Pretend It's Ok

Harry had been seeing Brooke - the cashier - almost each day for the past week. He took a liking into her which wasn't such as much of a shock. Harry knew he would move on from Gharram. It still saddened him a bit, but there was nothing he could do to win her over.

Nonetheless, Harry felt legitimately happy and that was something he hadn't felt in a long time since dating Caroline Flack a few years back. Gharram made him happy, yes, but she couldn't make him happy one hundred percent of the time, she couldn't make him happy the way he wanted - needed - her to. He wanted more of her yet that wasn't going to happen - esepcially with the way Gharram's mind set was, her guard was up higher than most walls. No way. No how. He needed to move forward from his secret crush - if that's what it could be labeled as. He needed someone else in his life.

Harry just wanted to be satisfied (not sexually of course).

Harry forgot the feeling of joy. He had no idea what to feel or say about it. Working daily and thinking of other's before himself, Harry never really took his own feelings or thoughts into consideration... unless it was about Gharram, that is. Brooke made him smile in a full out grin, laugh so hard his stomach muscles tightened and made dinner for him most nights. They would go out on the town and explore new locations she's never seen.

Brooke was amazed by the perks of being Harry Styles' guest. She was amazed about the perks of being Harry Styles! She would never be able to get over this lifestyle but it was something she could surely get use to.

Harry invited her to Gharram's show tonight. It was two more days until the big VS fashion show finale. Harry walked in sporting his black blazer, black v-neck, black slacks, black beanie and black converse. Wrapped around his arm was his guest Brooke which was in a plain white lace sun dress and cowboy boots. She refused leaving his side seeing as she might get lost or escorted out the building for being mistaken as a huge fan. Nonetheless, she was amazed at the scenery around her.

"Wow.", Brooke gasped at the models in pink silk robes. "Oh my god, this is amazing. Is that Adriana Lima?", she pointed to the slim beauty.

Harry chuckled at her surprised expression, "Yeah that is."

"This rocks. How'd you manage to get in?", she stopped her thought for a brief second slapping her forehead. "Oh wait, you're Harry Styles."

"No, actually my best friend is one of the models.", he smiled proudly.

"No way!", she questioned. Harry nodded with assurance. "I can't wait to meet her!"

There was a loud bang somewhere in the background. Harry's eyes shot open and soon sighed knowing exactly who it is. "The wait won't be that long, I can tell you that.", he said under his breath. Brooke stared up at him with fear and he could feel it. "I'M HERE!", Harry shouted over the loud background noises.

"HARRY!!", he heard a yell from the direction of the bang. "You're finally here.", she ran towards him closing her phone.

Harry rubbed the back of his neck, "Told you I'd be here."

In front of him was Gharram in one of her outfits. Harry loved seeing her behind the scenes just to get a good look at her. She would make sure Harry would see her before she got ready to walk on the runway. Harry would analyze and correct her makeup and attire.

He stared at her slim long legs trailing up to her toned, tanned abdomen. Harry hadn't realized it but he was doing it again. He was checking Gharram out forgetting about his pretty guest beside him. He couldn't look away. She was beautiful and alluring without trying. Gharram always had that effect on him (something he knew he would resent). He pulled his collar slightly feeling a rush of heat escape his chest. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up when he noticed just how long her legs were. He licked his lips slowly and was soon interrupted.

Harry shook his head freeing himself from being sunk into where he had been a week and a few days ago - secretly falling for his best friend. Gharram grinned revealing her glistening white teeth.

There was more excitement in her face than usual, "I have to talk to you."

"Oh my god.", a tiny voice interrupted the two. Gharram's facial expression changed suddenly. "Hi I'm Brooke!", she squealed in amazement. "I can't believe I'm meeting the world's biggest fashion model.", she grinned giggling like any fangirl would.

Harry furrowed his eyebrows with a sad pout, "Hey..." Both girls faced the curly-haired boy. "When you met me, you weren't going crazy like this. What makes her so special?", he huffed out of jealousy.

"Hawwy is getting jeawous?", Gharram teased with a baby voice pinching his cheek. "Can't you see that I'm more interesting?"

Brooke's laughter increased witnessing the famous pair argue, "I just love fashion and Victoria's Secret."

Gharram reached her arms out towards her for a hug, "Then we will get along just fine! It was nice meeting you Brooke, but frankly its my turn to walk."

"Break a leg, Sharma.", Harry seethed still jealous of the attention Gharram received.

She beamed at him narrowing her eyes, "How about I break both of your chopstick legs instead."

Harry laughed weakly placing his arm around her shoulder. "You know...", he cupped her face in his hands. "I love you."

Gharram's eyes widened slightly at the small jolt that sparked in her chest. Her eyes wouldn't dare leave Harry as he held her for what seemed like decades. She gulped heavily smiling joyfully revealing her deep dents. "I love you too...", she half whispered.

"Try not to trip, Sharma.", he winked kissing her lightly on the forehead.

