Chapter 33
HARRY'S P.O.V:

"Fuck..." I muttered as I broke down in tears in the middle of traffic. I honestly hoped that there were no paps; I had my beanie to cover up my hair and my Ray bans to cover my eyes although it wasn't sunny. I felt embarrassed; the guilty inside of me was indescribable. My parents would be so disappointed in what I just did, why. I stopped in front of a home to take a breather; I still had anger, and an adrenaline to just punch something to realise all this hurt I'm feeling right now. I grabbed my phone and decided to call Caroline to tell her.

"Hello?" A voice whined through the phone.
"Caroline..." I sniffled.
"Oh dear babe, you did it. Are you ok?"
"No... I feel like shit, I don't know why I did it."
"Harry Harry, listen to me. Now you and me, we can be together, happily."
"What I did was wrong Caroline, it hurts."
"Harry, please, it'll be good in the end ...stop putting you down. Get home, please."
"Ok..." I mumbled, hanging up the phone.

I threw my phone on the passenger seat and sped off to my apartment home. This was the time I genuinely hated myself and I didn't even want to go back to my apartment and face Louis. He was right, in all terms, but it was too late. Now I have to save my relationship and keeping it is the only good outcome that comes out of this. And for that; I'm not risking it for anything. I parked my Range Rover in the car-park and got to the Lobby. The receptionist looked at me sympathetically, noticing my red eyes and the puffiness but nodded solemnly. I cracked a half-smile and excused myself to the apartment. As I arrived in front of the door, I just stood there. I was scared, I was scared of what reaction I was going to get from Louis and the fact that now I have to tell all the boys what I've done; I don't even know how I'm going to admit it to my mum

. I turned the door-knob which was already unlocked and stormed in, surprise to see all of them their; Niall, Louis, Liam and Zayn. Well fuck. But seeing them all happy and chilling broke me, and I stormed in my room; ignoring their greetings and their confused remarks. I shut the bedroom door behind me and placed the gift bag on the bed, carefully lifting out the picture frame.

"I'm... so... sorry Rose..." I thought as I stared at the image of us.

I suddenly missed this; suddenly missed our easy-going friendship. From the weeks and days I've been avoiding her I honestly forgot how easy and nice it was to be with her. And now I'm a dickhead, for doing what I did and I accept all fault. As I rested my back against the bed head and have several thoughts about everything. Suddenly, there was a soft knock on the door.

"Who is it?" I groaned.
"It's me, Lou, Harry let me in."
"NO!" I shouted.
"Harry, I'm not coming here to say I told you so. I'm here to be a friend.."

I paused for a second, thinking of what Louis just said. I needed someone with me, as much as I'm going to try to deny it to myself; I needed someone. I hid the present and shoved it under my bed as I hung up the blazer neatly in the wardrobe. I covered the gift bag with discarded shirts and wiped my eyes and my face. I walked to the door and opened it; greeted by a concerned face. I noticed the other boys head bopping in the background wondering what was happening.

"Harry... what happened.." Louis asked sincerely.
"I...I... told her and, she was upset. So upset Louis... the pain in her eyes was too much for me."
"Harry, breathe, it's ok, it'll be better in the end .." He sighed, patting my back reassuringly.
"I just feel like shit, I didn't expect her reaction bro... she literally kicked me out of her house." I noticed Louis cringed at my response.
"What did she exactly say though?"
"She just kept asking me 'why', and I told her briefly and she just stopped me and told me to get out.." I mumbled.
"Did she know about the whole Caroline involvement?"
"Kind of; I didn't have the balls to say that Caroline let me choose. I'm a stupid prick. I...I... I feel so guilty and upset.." Tears started falling out of my eyes.
"No; you did a brave thing to save your relationship. You did Harry..."
"I feel like this won't do anything to help with my relationship now Lou..."
"Harry, it's ok, you did what you wanted to do and it's ok. It'll turn out all perfect in the end..." Louis muttered.
"Do you really think so?" I asked, covering my eyes with my hands.

"Harry, look. Of course life is going to hit you with hardships and with problems but it's our part to get across from it and move on. You decided what you wanted to do and you did it; and there's no turning back. You did get some positive out of it right? Think of the positives, not the negatives; and in the end it'll be ok, it'll all be fine .Trust me on this.." Louis smiled

"Thank you.." I sighed.
"Anytime; I'll give you a moment, if the boys are wondering do you want me to tell them?"
"No, not yet. I want to be the person who tells the story.."
"Alright, leave you some space."Louis smiled after giving me another manly hug.

