Day 3

The Wedding

My head aches. It's like a hammer working overtime, banging its judgement into my head. I only pray for it to be over, hoping reality will somehow be suppressed by my closed eyelids. I don't want to remember yesterday. Nothing besides the fact that Harry and I almost had sex.

I try to turn away, but the banging continues.

"Get OUT!" I scream, throwing my pillow at it. A soft thud echoes through the room. It has hit the window.

I slowly open my eyes and look around. I'm no longer at Harry's. Now I'm back at the hotel, the rain drumming against the windows. It's morning, and for some reason I don't believe this to be any more real than the last time. The last time when it destroyed my life.

The duvet still covers my shoulders as I make my way to the window. Outside it's raining, a few specks of early sunlight peeking through. Down by the beach the waves are beating fast against the shore. I glance at it for a moment, lost in thought.

When I'm done I head back to bed.

It's early. I notice it the moment I let my eyes glance at the alarm clock. Earlier than the last two days when I woke up. Maybe that's my mistake, I always wake up too late to be able to change whatever God or whoever-else-is-doing-this wants me to. Or maybe I'm just to selfish, always running off with Harry.

I smile at the thought of him. It might not have been real for more than twenty-four hours, but at least we still had that. Whatever that is.

I put my pants on, scavenging my brain for ideas. If yesterday was God's way of saying don't have sex before marriage, it certainly worked. I don't want to risk my parents lives. Not again.

And in that moment, as usual, a brilliant plan hits me.

I carefully close the door behind me before tiptoeing down the hall. I try to think of where Harry might be as my bare feet slip across the floor. He wouldn't be in laundry room, not yet, so instead I head for the staff quarters.

A shrill suddenly reaches my ear as I get closer. The sound's coming from underneath the bathroom door, and I try my best not to laugh. It's tough. Whoever decided to get up before six to annoy the neighbors by crowing as a rooster, certainly couldn't be the brightest.

At least that's what I thought.

"Isn't she lovely, isn't she wonderful," Someone sings, and the door opens. "Isn't she precious, only… Woah! Who are you?"

I don't answer. Instead my eyes stay fixed on his towel, my mouth hanging loose.

"Are you all right?" Harry probably looks concerned. I'm still scanning his body.

"Ch… Tj… Y….yes," I finally manage, pretending to be looking at the ground.

"Good," He says. "Because some people might of that as inappropriate."

"Do you?" I ask, blushing.

"Nope," Harry leans casually against the door. I only nod in reply, still not able to look away from his chiseled stomach and…. Wait, is that two extra nipples?

"Anyway," Focus. I need to focus. "I'm actually here to ask-"

"For my assistance," Harry switches to his sexy voice.

"Yes," I burst out. Harry lights up. "I mean no. I'm here because my parents need a bodyguard."

"A bodyguard?" He sounds disappointed.

"Yeah," I explain. "I need someone to watch over them, make sure they don't go anywhere."

"So like a nanny," Harry ponders for a moment. "Can I wear a French maid costume?"

I send him an irritating glare.

"I don't know," He looks down. "The guys and I have a gig tonight-"

"I'll pay you double."

"But-"

"Triple."

"All right," Harry finally gives in. "I guess they can sing without me."

"Good," I say. "Handshake?"

Harry nods. I move towards him about to reach out, when something happens.

His towel falls to the ground.


Harry's buttocks. That's all I can think about for the rest of the day. Even that goofy smile of his doesn't seem to vanish from mind. Heck, he's still carrying it as I pass him on my way to the ceremony. Unfortunately, I spent too much time making everything perfect for tonight that I don't want to risk losing my only backup in case it fails. Besides with Zayn and Niall by his side, he's impenetrable.

"Hey, Parker," Zayn yells as they pass. "Remember this?"

Zayn shakes his butt and smacks it.

"Can't keep anything to yourself?" I say, accusingly to Harry. He stares at me for a moment, but before he's able to respond I spin around and walk.

It only takes a few minutes to reach the ceremony room. The doors are still closed, a murmur of voices streaming out from underneath. I know what I just did to Harry was mean, particularly since everyone knows about Zayn's big mouth. I wonder if I should go apologize when the door next to me opens.

"There you are," My sister says. "Where have you been? I've been looking for you for two hours."

"I brought chocolate," I say as she drags me into the room, slamming the door behind us. "Besides I been in the kitchen, checking the food. In the ballroom, checking the decorations. Staff room, checking," Harry suddenly crosses my mind. "some stuff."

"And what about the bride and groom?" She glares at me, her arms crossed. In that moment, for the first time in my life, my mind goes blank. I don't know what to say. There's no excuses, I forgot the most important thing. The couple.

"Don't worry," She starts laughing. "They're in the room across the hall. You should've seen yourself."

She takes the small metal bin from my hand and opens it. I'm still speechless.

"Nadja," I finally manage. "Why would you do that?"

"You been stressing all day," She licks her fingers. "Thought it would be funny."

I shake my head and force the bin out of her hand.

