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Dougie stood up, after we knocked him to the ground. We noticed they had no furniture, so we all crowded onto the bed..sitting indian style, talking.
"Dude..you HAVE to come back with us" Harry started. "Your mother is hysterical."
Dougie bit his lip nervously. "I..I cant" he replied. "WE cant" now looking to Andrea, who half-smiled at him.
"But...butt...whynot?!" I objected.. This didn't make any sense...why did they run away?... Andrea turned to me, her eyes welled up with tears, "I can never go back guys...my parents wont even look at me...and they wanted me to get an abortion..." she said, speaking softly. We all sat around in silence, sad and speechless..trying to come up with some kind of solution. "What if you just lived at Dougie's house...with his mum and sis?" I suggested. They thought about it for a minute, Andrea looked to Doug and he shrugged. "We could...I guess.." he started, "But were gonna give this a shot first... see if we can make it on our own." He said, grabbing Andrea's hand off the bed and taking it into his own.
Tom furrowed his eyebrows. "What about the band?" he whined. Everyone looked to him, no one having an answer. Dougie sighed. "Well..school will be over soon" he started, "And you guys could always come up here and spend lengths of time with us...we could rehearse here and try to find some studio time?" he suggested. We all nodded, frowning a bit. I guess it was a possibility, but it wasn't as convenient as when we used to all live a few blocks away from each other. We could never get on without Doug though.. he was too much part of the band..and could therefore never be replaced. Finally, it was getting late, and Tom Harry and I all headed back to Marie's to call it a night and let the lovebirds go to bed.
Andrea's P.O.V.
Dougie walked the boys out of the apartment. It was late, around 2 a.m. I yawned sleepily and pulled the covers up to get under them. Doug came bounding over and jumped on the bed next to me, landing on his knees. "How could you possibly have so much energy?" i asked sleepily. He laughed and lifted up the bottom of my cami and blew a raspberry on my belly. I broke out into a fit of giggles as he started tickling me gently. "Not this again!" i protested jokingly. I grabbed his wrists and pulled his arms behind me, to the small of my back...pressing myself close to him, cuddling in for a long night sleep i was in desperate need of...
The next morning, as the sun shone through the window, I fluttered open my eyes. I smiled as I watched Dougie, still sleeping. I giggled to myself and started sucking and nibbling on his neck to wake him up....
He breathed in heavily, yawned and opened his deep blue eyes, kissing me gently. I ran my fingers through his hair. "Morning babe" he said. I beamed with happiness...I loved the way he talked at me, the way he looked at me and the way he held me... Sure..i kinda missed my parents, but he was the only family i needed. After a few more minutes, and a large stretch, we both got out of bed and started getting dressed. I rang Danny's cell phone.
"HEllo?" he said groggily. I giggled "Hey stinky- Doug and me are gonna go grab some brunch...you boys up?" i asked into the receiver. "Huh? yeah sure... lemme get them up and we'll get dressed." he replied. "Sure thing, be ready in twenty?" i asked. "Yup." he said, and hung up the phone.
About half an hour later, there was a knock on the door. Dougie answered it as i pulled my sweatshirt on. It was Danny, Harry, Tom and a girl i had never seen before. They all walked in and the girl's attention wandered around the empty room. I almost felt offended. I frowned. It made me self conscious about our apartment, and i started looking around. Sure, it was plain, empty, and small..but it was clean and tidy. And we JUST moved in..
Harry grabbed the strange girl by the hand and led her towards us. "Doug..i believe you've already met, but Andrea...this is Marie.." I smiled politely, trying to sum this chick up. "Hi.." i responded "I'm Andrea." We shook hands. She seemed pretty sweet, despite the fact that I felt she was downsizing our apartment. We left the apartment and walked towards the elevator, squishing in, heading down and out the lobby doors and onto the sidewalk. After a few blocks, we wound up in starbucks. "Is this the starbucks you work in, Marie?" Harry asked sweetly. HM?...apparently this strange girl works in starbucks. She nodded, "Yeah, but i'm off today" she said smiling. I could definately feel a little SOMETHIN-SOMETHIN between them... and it made me think of back to the beginning of the school year....were Dougie and I like that???
We crowded around a small coffee table, draping ourselves over couches, chairs, and arm rests. We sat around gossiping...getting to know each other, and of course the boys had PLENTY of questions about EXACTLY what happened....
