THE DEATH OF YOU

I make my way to the library to meet my study group when my name is called out. It takes me a moment to realise it is being called, Much so that someone taps me and points for me to turn.
"Cassie!"
I swipe my head back to see Liam rushing my way.
"No way in hell!" I break out in a wide smile and a run to catch up to him. He is ready for me, catching me in mid flight and holding me tight to him as he swirls me around before putting me back down on my feet.
"I thought you're only starting next semester!" I exclaim, over joyed to see him here.
"I figured there is no point in waiting.. Anyway had to find you and see if all the rumours are true," he frowns down at me. I blush slightly but am able to brush it off with an eye roll.
"What happen Cass? You used to tell me things.. Am I not your best friend anymore?" He pouts.
"God I've missed you.. I just didn't want to pester you.. You know?" I glance up at him.
"Where are you headed to?" He questions.
"Library.. Study group.. But let's meet up for supper! We can go to this place right off campus," I suggest.
"Sounds like a plan.. What time?"
"Let's meet at seven?"
"Great.. See you then," he winks before striding back the way he came from.
Seeing Liam here makes me the happiest I've been lately.
I've been in contact with Eleanor and Perrie, and made sure to catch up with Ed at least once a week. It had made life easier to have my friends back even though the doubt Austin had managed to plant about them in my head. Speaking of Austin I hadn't seen him since our breakup which made things easier as well.
"Who was that?" Harper catches me as I walk into the library.
"Who Liam? Friend from home he just transferred over," I grin happily.
"So he's not a new boyfriend?" She narrows her eyes at me.
"Oh.. God no! Have fun Harper," I shudder from the thought of Liam and I dating.. I mean it's like dating a brother.
"Well come on.. They must be all waiting for us," she laughs softly as she pulls me after her.
We join our group of friends getting ready to consume the work load.
"Hey Cass? Is it true you used to date Harry Styles?" Jasper asks as I take my seat.
I take a double glance at him, making sure I heard correctly.
"She dated Austin, Jasper.. And we don't talk about that," Harper comes to my rescue.
"Yes, but before that! I mean look at this photo, it's you isn't it?" Jasper turns his laptop to face us. And fair enough, there is a photo of Harry and me a million years ago. The one of him holding up his trophy in one hand while the other hugging me.
"Wow.. He's hot! What did he win?" Harper is side blinded by Harry's good looks.
"He used to be the number one racer in England up until he had this crazy accident when he was in the US," Jasper explains to the group.
"Can we get back to our homework?" I ask in the attempt to roll them back to the reason we are all gathered here today.
"Wait.. Weren't you in California up to like last year?" Harper questions, her forehead crinkled trying to remember.
"My cousin is a huge fan of him and he got really upset when he found out Harry won't be racing anymore, that is how I found out about this," Jasper points at the screen.
"Jump back- what did you just say? He won't be racing anymore?" I hold up my finger.
"Yes.. Apparently he gave a statement the other day about it.. Said he is focussing on getting better or what not."
I am shocked, wondering what brought this on.
"So it is true? What is it with you and all these good looking lads Cassie?" Harper says playfully. I shrug, finding it hard to pay attention.


