E V E R  wonder what Serenity looks like? There's a picture on the side but I imagine Serenity as Lauren Tallichet. By the way Lauren is beautiful. I can't get over it. 

This chapter was inspired by "Problem" by Ariana Grande because she's queen.  

At first I thought I was trapped in a hot, cramped car trunk. An iron grip around my body, hot air fanning against the skin across my collarbones. I dreamed of running through the beach, sand between my toes and sweat trickling down my forehead. Yeah, the problem with that was I wasn't being chased by a hot, shirtless guy. I was being chased by my mother, and in her hand she held something that looked like a high heel shoe. 

I woke up, a groan at my lips and my eyes burning from the brightness of the room. The same iron grip I felt during my dream was still there along with the hot breath that didn't hesitate to blow its chills up my spine as I lied down. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion before I realized that Harry was lying beside me, too close for my liking. 

Last night came crashing back down, and I honestly didn't have the energy to be rude, to tell him to leave. Nor was I going to shout because that would really attract my family's attention to my room. I was suddenly thrashing, removing the covers from my body in a struggle to leave Harry's arms. 

I squealed as I managed to push myself away, but ended up with a face full of cold hardwood. My nose scrunched against the floor, eyes shut as I suppressed a high-pitched squeal from leaving my lips. When I turned over to lay on my back, heart heavy in my chest, Harry was already leaning over on his elbows, watching me with tired eyes. 

His chestnut brown curls were a mess on his head, like usual, but even better strands were sticking up like I myself used a curling iron on his hair and he slept on them. I only stared startled, jaw clenched, and my hands resting on my chest. 

My breath picked up as Harry stared, highly confused. 

"Thank God for getting shitfaced last night." 

I breathed, lazily letting my head drop back onto the floor. Harry was thanking his tendency to get wasted because he ended up in my bed. I hope he doesn't think we did it or anything. Maybe he thinks I took advantage of him in the state he was...like he would have cared, anyway. 

A large grin spread on his face as he watched me. I stared back with the biggest, most annoyed scowl on my face. "You're so lucky I didn't leave you to rot on the streets." 

"I appreciate that," he nodded, before lying down again on my bed, staring at the ceiling in silence. I quickly got up, checking the door, and sighing in relief when I noticed I did lock it last night, probably without even thinking about it. It's a habit now. 

"You're not staying any longer. It's...," I turned, and reached for my phone. It read 10:30AM and I wondered why it was so quiet in my house. "Ten thirty and you need to go before my mom busts that door down." 

I reached up in the air, stretching my arms as a yawn left my lips. Groaning softly, I felt air swift across my bare legs and it just so happens that I'm in my underwear beneath this shirt. Shit fuck, I cursed in my head. Sighing heavily, I looked over at Harry to see the tiny little smirk on his face. He wasn't staring, but I knew he must have been three seconds before I turned to look at him. 

Harry and I are enemies...enemies that have a "wonderful" bond because of the mess we cause. I get Harry out of shit, and he gets me out of the deep. He gets me out, and then puts me right back into more right afterwards. I'm just bound to make him regret ever meeting me. That's how much people dislike me. 

"You obviously took advantage of the situation. Look at me...I'm half naked," Harry teased, faking the dumbfounded expression on his handsome face. He must've think I undressed himself. Ha, okay. 

I rolled my eyes, shifting my weight to one hip. "You undressed yourself. For a second I thought you were going to get fully naked." 

"I would have if I was sober," he laughed, "I sleep naked." 

I cringed, falsely (honestly) -- because any girl would enjoy watching Harry naked. I wasn't going to admit that, though. He pisses me off too much and he'll clearly never let it go. Harry got himself up from my bed, beginning to search for his shirts and his jeans. Jeans were tossed on my floor, and his shirt somehow hung from the bedside lamp. 

The second my phone rang, I raised it to my eye vision to see which asshole was calling me this early. Yeah, this is too early for me. Speaking of assholes...my mother was the caller ID number. 

"Hello?" I spoke, rubbing my eyes with my hands. I knew she was probably going to point out my locked door. 