After I was done explaining, we decided to do some shopping, and look for a place to apply for a job..since Doug and I both had a limited supply of money and no jobs yet. We walked into a clothing store, and I started to pick out outfits... a few semi-nice tops, jeans, a jacket, and shoes. I definately needed shoes..not to mention socks and underware. Dougie went to the guys section, but even after I had picked out all my clothes, he was still wandering around like a lost puppy with only a few things, so I convinced the guys to go help him. This gave Marie and me sometime to get to know each other. I tried on the outfits and we spent the time talking.
"So howd you and Harry meet?" i asked. She smiled, her face lighting up. "On the train ride here." I laughed, "wait..you invited him into your apartment though?...." i was a little confused. She smiled, "I think I have a knack for getting a good sense of people and their intentions" she said. "Harry was sweet...not to mention totally cute" she said, giggling. I smiled wide. "He is cute...you should totally go on a date" i suggested excitedly. She squealed lightly. "Thatd be so much funnn!!" I laughed at her reaction. "Want me to organize something?" i winked. She nodded. I continued to try on the clothes I picked out.
After I had sorted out the keepers, I headed towards the guy's dressing room. Dougie came out of one of the dressing rooms with a pile of clothes. I smiled. He had several pairs of jeans and shirts, as well as sweatshirts and a few jackets. Out of maybe 30 items of clothing, he narrowed it down to 3 pairs of jeans, 9 shirts, and one jacket....not to mention a few cheap bags of assorted boxers and socks. We headed for the checkout counter and endedup spending most of our money. "Crap" i said as we walked out, "Now we REALLY need to look for jobs." i laughed. We walked around, the boys carrying the bags behind Marie and me. We walked past a music store.. "Hey guys!" Dougie called from behind us, we turned as he opened the door to the music store and walked in. We followed him in and noticed on the door "HELP WANTED" Inside, Dougie was talking to a guy behind the counter and pointed to me. I furrowed my eyebrows, confused. I walked over, leaving the rest of the gang to wander the store. The man walked into a back room and left Dougie an I standing at the register. "Whats up?" i asked him. "I asked him about a job for us." he replied. I smiled, "you mean...we'd be working together?" i asked, getting excited. He nodded and lowered his voice, "just..dont tell them were boyfriend and girlfriend OR that you're pregnant." I nodded, understanding. The cashier came back with the manager, who asked us to fill out an application and he'd be in contact with us. We filled them out within a couple of minutes and headed back outside.
We went back to the apartment, hoping to hear from the manager at the music store sooon..since neither of us had much money. Marie invited us for dinner at her apartment, and since Doug and I had nothing left in our freezer, we agreed and headed into our apartment to drop off our stuff...
Chapter Thirty-Two
Andrea's P.O.V.
Month's had passed since the boys first discovered our apartment abode in London. They visited everynow and then, but it had pretty much been just Dougie and me from then on out. We both worked fulltime at the record store a few blocks down, and struggled to make ends meet... We both walked wherever we needed to go in the city and usually only spent money on one meal a day. Dinner. Breakfast usually consisted of nothing to something as small as a banana or apple from a nearby deli on the way to work. We didn't have a tv, a washing machine, or a dishwasher. Matter of fact, we didnt even have any dishes...just a few paper plates and plastic silverware from a box. There were a few beers and bottled water in the fridge, but for the most part it was empty. Besides clothes, the only other thing we had really bought were two pillows, towels and flannel sheets...and of course a radio...because neither of us could live without music..and thankfully we got discounts on cds.
It was a Sunday morning and we cuddled in bed, half asleep. We didnt have work on Sundays...the record store wasnt open. I laid on my side, my cheek resting on his bare chest..breathing in his scent. He had such a distinct smell...even though he didnt wear any cologne, his smell drove me wild. He was laying on his back and stirred slightly as i traced my fingers up and down his arm. He inhaled deepy and stretched, opening his eyes and smiling at me...kissing my forehead. He leaned over, next to his side of the bed, and flicked on the radio, popping in a Death Cab for Cutie cd and pressing play. He turned back to me, slid down in the bed till we were nose-to-nose and pulled the blankets up to our necks, wrapping his arms around me and hugging me tightly. It was starting to get warmer, thank God. When we first moved into the apartment it seemed like we had to wear every item of clothing we had to stay warm in the apartment. It was early spring now though...and much warmer.
"Morning toots" i said, as i rubbed my nose with his. His lips parted, showing his white teeth as he formed a smile. He kissed me a few times on the lips before snuggling in and closing his eyes again. We both laid there, listening to "The Sound of Settling."
Harry's P.O.V.
