Unexpected
Chapter 25
*Harry’s POV*
I listened to everyone talking and asking when Chloe was going to show up. I decided to keep to myself and walked over to the side of the room to observe everyone from the outside. Louis was talking to Niall and Liam just as Eleanor walked in. He looked at the door and immediately stopped talking. His jaw dropped and I swear I saw his stomach clench.
“Eleanor,” he mouthed.
She shot him a nervous smile and a small wave before heading over to him. He was sort of jumpy for a moment before a wide smile spread across his face. He pulled Eleanor in for a hug and kissed her. I felt myself smile at the sight. I was so happy my best friend got his girl back.
*Louis’ POV*
I stood talking with Niall and Liam about what they’d gotten Chloe for her birthday when I heard the door open. I looked over to make sure it was another guest and we didn’t miss jumping and shouting ‘surprise’ when Chloe walked in. When I saw her, words stopped being formed and my jaw hit the floor. Eleanor gave me a small smile and wave and walked over to us.
A few weeks ago El and I had a fight about going to see her parents and we broke up. I felt awful about it but I couldn’t let her know that. I had to stay strong for the boys and the media and the fans. When I saw her tonight, all of the pain from our breakup came flooding back to me. My stomach tied itself up in knots as she made her way over to me.
“Hi,” she said shyly.
I nodded a greeting and shut my mouth before someone else had to do it for me.
“Louis, I’m sorry I tried to force you to come see my parents,” she apologized. I could tell it hurt her to admit she was wrong; she’s usually just as stubborn as I am when it comes to being right.
I saw the hope and love in her eyes and I knew this was what I’d been waiting for. I pulled her close to me and hugged her as tight as I could. When she pulled away I gave her the most passionate kiss I could with people watching us. I’d longed for her touch since we’d split and felt my heart flutter as I held her close.
My eyes drifted around the room before finally landing on Harry. He was watching us and flashed me a smile when I saw my eyes on him.
That’s one couple back together tonight, I thought. Now just for the other.
*Harry’s POV*
I watched the party guests a little longer and greeted the new ones as they walked in. A couple times, Gemma came over to me and asked if I was alright, but finally gave up when I wouldn’t leave my spot.
Our lookout – Paul – poked his head into the room. “She’s coming,” he whispered. “Everyone quiet.”
I quickly reached behind me and opened the closet set into the wall. I pulled out the dozen red roses I’d bought for Chloe on the way back from bowling this morning right before the lights went out.
My stomach was churning as I waited for Chloe to open the door and turn the lights on. The few seconds it took for her to make it down the hallway felt like years to me. When the door opened, I stood up straight and held the roses in front of my stomach. I put my broke wrist behind the back in the hopes that it would make me look a little better than I did at that very moment.
The lights flicked on and Chloe looked around the room as everyone but me shouted ‘surprise’. I realized a little too late that I’d forgotten that part. Oops.
Her eyes scanned the room and a smile crossed her lips as she realized this was for her. That smile quickly faded, though, when she caught sight of me. She turned on her heel to leave but Tess and Zayn blocked her path. Tess whispered something in her ear and Chloe’s shoulders sank.
The room was dead silent as Chloe turned around to face me. She took slow, excruciating steps over to where I stood and I felt myself begin to sweat. When she got within arms’ reach, I held the roses out.
“Happy birthday, love,” I whispered. I’d meant to say it louder but my voice refused to go any higher than a quiet whisper.
Everyone in the room had heard about what happened with Chloe and me so they were all listening and watching, waiting for what would happen next.
Chloe’s face didn’t change at all as she took the roses from my outstretched hand.
“Thank you,” she mumbled. Her gaze met mine only for a second before she turned away and walked back to Tess and Zayn at the door.
All of the guests began talking quietly at first then greeted Chloe and wished her a happy birthday. About an hour had passed before Chloe opened her presents. People kept passing me and asking how I was doing but I remained in my spot. I had decided I would be the last to give her my present in the hopes of winning her back.
Everyone gathered around the few tables that had been set up on one side of the room and watched as Chloe opened gifts of clothes, jewelry, perfume, make-up, and other odds and ends. She thanked everybody and began packing things back into their boxes. I made my way over to the small stage set up on the other side of the room and plugged in a microphone. I pulled out the speech I had written the night before and cleared my throat into the mic to get everyone’s attention.
All eyes simultaneously turned to me and the room grew silent. No one, not even Gemma, knew what I had planned.
