. I’ll just hurt you by leaving you. I never wanted to stay in the first place.” He tells me.

“No, NO! You said it yourself, Always and forever!” I scream at him, tears pouring down my face.

“And you actually think I meant that?” He laughs at me, “You’ll never be safe with me around. You’re such a stupid girl for believing I was good for you.” He says, still laughing.

“No! No! Stop! You’re lying, stop!” I yell.


Suddenly , I'm being shaken awake. Gasping for air, I see Harry, a worried expression on his face.

"Avery, oh, you're finally awake!" He lets out in a nervous breath, "You were screaming and thrashing around in your sleep." He tells me.

"Harry, you're not leaving me, right?!" I ask quickly. I see his expression change from relieved to worried again.

"Of course not, Avery! I'll always be by your side, keeping you safe." He tells me.

"Always and forever?" I ask.

"Until all the oceans dry up." He tells me. I hug him quickly and tightly.

"Never leave me, ok? Never go anywhere. Never leave my side." I whisper in his ear while still hugging him.

"Never in a million years. And even longer." He whispers back, pulling away from our embrace.

"C'mon, let's go back to bed." He tells me softly. We lay back in our previous position and gently fall into another dream-filled sleep.

Notes