I had been thinking about Marie more and more these days. The angel i met on the train that led me straight to Dougie and Andrea. It seemed too easy. I daydreamed through all my classes, staring at her phone number... I hadn't seen her since we left Doug in London. Danny, Tom and I had been back to visit them since...usually every other weekend or such..but she wasnt around. I never called her..i was too scared. So instead, I daydreamed and stared at the number she programed into my phone...when i promised her i'd call. I felt pretty shitty for not holding up my part of the deal...especially after everything she did for us.
It was a Sunday afternoon and i wandered around my house feeling numb. Things in the past few months have changed so much.. I struggle to remember the days before everything happened. Before Dougie and Andrea moved away to London...refusing to keep in contact with their families. Poor Mrs. P...she was so heartbroken when we came home from London without Dougie. The only thing he asked us to tell her, was that he was okay and he loved her but couldn't come home...for Andrea's sake and for their baby. She seemed pretty broken up about it... However, as for Andrea's parents..their feelings on the matter were hard to read. They acted as if they didn't have a daughter anymore. I'm not so sure if they miss her or are just too embarrased to admit to people that they have a pregnant, unmarried, teenage daughter out living on her own. Whatever it is, they dont talk about the matter much.
I tried to remember the better times... of Danny, Doug, Tom, Andrea and me... jamming and chilling out...at Starbucks, Dougie's basement....anywhere. They were shortlived memories though..because everythings changed and I've never felt so alone before. Danny Tom and I still hang out everynow and then..but usually we just sit around..staring at the tv in silence. Its like lifes stopped completely. I sighed heavily, leaning against the kitchen counter watching my mom make my dad a sandwhich for lunch. "You want anything?" she asks...observing me staring at her, reflectively. I shook my head no. "I'm gonna go out for the night okay mom?" I started as I ran up the stairs to my room. She called after me "Where you going?" I walked into my room, grabbed my jacket and wallet, spritzed on some cologne and ran back down the stairs, slipping on my sneakers. "Just out with some friends...I have too much on my mind right now." I said as i kissed her cheek goodbye. She nodded. "Okay..take care..and dont do anything stupid" she laughed at me. I nodded, forced a smile and headed for the door. "I'll be back in the morning.. i have my cell if you need me." i called out as i closed the door behind me. I zipped up my light weight jacket and headed for town...to catch a train.
Andrea's P.O.V.
After a few songs from Death Cab, I reached over and switched on the normal radio. "Put your records on" by Corinne Bailey Rae was on. I shrieked and jumped up on the bed, knocking the sheets off both of us. I started dancing around and singing along with the radio.
"Maybe sometimes, we feel afraid, but it's alright
The more you stay the same, the more they seem to change.
Don't you think it's strange?
Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,
Just go ahead, let your hair down. "
I sang to him, dancing and hopping around on the bed. I pulled my hair out of the clip on top of my head and shoot my hair loose. He watched me dancing and giggled at me. I laughed and smiled, motioning for him to join me. He shook his head. "No way!" he replied, folding his arms as i held out my hands to him. I gave him the puppy dog face, "Pleaseeeeeeee? Its just meeee" i joked, grabbing him by the arm and urging him to join me. Reluctantly he stood up, and looked around the room. I laughed...There was no one else around obviously..i dunno why he was so worried about looking silly. I had already accomplished that. I lifted my arms, running my hands through my hair as i spun around, dancing. He stood there awkwardly, watching me dance, scratching his elbow. I laughed at him, "comeon! loosen up!" i whispered to him. I swung my arms around his neck, singing quietly to him as i stared into his eyes. He wrapped his arms around my waist under my cami and up my back as we started to dance around on the creeky mattress.
Harry's P.O.V.
I sat on the train to London next to some old man that smelled like cheese. EW. I put my earbuds in and turned my ipod on, staring out the window, searching for the words I wanted to say when I got to my destination. I had no idea what i was doing..but i knew i had to do it..i just wouldn't feel complete until I did. The train ride seemed to be so quick. Probably because i was completely lost in my own world the entire ride there. Before i knew it, I was woken from my trance as people rushed past me, off the train. I inhaled deeply..confused at the time span that seemed to have disspeared. I pulled out my earphones and shoved my ipod into my pocket, standing up and making my way into the crowd of people on the platform at the trainstation. My stomach was in my throat. My heart was racing as i stepped out of the train station and onto the sidewalk...making my way towards the brick apartment building I knew so well.. The walk there seemed to take 10 years, but finally I reached my destinaton. I stood at the base of the stairs into the apartment building, took a deep breath and entered the front lobby, walking past the rude little man behind the desk and into the empty elevator. I pushed the round button marked "18" and it lit up, as the elevator doors closed behind me. I shoved my hands into my pocket. They were sweating. I struggled to swallow, my mouth seemed dry.