"Serenity, your father is stocking the restaurant and it'll be open tonight so we won't be home." She explained hastily, as if she was on a rush to explain to her stupid daughter, insufferable daughter that she's not invited to re-stock the family restaurant. 

I sighed in relief, actually. I'd rather be here with Harry, rather than be over there next to Riley who ignores when I wave high and bearing rude people. My eyes found Harry once more, and he was throwing his shirt over his torso, covering his tattoos I didn't bother to examine last night. 

"Okay," I replied flatly. 

"Sound more alive, please," she scolded me quickly. "Anyway, you know your godmother Carrie? Well, she's visiting for dinner tonight and I need the house to be immaculate." 

I scrunched my nose in annoyance and displeasure. I hated that woman with a passion. Generally, I hated most of my family. Hate is a strong word, so sometimes I reassure myself they're not that bad by using the term "strongly dislike."

"Okay, got it." I answered, sighing. 

"Alright. I'll see you tonight. Dress nicely, alright?" 

"Yes," I rolled my eyes again. 

She hung up the phone, and I finally glanced over at Harry who stood there, arms crossed over his chest. "You aren't seriously going to spend your Saturday cleaning for your mom?" 

"What choice do I have?" I snapped, my hands coming to my face, heat splashing spots of red on my skin. I was irritated. "All my life it's the same old thing. She makes me do all this shit for her, and I never have a life of my own." 

Harry only stared, as I could see through my fingers, his head cocking to the side. Eyebrows furrowed and a frown on his lips. He sat down, resting his elbows on his knees. "So...that's why you have this little secret thing going on at night?" 

"Yeah, and I also work at a strip club," I shot at him sarcastically. 

He huffed, trying to get rid of the grin trying to get to his face. "Then don't clean the house." 

What he was suggesting is rebellious, and for my mom it meant I was trying to overthrow her from her throne. I stared at him, biting my lip gently. At seventeen, I've experienced more than I should have, but my mother basically threw me into the life I have now. And it's not that I do it because I feel like I should, or because I'm slightly immature (which I really am), but I do enjoy doing it. Doing my own thing. Not a written list of chores. 

"What do you expect me to do?" Even though I hate him, I'm a little intrigued. 

"Come hang out with me." He shrugged, throwing me a little flirty smirk. 

I hummed in thought, shifting my weight to my right hip. Arms crossed over my chest, I examined his face carefully. "I still don't like you. I hate you, actually." 

"Hate is a strong word." 

"Fine. I strongly dislike you." I replied, grinning before grabbing my towel. "Wait out here. And stay out here." My index finger pointed directly at him, eyes narrowed. I should be wiser about this. 

Harry thew his head back laughing. "Like I am going to leave. You already know that's not gonna happen." 

+

The warm wind blew against my skin as Harry drove, my hair flying in different directions. We had to pick up his black Audi from Zayn and Wayne's place since he had left it there last night. The car was so perfect and shiny and I almost blinded myself staring at it too long. It was also really hot Harry owned a fancy sports car. It was typical, considering his family was rich and the last name "Styles" gets you pretty far in life. 

I stared out the window, my fingers picking at my light-wash denim shorts. One of the things I bought in secret from my mother. Not to mention I was wearing that laced, maroon colored set of bra and panties. My small feet were in a pair of black, low sneakers. I wore a simple grey t-shirt tucked into my shorts. And I was happy with my decision since Harry even complimented me. 

He said he'd leave me if I wore a long skirt and those flats. 

The street we were on had a lot curves and was high off ground from the rest of the city. Large spaces between huge mansions. The ones with gates and personal gardeners. My heart pounded against my chest, and I even felt slightly under dressed to be in his house. Or even in this neighborhood. 

"You'll catch flies," he remarked, smirking as he stared ahead, his large hands gripping the steering wheel.

"Harry, what are we doing?" I ignored his little remark, knowing if I gave him a rebuttal he'd make sure he continues. 

He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, to non-existent music. "You're going to meet my baby sister." A small smile laced his plump, heart-shaped lips. 