"Well, now you don't deserve this." I look down carefully choosing the best, most likable piece in the bucket. I pick it up and hold it to my lips. She cringes.

"Don't you dare."

"Too late." I throw the piece in my mouth just in time for Nadja to hurl herself at me. We tumble onto the floor, chocolates everywhere. We laugh.

"You know," She says. "I'm gonna miss this."

"Me too," I remove a strand of hair from her forehead. "So why don't you show me that dress of yours."

And she does.

When she's done, she hurriedly shoves me out the door. Apparently even having a suite doesn't give a girl enough time to do her hair. I look at the clock. Two minutes.

I walk over to my parents door. I haven't seen them all day, not trusting my own reaction. I still don't, but it's now or never if my plan's ever going to work. I gently tap on the door. It's my dad who opens.

"Dad," I manage to say. "We need to-"

But before I'm able to finish my mom appears. She's wearing a white gown weaved together at the top with small shimmering stars. It falls behind her elegantly, and on her head is a crown of hair beaded with small pearls matching her eyes. She's smiling.

"Hi Benjamin," She says sweetly. "You like it?"

"I love it."

We all walk out and my sister joins us. She's wearing a gown almost like my mother. Except hers is lighter, fitted to the curves of her body. Her blonde hair falls on her shoulders like a waterfall and in her hands are flowers. She's the flower girl.

"Everyone ready?" My dad asks. Everyone nods. The doors open.


"Can we bring out the cake?" Louis asks me already around nine. I quickly check my pocket, making sure both my parents' room keys are still there before giving him the heads up. He gives me a grateful smile. They have their concert and the faster they get there the better.

As he moves away I glance over at my parents. They look happy together for once. In some ways I'm glad I never got to confront them. Maybe all they needed was a little push. A little extra spark of magic.

I smile at the thought. Magic is exactly the word to describe the weirdness of the last couple of days. But luckily, everything finally seems to fit together. My parents, my sister, maybe even Harry won't hate me after tonight. And then we can go on a real date. A date that can actually end the way I want it to. For the first time.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Louis has grabbed the DJ's microphone. "May I present the highlight of the night the one, the only, the Wedding Cake."

The doors to the kitchen open and out rolls a three layer cake covered in white cream frosting and dark chocolate. On top is a large eatable shell with my parents name's edged into it. On the sides are sparklers, lighting up the now only half-lit room.

My parents hurries towards it.

"You first, honey," My dad says, specking my mom's ear. My mom naturally gets overexcited for the chocolate and cuts out a big piece. They share a bite and kiss.

"Wait a moment," Louis gets everyones attention. "Is that music?"

The sound of guitar strings fills the room and everyone's eyes are once again locked on the kitchen. Niall exits, smiling.

"You know what it means. It's time for the couple to dance."

Everyone claps, and Niall starts singing. My mom smiles, it's their song. My dad swiftly offers his hand and my mom accepts it. Soon they're both spinning around in circles, surrounded by family. I smile.

"Wish that was you?" Someone suddenly says behind me and I turn. It's Harry.

"Yeah," I answer, smiling at him. "I wish it was."


My eyes stray for the twentieth time in an hour towards the door. I heard an argument earlier as the guys left, making me feel even guiltier for making Harry stay. Especially after I already owe them big time for the music, the cake, and letting me dance with my mother.

Unfortunately, I also know that Harry would stay if he knew what was really going on, which didn't make it any easier.

I wonder if I should go tell him, when Nadja dumps into the chair across from me.

"Who are you thinking about?" She asks, straightforward as usual.

"What do you mean?" I reply, trying hard to cover up that I just glanced at the door again.

"Well, first of all," She leans over. "You have been constantly looking at that door for the past twenty minutes, meaning one, you have to pee really bad, or two, you are thinking about someone. I bet the latter."

"You know, I was actually on my way to the bathroom," I stand up, meeting my sisters glare.

"Sit," She demands. "Who is it?"

I hesitate, not sure what to tell.

"What's her name?" She tries again, in a lighter tone.

"His name," I start, seeing no use in hiding it. "Is Harry."

If she's startled by the fact that I might be gay she doesn't let it on. In fact, she seems to be calmer than usual.

"And you like him?"

"Yeah," I admit. "And he likes me."

"Uh," My sister starts smiling. "My brother's in love."

"Stop it," I push her hand away from my hair. "Why did you come over here anyway?"

"Well, the guests wanted to know if could leave," She explains. "Especially since our parents haven't showed themselves in half an hour."

"I guess that's all-," I stop. "Wait, what did you just say?"

"They haven't shown themselves for half an hour."

"Oh, no, the dance," My hand immediately goes to my pocket. It's empty.

"What's going on?" She asks, bewildered.

"If we're not lucky," I squeeze out through gritted teeth. "They're in a truck on their way to Texas."

Confusion crosses Nadja's face, thinking about to explain. I don't. Instead I jump from my seat, storming towards the door. She's right behind me.

