HARRY

As I said before, it all happened incredibly fast. At the moment Lucinda crushed Emily's against the table the boys released me. I hated them for participating in this.

I ran to her and Emily punched her on the face. Her friends tried to hit and rip a piece of Lucy but I protected her covering her body with mine. Liam and Zayn grabbed Emily's friends and I stayed between Emily and Lucinda. The security guards came and we were all dragged into a room.

I sat next to Lucinda and the guys stood by me so Emily and her friends were in the other corner, far as possible from Lucy. Emily's nose was bleeding a lot. The people in charge handed tissues to her and then asked what the hell happened and then it started a whole fight between the two. I was upset with Emily but completely speechless by Lucinda's behavior. The entire fight was driving me insane, I felt it in my hands, they were sweating. At one time, for a split second our eyes met, Lucy saw how angry I was. The communication was cut between us.

We were kicked out of the place as expected. Emily yelled a few things but I dragged Lucinda to the car, ignoring the screams. Niall and Louis decided to stay and go somewhere else. Mandy and Lucy chatted for a few seconds and then got into the car. Zayn and Liam also left with me. We left Mandy at her place and Lucinda didn't say anything about her and where she wanted to go so I drove to my place.

Zayn and Liam were talking but their voices were not louder. Lucinda looked down at her lap during the road back home. My fists clenched onto the steering wheel. I wiped the sweat from my forehead and cursed in my mind. It was terrible to witness the whole fight.

I managed to park the car. I could not care less about it. I got out of the Jeep and the others did the same. I turned on the alarm and headed home.

"What the hell was that, Liam?" I asked once we walked into the warm place.

"What are you talking about?"

"Why did you help her?"

"She asked me," he shrugged. "She has enough reasons for doing it."

I know he's kind of right but for me it doesn't seem fine. Payne went upstairs with Zayn.

"I'll get you some ice," I announced and went to the kitchen.

I opened the refrigerator and pulled out an ice cube.

"Harry?"

"No, you can't go home, not with that ugly bruise you have. I doubt your mother is going like that," I growled.

"I was going to ask if I could stay," she spoke quietly.

"Of course you can," I sighed frustrated.

I handed the ice cube and made my way to the room. I grabbed a towel from the floor and went for a shower. Maybe she thought I was exaggerating but she doesn't know how I feel. I didn't want this for her, I don't care what Emily did, just wanted her to solve this differently.

I didn't take too much time in the shower. I walked back to the room with the towel covering me and Lucinda turned around. She was sitting on the bed and playing with Sherlock. I grabbed what I needed and got dressed in a white shirt and black shorts. I put a towel on the chair and pajamas for Lucy.

"You want to take a shower?"

"Why are you so mad?"

"Why?" I growled. "Because I wanted to protect you, you needed to tell me what you wanted to do. I understand what Emily did was horrible but I didn't want to see you at her level. "

"I needed that."

"No, of course not. You're not like this; I don't want you to be that way. "

"What's wrong with that?" She inquired. I could see she was upset.

"You want to be like her?" I questioned. "She's full of hatred, and that definitely gets you nowhere."

She left my beanie on the desk and braided her hair.  Her attitude has me in shock. She seemed calm but I noticed her hands were shaking.

"You have an ugly bruise on your cheekbone. Your mom is going to kill you, what do you think she's going to say?”

"I get it," she sighed. "They are never home, I'll have time to hide the wound."

She has a purple bruise on her cheekbone. It's weird to look at it, I never thought I'd see her on this way. Her face was dirty and she was sweating.

"I wasn’t expecting any of this. You were very brutal, too violent Lucy."

She rubbed her face with her hands and breathed slowly. She clasped her hands, they are still shaking. I'm worried.

"I did what she did to me. She hit my nose and now I hit hers," she muttered. She said with a calm that I found frightening.

I'm very worried.

She was going to play with Sherlock but I grabbed the cage and left it on the desk.

"Not now."

She removed her shoes and hugged her legs, resting her chin on her knees.

"I couldn't resist it, you don't understand," she shook her head.

Her voice was weak. Something was going to happen.