The elevator dinged and the doors opened. I walked out of the elevator and stopped in front of Marie's door.... I raised my hand and held it infront of the wood..about to knock.
"SHIT" i said quiety to myself. I lowered my hand and turned towards the elevator. I took a few steps, my head lowered, biting my lip. I stopped, spun around and returned to the door marked 18-12. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and knocked. I didnt come all this way to chicken out. I shoved my hands back into my pockets and waited. She answered the door, opening it and staring at me, smiling. "Harry!" she said surprised, furrowing her eyebrows. "What...what are you doing here? I havent heard from you in..." she started to say confused. I searched through my head for the words I had always wanted to say. I wanted to tell her she drove me crazy.. she was all i'd been thinking of. I raised my eyes and interrupted her sentence as i pulled her close by the waist and grabbed her by the cheeks, planting a long, hard, intense kiss on her lips. A few seconds later, I released her and she fell backwards against the door frame, taking a deep breath in. "Uhm..wow" she started to say.
Just then, someone from inside the apartment called "Marie..who is it?" Whoever it was must have been sitting on the couch watching tv. A few seconds later, I saw a tall, handsome man with a half-unbuttoned shirt walk towards the door. I tried to say something..excuse myself..ask who that man was.. but I knew who he was...and what i just did! I opened my mouth several times to speak, as Marie just stood against the doorframe...staring at me...completely stunned. I hit my forehead lightly, disappointed. "Sorry..bye" i started as i turned back towards the elevator, pressure stinging at my eyes. I felt defeated, and completely humiliated.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Marie's P.O.V.
I stood in my doorway, completely glued to the floor, speechless...like a dummy. Harry looked past me into my open apartment. His face dropped. I glanced over my shoulder as Cooper got up off the couch and walked towards us, standing in the doorway. Harry smacked his forehead and paced around nervously. "Sorry..bye" he started and headed towards the elevator. I opened my mouth to call after him, but it was too late. He had ducked into the elevator and the doors had closed. "CRAP" i yelled, storming back into the apartment, slamming the door closed behind me. I flopped down on the couch and put my head in my hands.
Cooper came over and sat next to me, putting his arm around my shoulders, stroking my back. "You okay?" he asked. I nodded and whimpered a yes. He smiled and joked, "Should i be worried?" laughing a little. I forced a giggle and shook my head, staring into his bright green eyes.... I met him a few weeks after Harry left London. I was depressed and had been moping around the city in a state of half-living. Cooper came into Starbucks one night. It was late and he was just about the only customer in the coffee shop. He ordered two frappacinos, paid for them and asked me to join him. Since business was slow moving, I agreed to... slightly reluctant. After only a few minutes though, he had completely captivated me. He knew exactly what to say.. it was almost unrealistic, his ability to use words and express himself so well. He always said exactly what he was feeling...and I liked that about him. We spent alot of time together ever since, but we still werent anything serious.
Truth be told, every moment I was with Cooper..i was thinking of Harry...in one way or another.
Andrea's P.O.V.
Dougie and I were making out and dancing to the radio on our bed when we heard a knock on a door outside. One of the neighbors' doors. We disregarded it until we heard Marie's voice, "Harry?". Or atleast thats what it sounded like. Dougie and I stared at each other, confused. Did he come up to London...and not tell us?..or text us or anything. We jumped off the bed and fumbled around to pull clothes on. A few minutes later, we unlocked the door and opened it, looking out into the hallway as Marie yelled "CRAP" loudly and slammed her door. The hallway was empty. No Harry...? "That was weird?" i said to Dougie. He shrugged and we walked out of the apartment towards the elevator, pushing the down button. The doors immediately opened....and there was Harry...sitting on the floor of the elevator, his arms around his knees, his head leaning back against the wall of the elevator.
We slowly walked in, as if to be cautious. This was confusing. "Uh..Harry?" Dougie started. Harry raised his hand, as if to symbolize a hello. I looked at Dougie, concerned, wondering if he had any idea of whats been going on. He scratched his head, equally as lost. I sat down next to Harry. "Talk to me kid" i smiled. He laughed and pushed me kiddingly. "Im so embarrased." he started. I furrowed my eyebrows. "Whys that?" i asked. He took a deep breath, and started to spill his guts, from the floor of the stopped elevator.
Harry's P.O.V.
