AN: pretty long and eventful chapter. Derek gif on the side

Serenity

"I swear I have no idea how he even got my damn number," I explained to Harry for the third time. We've been sitting here for about five minutes, his questioning cold glares making me feel uncomfortable and my worried gaze making him feel the need to be more suspicious about everything.

Harry rolled his eyes, staring at my phone. "How the fuck does that douche bag have your fucking number? Damn it, out of all the guys why's it gotta be that jackass! Did you sleep with him or something?!"

I didn't have the time to be angry. Because fury boiled in my veins faster than a blink of an eye. He has no clue what happened between Derek and I. It's now suddenly this dip-shit has to show up when I'm finally certain I'm going somewhere with someone besides him. He's ruined my life since when I was fifteen. Derek is the reason I hate being in relationships, but still fall for a guy's words every single time. I hate that son of a bitch, and I'm not in the mood to discuss this.

My facial expression must've been livid when he said that. Harry immediately stopped frowning, now looking beyond terrified of my clenched jaw and wide, psychotic eyes. His eyes searched mine rapidly, in search for something obviously not there anymore.

"I did not recently. I lost my virginity to that asshole, yeah! But that was one fucking time and I'd appreciate it if you didn't prod this because he doesn't even fucking matter anymore!" I shouted, getting off the bed. Now I was definitely getting rid of the cramps. The angrier I got, the more my mind would focus on Derek and Harry rather than the cramps and my sore body.

My feet carried me down the hallway where he followed me. "What do you mean prod this?!" He shouted angrily right behind me. "You're my girlfriend! Don't you think I should know this!? You barely tell me shit as it is, so why can't I know about this jackass suddenly texting you?!"

I turned around mid way down the hall. Our eyes locked, fury fighting fury. My eyes turned into slits, mixing in with my vexed expression. "It's in the past. You don't need to know," I remarked, crossing my arms over my chest. I really didn't want to talk about this. Mine and Derek's history was a topic I was hoping never came up for the rest of my life.

Harry spread his arms as if he was going to hug me, looking lost for words as he sighed. He shook his head, inhaling deeply. "I've told you about myself. My past. But the point is, you're my girlfriend. I need to know the has beens. You know, I'm only trying to know you. I want to know what assholes before have done so I can actually treat you right. Give you what you actually deserve. I don't want to be the bad guy here."

"Trust me, you're not," I replied softly, looking down at the floor between us. I've come to realize Harry was sometimes too sweet for his own good. He made me seem like the bitch here. I didn't want to be that one. He just didn't understand that I wasn't exactly ready to talk about Derek. Anything else, yes I'll talk about. But Derek? That's a problem. When I'd talk about it, it'd almost seem like my whole world is going backwards into that time when I was stupid, naive and believed that someone actually loved me.

He took a few steps towards me, his hands grabbing my head in them. I was forced to look up at him, a frown laced upon his lips. "It's obvious we're both not in the mood to talk about these things. I'm not going to force you to tell me. But it seems as if this is a whole big shit of a deal here. And honestly, it's bugging the hell out of me."

"I'm anxious to know why you're so reluctant to telling me," he added softly. "If my opinion of you will ever change it'll be the day when I'm six feet under."

I sighed, shutting my eyes. "It's nothing you need to be worried about. It's most likely about me."

Harry blew air out of his mouth, pausing to think about what he'll say next. I opened my eyes to see him speak, knowing with my eyes closed I'll have doubt as to believing what he's saying. "My man balls are completely gone when I say this, but whatever is yours to worry about becomes mine as well. So don't give me that crap."

I'm sure he didn't understand still. I didn't want him to get involved between Derek and I. As a matter of fact, a Derek and I doesn't exist anymore. I'm going to handle him on my own. Sure I wouldn't mind Harry throwing a few punches at him. Derek is actually a big p*ssy and there's no doubt that when a guy as intimidating as Harry threatens him, he'll get on his knees and kiss his ass to keep his precious face together in one piece.

It's not Harry getting hurt I'm worried about. It's the things he'll tell him.

"If this asshole doesn't stop texting you, you fucking tell me, okay?" He demanded, the green in his eyes was no longer the soft, pale green color. But an odd, dark forest color that clearly showed his emotion of annoyance or anger. Possibly both. When I didn't answer him, an eyebrow rose on his face like he was testing me. "Understood?"

I felt like I was his child rather than his girlfriend. However, I do agree with him. I need to be honest and realize that he's looking out for me, which I really don't mind because I'm afraid. Derek is a total wimp and maybe I can smack him around a bit, but once he opens that mouth of his, I've lost and he's won. So coming to that conclusion, I nodded my head. Harry can protect me better than I can ever do it myself.

+

3 Days Later

I've been home to get some clothes while I knew my parents were at the restaurant. She's called me a few times, and just to reassure her that I'm alive, I've answered her just to end up telling her off. It's pretty clear I don't want to see her. She's the last person I need in my life right now, even though she is my mother. My father called many times, furious with me and promises to find me at no cost. He says I have no reason to run away.

