AN: Thank you for 3k reads my babies!!!!

The picture above is how I picture Maria btw :) gosh she's so pretty

I love you all!

~Alex

●●●●●

The next two days pass by way too fast for my mind to keep up. It was now Tuesday - the day Theo and Oliver went back home to Florida.

I had spent as much time with them as possible on Sunday and Monday. Although it was hard to be completely there Sunday, I forced myself to put on a happy face and be there to enjoy quality time with my brothers. Times like these were times I treasured. Oliver was growing up way too fast for my liking and so was Theo.

With Theo's engagement with Ivy and Oliver starting college, I felt a little sad. It felt like only yesterday I was playing with them in our backyard or on the beach that bordered our house. My little brothers were growing up fast and I was starting to realize they weren't so little anymore.

My fingers weave themselves in and out of Harry's hair as he sits on the ground in front of me. A small pile of pink flowers sits beside me, one leaving it's nestled cocoon of petals as I pluck it between my fingers and weave it into Harry's hair that was now adorning braids.

"Look at that," Theo smiles as he plops down on the couch beside me, "Harry is just a big softie."

"You're just now figuring this out?" Oliver scoffs, sitting on the other side of me, "I've known that since day one."

Harry and I both laugh in harmony, creating such a beautiful sound I wished it could've been stored away on a CD so I could listen to it anytime I wanted to, "He looks pretty, doesn't he?" I smile proudly as I finish another braid enlaced with youthful pink petals and vibrant green stems.

"Don't call him pretty, Aurora. That's unmanly," Oliver rolls his eyes.

"No, I like it," Harry says quickly and the smile on my face grows wider, "Why can't men feel pretty, too?"

I lean down and press a quick kiss to his cheek, cupping the side of his face in my hand, "Exactly. You look pretty, baby."

"Thank you, darling," Harry smiles back at me, turning his head so he can meet my lips.

"Gross, guys," Oliver groans, and I smile against Harry's pillowy soft lips, "You two are too sweet. It's giving me a toothache. Don't you ever fight?"

"Mm..." I hum, recalling our little argument in the bathroom and our conversation in the kitchen, "Yes and no. I wouldn't call them fights. Just minor arguments that never last for very long."

Oliver rolls his eyes, "So, basically no."

"Basically no," Harry nods his head and I smile as I start another braid, shivering slightly as he rubs his hands up and down my calves that were resting against his sides.

"What are we doing for your last day here?" I ask Theo and Oliver, biting the inside of my cheek and furrowing my eyebrows a bit as I concentrate on Harry's hair.

"Well," Theo says hesitantly and I turn my head to look at him, cocking an eyebrow, "We were hoping...we could go...clubbing?"

Ah. Clubbing. Their favorite pastime.

Harry chuckles softly, knowing my slight dislike of clubs. They were always too loud and sweaty for my taste. I didn't really like being that close to people - mind them being completely drunk as well.

But for Theo and Oliver's last day with me until Thanksgiving, I could push aside my dislikes.

"Sounds good to me," I shrug my shoulders carelessly, earning a shocked gasp from Oliver and Theo's mouth to drop open, "When are we going? It's almost seven now."

"We'll get ready right now," Oliver says quickly and they both hop up off of the couch, sprinting to the guest bedroom to change and get ready.

Harry places a kiss to my knee while chuckling softly, tracing random patterns with his thumbs as he rested his hands on my calves, "I'd go, but I have plans tonight. I'm supposed to be meeting some people with my art," he mumbles softly against my knee.

I pout slightly, leaning forward to rest my chin on his shoulder, "Can you reschedule?"

"Sorry, Flower. It's really important," he smiles and rests his head on mine.

I sigh in defeat, wrapping my arms and legs around him tightly, "Are you sure?" I nuzzle my face into the crook of his neck, breathing in his oh-so-familiar jasmine scent while pressing soft kisses to his warm skin.

"Sadly, yes," he mumbles while placing a kiss to my temple, "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Why not tonight? I was wanting to stay with you again."

"Well, then I'll see you tonight," Harry chuckles, standing up while I'm still clinging to him tightly, "but you need to go home and get ready."

I keep my arms locked around him, refusing to let go as he starts walking towards the front door, "I don't wanna," I whine, still clinging onto him like a koala.

He stops in front of the door and tries to pry my arms away from where they were wrapped around his chest, laughing as my grip only tightens, "Let go, baby."