"I came all this way, to tell her how i feel. But when she opened the door..I couldn't form any words...soooo i just grabbed her by the waist and planted one on her...HARD." Andrea was smiling at me. "Why is that something to be embarrased about?" she started "thats so sweet." I looked at the floor..."cause there was a GUY in the apartment with her... a boyfriend probably." I said, discouraged. Doug and Andrea frowned, looking at me sympathetically. Gah. I hate when people do that....treat me like i'm a poor, sick animal or something. I sighed.
"You guys wanna go get something to eat or something?" I asked...only now noticing the small bulge of a belly Andrea was carrying. She smiled and grabbed my hand, putting it on the little belly under her shirt. "I'm only about four months... but every now and then you can feel a little movement." she said, beaming with light. I dont think ive ever seen her so happy. I smiled up at Dougie, who was looking down at Andrea lovingly. They were probably the luckiest people in the world... they didnt have much..but they had each other. I stood up off the floor, brushed off my butt and helped Andrea to her feet.
We headed down to the main floor and out into the street...in search of a nice place to get some grub. It was almost dinner time now, and we headed to a nearby pub.
After dinner..which only really consisted of a few beers (water for Andrea), burgers, and fries..we headed back to Doug's and Andrea's apartment. When we got out of the elevator, I stopped, took a deep breath and crept past Marie's door...following Doug and Andrea...praying she didn't open it or come out. They unlocked and opened the door and I ducked inside nervously. Andrea laughed harmlessly at my behavior. "Is there a train schedule around here?" I asked as Andrea hung up our coats on a hook behind the door and Dougie pulled his shoes off. They stared at me... making me feel like I just sprouted another head.. "Dude..." Dougie started.."Its like.. 11:30..your not gonna find a train out at this time of night..." he said. I frowned. "Just stay here with us" Andrea chirped in. I laughed, "Where?...no offense..but you guys have almost no furniture." They both giggled out loud, looking around the empty apartment. Andrea sighed and started, "Well.. there's plenty of room in the bed... we can totally share!" she said with a smile.
I forced a smile...it was a little weird..but i didnt have many other choices..and I DEFINATELY was not going next door to sleep on HER couch. I sighed and shook my head. "Sounds like a plan then" i said, pulling my shoes off.
Dougie and I both took off our pants and shirts while Andrea changed into pajamas in the bathroom. He leant me an undershirt, which i pulled on as Andrea walked out of the bathroom in pajama pants and a tank top. Dougie climbed in on one side, Andrea next to him in the middle of the bed and held up the blankets for me to jump in. I scratched me arm and got in... all i could think about was the first time I met Andrea... this was so weird. Flashbacks from the diner... me leaving her my number...seeing her later at the bank... pulling her under the teller's desk. I breathed out heavily as I reached up and flicked off the light. Darkness. She must have sensed my feelings... "Hey Harry..." she whispered in my ear, "Dont worry...we're all friends here" she said, lightly patting my chest. I nodded...even though I knew she couldn't possibly see my head through the darkness of the night.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Marie's P.O.V.
Yawn. I stretched and pulled the blankets off my body as i stepped onto the cold floor. I picked my phone up off my end table- One new message. "PLEASE be Harry" i thought to myself. I opened it, revealing a text message from Cooper. "Breakfast? text back" I sighed. "Darn" as i walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower.
I got dressed and headed out of my apartment towards the elevator to meet up with Cooper for lunch when I met Dougie on his way back to his apartment. "Morning" i greeted. He smiled "Morning Marie...." he said as he walked past "OH" he yelled. I spun around. "We still have your sheets...we got them dry cleaned a few days back...you want me to get them for you?" he asked nicely. I smiled and nodded.."Okay.." i started, walking back towards the doors as he struggled to balance the bag of what seemed to be breakfast food, trying to unlock the door. I giggled, "Lemme help you with that" i said, taking the bag from his arms. He unlocked the door and pushed it open, taking the bag from me and walking in, placing it on the counter.