Outside the ballroom Harry's sitting with his back against the wall. He seems to be halfway asleep. I turn towards my sister, her eyes still puzzled.

"Look," I say. "I know this sound strange, but I need you to go check their room."

Nadja nods and leaves.

It's not until after her footsteps have faded far into the distance that I finally bend down beside Harry.

"Harry, I need your help."

"Go away," He sounds like a child.

"I'm not gonna go away," I touch his arm. "Now, listen. I-"

"I said, go away," He pulls away from me.

"I'm sorry," I try to look at him. "But I really need your help."

Harry doesn't answer, so I quickly grab his arm again about to pull him up when something hits my jaw. A fist.

"I don't want to help you," His voice is deep and grainy. "You took me away from my friends, played with my feelings-"

"I didn't play-" But before I'm able to finish, Harry's face is right in front of mine.

"You didn't," It's obvious he's kidding. "Then tell me why you got upset about this morning."

My mouth stays shut.

"Or this afternoon before the ceremony."

I manage to look him, begging him to stop. He doesn't.

"Or as soon as this evening, when you could have let me go with my friends instead of staying here, watching your parents, who apparently are grown enough to make their own decisions."

I stare at him an awe, not knowing what to say. He's right.

"You got nothing to say?"

"We had sex," I mumble. His eyes retract as Nadja returns, a horrid look on her face. She stops when she's sees us.

"So, this is Harry," She studies him. "You're cute."

"Nadja, focus."

"Okay, you were right," She croaks. "They're gone."

Her voice cracks, her legs collapsing beneath her. I look at Harry, and he lets me through. I bend down beside her, and soon her face is on my shoulder. I pat her hair, telling her we'll figure it out. For some reason, I even promise it'll be all right. Then a set of car keys lands beside me. And I know it's true.


"Was I good?" Harry says, breaking the silence. None of us have talked for the last forty-five minutes since we left the hotel. I know, I counted. My brain's still spinning, knowing he's doing this for Nadja, not me. Never me.

"What?" I turn my phone again. Done that for forty-five minutes too.

"You said we've had sex," He says. "Was I good?"

"Well, about that," I start, not wanting to explain any of crazy replay of days. "We never really got to it."

"That bad, huh?" Harry turns his attention back to the road.

"No," I deny, a bit too loud. "What we did was a-mazing. Those lips of yours…. Um."

Harry starts smiling, and I immediately realize I've fallen into his trap. So I decide to shut up.

We drive a few more minutes in silence. I glance at the time. It's about quarter till midnight, which means we got about ten minutes. Usually I wouldn't use the news to determine time, but it's my only lead.

"Can't you drive a bit faster?" I ask, trying hard to make out the road out in front of us, which isn't easy with a heavy rainstorm in the way.

"In this weather, no," Harry replies. "Besides I'm already over seventy. We should catch up with your parents soon enough."

I doubt it. Besides how are we even going to see them through this? It would take a miracle to…

"Harry, look," I point towards something shady in front of us. "Isn't that…"

"I think it is," Harry agrees. "Call, and get them to pull over."

I stare at my phone, not daring to do it. What if it's not them or worse.

"Benji," Harry complains. "Come on, we haven't got time for this."

I gulp and unlock it. I quickly search my phone and press the call button. It beeps.

"It's not going through," I start panicking. "The storm, it's blocking the signal."

"Then what do we do?" Harry asks, and a sudden idea hits me.

"You got a phone?"

"Sure," Harry hands me something from his pocket. "But I don't think-"

I quickly roll down the window and throw it at the car. It hits a side view mirror perfectly, leaving a nice mark.

"Why?" He exclaims madly as I roll the window back up.

"Look," I reply, ignoring his response. "The turn signal's on."

Harry curses under his breath, but quickly follows suit. We park right in front of them about to head out, when someone pounds our window madly. My dad.

"Is this yours?" He holds up what looks like a broken brick.

"Yes," Harry says, accepting it.

"Would you please step with me outside," My dad suggests. But before Harry's able to reply I snatch him from behind, having slipped unnoticed out from the other side.

"What do you think you're doing?" I ask, my teeth clattering. I wish I'd remembered a coat.

"Benjamin?" My dad exclaims startled. "I should be asking you the same question."

"Now should you?" I glare at him. "Because as far as I remember, I'm not the one who ran out on my wedding."

My dad stares at me for a moment, his temper clearly about to take control.

"Look," He starts. "You don't understand-"

"Understand what?" I scream. "What's going on? No, dad, I don't. I don't understand a thing you and mom have been doing for the past few months."

"Benjamin-""

"Oh, and please, don't tell me the classic tale about growing apart. You got divorced."

"Benjamin."

"And for what? To get married again. You know, I just wanted to make you guys happy. I wanted for you two to trust me, talk to me. But none of you guys ever do. Never. Not since the break up, not since-"

"Benjamin!" My dad suddenly yells, just enough for me to snap out of it. "Look."

At first I don't get it. Then I turn, realizing what I've done. The tree is coming down. This time on Harry.