"Why?" I inquired sitting at the end of the bed.

"Because you don’t know how I felt, how I feel. I was doing boxing and I couldn't defend myself the first time. I was doing it for that purpose and I failed. I've often thought about those guys who beat me, I wanted to be able to defend myself the next time and I could do nothing against Emily. You don't know how pathetic, insignificant and useless I felt. I've always felt that way all my life, I thought I could change but I'm back in the same spot. You have no idea how it feels. "

She just exploded and her pieces were everywhere. Lucy exploded with a speech that stabbed my heart. I stared at her for a moment and she was sobbing. I was not being able to move but I knew I needed to pick up the pieces.

"She said things about me, horrible things I didn't admit to myself," she wiped her tears but didn't stop sobbing. "Things I've heard before but with Emily I felt that was enough. Plus she was with you and her confidence makes me feel insecure. You may think I'm exaggerating but-but I know a little about myself to know I felt very humiliated. "

She rubbed her eyes and looked down.

I could understand her, of course I could. I felt her pain. I just didn't imagine the magnitude of the problem, Lucy told me a few things and I thought about how she feels but I never questioned her words. This is my entire fault; these are the consequences but somehow is something we both accept indirectly. Still I'll keep carrying all the weight. I'm picking up the pieces and I'm going to fix it.

I stretched my hand to her and called her name. She looked at me with doubt. Seconds later she took my hand and I pulled her making her to get closer to me. She crawled slowly and sat on my lap. She hid her face in my chest and I just hugged her.

Seeing her on this way was killing me but assured me once again how much I like this girl. She was brave, she cared about the others, she's strong but sensitive and good, not good because she needed a favor but because that was her essence.

"You could never be what she told you. Emily doesn't know you; she has no right to talk about you. Don't believe on her, not a single word. You're amazing and I couldn't be more proud of who you are.”

"A weirdo?"

I rolled my eyes but smiled.

"A weirdo, a good, brave, honest, lovely, generous and super smart girl."

"Liar," I heard her voice muffled by the fabric of my shirt.

I decided not to respond. I stroked her hair and she cried for a couple of minutes. I tried to think of something better to say but it's quite difficult.

The sobbing faded and she sat in front of me. She rubbed her eyes and stared at me.

"Can I shower?"

"Yup. Gemma left a pajama here once, I left it on the chair with a towel. "

"Thanks."

She got up and grabbed the pajama and the blue towel. Once she left I grabbed the remote and turned on the television.

I feel a pressure in my lungs. Seeing her like that was devastating. It kills me to know that was the way she was before and I was never there. Maybe she cried once or many nights. I can see that she is not weak but very sensible and she needed me and needs me now. This is the time to remedy the days that I was not there. The hate for myself grows. I feel shame. It's an indescribable but very powerful feeling. I could be crushed at any time. I think I could never forgive how stupid I was, my stupidity knew no bounds.

I'm so angry with myself. I know I don't deserve to be next to her, I don't deserve to be with Lucy. I never deserved anything in my life. But I can't leave her, I want to be able to deserve her. I want to comfort her. I don't want to see Lucy on this way again. I need to keep her away from danger and protect her.

Lucinda came back minutes later. A part of her hair is still wet. For a moment I forgot how Gemma’s pajama was. The pajama consists on shorts and a gray shirt. She leaves her clothes on the chair with the towel.

"What? Why are you smiling?" She asked confused.

I can't complain, I'm enjoying the view.

I patted the space next to me and Lucy sat on the bed.

"Are you feeling better?"

"Hm, yeah."

"Are you sure? Want to keep talking about it?"

"Yes, I am sure and nope."

She put on her glasses and tucked a few strands behind her ears.

"I want to say something," I declared and she nodded. "Look, you never, never could be what she told you. Remember Emily doesn't know you. You're wonderful, not perfect but still wonderful. You got me but for being you. You've always been you. You never tried to change or pretend to be someone else to make me like you even though we were different. We adapt, our small collapsed and I like the result. I know the road hasn't been easy but now I think we are stronger, you trust me, not completely, but you do and I want you to know everything I said is true. Damn, that was a long speech. See what you do to me," I pushed her shoulder playfully.