I stepped into the doorway and gasped. Lying there in bed with his arm slung over Andrea was none other than ...."HARRY?" i shrieked. He jolted awake and sat up, rubbing his eyes, shocked to see me.. Dougie looked at me...confused, his mouth open as if he wanted to say something but couldnt find the words...I don't get it..he wasn't angry or shocked... Tears started forming in my eyes, i spun out of the room and ran into the elevator. The doors were about to close when someone's hand interrupted them. I looked up from the floor to see a shirtless Harry looking back at me..with pleading eyes. I sniffled. "Let go Harry" I started, pushing the -><- close doors button. He shook his head no. I scoffed, completely appauled that he had the audacity to kiss me, sleep with his bestfriend's PREGNANT girlfriend..and then come after me...expecting me to be understanding or something. "How could you do that to Dougie?" I started, screaming even louder, "How could you do this to ME?" I started, pushing him back, away from the elevator doors. He yelled back at me now, "Do this to YOU?" he started, stepping back into the elevator doorway, blocking my escape, motioning back to my apartment, "What about your boyfriend?...and for your information i slept over at Dougie's and Andrea's last night... all THREE of us ..OBVIOUSLY nothing happened"
"Crap" i thought to myself. Maybe I completely overreacted....That would kind of explain why Dougie wasn't as shocked as I was.. I started to breathe heavily... I could feel my face burn hot...i started to sweat and tears were now streaming down my face. I could taste the salt from them as they rolled down my cheeks and onto my lips. He was still yelling at me, but I didn't hear what he was saying. I just stared at him. Gah! He was beautiful... everything from his messy bed hair to his smooth, tanned skin. Even the way his face scrunched up when he yelled.. I loved it and couldnt help but find myself lost in it.
Harry's P.O.V.
"I came all the way down here to surprise you...only to find that you have a boyfriend.. and you have the nerve to accuse ME of sleeping around...with my bestfriend's girlfriend....HOW STUPID DO YOU THINK I AM?" i yelled...getting frighteningly close to her face. I saw her nervously swallow, pressed up against the wall of the elevator... just staring at me.. She was crying.. I felt kinda bad, but it didn't even seem like she was listening to a word i was saying. I scoffed and turned to leave.
She caught me by the wrist. I stopped and turned, still heated. Her eyes pleaded with me to stay as her chest rose and fell, as she continued to sob. She stepped into me, and kissed me gently on the cheek. My face lightened, and i could feel the anger in me draining as if i was a pressure filled balloon that had just been punctured. She let go of my wrist and I turned to face the elevator as the doors closed between us. I continued staring at my reflection in the steel... "What...." i started saying to the image of me, staring back at myself, "What...just happened?" I laughed. Try as i might, I couldn't be mad at her..but by all rights I should be. I spent the entire time at home thinking about her...and she had some new bloke in her apartment already. But...she DID just kiss me...well..okay..on the cheek..but that MUST count for something. I sighed. My head hurt from all this thinking. I slumped back to Doug's apartment and closed the door behind me. They were sitting at the table eating french toast out of take-out containers. They both looked up at me when i walked in, and i just shrugged before walking into the bathroom and turning on the shower.
Marie's P.O.V.
I walked down the street, the sun shining on my face. My eyes stung from crying and my nose was running. I walked to a small cafe and sat down next to Cooper, who was sitting at an outside table...looking at my puffy eyes curiously. "Hey" i said quietly. He looked around and leaned in, "Hun..you okay?" he said soothingly. Aw shit. This was gonna make this twice as hard..hes so sweet. I frowned. "Coop." i started "I cant see you anymore" i looked away... distracting my attention with a dog walker on the other side of the street. When i looked back to him, he was just staring at me, his eyes furrowed. He opened his mouth to speak..but must have changed his mind. Instead he just took a deep breath, stood up, forced a smile and kissed my forehead. "Well..its been good fun...go get him" he said, winking at me. I wanted to die. He was so understanding. I jumped up and threw my arms around his neck. "Thank you" i whispered into his ears...You're incredible" He smiled, his large white teeth reflecting the pure rays from the sun... "Yeah..you were too." He hugged me and walked away, his head down..hands in his pockets. I watched him for a second.... sad, yet relieved. I wanted to rush back to Harry..but wait..what if Harry didn't want me anymore? I bit my lip and bought a cup of coffee as I headed back to the apartment. I hope he hasn't left yet.
I raced into the apartment building and slid to a stop infront of the elevator, pushing the button. When the doors opened, Dougie and Andrea were staring out at me. "Hey Marie" Andrea started, "We're just on our way to work" they smiled. I nodded and swallowed heavily.. I was slightly out of breath.. I ran almost the entire last block and a half. "Harry?" I begged. Andrea looked down to the floor, biting her lip. "He went to the train station about half an hour ago" Dougie replied, frowning. I whimpered. "Shit..thanks guys" i said, racing back past the front desk. The short, bad tempered man behind the desk yelled at me not to run. I dropped the full, untouched cup of coffee on the counter in front of him and continued running out the doors. I sprinted the entire way to the train station, weaving in and out of people and almost getting hit by several cars as I raced across intersections. By the time I got there, I looked for the platform number and time on the screen hanging from the ceiling.
