Decently long chapter! :D Whoo, I feel accomplished c; Enjoy<3

*VOTE. COMMENT. SHARE.* ;)

------------------------------------------------ 

Chapter 16 – Harry’s P.O.V.

            Following Valerie down the stairs to the kitchen, loud voices pierced my eardrums. Valerie froze in her spot, her eyes widening at the rumbling sounds. I watched her with etched eyebrows, confusion flooding my face as her body went still. Right when I was about to ask her what was wrong, glass shattered from the kitchen. Valerie turned to me, looking as if she were on the verge of tears. I licked my lips, pursing them into a thin line as I prepared to enter the horrid scene.

            Valerie’s hand found mine, lacing our fingers and holding tightly. I smiled as she took the move to grab my hand, and it told me she was finally getting used to my presence. I didn’t mind her fangirl squealing, but it was nice when she pushed all that aside and looked at me like I was a normal person. Somehow, she managed to balance out the two, making me fall for her even more.

            Valerie’s feet slowly began walking again as we turned the corner. My lips parted in shock as the scene before me flooded my eyes. Valerie’s parents (I’m assuming) were getting pretty physical with their heated argument. Her mother was throwing plates at her father, while they both screamed their heads off at each other.

            Jeremy and Tommy came up beside us, and I watched as they clung onto Valerie in fear. Their parents were completely oblivious to our watching, but it made my heart ache, knowing that their children were watching them act so immature.

            “You’re fucking insane!” her father screamed, pushing the table out of his way as he marched to the doorway. “You need therapy!”

            “I need you to leave!” her mother shouted back as water rolled down her cheeks. “Leave and don’t ever come back!”

            Her father’s nostrils flared as he spun on his heel, continuing his angry storm right for us. We stepped out the way, but then I realized Valerie had tears tumbling down her cheeks from her golden brown eyes. She grabbed her Dad’s forearm, but he gave her a scowl, then shook her off and marched to the front door. Slinging the front door open, he slammed it behind him.

            “This isn’t happening,” Valerie’s Mom croaked out as she ran both hands through her hair. She looked at her children, at me, and then her tears came harder. “I-I think you g-guys should stay w-with grandma t-tonight,” she sputtered, already dialing the number on the phone. “Go p-pack your t-things.”

            Jeremy and Tommy slowly nodded, then they hurried up the stairs. Valerie’s hand crept away from mine as she bit her lower lip to hold off more tears. She heaved both hands through her hair, then she turned away from her mother and starting going up the stairs. Of course, I followed her, not sure what else I should do. Who know falling in love with someone would bring their entire family drama? Not me…

            “Valerie, love, are you all right?” I asked her gently as she fumbled to grab her suitcase.

            Gnawing on her lower lip, her shaky hands started unzipping the dresser. As her tears kept coming, she froze and slowly shook her head at me. I sighed as I opened my arms for her and she gladly caved into me. Her face buried in my chest and I could feel her wet tears seeping through my t-shirt, but I attempted to calm her by gingerly knitting with her hair and quietly shushing her. There have been far too many tears come out of this girl’s eyes today. She needs a break, and I’m going to give her one.

            “How about you come over to the hotel with me tonight?” I asked quietly, still stroking her hair as she sniffed loudly.

            “I-I don’t want t-to invade—“

            “Valerie,” I chuckled lowly, “you won’t be invading. The lads and I can cheer you up with some board games, or whatever else you want to do. How does that sound?”

            Valerie slowly pulled back from me, her face still tearstained as she stared out her open door. “I don’t know why this is happening,” she managed to choke out, right when a tidal wave of tears hit her again. Once more, she was in my arms.

            “It happens to a lot of people, love. They don’t mean to hurt you, but sometimes… People just can’t compromise,” I told her quietly, resting my chin on her head. “They struggle.”

            “Do y-you think he’ll come b-back?” Valerie sputtered as her bottom lip quivered.

            I faintly smiled at her, flipping her hair over her shoulders. “How could someone not come back to you?” I smiled, and felt a flood of relief when a weak smile formed on her lips.

***

            After the drama at Valerie’s house, we were walking down the hall towards the lads’ and I’s room. I was pulling Valerie’s suitcase while she was sheepishly twiddling with her thumbs. Thank God the paparazzi wasn’t outside today, or that would’ve been hell for me from management. Considering I’m supposed to be “dating” Kendall…

            No thank you.