It's not running away, and I wish I could tell them that. But every time I tried to explain myself, they're there screaming at me using no profanities at all. They're a waste of my time. I rather just stay out with Harry and Emily, even Clary at times. Wayne and Zayn are out of the picture, obviously. I'm much happier without my parents right now.

Since my period is gone, I feel more relieved than ever. I've been staying with Harry for four days now, and still have seen no sight of his mother. Believe it or not, she sort of scares me a bit. The thought of her makes me cringe because she sounds like the type to be stolid and square. She must be a bit like my parents, but without the overprotective part, which scares me a little.

I woke up from a nap that Tuesday in the sheets by myself. The warmth Harry gave was gone the moment I pulled the covers off, and his scent drifted away into the air. I rubbed my eyes tiredly, going for a search to find him. I felt like taking a nap since I barely slept with Belle's energetic cheers about the movie we watched with her last night.

Just as I was about to turn into the kitchen, I was met by a sight so overwhelming, I might have blinked a couple of times to make sure it was him. Harry stood by his car in the driveway, shirtless and wearing only his denim skinny jeans. The muscled skin on his torso glistened with water, droplets falling from his messy curls. He held a water hose with a handle in his hands, washing off the soap on his car. As a girl, I'm finding this a total turn on. A sexy, fairly muscled guy stood in his driveway washing his car. Completely wet.

This is permission to climb him like a tree.

My legs betrayed me when I found myself walking towards him outside. I was wearing loose grey and neon green Nike shorts and a simple white tank top. I looked like crap nonetheless with my hair down my back in frizzy waves. I had no makeup on either so nothing could possibly help my case.

It was too hot to be barefoot, so I rushed to put my feet on the cooled concrete where water flowed to. His head snapped up to see me just three feet away from him with my feet in cool concrete, feeling much relief rather than the dry ground that's been in the sun all day.

"How was I not invited to your strip show?" I teased him, smirking.

Harry played with his lip piercing with his fingers before shooting me a playful look. "I think you'll be joining me pretty soon."

"Why's that?" I crossed my arms over my chest, still wearing the same teasing smirk.

"Well you're gonna have to take off those wet clothes at some point," he pointed out.

I frowned, glancing down at my dry clothes. "What do you me--"

Cold water hit my chest like a whip from the pressurized water. I gasped, subconsciously turning around and letting the water hit my back rather than my chest. Thank God for warm weather today or I'd be chasing him with a math text book. I cringed at the sudden breezy blast of water, shrieking as he laughed behind me.

"Stop!" I shouted breathless, feeling my underwear soak from the water and my tank top begin to stick to my upper body. "Harry, stop!" I screamed again, beginning to laugh rather than get angry with him. I was still a bit groggy from my nap, but he surely woke me up.

"Are you wet?!" He shouted, laughing loudly.

"Yeah, well that hose surely does a better job than you at that!" I remarked, breathlessly giggling to myself when the water suddenly stopped hitting me. I turned around to find him completely silent, narrowing his eyes at me. The green of his eyes was nearly covered by his wet mop of hair.

He clenched his jaw, looking quite scary. "Take. That. Back."

"Aww, is someone upset?" I pouted at him, chuckling when he dropped the hose and took a huge stride to get to me. A scream ripped through my throat as he grabbed me and pulled me to him with such speed I was stunned the moment we locked eyes, faces just two inches apart.

We only stared at each other for a few seconds, our lips locking moments later. My arms wrapped around his neck while his hands slid down my sides, taking their place on my hips. Our lips moved against each other gently, slow. When he kisses me so gently, taking his time like no one's waiting, it makes my heart jump ahead.

I smiled into our kisses, pulling on his bottom lip with my teeth as we pulled away. He grunted, nudging his nose against mine before locking our lips together again. I giggled against him, seconds later receiving another grunt from Harry as I pulled away again. With eyes closed, I puckered my lips again just to have his peck mine one last time.

Before we could fully pull away, someone coughed behind us. I quickly turned, still in Harry's arms, to see a woman dressed in a white pencil skirt and a beautiful, classy dark violet blouse with ruffles. Her hair was perfectly straight parted in the middle. Her bright eyes watched us in curiosity. Her eyes immediately reminded me of Harry's, her hair color slightly darker than his but I could still make the connection. They had the same eyes, and their faces just seemed to look alike.

Inside of me, everything stopped working. She didn't even look scary. She seemed as old as my mother, but impressively beautiful. I guess good looks runs in the Styles family. What surprised me, was, however, that she grinned lightly at Harry who was stilled behind me.

The wrinkles by her eyes became suddenly visible as she gave Harry a suspicious look with a grin on her lips. "So...I didn't expect to see you busy, Harry."

"Hey, mum," he mumbled. Something about his voice was off, though. He seemed almost reluctantly to greet her.