Platform 15- boarding now. My heart sank. I ran for platform 15 as fast as my feet would carry me..knowing that if he was on a train...it'd be that one. I searched the platform through large groups of people... looking for his face, his hair, his ugly blue plaid jacket...as the last of the people boarded the train and the doors closed, I was frozen to the pavement of platform 15 by myself...watching as the train pulled out of the station.
I slumped to the ground and sat indian style, my elbows on my legs and my face burried in my hands, feeling helpless. "Im too late..." i said to myself quietly. "Too late for what?" i heard a familiar voice behind me. I perked up and spun around.... to see Harry's friendly smile. He laughed at me. I felt so pathetic..but i was too happy to see him to worry about that. I struggled to my feet and threw my arms around his neck, crying into his shoulder. "I dont understand?" i asked..."Why arent you on that train?" He laughed nervously. "Cooper..." he smiled. "I saw him in the main lobby of the train station...and assuming he was your boyfriend I went to apologize... for last night.. and he told me that I should reconsider getting on the train just yet..." I smiled. Coop... He completely saved the day. I smiled and pulled Harry close by the back of the neck, kissing him the way I'd wanted to for months... The way he kissed me at my apartment. I felt my stomach jump for joy, filled with 'butterflies' and I knew this was true happiness...this is how life is supposed to be.
Andrea's P.O.V.
Dougie and I were at work in the music store. I sighed, watching from the cashier's desk as he organized a bunch of cds. I frowned and felt tears in my eyes. I told the girl next to me I needed a break and rushed to the break room in the back. I slumped down on the floor by the door and cried. This wasn't how i wanted my life to be. Dougie and I are both teenagers, working in a RECORD store. Hospital fees alone will completely wipe us out. We can't live like this...especially bringing a baby into the world. A few minutes later, Dougie walked in and saw me on the floor. He sat behind me, a leg on either side of my body and wrapped his arms around me. "This isn't working is it?" he asked, resting his chin on the top of my head. I shook my head, "No.. we cant afford a baby like this..." i looked up at him. "You wanna go home?" he asked, suggesting. I sniffled a yes as we both stood up. He kissed my forehead. "We'll tell the manager tonight and leave first thing in the morning...how bout that? I'm sure we can stay with my mom...but just to be sure I'll call her later okay?" I nodded and he wiped the tears from my cheeks. He patted my belly lightly and we walked back out into the store.. his hand on the small of my back. I went back to the register and he walked back to a cardboard box with stacks of cds in them.
That night, after Dougie called his mom and we told our boss we wouldn't be coming back.. We climbed into bed for the last time in our apartment. I wrapped my arms around Dougie and sighed, looking over our empty apartment.... which we only inhibited for a few months. "Are we admitting defeat?" i asked him, burying my face into his chest. "We cant REALLY ask your mom to help us support this baby...can we?...it wouldnt be right" i frowned.
He giggled, so i leaned back to look up at him, "What?" i asked. "She loves you...she always has... and she'd be so glad that we just came home..." he kissed my forehead... "Dont worry about it, okay..?" he said. I nodded, closing my eyes as he kissed them. "Now lets have fun on our last night in town huh?" he said menancingly. I giggled. "Yeah...LETS." i said, as i turned the radio on and the volume up, so the neighbors wont hear us.
The following morning, we packed our few possessions into our backpacks, gathered our money and took one last look at the empty, lifeless apartment. With that, we opened the door and stepped out into the hallway, coincidentally...at the same time Marie's door opened and Harry stepped out. Marie was only wearing a robe and they were equally as surprised to see us as we were to see them. Harry blushed slightly. "Where you guys going?" he asked, looking at our bags. I forced a smile, "Home" i said and started towards the elevator. He nodded, "OH..well wait up, im headed there too" he said, as he kissed Marie passionately and pulled his ugly plaid jacket on, promising her he'd call this time. She sighed and leaned against the doorframe, watching as the three of us got into the elevator. I raised my eyebrows at Dougie, and we both looked at Harry questioningly as the doors closed. "Ahem" Dougie started "Care to indulge?" he asked. Harry just smiled, "Nope."
Chapter Thirty-Five
Andrea's P.O.V.
The walk back to Dougie's house from the train station felt like i was walking in quicksand. Try as i might, and as much as he pulled me along, my feet did NOT want to move. I didn't want to move. I didn't want to be back here, but i knew we had no choice. My hands were shaking and sweaty. I swallowed heavily as we approached the door. Dougie turned to me and nodded, smiling half-heartedly and raising his finger to the doorbell. I closed my eyes tightly, anticipating the door to open.