She giggled. I know she is not going to cry but her eyes look like she was about to.

"You're so dorky."

She pulled me into a hug and my hands are placed on her back.

"You really think so, Harry?" She murmured in my ear.

My grip was stronger around her, her body seemed smaller. I slid my nose through her neck and nodded.

"Of course, I'm not lying. Don't be sad, I hate seeing you like this.”

She kissed my cheek several times and I smiled.

"Your eyes are still intimidating, even if you're looking cute with that smile and dimples."

"After all this time?"

"Hm, yes."

I cut the distance and pressed my lips on hers.

"Harry, we are home, darling!" Niall and Louis shouted from downstairs.

Lucinda pulled away and stood up.

"What?"

"Can I make coffee?"

"Now?"

"Yup."

I got up of bed and headed to the kitchen. Lucy made coffee and I chatted with Niall and Louis. Zayn and Liam went down minutes later and we all drank coffee. I hugged Lucinda all the time.

Liam apologized but said he did it for Lucy. She saw Emily and asked for help to him and Mandy. Mandy quickly explained what was happening between the two and Liam decided to accept. I decided not to talk about that with my friends. Lucy just drank her coffee so I thought she didn't want to talk about it either.

Niall and Louis were still under the effects of the pill. I don't know if it was good they were drinking coffee but it was too late. Anyway they were talking about funny things and we all laughed, included Lucy. It was a way of forgetting, I guess she wanted to do that.

We chatted for about 40 minutes. Despite the coffee everyone was tired. I grabbed a glass of water and we headed upstairs. I closed the door and Lucinda checked Sherlock.

"Today was a good day, I good day with you, Harry. Despite everything."

I took off my shirt. I lay on bed and Lucinda did the same.

"Goodnight, Sherlock," we said at the same time.

I leaned toward her and kissed her wounded cheekbone.

"Does it hurt?"

"Yes, but it's bearable."

"I know I can't give orders but don't do it again, Lucy. You’re better than that."

"I know it was not right but it felt right at that moment."

The room is not completely dark, a few lines of light filtered through the window. I can see clearly Lucinda's, face, she is looking at me and seems to be waiting for my answer or another scolding. I can notice she's uncomfortable, I think she still can't understand the whole problem and perhaps she asks herself why she acted that way.

I think it's time to talk about something else.

"I think you should use your drawer," I mentioned.

"I didn't have time to think."

"There's nothing to think about. Leave your sweater and then come back another day. "

"You know I will do it, I'll come back, Harry."

"What? Really? "

"Yes, but not every day, just on the weekend."

"It doesn't matter. I'll be happy to have you here. "

Lucinda closed her eyes and pressed her lips against mine. I rested my hand on the back of her neck and her tongue shyly touched mine. A shiver ran through my body and I rested my hands under her shirt. Suddenly I feel it, is like a click. The kiss is more passionate and my fingers clung to her skin.

The air is hot and different sensations emerge through me. I pulled her towards me, contact is essential. We pulled away for a few seconds, both panting.

She sat on her knees, clasped her hands and watched me. I didn’t move, I kept lying in bed.

"I like...I like your tattoos," she whispered shyly.

She leaned in and we kissed again. Lucy traced a path from my chin to my neck. I can feel the way her breath faded on my skin and her hot lips. She kissed the swallows and then the butterfly. I started to feel nervous and I was dying to touch her. Her mouth brushed the tattoo across my hips, two fern branches. It was too much, she was near the danger zone.

"Lucy, you need to stop," I whispered.

She planted one last kiss and sat down.

"Sorry. I like your tattoos and they're very intriguing and I could watch them all day," she confessed.

My skin was hot on the spots where she kissed. Not even in my sweetest dreams I would imagine this.

She lay down beside me and put her head on my shoulder.

"Do something."

It was the signal to wake me up. I was slow. I climbed on top of her trying to balance my weight. My intention was to touch her but not to go so far. I wanted to tempt her, make her feel that she needed more. And also to think that together we could advance to the next level.