He opened the door and instant murmurs suddenly became quiet. He finally shut the door and all the thoughts flew out of my mind. I felt emotionless, speechless, and just entirely lifeless. I just swallowed in my own depression and hate and remembered all the memories I shared with my best friend. I was thinking of happy thoughts rather than the negatives now. I grabbed my phone and opened up the photo library. Although my mind was telling me not to look through it; I had the sudden urge to. I scanned through the photo albums; reminiscing on what event happened in each photo. One photo was the day of the Christmas party where we took it with one of my baby cousins, another one was taken at my apartment in our funky pjs, there was another one where Liam took of us sneakily pointing to a rather... slutty girl making out with another guy in the background. I no longer cried of sadness, but of happiness that I was able to share these fond memories with her.

As I wiped my finger across the touch screen, one photo suddenly made me cringe. It was the day we went to Australia and either Louis or Zayn took it. It was in front of the city skylights and we were bundled up next to each other due to the chilly weather. I wrapped my arms lazily around her shoulders; grinning like a complete freak. Rose was snuggled next to me; resting her head on my shoulders and sticking her tongue out playfully; wrapping her arms around my waist. We both looked so happy; but... drunk looking but it made my heart jump.

I remember that night; and it was one of the funniest nights. Rose's bracelets stood out due to the silver infinity bracelet that shone through the picture. We had the same matching bracelets and we honestly did look like a couple; people have told me countless times. But this broke my heart; and as Louis said we had to move on and get over it.

This was exactly the reason why my relationship with Caroline couldn't move on, it was because I was falling for this girl and it wouldn't work; there was so much twisted and bundled feelings. Maybe this was the right thing to let her go and now I have to move on. I needed to.

Are you sure you would like to delete this image?
Yes.

ZAYN'S P.O.V

Niall pressed his ear against Harry's bedroom door trying to get any information. He listened contently to Louis' and Harry's convo but was unsuccessful. Liam was looking nervous as he didn't want Niall to get caught for his eaves dropping. I sat there waiting for Niall to bring up any information. Liam asked him if he could hear anything which Niall shook his head. He sat down disappointed and all of us were becoming quite curious.

"What do you reckon it's about?" Niall asked, fiddling with his fingers.
"He did seem a bit iffy and quiet the past couple of days though" Liam replied.
"True...maybe relationship problems or something? Who knows?" Niall asked.
"What about you Zayn, has Harry said anything to you?" Liam asked; interrupting my train of thought.
"Nope..." I mumbled. "Liam, where did Harry just come from?" I asked.
"Umm... I remember Louis said he went to Roses' house.." I looked up immediately, there was definitely a link between the two.
"Be right back.." I said; grabbing my leather jacket.
"Where are you going?" Niall asked.
"To get some answers.." I replied.

I placed my leather biker jacket on and put my nike shoes back on. I quickly checked my reflection in Louis' mirror as I exited out the door. I quickly went out of the apartment and grabbed a taxi and ordered the taxi man to drive me to Roses' house. These past couple of days I have noticed that Harry has been avoiding Rose and I kept telling her he was busy but whenever I brought her up I could notice Harry flinch or cringe. I for sure knew that the reason Harry barged in crying had to do something with Rose. I tried calling her before but she didn't pick up. I stood in front of her doorstep and took out a key that was hidden underneath a pot plant which was used for emergencies. I slid the key through the slot and opened it slowly, her home made no noise but soft sobs in the distant. I closed the door slowly and crept through the hallway; feeling like I'm going to rob this place. As I turned I noticed Rose bunched up on the edge of a sofa with her knees to her chest crying her eyes out.

"Rose?" I asked loudly.
"Holy, whaaa...aat are you d-doing here how'd you get in?!" Rose stuttered as she wiped the tears quickly with her sleeve.
"Pot plant." I answered, I sat next to Rose and hugged her as she suddenly sobbed against my chest.

I didn't know what the hell was going on and why she was crying but it was definite it had to link up with Harry. I rubbed her back comfortably and allowed her to rest her head against my shoulder. I leaned on her head shushing her to calm down and in a few minutes later her breathes weren't as loud.