Immediately as the words left Harry's mouth, she laughed. "Harry, don't act that way just because your girlfriend is here, which I'd love to meet." She spread her arms wide for him to hug. Harry groaned softly, leaving me to head in the arms of his gorgeous mother. I still couldn't get over how impressively attractive that woman was. She spends all her hours in a damn office, and still her skin looks softer than a baby's butt.

Harry wrapped his arms around his mother, his chin on her shoulder because he still had some inches over her even when she was in heels. She's probably my height, I don't doubt it.

"Go on, introduce me to your girlfriend." She gushed, staring up at her son. Whoa, I thought to myself, She's so much more pleasant than I thought.

Harry moved out of the way to introduce us. I had to push away the nervous butterflies in my stomach. I didn't want her to think of me as that skimpy girlfriend that her son's probably never going to see again. I'm definitely not a goldigger or anything worse. I don't need her thinking I'm a bad person. Besides the fact that she just caught us making out all soaked in water and in her driveway says a lot already.

He walked behind me, placing his hands on my shoulders and looking over at his mother. "Mum, this is Serenity Carter, my girlfriend. Serenity...meet my mother."

She smiled over at me, extending her arms and suddenly I was pulled into a hug. I awkwardly let my arms hang by my sides, eyes wide with astonishment. She's totally not what I expected. But then I remember Harry said she's not a discouraging person, she just drowns herself in work.

I smiled awkwardly, wrapping my arms around her before she pulled away. Her pretty, energetic smile made me want to puke out my guts because I swear I've never been so scared and happy at the same time. "You're such a beautiful girl! I'm glad Harry left that Amber girl, god she was a horrible --"

"Mum!" Harry scolded her, probably staring at her like she was an alien.

She laughed, waving her hand carelessly. She focused her eyes on me. I knew I had to say something, and rather than being scared and shy with her, I had to just go with it. I had no clue what to call her, so I'm not even going to address her. Harry didn't talk much about her, just about his father.

"It's nice to meet you." I beamed at her.

"My name is Anne, darling. I'm pretty sure you're Serenity. I hear Harry muttering your name in his sleep," she ratted Harry out so hard I started chuckling. Literally. Harry sighed loudly, muttering "seriously" beneath his breath. I've come to the conclusion; I love his mom. While chuckling, Anne sent me a little sneaky wink.

"I apologize for the lack of appearance. I'm usually working too much, but I've taken time off!"

Harry coughed, almost choking. Anne glanced at him with a frown, confused as to why he's reacting that way. "Time off!? Since when do you take time off?"

Anne smiled softly. "Because it's summer, first of all. And I want to be with my family, of course! I feel bad about working so much I barely have time for my children, Harry. I need to spend time with you and Belle."

He paused behind me for a moment. "Seriously mum, what demon possessed you now?"

I smacked Harry's arm, snapping at him. "Stop that." I turned to look over at Anne. She was so kind, and I really liked her sense of humor. I wish she was my mom. But that would be weird because that would mean I'm attracted to my brother. Oh God, I cringed to myself before realizing that Harry and Anne were done talking about summer.

"I'm glad to be able to meet you, Serenity," she smiled. "I'm going to go see Belle. I'm sure she'll be excited to know I'm taking her out today!" Anne gushed happily. "You'll have the house to yourselves since I've dismissed everyone from work. Harry, I'm saying this now, no parties, no funny business whatsoever. Am I clear?" Anne can snap from happy to stern in eight seconds.

Harry squeezed my shoulders, grinning over at his mom. "Of course I'm not going to throw a party." He scoffed. "Why that is just awfully disobedient of me."

"Don't give me that sarcastic shit, Harold. I will make you regret it," she pointed her index finger at him.Then she looked over at me. "I'm counting on you to keep that monkey behind you under control."

I giggled, nodding my head eagerly. The more she spoke the more I began to love her. She shot Harry another warning glance before moving inside the house. I turned around to face Harry, beaming up at him. "Oh my god, I think I love your mom," I whispered to him excitedly.

He groaned. "Everyone likes her when they meet her. She barely knows three things about me. I bet she can't even tell what my favorite color is."

Sighing, I rolled my eyes at him. "You heard what she said. She's taking the summer off! That should be good for something. And Harry anyone could guess your favorite color."

Harry huffed, crossing his arms over his chest in defiance. "Oh really? What is it?"

"Navy. Your whole fucking room is covered in that color." I remarked hotly, smiling when he began to scowl. I shook my head, leaning up on my toes to peck his jaw, mumbling, "You stupid, stupid monkey." My lips pressed against his skin a few more times before he moved away, mumbling about something beneath his breath.

Grinning as I watched him, he picked up the hose again and washed off the rest of his car. I felt cautious, moving behind the car so he'd not wet me again. Thankfully, he put the hose away seconds later and began to collect sponges and a bucket of water. I decided to help him clean up but not before he dumped the bucket of dirty car water on me. You can't imagine the angry rant he got from me afterwards.

