Chapter 18:

I had and awful nights sleep last night knowing about Emma's past and how she was treated by guys. I couldn't help but think she thought I was just another player, and I'm not; especially when it comes to her, she doesn't realise how much she actually means to me and I was determined to show her. I got out of bed and looked around my old room, nothing had really changed - my mum kept everything the same for whenever I came back home. I walked out of my room and towards the bathroom taking a towel in as I decided to get a shower; I left the warm water trickle down my bare body as it washed all of my worries away leaving me completely relaxed. I exited and wrapped the fluffy towel around my waist before heading back into my bedroom and closing the door.

I got changed into my Calvin Klein's, some dark wash skinny jeans and a grey top leaving my hair to dry naturally. I looked at my phone and noticed it was 11:30am. I saw 1 unread message, I opened it and my eyes widened noticing who it was from.

Em's: I'm fine Harry, stop worrying. We'll talk soon x.

She actually texted back. I was fairly surprised as I didn't think she would. Then again, Emma isn't the type of person that would just ignore someone altogether; she would at least let you explain, which is what I plan on doing!

I smiled at the text knowing she was willing to talk to me. Last night, me and Gemma decided that we would go shopping with mum and Robin so I could catch up on what I've missed. It took little persuasion and so we all hopped in my car and drove to the Trafford Centre in Manchester to have a day out together. Not long after we arrived I was bombarded by a large group of fans who wanted autographs and pictures, after a few minutes of that I caught up with my family and we continued our day out. We nipped to several shops, and at about 1:00pm we decided to grab a bite to eat in the food court. We sat hidden in a corner with our food to avoid fans when mum started to speak.

"So when are we going to meet Emma?" she asked smiling, eagerly wanting to meet the girl I'm so fond of.

"Whenever you like. I mean, I have to sort things out first but anytime really." I smiled at her. She nodded.

"Okay well bring her round! She's always welcome." my mum spoke, I grinned at her exposing my dimples - she already seems to like Em's and she hasn't even met her yet.

Gemma joined into the conversation also, "so what's she like then?" she asked. I smiled at her and replied.

"She's an actress, obviously. So she is talented at what she does - she loves to laugh and has a smile similar to mine; she has naturally brown curly hair, amazing hazel eyes and is without doubt the nicest person you could ever meet." I continued describing her, "she is good friends with Ed and is the main role in his new music video, she is from Holmes Chapel and she lights up when you mention big cats or otters 'cos she loves them." I finished and the three of them sat there with massive grins on their face.

"Awww!" Gemma squealed.

"What?" I asked confused.

"Haz' has got a crush" she singsongs, I roll my eyes at her childishness.

"Awww my baby's growing up!" my mum joins in. I bury my face in my hands to cover my deep red blush as the others giggle. What have I gotten myself into?

~~

After a few hours we arrived back home and I decided now would be a good time to find Emma. I'd had enough of waiting and I needed to see her - even if it was just to check if she was okay. Hayley had text me Emma's address earlier and I got in my car, making my way there. I came up to a nice house with a cherry tree in the front garden, it's flowers slowly cascading to the floor every now and then. I walked down the small path and pressed the doorbell; A 6ft tall man opened the door, he had straight dark brown hair and bright blue eyes, he looked in his mid 20's, I came to the conclusion it was Ben her older brother. He looked at me and spoke, his deep voice booming, "Hey mate, what's up?" he asked.

"Can I speak to Emma please?" I said with little confidence.

"Ben who is it?" a feminine voice shouted and I saw a woman appear knowing instantly it was her mum. She had shoulder length dark red hair and dark blue eyes; she smiled and invited me in, taking me to the living room as she knew who I was. I walked in and noticed another guy, he was about 5'11 and had lighter brown curly hair with blue eyes matching the rest of his family. I sit down on the couch next to Mrs Raine."So Harry, tell me what's going on?" she asked calmly.

"Well, for the past few weeks I have seen your daughter on a number of occasions and we have become really close. I went out the other night in London to see two old friends from school, the next day when I woke up there was a magazine with pictures of me and the girl in it, and then Emma had left to come here. I have tried texting her, and calling her, and I have given her time to herself but I need to explain myself and tell her the truth." I paused looking at everyone's expressions. Ben leaned against the doorframe listening intently, Jake was sat on the other coach resting his head on his fist and Mrs Raine was sat in front of me with her hands on her lap and a smile on her face.

She grinned and said 6 words that I didn't expect to hear, "She is lucky to have you." I smiled at her and replied instantly.

"I think it's more the other way around. I'm surprised she hasn't told you all of this?" I asked confusingly wondering why Emma hadn't spoken properly to her own family.

"She prefers to act like things don't affect her, she wants to look strong in front of people. But this time she just came home and cried for a few hours then went up to her room with her songbook, she hasn't really spoken to us much." my heart shattered when I had found out this, she had literally come home and shut herself away from everyone and put on a brave face.

"I need to talk to her Mrs Raine, I need to tell her she has it wrong, I would never do to her what other people have done in the past, I swear. It's been painful knowing that she is shutting me out." I answer.

"This is why she is lucky to have you Harry. She has spent so much time being used and treated poorly that she doesn't know what's real and right in front of her. Please take care of her, she's never acted this way before - you mean a lot to her Harry, don't forget that." I nodded my head enthusiastically and waited for her to let me see Emma. Almost reading my mind she continued, "The only thing is Harry, we don't actually know where she is. She just got up and left this morning, her bags and car are still here so she is still in Holmes Chapel somewhere. It's just a case of looking for her." I nodded and thanked all of them before quickly exiting the house hearing a good luck being shouted from them.

As I was walking to my car I failed to see an elderly woman on the path and bumped straight into her, catching her just in time. As I pulled her back to her feet she smiled and thanked me, "What's your name young man?" she asked, her voice worn out and tired.

"Harry." I smiled at her, as she did in return.

"Are you the boy that Emma has been talking non-stop about?" she chuckled whilst switching her shopping bag to the other hand. My eyes widened in realisation of what she had just said.

"Yes I am, do you know where she is by any chance?" I asked eagerly.

"I am her number 1 fan you know!" she smiled, clearly happy "I remember looking after her and her brothers while her parents were at work." I smiled at her, watching her reminisce before slowly returning back to me.

"Well Mrs -?"

"West" she interrupted.

"Well Mrs West do you happen to know where Emma is? I cant seem to find her." I heard a rumble of thunder knowing that it was about to start raining, Mrs West heard it too as she answered quickly.

"Yes, she's up by the old willow tree. Where she always is." she smiled and began to walk off.

"Thank you!" I shouted seeing her wave slightly and enter her house. I got in my car just as the rain started, it was hard and heavy on my window screen as I raced against it en route to the Willow Tree. Holmes Chapel isn't exactly the biggest place in the world and at times like this, it's useful. Everyone knows everywhere - its a small town and therefore it's easy to find your way around. I looked out of my window to see the usual green scenery. I parked my car and got out, immediately being hit with the cold pitter patter of the rain on my skin. I ran towards the willow tree and saw nothing, I suppose it's what you get when you decid to listen to an 80-year-old woman.

I walked up to the tree and leant against it, resting my head back on the rough bark. I heard a sigh and my head shot up immediately, I removed myself from the tree and peered around the side. Seeing the most beautiful girl in the world sat on the floor, soaking wet from the rain with a songbook in her hand. I smiled at her - happy that I had found her... thank you Mrs West! I walked around the tree, took my hands out of my pockets and sat down next to her. Not once did she look at me, we both sat in silence staring ahead and letting the rain pour down on us. That was until she broke the silence...

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- Pianogirl56