THE DEATH OF YOU

"I knew you'd come visit! Niall! Come see who's here!" She calls out as we break apart.
"I've missed you lot," I squeeze her arm, her happiness contagious.
"Is that my Cassie?" Niall emerges from the back.
"Hey you!" I pace over to meet him half way and jump up to hug him. God I've missed them.
"I should ignore you since it took you this long to come visit.. but I love you and missed you too much," he says into my hair.
"Tell me what I missed," I tell them.
Someone walks in and waves at them before disappearing into the back.
"No can do! There is work!" Louis calls out.
"Come on Louis- no one is here and Guy just came in so he can pick up for a few moments," Demi says while pulling out a chair and sitting down.
"I'm just waiting for Sarah.. Once she's done I'll be out of your hair," I tell him.
Niall is over with cola battles. We sit around the table and they tell me all about what has been going on the time I was gone.
"And then Guy came and he was good enough for Louis so now we are back to full staff," Demi finishes the story of the Shack's dark days.
"Louis hates me," I whisper.
"No.. He loves you so much he had a really hard time replacing you," Niall shakes his head.
"So you're the famous Cassie Price," the tall lad who walked in earlier comes over to the table.
"I don't know about famous," I glance at Demi.
"I'm Guy," he extends his hand to me.
"Guy.. Nice to meet you, where are you originally from?" I question picking up on the accent.
"Israel," He winks and walks away.
I raise my brows at Demi and Niall.
"You have no idea how many girls come in here because of the cocky Israeli.. he is good for business and he is a good worker," Demi explains.
"He's a long way from home," I reply.
"Yes.. He has an interesting story.. You might get to hear it one day.. I need to go help.. Promise to come visit again," Niall kisses the top of my head as he gets up.
"How are you?" Demi turns to me then. She places a hand on my own.
"I'm good.." I sigh.
"Heard you ran into racer boy.."
"Word gets around doesn't?" I snort.
"He's starting to remember.. El took him around and things are popping back.. But he is so confused.. He’s still missing so many pieces of the puzzle which makes him and everyone around so aggravated."
"He texted me.. He wants to meet," I confide in her.
"If someone can help him it would be you," she claims.
"I'm not sure I can.. I also have Austin.. I'm not sure how he might take it," I whisper.
"Look, if you ask me, it has nothing to do with Austin. If you both are good and strong then he has nothing to worry about you helping Harry, and if you're don't think your relationship can stand it then it's not meant to be," she claims bluntly.
"I'm scared... he hurt me deeply.. I'm afraid he might hurt me again, I can’t have him shatter my heart all over again."
"He won't! You remember the Harry who knew you and loved you so much he smothered you with his love, affection and over protectiveness.. That is the Harry who is coming back.. Not the one who doesn't remember you," Demi says softly.
"Hello!" Sarah storms in. Her hair is tousled from the wind and a bright grin on her face.
"I want to see!" I jump up and rush over to her.
"It's all red but it's beautiful nonetheless," she gushes, holding out her hand for me to see.
"It surely is," I agree. Dami follows over to us and glances at Sarah's wrist.
"It's lovely.. I heard the lad there is a real talent," she says.
"He is and he gave me a good price for being Cass' family," she side hugs me.
"You've got friends all over the place don't you," Demi smirks.
We say our goodbyes and head off to do our shopping.
"So who do you still need to shop for?" Sarah asks me as I turn off the engine. "I want to get something for Linda and.. well.." I stammer.
"Harry," she finishes for me.
"I'm not sure if I should.." I sigh.
"Look.. The way I see it you and Harry will still be friends if you don't get back together.. And if not you can always give the present to Austin instead," she winks. I shake my head a smirk on my lips as I hurry to follow her.
As Sarah looks over different things I take out my phone and text Harry back.

To Harry: ok.