I followed Harry up into his room, removing my shirt and angrily throwing it at him. I was wearing a blue sports bra, which was visible when I took off my soaked tanktop. I shimmied out of my shorts in agitation. Like he expected, I threw those at him too while he laughed. For safety purposes, I glanced at the type of underwear I was wearing. Grey boxer shorts panties. That's good. I didn't ruin any lace.

"Babe," he chuckled as I walked into the bathroom. "Stop walking away from me."

Ignoring him, I reached behind my back. I turned to raise an eyebrow at him. "Can I have some privacy?"

"Since this is my bathroom...hmm, let me think...No." He teased, my wet clothes still in his hands.

"Fine," I huffed. "But if you touch me I will burn all those magazines underneath your bed."

Harry's eyes widened, my clothes falling from his hands. "You know about those?!" He seemed horrified.

Chuckling, I nodded evilly. I reached behind me and pulled off the sports bra, letting my "tatas" loose. I made sure to be turned away from him, humming to myself as I shimmied out of my underwear as well. Harry was watching me get butt naked and I couldn't dare to glance at him because I knew he was staring. I could just feel his gaze linger on my butt, or my hips, or the short span of my legs.

"You're an evil woman," he said, throwing my clothes into a hamper at the corner of the bathroom while I walked into the shower. I smiled to myself, silently wishing to myself that he'd totally forget what I said and touch me. I want his touch, and the thought of him seeing me this way really turns me on although I'd never admit it to him.

I finally began to wash myself with the bar of soap on the shelf inside the shower. The water was warm like I alwasy preferred it. It could be one hundred degrees outside and I'd still want to shower in warm water. I've always been one to love warm showers. To my displeasure, the bathroom door shut and I was left by myself inside.

When I came out I dried myself with a towel, changing into a pair of lightwash denim shorts and a red shirt that was ripped down the back on purpose. I left the bathroom just as Harry came inside his bedroom. He was in fresh clean clothes. A white t-shirt and a pair of grey sweats. His hair was slightly damp, and held a towel in his hands. I guess he went to shower somewhere else.

"Hmm, I'm a little surprised," I told him, smiling softly.

He looked over at me with confusion. "Why?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "I thought you were going to tease me over getting naked in front of you."

Harry placed his towel on his bed while shaking his head. "Okay, I'll admit it took everything in me not to join your shower, but unless you wanted me to I'd respect your distance. Isn't that what you wanted? Take things slow?"

I'm mostly touched he still remembered that. I know I can't push off being with him in any intimate way for a while. He is now my boyfriend, and I'm not planning on changing that at all. It's not like I think intimacy is a big deal, so of course I'll have no problem with getting intimate with him. It's just I wanted to do things much different than I usually do. I don't want to ruin this, so I do want to take things slow.

I couldn't control the smile on my lips. My arms found their way around his neck, on the tips of my toes while I muttered. "I'm touched you remember me saying that."

He scoffed playfully, smirking at me. "What can I say? I'm amazing."

"And cocky," I added, rolling my eyes. Nevertheless, I joined our mouths together and kissed him softly. His arms snaked around my body, pulling his closer to mine. I went to pull away just as the door creaked open and in came the little girl that has taken over the household.

Belle marched inside, wearing a plastic princess crown on her head. I smiled down at her while still in Harry's embrace. Belle stared up at us before saying, "Mommy says I should wear a crown because I'm the princess and you all have to do what I say."

Harry chuckled to himself, beneath his breath whispering to me, "Mother seems fine but she's crazy as fuck."

I ignored Harry. My mind was more focused on how amusing this all was. Anne was energetic and seemed like she could convince anyone of her crazy theories. This being one of them. "Well," I began, "You are the Princess."

"That means that I can tell you guys what to do?" She asked with quite some sass. My mouth fell agape when she crossed her arms over her chest, frowning at us.

Harry stared at her with shock. His lips parted as he paused, thinking of what to tell his baby sister. "Absolutely not."

"Well, you not the Princess, Hawwy. So you wouldn't know," she remarked, huffing with the same pouty frown she had on two seconds ago. I turned my head in the other direction as I shook in Harry's arms with laughter. Harry's arms left me when he crouched down to come face to face with Belle.

"I too am the Princess," Harry argued childishly.

"You are not!" Belle shrieked.

"Did Mommy tell you this?"

Belle nodded. "She said because I'm a girl."

I grew too amused by this to the point where I was pressing my lips into a line to suppress upcoming laughter. Anne was probably a feminist. She strongly believes in women's equality to men. It wouldn't surprise me if she was trying to teach Belle the same thing.

"Well, I'm older than you." Harry argued.

The little girl sighed, dropping her arms from her chest. "That's not faya!" She whined.

"Who's the Princess now, huh?" He teased her, making her angrily groan and stomp out. Harry laughed as she did so, earning another angry glare from the small girl.

"I'm telling Mommy!" Belle shouted in the hallways.

"No, I'm telling Mommy first!" Harry jogged out of the room to get to Belle, eventually earning a loud scream from her and her refusal. He picked her up from the floor, running around and threatening to drop her on the floor until she apologized and told him that she loves him. As usual, I watched with amusement and shook my head.