An eyebrow raised on my forehead. I had no clue Harry had siblings, and the hot grin he had on his face replaced itself with a genuine smile when he mentioned his baby sister. Already I could read off his face he loves his baby sister, and truly I can never see Harry loving someone besides himself. The more time I spend with this asshole, the more I realize he's less and less of one. 

"Really?" I almost aw'd, thinking about a baby girl version of Harry. "What's her name? How old is she?" I asked, really enthusiastic. The fact that I was awfully excited about the thought about a baby girl that has Harry's features is just too much to handle right now. 

Harry spoke about his baby sister like he was her pride and joy. I remember he said his dad is locked up, and his mom is barely around. This allows Harry to form a strong bond with his baby sister, and it is truly something I'm going to like about Harry. Probably the only thing besides his looks. 

"Her name's Belle Iriani Styles. She's three and a half years old. She obviously doesn't speak proper English, so you probably won't understand her that well." He informed, genuinely pleased with our conversation. I honestly think Belle is the only reason I'm happy to be here. "She's going to like you, I can already tell." 

"Why do you say that?" I grinned, watching him with amusement. Harry was practically bouncing in his seat as he drove. This side of Harry was actually cute, maybe a little cuter than drunk Harry. 

Harry scoffed. "'Cause she's nice to annoying little fucks like you." 

"Whoa, I thought we had something going here, Harry. Looks like you feel really indifferent about us." I teased, already in a good about this despite Harry was trying to push at my buttons. The cooler I remained, the better because he'll realize he's not gonna get to me.

Whatever he was thinking, it benefit both of us since he just rolled his eyes playfully, deciding on remaining quiet. I chewed on my bottom lip as Harry stopped for a few seconds at a large gate, waving to a man who wore a all black. The man was pretty tall, and muscular. 

"Hey, Carl! How's the wife?" Harry shouted, grinning. He looked pleased, talking to the man much more respectfully than he usually does with his friends.

Carl, who I assumed was the guy at the gate, opened them immediately. They slowly opened, soundlessly. The gates were black and carved out of metal perfectly. A big S was split in the middle where they separated. "Pretty, good, Harry. Pretty good," he laughed, winking over at him. Harry shot him his index finger, grinning as if they had a little inside joke. 

I scoffed. As Harry drove up a massive drive way, he glanced over at me. "What?" 

"You act so differently at home." I told him.

Harry shook his head. "Not really. There's a difference. I like Carl. He doesn't fuck with me and the workers aren't dicks like Zayn and Wayne." 

I hummed, suddenly feeling a little nervous about the fact that I might run into Harry's mom or something. "Do you have any other siblings or family members home?" 

"Nope," he popped the 'p'. "My mom's almost never home. My older sister Gemma lives and teaches ceramics in France. And my dad...well you know," he grumbled his last words, his voice growing deeper. Harry parked the car at the front of the beautiful mansion that was in front of me. As he stepped out, another guy in black caught the keys Harry threw over at him with a pat on the back. 

Harry, surprisingly, jogged over to my side and opened the door. No one would believe me if I said Harry brought me to his house, his lovely house. It was a gorgeous creamy stone on the outside, black metal windows with clear, diamond clean windows. It seemed like one of those Italian styled mansions, and I was in love with the green grass, the beautiful pink and white flowers around the house, and I turned around to just look over at the grey fountain in the middle of the circular drive way. 

He gripped my shoulders from behind, the car behind us driving away as he led me towards the front doors. "You can stare later. Let's go see what Belle's up to." 

His hands on my shoulders were a little assuring as to what I was about to walk into. I was practically on my toes as I examined the inside of his house. My eyes were going to bounce right out of my skull. Literally. Everything was neat and shining and I just wish I had half of what Harry has. 

"Whoa," I whispered to myself, but he could hear me from the short distance he was behind me. "This is so beautiful." 

Harry didn't remove his hands from my shoulders. "Not as beautiful as," and what I thought he was going to say, turned out to be why I punched Harry in the arm, "as me." 

I laughed along with him. "Thought I was going to say you're beautiful, huh?" He laughed. 