You two are back early," Sam looks up from the recipe book.
"We said we will," Sarah rolls her eyes, shrugging out of her coat.
"What are you trying to make?" I ask putting down my bags and moving around the counter to peek over his shoulder at the recipe.
"It's this chicken thing," he says pointing at the photo of the dish he is attempting to make.
"Chicken thing? Dad.. Maybe you shouldn't make it.." Sarah smirks. I feel quite bad seeing Sam seem to be lost.
"I need to make something special since Darcy always makes fancy things," He justifies himself.
"Well Sam.. She’s a cook obviously her things are amazing.. It’s her talent.. Why don't we stick to what we know?" I offer.
"Like order in?" Sarah can't help but say, a wicked smile replaces her smirk.
"No! Don't listen.. Your daughter is mean. . Just stick with the recipe you know," I direct him.
"I can make potatoes," Sarah decides to help.
"I'll cut a salad," I appoint myself.
"And we can steam some vegetables," Sam says.
"Yes! Splendid," I grin.
If someone would have peeked into our home they would think they came across this family cook show, the way we worked together.
Soon after we are finished and the table is set, giving us time to wash up and get ready.
I take my bags and climb the stairs to my room. I unpack and put all the Christmas presents against the wall.
I hop then into the shower and as I get out I can hear Darcy, Finn and the children downstairs.
I hurry to join them.
"Cassie!" Max calls out.
"Look at you mate! You're almost as tall as me!" I say toucging his forehead.
"You're short!" He states with a giggle.
"Thanks for pointing that out," I frown down at him making him laugh harder.
"How are you darling?" Darcy hugs me.
"Good! What about you guys?" I turn to Finn.
"Work.. kids.. life," he sighs, getting a playful swat from his wife
"Look at you princess! You're all grown up," I say to Lenniwho hides behind her mum, her ballerina tutu showing.
"Do you remember Cassie?" Finn asks her. She nods.
"Are we still best friends?" I pock her belly, winning a smile.
"Why don't we eat? I'm famished!" Sara states.
The meal runs late and I am a little anxious thinking know about Harry and what is so important for him to say tonight.
When Darcy and the family finally leave I help Sam clean up and then set off to my room excusing myself to bed.
I have a missed call from Austin but I don't call back scared of telling him about my secret rendezvo.
I know that if I cannot tell him about it then I probably shouldn't be going out to meet him, however I remember Demi's words about Harry starting to remember and I am eager to hear him out and see for myself the change. I tell myself that it's not because that I am still in love with him. I am with Austin now and we are happy. I'm out to meet Harry because I can help him and it's the right thing to do. I just keep it from Austin because he won't understand and I refuse to hurt his feelings because of it.
When I get a text from Harry telling me he is outside the household is already asleep and I sneak out.
He is as I remember him long ago, beautiful and tall leaning against his motorbike- the one he left with Ed- not the one that nearly killed him. When he sees me he straightens and holds out my helmet. I am divided. Half of me wants nowhere near this killing machine remembering the way he looked right after, but the other part wants that rush, feeling close to him our bodies against each other.
I take the helmet.
I put it on my head and he watches me carefully his eyes sharp and shiny. Before I get a chance to strap it, he takes a step closer leaning in to do it himself. I hold my breath not trusting myself. He is wearing his famous half smirk on his lips letting me know he knows and moves in slightly closer to taunt me.
When he is done he moves back and holds out his hand for me to help me up. I take it because wanting to hold his hand is stronger than me. I hate myself for this but push that feeling aside telling myself I can deal with that later.
Harry gets on and straps his own helmet. He glances back at me and I know why. I wrap my arms around him slightly scared. His hands linger on mine before he starts the bike.
Harry finally stops at the tracks. It has been a long time since the last time I was here.
He helps me off the bike and I take off my helmet. He takes off his own and rests both of them on the seat of the bike.
He stares me down, as if reading my thoughts, my emotions. Then he nods and holds out his hand to me. I stare at it before deciding to take it in my own. It’s like putting on soft old gloves, my hand responding to Harry’s touch like to a long lost friend. We walk down hand in hand still not speaking, letting the silence connect us.
Harry let's go of my hand and takes a few steps ahead. I stay behind, watching after him.
"I can't connect the dots," he finally speaks turning to look at me. I press my lips together keeping quiet.
"I remember all these things but can't connect them together," he goes on.
I take a step towards him but he recoils from me.
"Don't!" His tone is harsh.
"Don't give me that look! I don't want it from you!" He shakes his head.
I shift closer reaching for his arms. He is ready to shake me of but I hold tightly.
"Harry!" I squeeze his arms. He stops and gazes down at me.
"It's ok.. you're entitled to feel this way.. It always gets worse before it gets better," I say softly.
"Everyone is saying that," he mumbles.
"Yes.. But I'm not everybody.. I've been through something just as bad.. I lost my Nan- my only family and I reached my low and I promise you it gets better.. Step by step.." I reach up and touch his cheeks holding his gaze. He seems as if he is about to break down and it is breaking my heart. My strong Harry broken.. And its unbearable.
"Don't feel bad for me please," his eyes beg.
"Why did you call me Harry? Why am I here then?" I step back, letting my palms fall to my sides.
"Because," he steps closer. This time I stand in place not shifting away from him.
"You know when you finally come home after a long time of travelling? That feeling you get? Of safety? Familiarity?"
I nod.
"I cannot explain it.. But that is how I feel with you.. You’re my home Cassie," his eyes glitter in the moon light. I watch him carefully and when he leans down to kiss my lips I let him.

Notes

So... ????