+

It was probably nine at night when Harry and I were rolling a cart in the grocery store. We decided on getting actual vegetables and fruits since Anne stated she was "trying to keep the family healthy." Harry rolled his eyes in annoyance, nonetheless running the errand for her. Anne stayed at home with Belle playing with puzzles to strengthen her logic skills before she goes into pre-school.

Like a child I wanted to get into the cart and have him push me around. Harry only stared at me before complying with my demands. I cheered and climbed inside, earning a little playful scoff from Harry. "You're so immature."

"And you're an old man," I teased, turning my head to look at him with a smirk. Harry gnarled at me, chuckling and leaning over to kiss me on the lips. We were going down the aisle that had all types of cans. Cans of tuna, glass containers of olives and other ingredients. I was enjoying the little ride on the car before Harry began to stop and push forward abruptly.

I held onto the cart, laughing every time he tipped the cart towards him with his feet. I let out a soft shriek, laughing quietly before begging him to stop. "Stop it."

"Am I an old man?" He asked, expecting me to answer that to his liking.

"No you are not. You're so young and handsome. Now let's go to the freezer aisle, monkey!" I pointed my index finger into the air ahead of us before my phone vibrated in my pocket. I frowned, knowing it was a text message as I stroked a strand of my hair behind my ear. Harry didn't seem to notice though. He was more focused on the list of stuff Anne wrote for him to get.

I dug into my pocket to see a text message from the number that belongs to Derek. I hadn't even bothered to add him to my contacts. I'm more debating whether blocking his number but that scares me. He could do so many things and I wouldn't have a clue because I haven't been talking to him.

Derek: Not gonna answer me now ?? ;)

My jaw clenched in annoyance. My phone vibrated once more but this time the text message was from Clary. I ignored Derek for now and went to open Clary's text message.

Clary: Haven't heard of you in a long ass time! text me, big boobiess >> miss you <3

I smiled at the message. I haven't really been paying much attention to Clary. I'm mostly hooked up on my life right now escaping the grasp of my parents' overprotective hands and staying with Harry for a while. Emily hasn't been texting me either the past few days I've been with Harry. Clearly I'm going to make plans with her soon enough. I can't be in Harry's house forever, and eventually I'll have to return home. But I'm hoping things will be different when I go home.

My fingers typed against the screen eagerly, a smile laced on my lips. I looked up from my phone to see Harry staring down at me with suspicion. "Why are you smiling at your phone? Who is that?" He leaned towards me to look at my phone. I left my phone visible to him, considering I wasn't hiding anything.

"It's Clary, Curious George," I told him, earning a little eye roll from him. Despite it, I only giggled at him and made kissy faces at him only to receive his middle finger. As Harry scanned the shelves for whatever he was looking for, I thought of how to word the fact that Derek messaged me as well. I bit my bottom lip before quickly murmuring, "And Derek texted me again."

Harry hummed to himself before looking over at me. "Give me your phone for a second," he demanded.

I frowned, holding my phone to my chest. "What are you going to do?" I asked slowly and cautious of his actions.

"Just give me the phone," he hissed quite angrily now. I obeyed his command, quickly handing over my black iPhone. He stared down at the screen, eyebrows furrowed in anger before he began to type. I sighed, knowing he'll only be making shit worse but I couldn't stop him. I shouldn't have told him Derek texted me anyway. Either way, I understood well he'd react this way.

When he handed me my phone back, I immediately opened up the messages and read what Harry wrote.

Serenity: Hey, Dick. This is Harry and I just wanted to say that if you keep texting my girl I will personally dislocate every bone in your body. i know it's hard not being able to get any other chicks, but c'mon bro she's too busy sucking my d*ck to screw with you

I gasped at the end, shooting Harry a horrified look. Harry gave me a shrug, his furious facial expression still plastered on his face as he reached to grab canned corn. "Seriously!?" I bellowed angrily. "Harry, what the fuck!? He's go--"

My phone vibrated again, and before I could pull it from anywhere within his reach, Harry grabbed my phone and unlocked it. Now I really wish I had locked my phone. My mother never allows me to put a password on my phone. And for safety purposes I always delete my conversations with people.

His nostrils flared as he typed. I knew by now Derek had said something that pissed him off. He finally handed me my phone again and muttered lowly, "Block his phone number."

The angrier he got the more trouble that will arise from this all. A sour frown made its way to my face as I looked down at the conversation.

Derek: Haha, guess what man, i've gotten into her pants plenty of times. just ask her. I'll have no problem doing it again. :'D

Serenity: you make me chuckle :') next time i see you hope you're not alone

Harry's threat made me nervous. He could get into so much trouble messing with that kid. Derek is only doing this because his parents are two of much power. Harry can get into predicaments with the police and the city. Derek's father is one of Washington's politicians. A simple threat like this can be taken seriously. They'll hunt down Harry and come knocking down his door the next second. And his mother is a lawyer. Last time I saw her she scolded me and said I need to take my ass back to church.

