Hide from 'Falling' || H.S

Chapter 87 - Harry | Traitor*

"We need to talk." I announced seriously, and she slowly turned to me and opened her blue eyes.

"About what?" she asked while trying to blink against the brightness.

Fuck, the moment has come. Now I'm going to tell her.

1...2...3...

"I...um, I'll make you some coffee." I swung my legs over the side of the bed as if mechanically, grabbed a pair of sweatpants and a plain tshirt, and headed downstairs without another word.

Shit, I'm such an idiot. Why can't I just tell her? Come on Styles, rip it off like a band-aid.

Fucking coward.

It wasn't long before I heard her smooth footsteps coming down the stairs, I knew that she would follow me. When I turned around I saw that she had put something on as well, she was wearing one of her short sports shorts that distracted me every time and a cropped tank top.

"Harry..." she began in a serious voice. "You know very well that I don't drink coffee. What's the matter? Why don't you just say what's on your mind? I know something is bothering you."

I drew in my breath sharply and nodded in agreement, then pointed to one of the chairs at the kitchen table with a wave of my hand. Ashley wordlessly followed my instructions and sat down, her eyes meeting mine and confusion reflected in them.

I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I looked at my hands instead. Suddenly Ash's much smaller hands came into my view and she squeezed my hand encouragingly, when I looked up she offered me a soft smile.

I don't deserve her.

Her hair was disheveled from sleeping and her cheeks were slightly flushed. Nervousness prickled my skin and I took another deep breath in and out.

Vodka. I desperately need vodka.

Without hesitation I went over to the cupboard and fetched a bottle of vodka from it. I didn't even bother to take a glass, but drank a few big gulps directly from the bottle.

Concern now spread across Ash's face and when I put the bottle back down, I saw that she had arched an eyebrow and formed her mouth into a surprised "o".

"Okay, now you're scaring me, Harry. What do you want to talk about?" she asked with a nervous chuckle. I ran my fingers through my hair, focusing on everything instead of her.

The alcohol burned in my throat and it was exactly what I needed. Pain, I deserved it.

She snapped her fingers in front of my face and my attention was all on her again, my eyes fixed directly on hers and she swallowed hard as she returned my cold stare.

"So you didn't address everything that's been bothering you lately yesterday, huh?" she now asked seriously, her expression still filled with concern. So she knows.

When I didn't answer, she banged her clenched fist once loudly on the table and I shook my head in denial as an answere without flinching from the sudden noise.

"For God's sake, Harry! Just say what the hell is going on now or I-"

"There's a robbery happening in a few weeks." I interrupted her sharply, my loud words stopping her mid-sentence.