Gharram froze for a dwindle at the sudden action. Harry was always like this. What had gotten into her? Why wasn't accustomed to this anymore? Why did Harry have her stuttering with every word that came from her mouth?

Harry had no idea what Gharram was battling within herself, but he knew one thing was for sure, he had to get his mind out of where it was headed. Brooke was with him. She has been for a week and she was there to make him forget the feelings. Forget the part of his heart that put up a fight.

"Let's go get seated Brooke.", Harry snapped out of his reverie.

"Harry...", Gharram called out to him hesitantly. Harry turned around sharply with raised eyebrows as if to expect a change in the awhat seemed like thick air. "Uh...", she shook her head grinning. "I'll see you later."

Harry smiled nodding in agreement. Brooke slipped her fingers with Harry which caused a sharp pain in Gharram's chest. She watched in disappointment as the pair walked towards the exit. Was it the Bacardi she decided to have before walking down the catwalk or just her? Gharram didn't know what the hell was going with her, but she knew one thing was for certain.... Tonight she needed to forget about everything inside herself. She realized that the battle wasn't with Harry but with herself.

Gharram was her own enemy.

"Ms. Sharma...", the deep voice broke her out of her thoughts. "You're on..."












Harry seated himself with Brooke next to him. He laughed with her as each model passed by. Talking about nonsense as usual.

"This is so cool. I still can't believe I'm here...", Brooke smiled childishly.

"It's quite exciting.", he sniffed an itch in his nose.

"Oh hell yeah.", Brooke urged. "Especially the live music and lights."

A seductive beat had begun to play and all eyes were set to the beginning of the entrance. Each model had come out as pin up dolls. Harry's eyes refused to leave each slender half naked model. It was natural. Brooke was even in awe at the selection of underwear and era they represented.

Then it happened. She came out.

His heart was thumping in his throat. His palms sweating. His pants suddenly grew tighter. His eyes grew more focus. His mind blank.

Gharram walked out playing her role as the Indian Marilyn Monroe in an all white bra and panty set inspired by Marilyn. On stage was Ms. Minaj rapping one of her classic hits making the crowd and models dance and rap along with her. Gharram walked down the runway rolling her hips along with Nicki not too far behind. Female instinct invaded the sanctuary of Gharram's sober mind. Harry was watching - which meant he was watching her more than the other models. She turned her head slightly to see if he had been watching her. Just as she suspected Harry's eyes were on her. Grinding against the female rapper, Gharram made sure to have as much as fun as she could while doing her job. Nicki had moved along with Gharram urging her to escalate her moves a bit.

At this point, Gharram was intoxicated. She was drunk on the idea of getting the attention of her best friend. Thinking for a split second, Gharram rethought her actions. Was this the right thing to do? Harry was seeing someone for crying out loud. Did she not care for the poor girl's feelings? Gharram had know idea what she was doing. You don't have feelings for him. Why are you trying to impress him so bad?

Confusion on his side wasn't helping the situation either. What was going on? He didn't know but he liked what was in front of him. He couldn't though. Brooke was next to him. Poor Brooke. She took what Gharram was doing as just Gharram being herself. Crazy, spontaneous, fun... She wasn't aware of the thoughts her current significant other was thinking.

It wasn't fair.

None of it was. The real reason behind Gharram's actions. Harry's tolerance of it happening and his constant staring. Brooke not being aware of anything going on.

"She's so cute, Harry...", Brooke shouted over the noise. "I can see why you surround yourself with her.", she giggled cheering Gharram on. "She's so funny!!", she laughed as she seen Gharram mimicking Nicki's signature facial expressions. Her head turned to a concentrated Harry, "Harry."

Brooke's smile faded slowly. Her eyes then followed to where and who Harry hadn't stopped watching. Her eyes diverted back to Gharram who danced her way towards the back where the exit was to change into her next outfit. Brooke smiled looking to her lap saddened. She pushed back the lump in her throat fiddling with her finger nails. She bit her bottom lip holding her emotions from bursting in front of everyone.

Harry looked towards the back where Gharram had walked to not too long ago. He couldn't. He just couldn't. No matter how hard he tried, Harry couldn't forget her. Gharram was someone he couldn't fall out of love with. Something about her just had him in a tight hold. He gulped then looking back to see Brooke had left. A text appeared suddenly on the screen of his phone.

Brookster:

Hey, it was fun being there. I was feeling a tad sick. Thought I would head home early. Thank you for the wonderful evening.

Gharram slammed her back against the wall of the bathroom. She ran her fingers through her dark brown long hair. Groaning she pulled her hair slightly bringing the strands to hee face. Sliding down the door, she closed her eyes thinking of what had been going on in her head. Her chest was filled with the heavy sensation of regret, confusion, anger and emptiness. Gharram was losing it slowly and painfully. She didn't want to, but the thought crossed her mind more than once tonight. Was she starting to feel something stronger for Harry other than a friend?

Could she possibly love him?

Notes