"No."

"Aurora."

"Harry."

"I'll see you tonight, darling."

I bury my face deeper into the crook of his neck, peppering open-mouthed kisses across his skin, his pulse beating rapidly against my lips, "I know...but I don't...want to leave...you," I mumble between kisses.

Harry successfully unwraps my legs from around his waist and takes my hands in his, pulling me in front of him to stare down at me with happiness filling his brilliant green eyes, "I don't want to leave you either, but it'll only be a few hours. Just call me whenever you'd like and I'll talk to you."

"Promise? If I call you, you'll answer me?"

"I promise, baby," he smiles brightly, leaning down to press a chaste kiss to my lips, "Now go get ready and have fun. Let loose."

"That was a sucky goodbye kiss," I raise my eyebrows at him, my heart melting as he laughs, wrapping his arms around me and barely lifting me off of the ground.

He connects our lips softly, kissing me with such warmth and happiness that mint and sugar is the only thing that has ever seemed to exist in my world. My body molds itself into his as the tip of his nose dances across my cheek, a stray curl slipping down to tickle my forehead.

"Better?" He breathes, our foreheads resting against each other as he slowly sets me back down.

"Better," I smile.

We reluctantly separate from each other, Harry keeping a tight grip on my hand until the door has to completely shut. The second I open the door to the stairs, I pull out my phone and call Harry, letting a small laugh fall from my swollen lips.

"Yes, baby?" Harry chuckles softly once he answers and I feel myself falling for him all over again.

"I just wanted to remind you that you look pretty," I smile and he laughs. I hear some rustling around on the other side of the phone along with a door opening. The door to the stairwell opens above me and I turn around to see Harry racing down the steps towards me, "What are you-"

I'm cut off as he takes me into his arms and kisses me again, sighing in relief once my hands wrap themselves into his curls and I kiss him back. He rests his hands on my hips, lifting me up as I jump slightly, wrapping my legs around his waist.

"I can't get enough of you," Harry breathes against my lips, sending chills down my spine and a smile to tug at my lips, "Don't look too good tonight. I don't want people staring more than they already do."

"Jealous, are we?"

"Only when I can't be there to keep my hands on you."

I giggle softly and bury my head into the crook of his neck once again. I really didn't want to leave his warm embrace that consisted of jasmine and security, but I knew I'd have to let go.

I had to let go.

●●●●●

Music boomed through the speakers surrounding the crowded dance floor and sweaty bodies brushed up against me as I pushed my way through the crowd.

My fingers constantly tugged at the hem of my light pink skirt that felt as if it was riding higher up with each step that I took. Theo and Oliver were right in front of me as McKenna stayed to my left, keeping a tight grip on my mesh-covered arm.

"I'm so ready to get drunk," McKenna practically screams in my ear once we make it to the bar. I cringe away from her and squeeze my eyes shut, adjusting to the overly loud music and smell of dancing bodies.

This is exactly why I didn't care for clubs.

I watch as the three of them order drinks, ordering water for myself since I was the designated driver tonight. Not that I minded. I'd had my fair share of alcohol when I got drunk and passed out only a few nights ago.

"Come dance with me, Rory!" McKenna once again screams in my ear, dragging me back out to the crowded dance floor, "Loosen up! Have some fun!"

That was hard to do when I was very aware of every graze that touched my skin and the drunken words of the people that surrounded me.

I watched with amusement dancing in my eyes as McKenna started to carelessly dance to the beat of the music, Theo and Oliver joining her only a few moments later after they downed their drinks.

"Come on, sis. Dance with us," Theo smiles playfully before taking one of my hands and twirling me around in a circle, "Please don't be so uptight all night."

"I'm trying not to be. I'm just not comfortable yet."

He rolls his eyes playfully, shimmying his body a bit to the beat of his music, Oliver nudging me with his elbow before sending me a quick smile. I can't help but laugh as they dance awkwardly, trying to get me to dance with them.

I finally give in and laugh as I start dancing slightly, earning cheers from my brothers and a satisfied grin from McKenna.

As I had my arms up in the air and sang along to the song playing loudly from the speakers, I felt a wave of enjoyment wash over me, a wide smile spreading across my lips, and carefree laughter to fall from my mouth. No bad thoughts clouded my mind or judgment as I let myself dance with my family, enjoying the laughter that also was falling from their lips and rosy cheeks.

