9 YEARS LATER
(Yeah nobody expected that ey)

Harry smiles at Darcy; it is her first day in grade seven. Wow, how the time flies. He is thirty-three, his daughter thirteen... he still recalls the times when she was three.

The times when she had a beautiful babysitter named Louis. His name is enough for Harry to smile. Harry hasn't seen Louis since the day they broke up; he hopes the boy is well.

He had never been a religious person before he met Louis – but after hurting both of their feelings, Harry began to pray at night. He prayed to any god that Louis would have the chance to grow up happy and healthy and do something good with his life.

The boy had left a lasting impact on Harry. And would forever be a cherished memory.

Darcy didn't remember Louis – he almost wishes she did.

"Do you have your lunch Darce?" Harry asked as he straightened the girl's school uniform collar.

The girl rolled her eyes, identical to Harry's forest green orbs; "yes Dad... you asked me this like three times already. You're so old and forgetful."

Harry chuckled at his daughter; he likes to think she learnt' her sass from Louis at a young age – he might be dreaming.

"Sorry. I'm just so proud of you growing into a responsible young woman." He smiles as tears well in his eyes.

"Dad... don't cry. This is only graded seven."

"It's your last year of primary school. My baby is growing up!"

Harry hugs her, because unlike any relationship – he has always had Darcy by his side.

---

Harry had quit his job a mere week after the break up with Louis, he opted for opening his own business which had surprisingly worked in his favour, and he was making more money than he was under Zayn's father's control.

He never liked Mr Malik.

He was forever grateful to be able to work at home meaning he was free to drop Darcy to school and collect her at 3 pm each day. Even if her school was a mere fifteen-minute journey.

However, today Harry would be allowing Darcy to catch the bus home. He was nervously waiting at the front door.

He was a protective father. But Darcy wanted to be independent. And of course, he reluctantly allowed it.

Two minutes later the girl was skipping inside.

"Oh thank God you survived!"

Harry immediately engulfed his daughter in a hug; she only laughed at his antics.

"You're silly Dad."

The latter playfully tickled her before offering, "how about you get undressed and then come tell me how school went yeah?"

The girl nodded happily, "Oh yeah! We had an awesome guest speaker; I'll be back one second."

Harry smiled, waiting patiently for her return.

---

"How old was this guy?"

"Sixteen at the time," Darcy replied with a sad pout.

Harry only shook his head with a sigh, "that's disgusting. Poor kid."

Darcy was telling him all about a guest speaker the class had today.

The class was talked to by a man in his twenties, a male rape victim survivor. He was apparently trying to spread the word about male molestation. Although Harry hadn't a clue who this man was he was looking forward to meeting him at future parent teacher interviews.

Anyone who can survive an ordeal like that has Harry's immediate respect.

By the sounds of it, his discussion had left a lasting impression on Darcy too – in an inspiring way. Naturally, Harry took the opportunity to talk to her about always making sure your partner consents to sex.

"He also has a book dad, an autobiography."

The man raised his eyebrows as Darcy ran upstairs yelling a quick, 'one second I will get it.'

Harry frowned, would that book be suitable for a thirteen-year-old?

"The teacher said our parents should read it first and then give us permission to read it or not... apparently, there are some sad parts." She said passing him the novel.

Harry nodded happily with the teacher's words. "Thanks, Darce I will have a look at it tonight."

He was looking forward to reading it.

---

Harry sighed as he flopped into bed and went to pick up the novel he had been reading the past few weeks, just then he remembered the autobiography Darcy had brought home. With a curious mind, he bit his lip deciding to read that instead.

Picking up the book of medium thickness, perhaps 300 pages, he ran his fingers over the simple cover.

'A Boy Consumed By Sorry' was the title.

He skipped the blurb, knowing that even if he didn't like the bio, he would read the novel nevertheless to make sure it was acceptable for Darcy.

So opening the book Harry read through the dedications, it was dedicated to the man's brother. Harry smiled at what he read. Apparently, the man's brother had helped him through his depression and even stopped him from committing suicide.

How noble.

Harry sighed, that was only the dedication, and the book was already intense.

He wasn't prepared for what he saw when he flipped the page over. There was an about the author section.

The coloured picture at the top of the page was enough for him to drop the book in shock. Because he knew those beautiful blue eyes. He knew that caramel hair. He would recognise that face anywhere.

Louis.

Even with age Harry could recognise that face.

With shaking hands, he gently picked up the book once more, eyes glazed over with tears. Because no – this couldn't be Louis' story.... Maybe Darcy was wrong. Maybe this was a biography, not an autobiography.

Harry's heart sank when he read the first line.

'My name is Louis. I was sixteen at the time. This is my story.'

---

this book has been planned like this from the start... i bet nobody predicted this.

---
Thanks for reading, new chapter soon!

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