"I'm not wearing shirt, think it would be fair if we get rid of yours, don't you think?"

She gulped but a few seconds later she nodded.

We got rid of her shirt. We kissed one more time and then I made a path of kisses down her neck.

"I want you, Lucy," I murmured, looking into her eyes.

I watched her bra, the closure was on the front. I don't know if I can resist. My fingers quickly unclasp the bra. No, I couldn't resist. I smiled and kissed on the exact spot.

"I want you, Lucy," I spoke against her skin.

I slid my tongue, her skin is hot and smells good.. I pulled her body towards me, trying not to lose touch.

"Harry."

"And I think we should make love," I whispered before sliding my tongue again.

She grabbed my face on her hands to look at her.

"I...I think the same,” she answered and her breathing is unstable.

"What? Do you want it too? "I questioned.

Yes, of course I was very surprised. Discuss this seems impossible but make love to Lucy's something that I thought would be much more impossible.

"I think...I'd like to do it," she whispered. "But not right now. I'm sorry, I told you to do something but-but I didn't expect this. It's a little embarrassing," she spoke, her cheeks reveal how embarrassed she is.

"Hey, don't say that. I want you to be comfortable, Lucy. "

I clasped her bra so it was not a distraction. I lay down beside her and wrapped her waist with one arm. She said yes. Suddenly all the heat I was feeling faded and now I'm very curious. This moment is unique.

"Tell me more."

"More about what?"

"About your decision. So, you want us to make love? "I questioned again, I wanted to hear the answer one more time.

"Yes, I want. I haven't thought much about it but I'm curious. Now I saw you shirtless and you’re so cute, you have muscle, I like your skin, you smell so good and it was very tempting. When we kissed I felt I wanted more and is so powerful. I wanted to do more but I couldn't do it here, your friends are out there and I'm not looking good or prepared right now. "

"Prepared?"

"I don't know, maybe wear a cute underwear," she admitted, shrugging.

"It could be Superman panties and I would still like it ."

"What?" She laughed at my statement. "Definitely not."

"Lucinda, you're fine, no need to change anything."

Her eyes were almost glowing. She stared at me with some kind of admiration. Her hand stroked my hair and I pulled her closer to me.

"It would be an honor for me to make love to you, Lucy. I like you so much, I respect you and you're definitely what I want and would do anything for you, " I whispered in the dark.

"I am what you want?"

"Yes, believe me, you are. I'm in love with you long ago but I was very stupid and I hid my feeling from myself. I'm trying to amend the mistakes. "

I kissed her wounded cheekbone and tucked a strand behind her ear. She curled up and closed her eyes.

"You're cute."

I felt her hot breath on my neck. I grabbed the sheets and covered both with it.

Now she was convincing herself, now she said yes I just needed to make a plan. Do something cute or romantic, make that day unforgettable. I wanted to do this right. I wasn't seeing this like taking her virginity but like teach her something new, how we can love in another aspect, make her feel new sensations and being able to touch and kiss her without limits.

She needs this. I know she would be happy, special, loved and complete and the same goes for me. After all we've been through a moment for us, something new for both in different ways would be perfect. It would be right for us.

+

LUCY

The clouds are colored by different gray tones, in a couple of hours I'm sure it will rain.

I massaged my shoulder and waited to cross the street. I bought some comics, plus I spoke with the boss and left my curriculum. I'm trying to find a job. Mom told me I didn't need a job but I'm doing it for other reasons.

I keep talking to Megan, the school counselor. She's nice and she’s willing to help me. I spoke about Harry, what I dared to say which was just a couple of things. She told me I needed to worry about myself and not just focus on fix our relationship. I had to keep myself busy, doing activities and Megan mentioned that get a job would be a good idea. For a job you have to stay focused and be responsible. I need activities to keep my feet on the ground, trust my skills and be able to meet others. I needed in case things fall apart, that's what she said and I know she was referring to Harry.