"Now are you going to tell me what's up babe?" I asked.
"I... I'm just confused by it all.." She mumbled.
"Let me guess, is Harry connected to this?"
"How'd you know?"
"Well he barged in his apartment crying his eyes out, and I come here and you're doing the same, what's up with you two?"
"Ask him."
"He's not telling me... please Rose, I'm not trying to be nosy just I want to be there for both of you."
"Really?..."
"Of course Rose, who do you think I am, you know I care a lot about you.."

Rose brushed herself out and straightened up her wrinkled tee shirt. She threw her hair off her face and wiped her eyes and cleared her throat. She hesitated as she fiddled with her fingers, I knew she was extremely hurt by the situation and she bit her lip countless times.

"Me and Harry... we're... well... we aren't friends anymore." She confessed. I stared at her blankly.
"What?!"
"Exactly... Harry, he came saying he had to let me go because C-Caroline told him to..." She whimpered.
"Where did this come from, what did he say?!" I shouted in anger.
"He just said he had to let me go to save his relationship... and that I was fucking stopping him to move on. But I'm so stupid I didn't fight for him. I let him slip through my fingers because I was so caught up in the moment. I was confused, I was angry and I should've told him how I felt but it was too late... it's always too late." She cried distressingly and covered her eyes with her hands.
"No no Rose, it's ok, don't cry you're beautiful babe." I muttered, hugging her again.
"I just don't get it Zayn, what...what did I do wrong?" she spluttered in tears.
"Rose, I'm sure it's not you. I'm just so pissed over the fact that he did this.." I muttered, tightening my fists in anger.

I hated seeing a close friend cry in front of you. Espiecally Rose, because she's been there for me ever since I met her and she's one of those people who knows me for me rather than for the fame and attention people would get out of me. She keeps my secrets, she listens, she was one of the rare friends that I could fully trust. I treat her like a princess even though there's no romance; she just deserves all the happiness. But to honestly see her cry over someone she truly loved, angered me.

"I love him so much Zayn. You don't understand. I never felt so worthless... so... stupid."
"How are you stupid?"
"For even falling for him the first place... for even letting him come into my life. I've never been so happy when I'm with a person, it's so easy to... b-be with him. He made me a better person and overall he made me happy. And I've lost him... he h-hates.. me..." She sobbed heavily.
"Shhh Rose, no he doesn't... he doesn't..."
"Then why. That's all I can think of. WHY?! There's always something wrong with me; something that pushes everyone away..."
"Shhh Shhhhh..." I mumbled; comfortably stroking her back.
"Zayn... nothing hurts more than someone pushing you away when you love them with all your heart. And it's... my...my fault; I was too late and too scared to tell him the truth and I couldn't and I didn't and I... I finally lost him..." She cried harder.

I knew I couldn't say anything that could make her feel better. I felt hopeless that I was sitting there just comforting her when I knew what I was doing didn't exactly help as much. I could hear her rapid and short breathes every time she cried. Her voice would begin trembling and her body would start shaking. She was vulnerable and distraught; and I didn't witness such heartbreak from her, she was not even this upset when her and George were over. She was truly in love with Harry; and for the first time after her attempts to avoid this issue, she came out raw and exposed. She finally cracked her shell and expressed how she really felt about Harry. And I couldn't do anything to help her..

"Rose, shhh don't cry, do you want me to tell him?"
"Tell him how I feel about him..?" she murmured, I nodded contently. "No... No... please, don't, no, it's too late. If he finally knew my feelings; it'll affect him. I want him to realise what he wants, I w-want him to figure out if he has feelings for me without knowing I feel the same.." she cried.
"Ok, I won't say anything.."
"Please promise me you won't tell him, please.. As much as I'm heartbroken over him I don't ever want to destroy a relationship.."
"I promise."
"Thanks Zayn, I love you."
"Love you too."

She smiled half-heartedly and snuffled on my shoulder, her tears finally reduced. However the redness and the puffiness was still clearly evident. We sat in silence as I comfortably rubbed her arms to let her know I was there for her. Although I seemed calm on the outside I was fuming inside. The fact that he blamed it on Rose; that he was stupid enough to do the decision and the fact he didn't tell anyone about this. He made the wrong decision and I'm absolutely angry that he did this to a girl. After 30 minutes I realised that Rose suddenly stopped moving and as I looked, she was sound asleep. Snoring softly as she finally looked at peace. I carefully placed her on the couch and placed a pillow and covered her up with a blanket.