"Don't tease my looks," I rolled my eyes, pushing him away. 

"I'm only kidding," he chuckled. "But you are beautiful, too," he added, and I saw his cute little smirk laced on his lips. It was weird receiving a compliment from Harry, but I didn't bother to reply. I shoved his hands away from my shoulders, and began to scan the area. 

Suddenly, tiny footsteps could be heard, along with screeching laughter. "HARRY!" A little girl laughed, screwing up the "r's" in his name. Instead of rolling her r's, she slurred them, making them sound like "w" instead. 

My eyes went further down to the little girl who was screaming as she ran towards her big brother. Her little legs were adorned in a pair of shorts, and a ladybug polka dot blouse that had ruffles at the sleeves. My mouth fell open in adoration, watching the bright look in her grey-ish, green eyes. She had the brown curls that Harry had, looser and less frequent, almost straight. But she it suited her heart-shaped face, chubby cheeks, and lightly tanned skin. Her little feet we bare on the floor. 

The dimples on her cheeks were just so highly adorable I had a heart attack watching as Harry bent down, arms wide open as she practically jumped into him. Harry was grinning madly, and I could see so much resemblance between the two. It made my heart flutter, and I clutched my hand over my chest in --- for the first time ever watching Harry with a "proud mama" look. 

He picked her up the floor with a groan, playfully spinning her around. She giggled madly, screaming at him to stop, but never really meaning it. "How's my favorite little girl doing?" He dug his long fingers into her stomach, making her squeal in his arms. 

"Stop it, Haz!" She laughed, shaking her head and slapping away his hand. Harry grinned down at her, placing a kiss to her forehead before glancing over at me. The smile he had on his face still remained, chuckling softly at me because I probably looked like the biggest idiot just standing there with a hand clutched over my heart. 

"Belle, I want you to meet somebody," he told her, and Belle caught Harry's eyes and turned to look over at me. 

Her eyes widened, and she sent me a shy smile. Almost like she thought I was Harry's girlfriend or something. I wouldn't want her thinking that, but if that left the huge, adorable smile on her face then I could care less. 

"Hi," she looked down, giggling when she caught me looking at her as well. She hid her face into Harry's neck, not stopping her small giggles. Harry wrapped his arms tighter around her, walking towards me with a "she's shy" look on his face. 

Her small arms were wrapped around Harry's neck, and she finally took the time to look at me. A toothy smile now shown on her beautiful face. She was beautiful, even for her age, she was gorgeous. I could see the long, thick eyelashes to match Harry's. The gorgeous color of her pale green eyes, and the chestnut brown natural color of her soft waves. 

I made googly eyes at her, because I truly couldn't help myself. "Hi, Belle. I'm Serenity," I smiled at her. Belle immediately watched me closely, her eyes still widened with something that seemed a little bit like shock, maybe? I hope she doesn't think I'm some weird girl here to make her macaroni and cheese. 

Even though she refused to say anything back. Harry looked down at her, his eyes holding a gentle warning look. "Belle, introduce yourself." He whispered to her. 

Belle frowned, shaking her head and lying her head on his shoulder. Yet, I could still see her eyes staring over at me. I didn't feel offended at all, because it was pretty obvious she wasn't good with meeting new people. But I wanted to hold her and squeeze her really tight. This kind of affection comes from the good years I had with Willie when he still couldn't talk. 

"Hawy," she whined softly, shaking her head. 

"Belle," he warned, "be nice." 

"It's okay, Harry," I told him, shrugging. "She doesn't need to introduce herself. It's nice to meet you, Belle." 

She tugged onto Harry more, refusing to look at me now. My lips wanted to pout and frown, but I refused to let it show how upset it made me that Belle might now like me. I don't know why I cared, but I really wanted to be on this little girl's good side. Because I can already tell you I love older toddlers like her. Harry said she'd like me, but I'm doubting that right now. 

"So, Belle, you wanna go out and get ice cream with Serenity and me? Hmm?" He asked her, getting a small nod from her. Yet, she didn't smile like before. Harry took the time to frown a little at her. "Hey, hey, where's your little smile?" He teased her gently, beginning to tickle her. In a matter of seconds, she cracked and giggled loudly. "Ahh, there it is." 