I was having fun. And I was actually enjoying it.

That was until my eyes landed on a familiar head of black ringlets.

She was making her way through the crowd towards a table settled more towards the edge of the room. Two drinks were in her hands as she gracefully maneuvered her way through the swarm of bodies. My eyes followed her all the way to the table and I felt my whole body freeze as I saw who she handed the other drink to.

Harry.

Time seemed to stand still as I watched him smile widely at her and kiss her cheek before she sat down beside him. Their heads bent in conversation, laughter, and hands filling their actions and movements.

"Why'd you stop dancing?" Oliver asks, still smiling as he observed my shocked facial expression, "Aurora?" He eyes follow my gaze and he also stops his movements, his face flushing red as anger fills his eyes, "What the actual fuck is he doing? And is that the girl from your store? Fucking hell I'll kill-"

"Olly, stop," I breathe out just loudly enough for him to hear me, wrapping my fingers around his arm and holding him back.

McKenna and Theo soon see our expressions shortly after and let their eyes travel in the direction we were looking, their bodies freezing as well as they observe the situation, "Is that Harry?" McKenna gasps.

I was completely surprised she didn't have a smug expression on her face. I was expecting her to tell me she wasn't surprised and that I probably wasn't good enough for Harry.

I guess this night was full of surprises.

"I'm gonna fucking kill him," Theo says darkly and I reach out and grab his arm as well, holding him back the best I could while still holding onto Oliver's arm.

"Stop, boys. Calm down."

"Calm down?" Theo practically screams, earning odd glances from the people surrounding us, "He's sitting there with another chick after having told you he couldn't go clubbing tonight! Don't tell me to fucking calm down when he lied to you to be here with another girl!"

Tears prick my eyes as he leans in closer to her and starts whispering something in her ear, "That's his ex-girlfriend."

"Oh, fucking hell, let me go!" Oliver yanks his arm out of my grip and starts roughly pushing people aside.

"Olly, stop!" I call after him, trying to reach out and grab his shirt before he could reach Harry and Maria. I watch with wide eyes as I push my way through the crowd, seeing Harry look up at Oliver who now loomed over the table.

Harry looked completely terrified as he stared at Oliver, his eyes widening and his adams apple bobbing noticeably up and down as he swallowed harshly. His terrified look only intensifies as he looks at me.

"Get the fuck up, you prick!" Oliver seethes, his chest rising up and down harshly.

I grab Oliver's hand and pull him slightly away from the table, noticing from the corner of my eye that Harry had gotten up from where he was sitting, "Listen to me. I need you to calm down. I want you and Theo to take McKenna back to the bar and order another round of drinks. I'll handle this."

"But he-"

"I'll. Handle. This," I say sternly, "Now go on. I'll be waiting outside whenever you all are ready to go."

With another menacing glare sent towards Harry, he stalks away, Theo and McKenna throwing hesitant and hateful glances over their shoulders towards Harry.

"Aurora, I-"

"Outside," I mumble, noticing that Maria seemed frozen to her seat with a confused look in her eyes.

I don't look behind me to see if Harry was following me as I push my way towards the exit door, more tears threatening to slip from my eyes, but refusing to let them do so.

The cold night air sends a wave of slight relief coursing through my veins as a bit of my sensibility comes back to me. God, I felt as if I could scream and cry at Harry at the same time.

How could he lie to me like that? How could he act like he wanted me so badly before I left, just to turn around and meet up with his ex-girlfriend?

I keep my back faced to Harry, knowing he was behind me by the way I could hear his ragged breathing, "Explain," My voice cracks slightly.

"Aurora, it's nothing. I swear. She's just an old friend that I've known for a long-"

"Stop lying to me!" I turn on my heel to look at him, "I know who she is! So stop lying!"

He looks taken back as he reads the angry expression written all over my face and the flames dancing behind my eyes, "H-how-"

"When I chose to spend the day with you instead of working, I saw a message you received from her. Then she bought that stupid fucking arrangement of roses that are sitting on your bedside table with that stupid fucking note."

"You went through my phone?" He glares at me and I laugh dryly.

"No. I didn't go through your fucking phone, Harry. You left it out in plain sight and I looked at it when it lit up with a message," I roll my eyes, feeling my hands clench into fists by my sides, "I also recall you saying it was nobody when I asked about it. More lies."