"Mmm...mm..z..zzaayn?" she murmured as I moved her around the couch.
"Shhh Rose, go to sleep babe. I'm going back home, it'll be fine."
"T...thanks Z-Zayn."
"It's alright Rose, call me when you need me." I smiled, she nodded as she snuggled in her pillow.

I walked out of the house and locked the door up and carefully placed it at the same position under the pot plant. I fixed up my jacket and ordered a taxi as I still had anger in me. I had anger problems, I get very caught up in the moment and I'm tended to be overprotective of people. As I arrived in the hotel all I could think was to yell at Harry. He was very cheeky, charming and playboy lad but never in the world did I think he would act like such a dick or a prick to his bestfriend. And for that; that really bothered me. I raced up the elevator and tapped my foot impatiently as it arrived at the level. I immediately opened the door with Harry getting something out of the fridge with Louis, Niall and Liam sitting quietly on the couch. I ran immediately up to Harry and shoved him against the fridge; gripping onto his white tee-shirt; wrinkling it with my hands. Harry looked stunned and dropped his water bottle and stared at me in confusion.

"Who the fuck do you think you are?!" I shouted at Harry.
"What are you on about?" Harry stuttered.
"What kind of fucking prick are you to do that. All the bullshit you said to her; how could you?" I snarled.

Liam, Niall and Louis immediately raced over as Liam pulled me away from Harry and Niall separating us both. Louis was gripping on Harry to stop him from coming back at me as Harry swore in anger and frustration.

"You don't know what the fuck is going on; don't you DARE come here and blame me." Harry argued.
"Do you even know that SHE is bawling her fucking eyes out on you at home? DID you not realise how much this hurt her?! You were always the nice guy Harry, but why would you ever do that to Rose. You're a fucking prick."
"Don't you ever call me that you DICK!" Harry shouted back as Liam pulled me back further.
"WHAT THE FUCK; REALLY?! You knew how much she meant to you but you took the fucking easy way out."
"There WAS NO EASY WAY OUT ZAYN."
"Why didn't you tell her the truth, why did you just put the blame on Caroline? You had a decision; you didn't think it out properly..."
"Don't you dare ever tell me what to do.." Harry spat at me.

I looked at him in disgust as he reciprocated the same. Niall looked confused as his face turned to a crimson red; he was upset. Whenever he was scared or upset, his checks would immediately turn red. Louis no longer had a happy sparkle in his eyes but sadness. Liam was the most upset; when I looked at him, he looked at me with zero emotion... like he didn't know us anymore. But I had all this anger towards Harry and I don't know why, but I do.

"You know fucking what?!" I yelled as I finally pulled out of grip from Liam and ran up close to Harry's face, my breath slowly brushing onto his face.

"I'm not angry at the person you are Harry; I'm disappointed at what you done. I will always love you as a brother, and I'll never hate you and I'm sorry I came off too strong but you have to understand how this affects me as well. You knew how important she was to me and how protective I am overall. You knew how much she meant to YOU. What you did was something I never expected you to do; and the fact that you didn't tell her properly but left her. You don't understand how much you mean to her... you don't even know that... she..."

I stopped. "Please promise me you won't tell him, please.." I replayed Rose's desperation as she cried to me. And I immediately stopped myself from breaking a promise. I took back all my urges to tell him that she loves him but I couldn't. She insisted I won't tell him; and I never will..

"That she what.. Zayn?!" Harry asked.
"You don't even know that... she cares so much about you. And you just abandoned her.." I sighed, horrible improvisation...
"Zayn... Please, Harry is hurt too; don't make this any worse.." Louis mumbled.
"No Lou; he's right..." Harry muttered.

I stared at him in shock; that he has taken up everything I said to him and part of me regretted that I had so much anger in him. I still had respect for him; but I was just so caught up in the moment. So caught up to witnessing how distraught Rose was before, and to see that Harry was finally taking the blame and becoming real about this all. "What are you trying to say Harry?" Liam asked confusingly.

"Maybe I made the wrong decision..." Harry sighed.