"I don't care what the fuck he'll do. I'll beat that kid to a pulp," he growled, beginning to push the cart again down the aisle.

I groaned, shaking my head in refusal to let Harry get provoked into doing those types of things. "Harry, that's what he wants. He wants you to beat the shit out of him because you'll be the one in trouble. Not him. Plus, this is my problem. Derek is nothing but some idiot trying to annoy us because I got rid of him. He's angry about something that happened like what? Two years ago?"

Our conversation ended there when a guy walking towards Harry widened his blue eyes and gasped. "Harry motherfucking Styles?" The guy seemed completely stunned by Harry's presence. If I didn't know any better I'd think Harry was famous and this guy is his number one fan. A grin plastered on the blue-eyed guy as he patted Harry's shoulder. Harry just seemed just as pleased to seeing the stranger.

The guy was a few inches shorter than Harry. Even so, he was attractive, too. Light stubble beard and perfect cheekbones to accompany his straight, styled hair. He was dressed in plaid pajama pants and a grey sweatshirt. He looked like he got dressed for bed and was sent here to the grocery instead.

"Louis? Louis Tomlinson?" Harry grinned from cheek to cheek. I had the slight urge to scold at the way Harry changed his moods like a flip of a switch or the toss of a coin. My fault being that I'm never one to address feelings much, but Harry's mood swings are worse than me on any period.

Louis -- I assumed -- punched Harry's shoulder playfully, laughing breathily. I watched their interaction, noticing the way they seemed so happy and delighted around each other. "Mate, I didn't think I'd ever see you after that party when you took that blonde home...Amber? Right? The blonde with the nicest ass I've seen in all my years."

Harry nodded, chuckling mindlessly as if I wasn't behind him. "Amber did have a nice ass," he replied in a murmur, making me illicit a cough from my throat.

My glare was growing by the second. Harry turned to look at me, his lips turning into an "o" as if he just realized what he's done. Louis glanced over at me, his eyebrows raising. I felt stupid for getting into the cart because now I just seemed highly childish.

I took it upon myself to remove my harsh glare from Harry to look at Louis. There was an awkward silence. Harry scratched his neck. Louis whistled lightly, finding this amusement. I can tell by the squinting of his eyes and the grin trying to hide at the corner of his lips.

"So...are you his sister?" He asked.

This can't be more embarrassing. Not only am I younger than both of them by two years probably more for Louis, but I'm in a damn cart. I hate my impulse to be a child. I seem highly immature just sitting there with a frown on my face.

"No, I'm his girlfriend." I said flatly. I felt the itching burn of Harry's glare, and immediately turned my frown into a small, sour smile. "I'm Serenity Carter," I stuck out my hand from the cart.

Louis laughed softly. "I'm Louis." He took my hand, glancing down at my legs crossed in the cart. "Trust me if my fiance wasn't around, I'd be in a cart, too."

"Does she have nice legs, Louis?" Harry asked out of the blue, eyebrows raised and his arms crossed over his chest.

I glanced at Harry with confusion and so did Louis. "What?" Louis asked, almost baffled.

"You keep staring at her legs, so does she?" He remarked.

My eyes rolled subconsciously. "Don't worry about it, Louis. If you even glance at my face, Temperman here will burn you to a crisp with his laser eyes."

Even though I was pushing Harry's buttons, and I could tell by the way he frowned at me, Louis and I broke into a laugh. "It's always been like that as well, when I knew him about a year ago. I can relate, though. Marisol is just the same."

"Wait," Harry paused. "You said fiance?"

"Yep," he sighed happily, popping the 'p'. "I've found my soul-mate, Harry, and let me tell you she's one spicy taco."

Despite the little feud Harry was going to start, the atmosphere changed into a more content, settled one. I began to smile at the thought of spicy tacos -- not his engagement story.

"Wow, man. Never thought it'd happen," Harry wondered out loud. Louis scoffed playfully before a shouting girl with stunning deep red lips showed up behind him. Both Harry and I watched the girl walk towards us, a thick Spanish accent on her tongue as she screamed to Louis about her ice cream.

She had dark brown hair; nearly black and in pretty curls. She was short, but had flawless cheekbones and perfectly filled eyebrows. Her dark eyes were framed with thick, black eyelashes. The girl was beautiful -- even in her light pink pajama pants and red sweatshirt.

"Mira, Louis," she hissed in Spanish, "I'm not in the mood to wait around so get your shit together, pendejo!"

Louis made a face at us; an apologetic frown, whispering, "She's on her period. I hid all the kitchen knives."

Marisol stood beside Louis know, glancing at us before her frown dropped a little. "Oops," she muttered, "I didn't know Louis was talking to his friends."

"It's okay. They know you're a psychotic bitch," Louis teased her.

An annoyed glare was shot in his direction from her. She punched his arm as she clenched her jaw. "Espera que llegemos a casa, Louis, te voy a meter a palos!" She threatened him. I remained clueless as to what she was saying. But I knew one thing. Her accent was hot and I wanted one, too.