Belle huffed, pouting her heart-shaped, pink lips at him. "Not faeeya," she whined. I guess she meant "not fair." 

Harry chuckled. "Go put on some shoes, baby. Five minutes," he set her down, and she stood there laughing before Harry made faces at her. "Go, go, go!" He rushed her playfully. Belle made her way up the stairs, tiny hand on the railing for support, tiny step one by one each. 

I stared at Harry, eyebrows raised and big grin on my face. My arms crossed over my chest, watching him as he laughed at Belle's adventurous climb up the stairs. Harry looked from her towards me once she made it up the stairs. "What?" He frowned. 

"That was the cutest thing I've ever seen," I teased him. I began to laugh lightly at him, "aww's" and squeals leaving my lips as I continued my antics. Harry rolled his eyes. "But really, I love seeing that side of you. It's adorable." 

"Well, my parents aren't around to raise her. Someone has to do it." He explained casually. I wondered why he spoke so casually about everything. Harry seems to not care about his secrets and his life. He doesn't care about people knowing where his father is at. He doesn't care about who knows his family. He's just...out there and open. Not a care in the world. 

Harry patted his pockets, looking for something before looking towards me. "Smell me," he said. 

I stared at him. "What?" My eyes turned into slits, watching him in suspicion. He might be kidding me. 

"Smell me," he said again, like it was pretty obvious that's what he meant. 

My eyes widened in disgust. "I am not smelling you." 

"Well I haven't showered, and I'm not smelling like shit in public," he stated, waving his hands. "Now smell me." 

"Harry, I am not gonna fucking smell you, you dumb ass." My foul language was awful. "Belle didn't mind." 

"Yeah, she probably didn't even notice. C'mon, Serenity," he pleaded. 

"Smell yourself!" I shouted, annoyed. 

"I'm not gonna argue with you. Either you smell me or I make you." He demanded darkly, but the sparkle in his eyes made me realize he wasn't fully serious, but somehow he wasn't joking. 

Harry ran the tiny distance towards me as I shrieked, his arm pit in my face. In all our recklessness, I started to laugh loudly as I refused to inhale, Harry pressing his armpit to my face, holding my head there. I was locked in his hold, my nose scrunched up in disgust. 

"That's it, inhale," he said slowly, laughing loudly at me. Harry was such a dude and a disgusting one at that. Even after a hangover, though -- I figured after I inhaled his armpit out of breath -- he smelt like Axe colognes. 

I gagged, pushing him away. "You smell like Axe cologne, okay?" I gasped for air, my face red hot as Harry watched me laughing. His shoulders shook. 

"You just smelled my armpit," Harry said, holding his hand to his heart. "You're officially my best friend." 

"Yeah, okay," I scoffed. "You're disgusting." 

"I'm gonna shower, anyway. You can spend time with Belle." He concluded, and I shot him a glare at his immaturity. I swear, I thought I was immature for my age, but Harry never fails to prove me wrong. Spending time with Belle while he's in the shower sounding like a good time to bond with the little toddler. 

I sighed, watching as Belle made her way down to us. 

Harry crouched down to her and told her he was going to get into the shower for ten minutes, and that she'll have to sit down with me at the living room. To my surprise, Belle nodded and grasped my hand in her little one. 

I looked down at her, glancing at Harry first who watched me with a little grin. "Come on, Sawiwi," she squealed, dragging me to what I think is the living room. She skipped with a little smile on her lips as we disappeared into a beautiful living room. 

And there I was, sitting on the rug with toys making the mature, neat living room looking like a daycare center. There, Belle told me the names of her Barbies and her teddy bear collection. Her shyness must've disappeared faster than me at church on Sundays. 

"Are you my broder's girlfwiend?" She asked out of the blue. Her big eyes stared up at me as we sat on the plush rug. 

I actually hesitated, not knowing what would make her happier. Maybe she didn't like girls around Harry, or maybe she didn't want Harry alone all the time. I doubt he's alone most of the time, though. 

