Red Sparks

Chapter 48: Regret?

When she had stopped crying and calmed down, I hesitated before saying anything. “Feel better?” I asked slowly. She didn’t respond, but I knew she was nodding. Sort of a sixth sense thing I had with her. It’s Sunday tomorrow, I thought. Maybe I should take her out shopping. I didn’t want her all cooped up in her room moping after all. “Jane, how would you like to go shopping tomorrow?” I asked. “I won’t take no for an answer” I added. “Okay” she said slowly. “Can we go for a walk as well in the beach afterwards?” she asked slowly. “Sure!” I said cheerfully. Hopefully it will rub off on her, I thought. “See you tomorrow! I’ll come by and we can walk together. I’ll be over at noon!” “See you then” she said. “Bye!” I said as I hung up.

I texted Niall as I went to the bathroom to remove my make-up.

 “Hi gorgeous :) Jane’s alright. Don’t forget to tell Harry! Goodnight love! xo”

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Niall’s POV

“C’mon Niall! You can do it!” Paul said, as he clapped his hands to the rhythm of the music. I was playing a Wii Dancing Game with Zayn. He had chosen to dance ‘Thriller’ by Michael Jackson. The Thriller dance moves were quite hard to follow. Why this song? I thought nervously. Oh wait, I remember now. It was Zayn’s favorite song.

I took a deep breath the song started playing. I stole a glance at Zayn. He had this determined look on his face as he stared at the screen. I bet if Zaina was there, he would probably ignore her. Zaina was the girl Zayn had dated a few days ago at Mr. Tango; along with Louis who dated Andy. Both girls were from Jane’s school. They both said they had really liked them and was going to meet up with them again during their summer break from school. “Go Niall!” I heard Liam said, snapping me back to reality. I was about to dance when I felt my phone buzz. I took off the Wii remote and handed it to Liam before speeding off.

I glanced at my phone as soon as I was at a safe distance from the living room; I could hear the Thriller music playing now. I bit back a laugh as I recalled Zayn’s annoyed look as I sped off. There was a text message from Lynndra. Maybe she has heard from Jane, I thought.

I read the text and hurried towards the living room and pulled Harry to the kitchen.

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Jane’s POV

“Jane, how would you like to go shopping tomorrow?” Lynndra asked. “I won’t take no for an answer” she added. I did owe her that, after crying over the phone. I sighed. “Okay” I said slowly. “Can we go for a walk as well in the beach afterwards?” i asked slowly. Maybe walking on the beach and getting fresh air will help, I thought. “Sure!” she said cheerfully. “See you tomorrow! I’ll come by and we can walk together. I’ll be over at noon!” she said. “See you then” I said. “Bye!” she said, before she hung up.

Now to call Harry, I thought. Should I tell him tonight? I dreaded telling him, but I knew I had to; I didn’t want to lie or hurt him. Or is telling him tomorrow better? Will it be any difference? “No!” I said out loud. It’s better to tell him now, I scolded myself. I hugged my knees to my chest as I dialed Harry’s number.

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Harry’s POV

I was in the living room with the lads, and Paul. Paul saw me sitting by the pool side alone and had asked me to come in to join them. I didn’t want to argue so I joined them. Zayn and Niall were playing a Wii Dancing Game, and Zayn had chosen ‘Thriller’ by Michael Jackson as it was his favorite song. It was a really complicated dance, I thought. The song had just started when Niall took off after passing the Wii remote to Liam.

Zayn was annoyed with Niall, as he was just about to dance; so he made Liam dance with him. I glanced at my phone again for the umpteenth time, but still no news from Jane. I was about to call her again when Niall reappeared in the living room and started pulling me into the kitchen.

“Is something wrong Niall?” I asked, as he let go of me. “It’s Jane” he said. “Jane? What about her? Is she alright? Did something happen to her?” I asked hurriedly. I felt my breath getting heavier. “She’s alright Harry” he said, as he held me by the shoulders. “I bet she’s going to call you now” he said. I was about to respond when my phone rang. It’s Jane! I looked at Niall. “You’re right!” I exclaimed. Niall shrugged. “Aren’t you going to answer it?” he said, raising one eyebrow. “Oh! Right!” I said. I went out the back door and to the pool side.

“Jane!” I said, as soon as I answered the call. “Where have you been? How have you been?” I said hurriedly. I was anxious to know what had happened to her. “Harry, I’m sorry. I’m so so sorry” she said softly. I felt a twinge of guilt. Was she afraid that I was going to start yelling at her? Ugh. I shouldn’t have bombarded her with so many questions without hearing her explanation first. Where’s the rewind button when you need it?

“Please Jane, don’t cry” I said slowly. “I’m not mad at you for not answering my calls. But I was worried about you!” I exclaimed. There was a brief silence. “Jane!” I said. Please answer me Jane, I thought.

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Jane’s POV

I was on the phone with Harry now, but I couldn’t find my voice; I was petrified of hurting him. I was afraid he would break up with me. I took a few deep breaths. If he does break up with me, at least I had gotten to know him. He might be gone from my life, but I still had the memories. “Jane!” he said, snapping me out of my thoughts. I sighed. Here goes, I thought solemnly. “Harry, I’m sorry I didn’t pick up any of your calls, nor text you since this morning. If you remember, my best friend Taegan; well.. he..erm..he” I stammered. Don’t back down now Jane, keep going, I told myself silently. “I went out with him today, as he was leaving for New York. I’ve just sent him off to the airport with his mom” I said slowly. “Why is he going to New York Jane?” Harry asked. He doesn’t sound mad so far, I thought. “He’s going to play volleyball professionally” I replied. “At New York? Odd place to play volleyball professionally, don’t you think?” he pointed out. That’s what I thought.

“Yeah, I guess so” I said. Harry was about to say something, but I cut him off. “Harry, when I was out with him, he also.. Well he sort of kissed me” I said slowly.

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Harry’s POV

Did I hear that right? He kissed her? How dare he! I thought angrily. I thought we had understood each other since the camp out, guess I was wrong. My mind flashed back to when he put his arms around her at the fireplace. I should have known; that he would kiss her eventually. I clenched my fist.

“Harry? Are you there? Please say something” Jane pleaded. I winced. She sounds like she’s about to cry, I thought. I sighed. I cared a lot about Jane, even if I had known her for a short period of time. But I just couldn’t deal with it now.

“I.. I’ve got to go now” I said lamely. I heard Jane sniffling. I felt a twinge of guilt. I didn’t mean to shut her off, but I needed to cool down. I was too pissed with Goldilocks kissing my girl. I didn’t want to lash out at her. “Can you come over tomorrow evening? I might have to go to the studio tomorrow, but you’re welcome to come. Wait for me by the pool side” I said, “Lonardo’s at home, it’s his off day; so he can let you in” “Okay” she said.

I bid her goodbye and hung up. I really need to talk to someone now, I thought. I didn’t want to keep it in, I knew it wasn’t good. I ran downstairs to find the other lads.

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Jane’s POV

I stared at my phone after Harry hung up. I hugged my knees closer to my chest. I slowly rocked myself as the tears came running down my face again. Jane Gillmore, you’re such a baby sometimes, I scolded myself.