At first she really made me think if I wanted to continue with this. I remember when things were bad between Harry and I Megan mentioned that burn the things I had of him would be a good idea. It was a way to change the vibes and let it go. Glad I didn't agree. She didn't trust Harry. I learned to know Megan and she hasn't had very good experiences when it comes to love, so maybe she was trying to protect me. At least now she's happy, Megan is dating Professor Rodgers, he's an algebra teacher. He was our teacher a few times and he helps me organize the classes I do with the kids.

I watched my reflection in the mirror of a shop, I managed to hide my hurt cheekbone with makeup but still could be noticed. Mom got angry and I tried to lie but I knew it would be in vain. I told her I had a fight with a girl. She was shocked by my behavior but I'm not grounded.

I walked a couple of blocks until finally arrive at my favorite bookstore. Carl was there as always, he smiled and I smiled back.

 I decided to grab some books and sit and read for a while. I wanted to find something new to read. I focused on that, after the third book I decided to check my phone. I had two messages, one from Harry and other from Gemma.

From: UNOFFICIAL BOYFRIEND BUT REAL BOYFRIEND.

Heeeeeeeey, let's go for chinese food. Where are you ???? H x

I didn't realize he changed his name on my phone. He should have done it today. I smiled and then opened Gemma's message.

From: Gemma.

Come. It's an emergency. A key under the carpet.

I read her message again and called her. I couldn't speak because she spoke first.

"Lucy, can you come? Please," she spoke quickly and I realize she was crying.

"What happened?"

"It's...it's an emergency, please!" She shouted across the line.

I stood up clumsy and grabbed my backpack. She sounded desperate, something terrible happened.

"Want-want me to call—?"

"No, no Harry! Just you. "

"I will be there in 15 minutes," I told her and hung up the call.

I said goodbye to Carl and ran to get a taxi. My legs burned and my breathing became unstable. I managed to get a cab and I gave him Gemma's address.

To: UNOFFICIAL  BOYFRIEND BUT REAL BOYFRIEND.

I’d like to go :( but I have to dinner with my mom, I’ll call you later.

I sent the message. That was the only lie I came up with.

Anxiety grew within me. I was very nervous about Gemma. She seemed hopeless, very nervous and she was crying inconsolably. I think I know who's the responsible but I don't want to have any conclusion before knowing what happened.

I paid and ran towards the building. I climbed the stairs because the elevator was not working. I reached down and found a key under the carpet.

I opened the door and everything was quiet. The living room looked good but I could see the kitchen and I saw broken dishes scattered across the floor.

"Gemma?" I asked scared.

I turned around and gulped the lump on my throat. The path to the hallway was marked by a few drops of blood.

I rushed to the hallway and walked to Gemma's room. She was there, lying in a corner. Her hair and her hands hiding her face.

"What happened?" I bent down in front of her.

It took her a few seconds to realize I was there. She looked up and hugged me. We parted after long minutes, my eyes fell on her legs. She is wearing shorts and there was blood under her knee. The wound came from her right calf.

"Gemma," I muttered scared.

She opened the palm of her hands and it was also wounded. I touched softly, feeling the hot blood until I felt a very tiny object. I thought about the mess in the kitchen and this object should only be one thing: Glass.

I breathed deeply. Fear was trying to take the control over me. This was a terrible scene. Harry's sister and my friend was sitting and hurt and crying. Any trace of the Gemma I knew was gone, this Gemma looked completely frightened and speechless.

Before asking for explanations and talk I needed to help her, I needed to remove those little pieces of glass somehow.

I got up and looked around.

"I need…I need a needle, something thin," I said looking at Gemma.

Her eyes were dark and frightened. her finger pointed to the bed and I bent down to find a small and old box.

Suddenly I realized something even more terrible had happened. The apartment was dark and very quiet, there was no voice, no one else except for Gemma.

I turned to her. I was afraid to ask but I had to.

"Where's Charlie?"

The expression on her face changed and she cried harder. Gemma coughed and I crawled towards her.

"Where is Charlie?" I repeated.

She wiped her tears and tried to answer, she managed to do it between sobs.

"Taylor...he-he took him."

I read the maze runner trilogy and I'm so sad and empty. Help. Also I have an infection in my eye, I don't see very good, think I'm going to die. Bye, love you all xo.