I wait for Liam as I look for Harry's statement on my phone.
"Hey you," Liam taps my shoulder, making me recoil startled.
"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you.. What are you busy with?"
"Did you know?" I look up at him.
"Did you know he decided to leave the racing for good?"
"I've heard.." He finally replies after a long silent.
"And you didn't think to mention anything?" I stare at him with wide eyes.
"Didn't have the chance yet.. And anyway.. Didn't you say you want nothing to do with him?" Liam raises an eyebrow at me.
"Well yes.. And still," I hurry to keep up with him since he started pacing leaving me to watch after him.
"No reason to get worked up over it Cass.. He decided.. Tomorrow he might decide to go back to it.. You'd never know," he shrugs. I keep quiet though I do know. Once Harry puts his mind to something he doesn't change it easily. I let my mind wonder to what he might be up to now that there is no more racing. I wonder what Zayn will do, though he probably still fixes cars.. I mean no way Harry was the only car he took care of right?
Liam holds open the door of the restaurant letting me step in before him.
"Table for two?" The hostess asks with a sweet smile and we both nod thanking her. She walks us to our table, and we pass crowded tables as we pave our way after her.
"Is it just me or does this feel like high school all over again?" Liam bends to whisper in my ear. I look up and around and notice the stares. Though this is nothing like high school. In high school the kids knew me or at least knew I went to school with them and could point me out and me them, but here.. I have no clue who these people are.
"What is going on?" I mumble back to Liam as we sit at our table. People start to go back to their conversations and meals, however, there were still some watching us.
"I have no idea- Hey! Can you please stop taking photos?" Liam suddenly asks of a person to my right. I glance sharply and spot a young girl put her phone away shamefully.
"Liam? Maybe we should just go?" I lean in closer to him feeling uncomfortable.
"No. Don't let people chase you away.. You are entitled to a night out without worrying about people and their nosiness," he replies thoughtfully. I nod and try to forget about our surroundings.
It takes me time, but Liam is able to pull me into a conversation and forget about the crowd. We talk about the old days and the new, and plan out our time together now that we share schools once again.
Once we are done and our meal is played for, we stand to leave. I hold onto Liam's hand as he guides us out, staying close, and keeping my eyes to his back so I won't need to meet anyone's eye.
"Excuse me?" There is a tap on my shoulder and I pull on Liam's hand to make him stop and save me.
"Yes?" I turn.
"You're Cassie Price correct?"
It's a young girl sitting with her date.
"Err.. Yes.. Do I know you?"
"I wish.. No.. Just umm.. I am rooting for you!" She gushes.
"Pardon me?" I am confused.
"Rooting for what?" Liam joins in.
The girl seems embarrassed but she answers nonetheless.
"For her and Harry to get back together!" She replies matter of fact.
"You know Harry?" I raise my brows.
"I wish.. My boyfriend loves him though.. Used to watch the races," she gestures to the lad next to her.
"He was devastated when Harry said at the interview he is quiting.. But all I could care about is his story of you both," she smiles brightly.
"Are you serious?" I forget my manners as my jaw drops.
"You both are perfect!" She goes on.
"Why thank you darling.. Have a lovely supper," Liam hurries to dismiss her and pull me away. The girl turns to chat with her date as we leave, eyes following our trail out.
"What is going on Liam?" I question frantically.
"Come.. Let's go to your dorm and check our computers," Liam lays his arm over my shoulder and pulls me closer as we make our way to my flat.
"Cass?" Julie calls from our shared room.
"Hey Julie! Liam's here," I call out to her as I pull my laptop out of my bag. Liam follows suit and we set up on the table.
I am not even sure where to start.
I type Harry's name into the search engine. A bunch of things come up including my own name. I click on the link sharing both our names and wait for it to load.
'Harry will fight to get Cassie back' the headline reads. I tap Liam's shoulder to get his attention. He leans in to share the screen with me.
'Number 1 race speaks up for the first time about his injury, love life, and quitting the league’. It quotes the time of interview which was earlier today.
"Do you recon you can find it on line?" I ask Liam.
"Give me a minute," he mumbles as he types away on his computer.
"Here you go," he pushes it back for me to see too.
Harry is sat with a woman who is holding cards up.
"So is it true you've decided to quit?" She questions.
"Yes, I'm not what I've used to be after the accident," he shrugs.
"And does this sudden decision have anything to do with Cassie Price?" She questions. I know how he hates when people ask about his personal life and I expect him to get up and leave, but instead he smirks and replies. "It has everything to do with Cassie."
"So you two are still going strong?"
"Depending on who you ask," he chuckles.
"What does that mean?"
"As in now, Cassie and I are kind of on a break but I have everything to believe we will get back together.. It is only a matter of time," He is so sure of himself I almost believe him myself. Almost.
"Is it true you broke up after the accident?"
He nods and stares down at his hands.
"She couldn't take the injuries?"
"Are you joking?? If someone could take it, it would be her," he states.
"So? You have to explain this," the interviewer seems confused.
"Cassie was there until I woke up.. I.. I lost my memory... And I didn't know who she was," he explains slowly.
"That must have been devastating for her after all those years together," the woman nods.
"I can only imagine.. She stuck around even though.. Until it got to a point there was nothing left for her to stay for.. So she came back.. Unrolled in college and continued on," he replies. I cannot believe he is giving out all this information about me.
"It is claimed she is dating someone new," she challenges.
"Not Anymore," Harry hisses, though then he smiles softly.
"So are you in touch?"
"Trying my best.." Another shrug.
"And what would be expected of you now? What is next for the number 1 Harry Styles?"
"Maybe follow Cassie to college," he smirks. I hope he's just messing with her. I cannot have him here. I look up at Liam who is frowning.
"If he comes here it will really be high school all over again," he claims.
"It would be even worse since this time he'll be taking classes.. Not just hanging out at the car park."
"It'll be alright Cass.. I bet you he was joking," Liam assures me.
"I truly hope so."

Notes