A few seconds later, i heard racing footsteps and the door flung open. I opened my eyes to a shrieking Mrs. Poynter. She threw her arms around Dougie's neck and hugged him. I continued holding his hand...unsure of what to do. She let go of him and immediately rushed over to me with open arms. I felt my eyes welling up with tears. I hugged her back, beginning to cry. I'm not sure if they were tears of sadness or relief...but I was so nice to feel welcomed home. We came in and Mrs. P let us unpack.
"I guess you can both stay in Doug's room.." she started, "After all...well..no offense..not much else can happen." She tried to sound lightheartened and unoffending, nodding towards my belly. I smiled slightly uncomfortable. We went upstairs and started to unpack our few possessions. I knew eventually I'd have to go home..and get my things from my room... I really didn't want to face my parents though. "You want me to go with you?" he asked, practically reading my mind. I sighed and nodded, frowning. "Would you mind?" he smiled and shook his head.
After we unpacked our few possessions from our backpacks, we headed four houses down and stopped on the porch of a very familiar house. I laced my fingers tight with Dougie's and knocked on the door. My heart was racing. "Shit...maybe this is a bad idea" i started, wanting to run away. Dougie had his feet planted to the wood porch though, and his grip on my hand tightened.
The door creaked open and I hid behind Dougie, burrying my face in his back. "Dougie?" i heard my mom's voice.. a few seconds later.. "Andrea?" I lifted my head and looked at her, biting my lip nervously, tears in my eyes. She just stared at me for a few minutes. TALK about awkward silence. She opened the door, without saying a word and stepped aside to let us in. I took a deep breath and caught Dougie's eye before stepping inside. "You...uhm.." my mom started. You could tell she was uncomfortable. "You want something to drink?" she asked, almost begging. I just nodded and forced a closed-lipped smile. She led us into the kitchen and started making hot-coco. Her back was to us as she turned the burners on and stood above them, watching the metal plates heat up. She didn't turn around but I could hear her sniffles and quiet sobs... I looked at Dougie with heavy eyes and frowned. I let go of his hand and walked over to my mom to see if she was okay. I put a hand on her back, "Mom?" i asked. She looked to me, tears streaming down her face. "I thought i'd never see my baby again.." she started, before wrapping her arms around me tight and crying into my shoulder. I looked to Dougie..confused. This wasn't the welcome home I was expecting.. I was expecting yelling, screaming, and threatening from my parents. I definately preferred this, but felt suddenly incredibly guilty for putting my mom through this.
After she calmed down and the coco was ready, she stopped crying, and we sat around the kitchen table talking. We told her about the apartment, the record store, and the nice girl next door that helped us out from time to time. She seemed glad to hear that we made things work, but decided to come home. After a few minutes of silence, i looked around the seemingly empty house. "What about dad..." i asked, hoping to learn where he stands on everything. She looked down at her cup and fiddled with the handle. "I think it's best if the two of you are gone before he comes home.." she started, "he was pretty angry about everything." She looked up at me, and forced a smile, "I however, am so glad you came home." I smiled, thanking her for the hot coco and giving her a hug and kiss before and Dougie and I headed upstairs to pack some things to take back over to his house.
I opened my drawers and grabbed an armful of underware and shoved it into a black garbage bag my mom gave us. Dougie opened another drawer and laughed. I looked over to see what he found funny. He lifted out one of my bra's and put it on his head..making him look like a bug..with big eyes. I laughed. "Your a loser" i said. He took the bra off his head and threw it at me, before emptying the rest of the drawer into the bag. Jeans, teeshirts, sweatshirts, socks, and a few pairs of pajama pants and tanktops.
I grabbed a picture of my mom, dad and I- infront of a waterfall in Colombia and shoved it into the bag before sighing and nodding my head towards the door. Dougie and I headed out, dragging the heavy black bag downstairs. I kissed my mom and hugged her tight, promising that we'd be in touch and do things like shop still. We headed down the front porch and back to Dougie's house.
After he made room in his closet and drawers for my clothes, and after we finished unpacking them, we both flopped down onto his bed. I stared down at my belly. "I wish my dad could have been home" i started. He laughed. "Why..so we could have ended up dead on the floor?" I hit his chest, slightly offended. I rolled over on my side and stared at his closet doors, breathing out heavily... "He's still my dad..ya know?"
Dougie leaned over and wrapped his arm around my body, under my arms and kissed my neck softly. It tickled and i giggled a little, rolling over to see him. "He'll come around" he said comfortingly, leaning over me. "How do you know that?" i asked. He shrugged. "Because he loves you" he started, "And I love you....and i know i'd destroy the world for you..."
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