He angrily runs his hands through his hair, letting out a shaky breath, "It's because she is nobody."

"Bullshit!" My nostrils flare angrily while a tear escapes my eye, "You don't lie to your present girlfriend about your ex-girlfriend, Harry! Especially when you're the one who wanted to meet up with her in the first place! So stop fucking lying, Harry, and tell me the truth!"

"Fine!" He screams, "Yes! I wanted to meet up with her. You wanna know, why? Because I was telling her about you and how I'm finally happy again. I was telling her I've finally moved on from her and that the way she ripped my fucking heart out of my chest doesn't bother me anymore!"

"Then why did she write that note asking you to take her back? I can see it in your eyes that you still love her. I see that when you look at me you wish it was her in my place. It doesn't take a genius to see when a man looks at a woman and he's thinking of someone else!"

He shakes his head while pulling at the roots of his hair, pacing back and forth while staring at the ground, "and like you don't look at me and wish it was Niall instead, right?"

I bite the inside of my cheek at his words, hoping that it wasn't true, "That still doesn't explain why you lied to me again tonight."

"Fucking hell, Aurora! Why does it matter?"

"Why does it matter?" I laugh sarcastically, running a hand angrily through my hair, "Because you lied to me! Because it's your ex-fucking-girlfriend! Because you two looked pretty cozy with you whispering in her ear and kissing her cheek! So tell me why it shouldn't fucking matter!"

"Because I'm in love with you!"

My eyes widen at his words and I take a step back from him, not expecting him to speak those words.

"Can't you fucking see that? I'm in love with you and I have been ever since I first laid my eyes on you! You made me feel something again. After I had my heart ripped to shreds, you came walking into my art exhibition with that stupid, fucking navy blue dress and put the pieces back together the second you looked into my eyes. I fell so hard for you and you made me feel beautiful. You made me feel like a masterpiece. I've been in love with you and have been falling harder and harder in love with you with each passing day!"

Tears spill from his eyes as he breaks in front of me, reaching out to me with shaky hands.

But I take another step back, watching him break even more.

"Harry..." I breathe out, wishing I could just say I loved him too, and end this argument. But saying I love you wasn't going to fix us, "Harry, tell me something. Do you still love Maria?"

He only stares at me for a minute, tears still spilling from his eyes, "You...you're not serious? I just told you that I love you and you're asking me if I love Maria?"

"Harry, stop. Answer the question."

"I can't fucking believe you! God, I'm so stupid! Just when I thought I could let myself trust someone again - love someone again - it all comes crashing back down! Just fuck my heart right? Piss on me trying to ever love again-"

"Harry!" I snap, not sure if I could handle the rest of his words, "Answer me. For once, don't lie to me."

"Yes! I still love her!" He screams while turning around and cradling his head in his hands, "I thought that I really had moved on from her and she wouldn't haunt my dreams anymore. I thought I'd escaped her, but she'll always be there. Everywhere I go. She'll be there. Always."

Now was the time to tell him, "I'm still in love with Niall, too."

He spins around on his heel and stares at me with wide eyes that were still filled with tears. "You are?" I nod my head, "Do you...do you...love me?"

"I do. I love you, Harry."

"Shouldn't that be enough then? We love each other. That's enough, right?" He takes another step towards me and I take another step back, "Why do you keep backing away from me?" His voice cracks.

"I think we both need a little time to think, Harry. We're both not in the right mind space right now."

"Are you...breaking up with me?" He whispers.

I frantically shake my head, stepping forward to take his hands in mine, "No, baby, no. I'm just saying tonight isn't the right time to decide whats going to happen between us. I think we need a few days to process and think about what's happening."

"But I need you right now," he cries softly, "I need you, Flower."

My heart shatters and I let go of his hands, "This will be good for us, okay? Just a few days. That's all. We both need time to think and understand what all we're feeling. We're both overwhelmed right now."

"Flower, please. Don't leave me."

"I'm not, baby. It's just a few days," I softly kiss his tear-stained cheek, wiping a few of his tears away before turning on my heel and walking away from him with a broken, yet warm, heart beating in my chest.

"I'm not leaving you. Not today," I whisper to myself, looking over my shoulder to see him staring at me with more tears rolling slowly down his cheeks and a broken heart beating in his chest.

"Not today."