“Sorry to interrupt,” I began, “but I’d like to give Chloe my present now.” I stole a glance at her and tried to tell what she was thinking. She sat in her chair with a blank look on her face, waiting for me to continue. I unfolded the paper and read exactly what I’d written:
“Happy 17th birthday, Chloe. You are the most beautiful, caring, and funny girl I’ve met since the band took off a few years ago. The day I first saw you in our dressing room, I knew I had to have you. You looked amazing, and you look even better tonight.” I added that last part in as I looked at her again, her curly hair falling perfectly over her shoulders, the make-up on her eyelids making her eyes pop, the perfect dress complimenting her figure perfectly; she looked stunning. “The other day when I fell off the bus and did this to myself,” I continued, holding up my injured wrist, “those words that came out of my mouth were just pain killers. I talk nonsense when I’m in pain and I often say things I don’t mean. Chloe, love, I’m so sorry I hurt you. I’m sorry I led you to believe I wish I’d never met you. Meeting you was the best experience of my life and I don’t regret it one bit. You’re an amazing girl and I wish I had just had the common sense to hold my tongue for once. I hope you have a wonderful birthday.”
I folded the paper back up and put it back in my pocket. I unplugged the microphone and got off the stage, only to be met by stares. It took me a few seconds to realize it was because Chloe had risen from her chair and walked into the middle of the room. Her facial expression remained unreadable but I knew she had something to say.
“Harry,” she began. “You wrote a speech for me?”
I looked back at her, shocked. I had no idea where she was headed with this. I couldn’t form words so I nodded. She stayed in her place for a few moments longer before she surprised everyone.
She ran forward and wrapped her arms around my neck. I felt her forgiveness before she said anything.
“I didn’t want to believe those words,” she said as she pulled away from me.
‘They weren’t true,” I reassured her, my voice finding its way back to me.
A small smile spread across Chloe’s lips right before she pressed her mouth to mine. I was surprised at first, but I quickly came to and kissed her back.
She pulled away from me a moment later and smiled again. Seeing her so happy made me happy. I remembered my gift and pulled the rectangular box out of my pocket.
I held it in front of me and slowly opened it, trying to create some suspense. Chloe looked down and her jaw dropped when she saw the black diamond tennis bracelet sitting perfectly inside.
“It’s beautiful, Harry,” she choked out as I fastened it to her wrist.
“Just like you,” I replied.
The rest of the night went by quickly and everyone had a great time. Louis and Eleanor caught up and chatted with everyone and I stayed by Chloe’s side the entire time.
When the party was finally over, we all headed back up to our floor and Chloe thanked everyone for the best birthday she’s ever had. She pulled her suitcases out of Tess and Zayn’s room and into mine. After changing and talking a while longer, we finally settled down for the night, and I fell asleep with my girl in my arms.
I listened to everyone talking and asking when Chloe was going to show up. I decided to keep to myself and walked over to the side of the room to observe everyone from the outside. Louis was talking to Niall and Liam just as Eleanor walked in. He looked at the door and immediately stopped talking. His jaw dropped and I swear I saw his stomach clench.
“Eleanor,” he mouthed.
She shot him a nervous smile and a small wave before heading over to him. He was sort of jumpy for a moment before a wide smile spread across his face. He pulled Eleanor in for a hug and kissed her. I felt myself smile at the sight. I was so happy my best friend got his girl back.
*Louis’ POV*
I stood talking with Niall and Liam about what they’d gotten Chloe for her birthday when I heard the door open. I looked over to make sure it was another guest and we didn’t miss jumping and shouting ‘surprise’ when Chloe walked in. When I saw her, words stopped being formed and my jaw hit the floor. Eleanor gave me a small smile and wave and walked over to us.
A few weeks ago El and I had a fight about going to see her parents and we broke up. I felt awful about it but I couldn’t let her know that. I had to stay strong for the boys and the media and the fans. When I saw her tonight, all of the pain from our breakup came flooding back to me. My stomach tied itself up in knots as she made her way over to me.
“Hi,” she said shyly.
I nodded a greeting and shut my mouth before someone else had to do it for me.
“Louis, I’m sorry I tried to force you to come see my parents,” she apologized. I could tell it hurt her to admit she was wrong; she’s usually just as stubborn as I am when it comes to being right.
I saw the hope and love in her eyes and I knew this was what I’d been waiting for. I pulled her close to me and hugged her as tight as I could. When she pulled away I gave her the most passionate kiss I could with people watching us. I’d longed for her touch since we’d split and felt my heart flutter as I held her close.
My eyes drifted around the room before finally landing on Harry. He was watching us and flashed me a smile when I saw my eyes on him.
That’s one couple back together tonight, I thought. Now just for the other.
*Harry’s POV*
I watched the party guests a little longer and greeted the new ones as they walked in. A couple times, Gemma came over to me and asked if I was alright, but finally gave up when I wouldn’t leave my spot.
Our lookout – Paul – poked his head into the room. “She’s coming,” he whispered. “Everyone quiet.”
I quickly reached behind me and opened the closet set into the wall. I pulled out the dozen red roses I’d bought for Chloe on the way back from bowling this morning right before the lights went out.
