The Other Side

Chapter 9

"I can't believe he was there," I say to Sam as I ram my books into my locker. "I couldn't stop staring at him, thinking about what he did to Hope. How he's going to get away with it." Sam has stopped replying, as I've been ranting Hope's father at her funeral all day. "I mean the guy-"

"Alright!" Sam interrupts. "I'm just gonna come out and ask. What the hell happened between you and Harry?"

The few girls around us stop and stare, obviously knowing who he means. I death stare Sam, signalling for him to shut up. "Nothing," I nearly growl.

"Right, so something," Sam concludes. "Since you haven't mentioned his name and now you're flipping out when I try and talk about him."

"You're a terrible friend to talk about this stuff with," I point out, and storm off for lunch.

"Well you obviously need to talk to someone about it!" Sam calls after me.

Maybe I do, but I know that someone isn't going to be Sam. He sits with me at lunch, but we don't talk much, and I'm zoned out for the rest of my classes.  Instead of taking Sam's advice and talking, I keep it all bottled up. My mum tries to get me to talk, thinking it's about Hope. She doesn't have the slightest clue the mixed emotions I'm feeling for Harry.

I understand that Harry's job means he has to travel. But I wish he would have told me he was leaving, so I could have left things on a happier note. I haven't called him. Instead I folded the note up and shoved it in my dresser drawer. The things I need to say to him can't be set via text or phone call. I need to be face to face with him.

The weeks go by, and as Harry's return gets closer, I get more and more confused. But finally, the day comes when he's back from wherever it is he went. I get home from babysitting and there's the Audi in the driveway. I think about going over, but decide I should maybe let him get settled back in before bombarding him with questions.

I go inside and make myself a snack, deciding I'll eat it outside. While I'm enjoying the fresh air, I hear noise from next door. Harry's outside laughing, and then I hear another voice. Don't spy, I tell myself - but too late. I peek around to see a girl, somewhere close to Harry's age. She has shoulder length brown hair, and as far as I can tell is as cute as a button. Harry pulls her into his arms and squeezes her tightly. She squeals and pushes him off playfully.

I grind my teeth, wanting to scream. But I won't. Instead I go into my room and sulk. Like I've done every time Harry Styles has done something to upset or anger me. This time it's both. I want to cry, because I'm hurt, but I want to go over there and punch Harry in the face, because he's an idiot.

"Hey Lex," Dad greets as he walks past my bedroom door when he gets home from work. A sound between a gurgle and a moan escapes my mouth, and I hear my dad sigh before entering my room. "What's up?"

"Boys are idiots," I say, turning to look up at him.

He beams. "Every dad's dream to hear his 16 year old daughter say those words!"

"Yeah, well you can explain to Mum why she'll never have grandkids if you don't give me some good advice." I say dramatically.

"Well played," Dad concurs. "What happened?"

"Harry Styles moved in next door, that's what happened," I grumble.

"Weren't you upset about this a month ago?" Dad asks, confused by the mind of a teenage girl.

"It's different now," I whine. "Back then I hated him because I didn't want anything to do with him, but he was annoying and always there. Now," I cut myself off, but then decide to just spit it out, "Now I want him to be here with me and he's out gallivanting around with some girl in his back yard."