Broken || h.s. AU (Special Edition)

Chapter 27 - Reunion

*content warning: brief mention of religious content, mention of fire, family issues, violence/blood, mention of alcohol/substance abuse, mention of depression, domestic abuse, mention of death*
If you come across a trigger that wasn't listed, let me know. Stay safe.
Chapter 27 - Reunion

Julia's P.O.V.

You know that feeling you get sometimes? Where you really just adore someone to the point you would do anything to please them? Where you find everything they do perfect and catch yourself ogling over their every move and expression.

And then suddenly that pressure comes crashing down on your shoulders when they want something that you don't want. But no isn't an option. Because you adore this someone and they have the most convincing green puppy eyes.

So I'm sitting on Harry's porch step with him, jutting my bottom lip as far as it will go, my brows furrowed so deeply I'm slightly concerned they'll stay this way.

Harry's hand is rubbing my knee lightly, trying to distract me.

"C'mon, babe..." He whines quietly, his leg bouncing in anticipation.

"It'll be fine! She's the greatest!"

I smack his hand off of my knee, quickly retorting with worry in my voice. "I don't like the idea of meeting someone who...knew me."

He shakes his head, his warm hands enveloping mine.

Butterflies flutter through my stomach and I squirm, silently shouting for them to stop.

"Aunt Jane isn't really religious. She won't take it offensively."

I laugh slightly, turning away again and pulling my hand free. "Yeah. She won't take it seriously either."

I scoff, pulling nervously at a string on my jeans.

Harry's lips press into a thin line as he says slowly, his green eyes searching the blue sky as if struggling to recall a preplanned argument. Which, knowing Harry, he probably is.

"Aunt Jane is a woman of science. She's one that she will present a checklist and if each factor is checked off, she'll accept it. She doesn't really go with her gut. She's purely cut-to-the-chase and facts. It'll be fine..."

He reaches around me to take my hands again. I bring my bottom lip between my teeth nervously, meeting his eyes to search for any sign of doubt in his seemingly flawless plan. His clear green eyes catch the sunlight, making them glow a brilliant silvery color.

I sigh to myself, looking down. "I dunno..."

I know I've lost the battle, but I still try to hold a firmness in my tone.

But Harry isn't fooled.

He smells an easy victory.

One of his large hand move to cup the farthest side of my left knee, pulling my legs to press against the side of his. His other hand moves to brush his knuckles lightly across my cheek. Then I realize his intention, but just a moment too late.

I'm a goner.

His soft lips hover in front of mine, his warm breath tickling my cheek as his hand travels to rest on the side of my neck.

"Please?" He asks softly, his innocent eyes meeting mine.

And that's when all my walls drop.

"Fine..." I barely breathe, no volume in my voice.

He immediately grins widely, jumping to his feet.

"Great! She'll be here any second!" He crows, clapping his hands together.