            The girl I want to be dating (who I kind of am dating) is walking right beside me. Nervously biting her lower lip as her twinkling eyes are still faintly glossed over with tears. In attempt to comfort her, I grabbed her hand and entwined our fingers, smiling when she squeezed my hand for comfort.

            It’s funny how fast feelings can truly develop for someone. Like when I first saw Valerie standing alone, I knew I had to talk to her. But when her eyes met mine and she choked out those six words to me, I knew I already starting falling.

            Kind of crazy, huh?

            Right when we got to the door, I wanted to make Valerie smile just a little more, so I stopped in my tracks and turned to her. Smiling, I rose an eyebrow and said, “Are you going to freak out at what lies behind this door?”

            To my relief, that gorgeous grin took over Valerie’s lips. “Probably,” she said quietly, tucking her lower lip between her teeth.

            I smirked. “Fine with me,” I said, shrugging nonchalantly as I dug in my back pocket for the key. Slipping it through the door handle, I pushed the door open and stepped aside to let Valerie in first. Her eyes lit up as she took sense of the penthouse.

            “Is it bad if this is how I pictured a place you guys would stay in?” she beamed, turning to smile at me.

            I shrugged, jamming my hands into my pockets after setting her suitcase by the now closed door. “Not really. I think a lot of people could’ve guess it,” I said.

            Valerie nodded, right when Liam entered the room. I watched as Valerie’s eyes widen at the sight of him shirtless, and I bit my lower lip to hold back a groan. I know she’s obsessed with us and all, but I mean… can she not stare at him like that? I don’t like this sense of jealousy I’m feeling, especially since it’s towards one of my best mates.

            “Hey, Valerie,” Liam smiled, grabbing a water bottle from the fridge. His gaze turned to me, then back at Valerie. “Are you staying over?”

            Valerie sheepishly nodded and I decided to step in. “Her parents kind of… got into a debate… so I told her she could stay over,” I explained without giving out too much detail. I didn’t need Valerie crying again.

            “Fine with me,” Liam smiled benevolently. “We should play a game or something.”

            “Go get the lads,” I smiled, glad that my friend was okay with the girl I liked staying over. I will admit; most of the girls were just to hook up with. But Valerie is different. I don’t want her to be a one-night stand that will forget all about me the next day. I want her to be someone that lasts. For a decently long time.

            “Valerie!” the other boys screamed as soon as they ran in.

            Valerie’s eyes went huge as the boys tackled her in a hug, and I knew she was biting back a scream. Just by the way she furiously bit her lower lip and awkwardly hugged them back. This was killing her, but it was amusing me.

            “H-Hi,” she stammered, awkwardly tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

            “Oh come on, love! Don’t be so nervous,” Louis teased, nudging her playfully.

            “You’re beautiful,” Valerie said quickly, then clamped a hand over her mouth. I laughed along with the boys, remembering earlier when she said that to me when she fell on top of me in the hall of her house. She was in a hurry, but I didn’t mind the inconvenience of her tackling me. It was kind of nice to have her that close.

            “I didn’t—I mean—“

            “It’s all right,” Zayn chuckled, waving her stammering off. “We don’t mind being called beautiful once in a while.”

            Valerie bit her lower lip again, turning to me with desperate eyes. I knew what that meant; she was about to squeal.

            I smirked, faking a playful sigh as I ran my fingers through my hair. “Go on,” I told her, laughing slightly.

            Valerie’s grin stretched as she finally burst, jumping up and down and clapping her hands together. I watched as water formed in her golden brown eyes, but this time they were happy tears. She ran both her hands through her hair, sucking in sharp breath before heavily letting them out. “Holy actual crap! I’m in One Direction’s freaking hotel room and they’re freaking shirtless and freaking perfect and I’m freaking dead!” she rambled, all in one breath.

            The boys’ eyes widened slightly, but I smirked at her overexcitement. I want to be able to call that girl mine. I want to claim all of her craziness. Because it’s what makes her so lovable. Her personality is to die for, but the way her face brightens when she sees me (or any of us) is just adorable and heartwarming. I want to show off her craziness and call her mine. Because I adore that about her.

            I love the way she’s herself.

            I’d rather be spotted in public with a die-hard fangirl, than a girl management set me up with for publicity.

            I’d rather be with Valerie.