"Umm...no," I replied, trying to smile at her. 

Belle pouted, looking most adorable as she put her dolls down. "Why not?" I guess she wanted to hear I was his girlfriend. I stared at her, not really understanding how to talk to a three year-old about her older brother's love life. Harry was a one-night stand like of guy, and he doesn't settle down for just anyone. That was pretty obvious. But clearly I'd never say that to Belle. 

I shrugged. "We're just friends." 

She giggled. "But Hawy likes you," she grinned over at me, two dimples indenting her cheeks. Harry had a deeper dimple on his left cheek rather than his right. Even so they almost were identical. 

"No he doesn't," I laughed with her, shaking my head. This little girl has quite the imagination. 

Belle shook her head, refusing to leave me thinking Harry doesn't have a silly crush on me. "You are pwetty. And Hawy likes pretty girls."

Smart girl, I thought to myself. It might have not occurred to me whether Harry does this with other girls. What if he uses this adorable little child as his wingwoman? How he gets girls is all thanks to Belle? I wouldn't want to believe that. 

I shook the thought away from my head. "Oh does he now?" I wanted to hear more dirt Belle innocently dished out. 

"His old girlfwiend was Amber. She was weally pretty. But I d-did didn't," she stammered, growing frustrated, "didn't like her that much." 

"Amber, huh?" I hummed. "Do more girls come here." 

She shook her head. "Only Amber. Harry don't bring girls home a lot." 

That was actually really interesting. He probably didn't want Belle seeing him with another girl another night and so on. It was probably smart of him to avoid being questioned by Belle. I was actually relieved Belle said "old" girlfriend, or I would have lost it. 

"You really love Harry, don't you?" I asked her, smiling gently at her. Belle stared down at her dolls, putting them down neatly in rows as to sort out who I'll be and who she will play as. 

Belle nodded her head. "He's my big broder aaand my daddy." 

At her words my heart grew warm. And my daddy. This girl's dad wasn't around, and imagine not having a mother around either? I watched her go through her dolls, not really listening to what she was saying to me about them. I was more focused on Harry and the way he acts outside of his house, and inside with Belle. He was different because Belle was someone he would give up everything for. That was obvious by the way he treated her. Maybe Harry does have a little crush on me, and if he didn't, I'm definitely going to bring it up just to mess with him while Belle's around. 

"Alright," Harry's deep, raspy voice failed to catch my attention as I lied on my stomach on the rug, speaking through a doll to Belle's doll. I continued to play with Belle, talking about going to the salon and getting our hair braided. Belle giggled as I dished her on some "gossip" about Mrs. Teddy Bear breaking a nail. 

"Wow," Harry said again, chuckling softly. I looked up this time, actually giving my undivided attention. He wore a white t-shirt and a blue unbuttoned short-sleeve over it. His dark jeans and the same pair of old, worn brown leather boots. My face flushed beat red, knowing he caught me red-handed. "Having fun?" He asked me. 

Before I could say anything, Belle huffed. "You played with me befoa," she pointed out, small arms helping her off the floor and skipping towards Harry. He picked her up from the floor, as I stood up myself. I grinned, loving how Harry blushed softly at my knowledge he plays "dolls" with his baby sister. 

"Yeah, Harry," I teased. 

"Shut up, not a word," he muttered in my ear as I walked up to them. 

Belle was put down after demanding so. She skipped in front of us to Harry's car, Harry and I staying behind. I thought of the little crush thing, not being able to help myself but bring it up at the moment.

"So Belle told me your little secret." 

Harry scoffed, not surprised. "I don't have secrets." 

"Oh really?" I hummed, looking up at him with my arms crossed over my chest. "She said you have a little crush on me." 

His green eyes locked onto mine, eyebrows raised as he stared silently. I saw it coming as he began to grin, laughing at me softly. "Yeah? I have a crush on you?" 

"Yeah. 'Cause you like pretty girls, right?" I shot back. 

He shrugged. "I love pretty girls. But there's one I kind of like a little better."