My stomach was churning as I waited for Chloe to open the door and turn the lights on. The few seconds it took for her to make it down the hallway felt like years to me. When the door opened, I stood up straight and held the roses in front of my stomach. I put my broke wrist behind the back in the hopes that it would make me look a little better than I did at that very moment.
The lights flicked on and Chloe looked around the room as everyone but me shouted ‘surprise’. I realized a little too late that I’d forgotten that part. Oops.
Her eyes scanned the room and a smile crossed her lips as she realized this was for her. That smile quickly faded, though, when she caught sight of me. She turned on her heel to leave but Tess and Zayn blocked her path. Tess whispered something in her ear and Chloe’s shoulders sank.
The room was dead silent as Chloe turned around to face me. She took slow, excruciating steps over to where I stood and I felt myself begin to sweat. When she got within arms’ reach, I held the roses out.
“Happy birthday, love,” I whispered. I’d meant to say it louder but my voice refused to go any higher than a quiet whisper.
Everyone in the room had heard about what happened with Chloe and me so they were all listening and watching, waiting for what would happen next.
Chloe’s face didn’t change at all as she took the roses from my outstretched hand.
“Thank you,” she mumbled. Her gaze met mine only for a second before she turned away and walked back to Tess and Zayn at the door.
All of the guests began talking quietly at first then greeted Chloe and wished her a happy birthday. About an hour had passed before Chloe opened her presents. People kept passing me and asking how I was doing but I remained in my spot. I had decided I would be the last to give her my present in the hopes of winning her back.
Everyone gathered around the few tables that had been set up on one side of the room and watched as Chloe opened gifts of clothes, jewelry, perfume, make-up, and other odds and ends. She thanked everybody and began packing things back into their boxes. I made my way over to the small stage set up on the other side of the room and plugged in a microphone. I pulled out the speech I had written the night before and cleared my throat into the mic to get everyone’s attention.
All eyes simultaneously turned to me and the room grew silent. No one, not even Gemma, knew what I had planned.
“Sorry to interrupt,” I began, “but I’d like to give Chloe my present now.” I stole a glance at her and tried to tell what she was thinking. She sat in her chair with a blank look on her face, waiting for me to continue. I unfolded the paper and read exactly what I’d written:
“Happy 17th birthday, Chloe. You are the most beautiful, caring, and funny girl I’ve met since the band took off a few years ago. The day I first saw you in our dressing room, I knew I had to have you. You looked amazing, and you look even better tonight.” I added that last part in as I looked at her again, her curly hair falling perfectly over her shoulders, the make-up on her eyelids making her eyes pop, the perfect dress complimenting her figure perfectly; she looked stunning. “The other day when I fell off the bus and did this to myself,” I continued, holding up my injured wrist, “those words that came out of my mouth were just pain killers. I talk nonsense when I’m in pain and I often say things I don’t mean. Chloe, love, I’m so sorry I hurt you. I’m sorry I led you to believe I wish I’d never met you. Meeting you was the best experience of my life and I don’t regret it one bit. You’re an amazing girl and I wish I had just had the common sense to hold my tongue for once. I hope you have a wonderful birthday.”
I folded the paper back up and put it back in my pocket. I unplugged the microphone and got off the stage, only to be met by stares. It took me a few seconds to realize it was because Chloe had risen from her chair and walked into the middle of the room. Her facial expression remained unreadable but I knew she had something to say.
“Harry,” she began. “You wrote a speech for me?”
I looked back at her, shocked. I had no idea where she was headed with this. I couldn’t form words so I nodded. She stayed in her place for a few moments longer before she surprised everyone.
She ran forward and wrapped her arms around my neck. I felt her forgiveness before she said anything.
“I didn’t want to believe those words,” she said as she pulled away from me.
‘They weren’t true,” I reassured her, my voice finding its way back to me.
A small smile spread across Chloe’s lips right before she pressed her mouth to mine. I was surprised at first, but I quickly came to and kissed her back.
She pulled away from me a moment later and smiled again. Seeing her so happy made me happy. I remembered my gift and pulled the rectangular box out of my pocket.
I held it in front of me and slowly opened it, trying to create some suspense. Chloe looked down and her jaw dropped when she saw the black diamond tennis bracelet sitting perfectly inside.
“It’s beautiful, Harry,” she choked out as I fastened it to her wrist.
“Just like you,” I replied.
The rest of the night went by quickly and everyone had a great time. Louis and Eleanor caught up and chatted with everyone and I stayed by Chloe’s side the entire time.
When the party was finally over, we all headed back up to our floor and Chloe thanked everyone for the best birthday she’s ever had. She pulled her suitcases out of Tess and Zayn’s room and into mine. After changing and talking a while longer, we finally settled down for the night, and I fell asleep with my girl in my arms.
6/16/13