Louis scoffed. "She said wait until we arrive home, I will beat you with sticks."

"Since when do you speak Spanish?" Harry laughed, catching the attention of Marisol. I watched her react to Harry, which wasn't much at all. She seemed like she was keeping her distance and her eyes where they belong. I'm not going to have a problem with her is all I needed to know.

"Since I proposed to this nagging beast."

"You know, you're only making this worse for yourself, maricon. Looks like you're sleeping on the couch," she huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. She sent both Harry and I a soft smile before speaking up again. "But by the way, I'm Marisol Dominguez, Louis's fiance...unfortunately," she teased him. Louis rolled his eyes, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

They seemed like the couple to fight a lot, but were always playing around in the end. I could tell Louis was from England as well. His accent matched with Harry's quite well. Marisol is clearly Hispanic, but the combination of a British guy with a Hispanic is odd. Odd, but in a way endearing and cute. It's nice to see something refreshing. I personally think they're adorable together.

"You know I'm actually half Ecuadorian," I told everyone nonchalantly. Even Harry didn't know that because I barely spoke about my family. But I just had to say something before we engulfed in another awkward silence.

Marisol immediately seemed impressed. "Really? I'm Mexican."

"And we're British," Harry and Louis said simultaneously, mimicking our conversation with intentions of annoying us.

I shrugged. "I apologize, Marisol, Harry's still angry that the Americans threw their tea in our harbor."

"And Louis just always has a stick up his ass," Marisol spat, causing me to chuckle with her. I've come to the conclusion that I like her.

"Anyways," Louis breathed, grinning lazily. "Marisol is throwing one of her ridiculously huge parties to celebrate our engagement on Friday, and it'd be cool if you guys came, you know? We can catch up on what other illegal shit you've been doing, mate," he shot Harry a smirk, who only grinned in return.

After they exchanged numbers, we were on our way to looking for the stuff Anne asked for.

+
Next Day
The girls were back. It was just like old times again. We were at Clary's in bathing suits by the pool, soaking in the sun and letting the warmth of summer engulf is in contentment. Renee, Emily, Natalie, Clary, and I were all in a circle, lying on towels and sharing small chatter. Emily, as usual, wore a full piece that had floral decorations. It framed out her curves and made her figure fit tight. She was naturally meant to be sexy, she just hasn't found it inside of her yet. I almost forgot we're supposed to start exercising in a few days.

Natalie sighed deeply, her eyes covered behind shades. She had a golden bikini on. Her dirty blonde hair was tied up on her head in a messy up do. I could tell she's been to the beach one two many times because she was beginning to get a mean tan.

Clary wore a black bathing suit -- her usual dark colors worked against her pale skin somehow. Before she got out, she drowned herself in sunscreen, stating that she is not a piece of meat and she will not roast outside. Renee had a hot pink, skimpy bikini that barely showed anything, since she was flat on both ends. I was starting to get annoyed with her and her constant talks about the fact that she just has to get the new car her daddy's buying her.

As for me, I wore whatever type of bathing suit I brought with me from my house. It was a soft lilac with a ruffled top that had straps, which tied behind my neck and around my back. The bottom was just a black bikini bottom that accidentally mixed in with some of my clothes.

"So wait, like...Wayne and Zayn are no longer friends with any of you?" Renee asked, her eyes shield from the sun by bright blue RayBan while she lied on her back.

"I speak for myself, I don't know about anyone else, but I'm definitely not friends with them," I replied flatly.

"Why?" Natalie inquired.

My mind drifted to Emily and just as I was going to try and drift away from the conversation, Emily said, "He called me a fat joke."

Clary sat up abruptly, angrily gasping. "Are you serious right now? That piece of shit has no right!"

We all seemed to react the same way. All except for Renee, who simply laughed nonchalantly. Her smirk laced her full lips like the perfect sight of delight. "Sounds like Wayne."

I stared at her for a couple of seconds before rolling my eyes and continuing to talk about the topic that came up. "Anyways," I began slowly, "Zayn's too much of an idiot to admit he likes Emily."

Natalie smiled. "Aw. I always thought Zayn had a soft spot for Emily. I always saw it."

Emily laughed, her cheeks burning an evident bright red. "You think so?"

"Obviously," Clary scoffed, still angry about it. "It's so obvious he likes you, Em."

She seemed overwhelmed by our statements. I'm glad to see her blushing and happy with what we're saying.There was no doubt that Zayn does have some sort of side hidden from everyone else but only appears when Emily's around. He's soft and sensitive, much gushier than Harry. It is not only obvious, but painfully predictable. Emily and Zayn have always teased each other, and he's always protected her from any other offenders. Just the way he is around her is adorable. But I wished Zayn would stop trying to please his brother and stand up for himself. Much less go around sleeping with other girls trying to forget about the one girl who he really wants only because he's afraid of his feelings.

Renee took of her shades, revealing her bright green eyes at us all. She smirked slightly before coughing and speaking up. "Zayn's always sleeps around, Emily. If anything, you'd be lucky to avoid him. Him and his brother are the same. Harry, too."

"Harry's my boyfriend," I shot at her, trying with all my might to keep my temper down.

She looked over at me, her gaze tired and bored. "Really?"

"Yeah," Clary answered for me, her nose scrunched up in disgust. It's obvious we're all finding Renee's attitude a bit too much today. Natalie watched Renee carefully.

Emily frowned slightly as Renee looked over at her. "Zayn took a girl home last Friday I saw him. He's not worth it, Em," Renee pouted, cooing as if she actually felt bad. "He's just not worth it, Honey."

At this Emily fell silent, her blush and all ceasing their presence. I clenched my jaw. My temper was slowly running out like a gallon of water tipped over. Or like the gasoline tank running and almost reaching the lit flame that is my hatred for Renee. I never really liked her to begin with, but I've tolerated her because everyone else seemed to. Now, however, she's pushing my buttons.

"What girl?" Emily asked softly. I felt so hurt seeing her face. She was so sensitive and kind. She took almost anything to heart.

"Yeah. Some skinny girl."

I had enough. Literally.

"Alright, Jack Skellington," I snapped, "Why don't you go give your irrelevant opinions to someone who actually cares?"

Renee laughed, putting her shades down and gasping at me with amusement. "No need to be rude! I'm only being honest."

"You're being insensitive." I remarked hotly, nostrils flaring. The girls watched, looking between us both.

She threw her head back and laughed dryly. "Oh, come on, Serenity. Everyone's got a few flaws. There's no need to lie to friends."

My head was spinning, my vision going white for a straight two seconds. Fury wasn't a word big enough to describe what I was feeling inside every second she opened her mouth.

"You and I both know I don't lie. And since we're being honest, bones and skin don't suit you, Honey." I raised my voice at her considerably.

Her eyes gazed over everyone else before she looked at me again. "I don't even know why someone as hot as Harry would waste their time on a slut like you."

"Oh, please, don't compare your mother to me," I laughed bitterly.

"Don't talk about my mother like that!" She shouted angrily, her eyes narrowed. "I will fight you, Serenity. Don't fucking test me. I'm surprised you can walk with those cows on your legs you call thighs."

My eyebrows rose in amusement. "Really?" I hummed. "At least I have an ass. Yours is flatter than the stage your mom dances with a pole on."

Renee licked her lips, pausing to think for a moment. "How's your boyfriend treating you, Serenity? Is he fucking you right? Because he's taught me a few things in that department."

Everyone's jaw literally dropped to the marbled concrete floors.

I stood up, untying my hair and letting it fall down my shoulders. Renee looked up at me, her icy glare making me want to thrust her head between to bars and let her choke between them. She can insult me all she wants, but I'm never going to be the type to let it dawn on me. I'm confident in myself, preventing any emotional reaction to arise from her cruelty. She can't break me with her words. Her words don't mean anything to me, but I still wouldn't mind breaking a few bones.

The thought of Harry and her never even crossed my mind until she said it now. Never I thought Harry would have some history with Renee -- which I doubt, she's probably making it up -- but even the little possibility motivates me to rip her to shreds for touching him.

"C'mon, don't just fucking stare at me! Get up!" I screamed, my face feeling hot. My fists tightened. "You said you'd fight me! So let's fucking fight!"

The girls scrambled to get up, and from the corner of my eye I saw Clary stare in horror -- a clear picture of what's about to happen.

Renee stood up, immediately lunging at me. I fell against the tiles, the warm, hard floor drew a groan from my throat as I felt the pain of the impact. But not for long until I realized Renee was above me and straddling my waist, nearly smashing her bony fist in my face. She screamed when I hit her first, a cracking sound going off and bursting through the air. Blood began to drip down from her nose as she held it, gasping.

My knuckles were immediately hurt by the hard impact. Renee -- now livid -- slammed her hand down onto my chest. I grabbed her hands from me, scratching at her wrists and squinting my eyes. I was prepared for any type of rebuttal. I don't hiss and pull hair. I punch and kick ass.

One of my knees impulsive shot up and slammed into her crotch. Although one stereotypically one may think it doesn't hurt for a girl, when you hit hard enough it hits sensitive nerves -- and that hurts like a bitch. Renee screamed in pain, giving me the chance to throw her off of me. My thighs straddled her waist this time, my fist slamming into her face in angry, uncontrollable inaccurate punches.

"Girls, fucking stop it!" Clary screamed, coming behind me to try and pry me away from the girl. But I pushed back on her, and as the other girls began to help, it was too late.

Renee and I began to roll around, and eventually falling into the pool. We parted once to rise to the surface, hands grabbing hair, legs kicking legs, and screams leaving throats in pure rage.

"Natalie, call the boys! They're gonna fucking kill each other!" Clary screamed.

A/N: and I apologize for the cliffhanger lol took me forever to write this long chapter for you guys. hope you liked.

Q: Who will beat whose ass?