Here Comes For...Ever? An R5 Fanfiction

Chapter 20: Meant To Be - Part 2

ROSS' POV

I got out of the car, parked about 3 blocks from the party. I straightened my jacket and fixed the hem of my shirt before making my way down the sidewalk. Even though I was okay with being with them, I still walked a few steps behind the rest of the band. I've had a lot of time to think about Harper today and it wasn't until now that I realize how much she actually means to me. Last night it was confirmed that I love her by the fact that even though she was the one who got hurt, and I was the one hurting. I won't - no matter how hard I try, forget the look in her eyes when she said those unforgettable words. I can't stand the thought of her crying and having myself be the culprit.

Most of all, I can't believe my attitude towards her, Autumn told Rocky what she was really upset about. She yelled at her mother and for once expressed her true emotions towards her which Harper had gone on and on about to me. Now I'm just the icing on top of the terrible cake.

We reached the crowded and swanky hotel where the party was being held and signed in. I scanned the area for Harper and found her standing alone a corner next to the stage, obviously trying to avoid all the craziness. Rocky looked at me and nodded when he noticed her too. I took a deep breath and made my way over to where she was standing.

"Hey." I said from behind her. Harper jumped and seemed to snap out of her own little world.

"Hi." She said, biting her lip. I was getting ready to say something, but I couldn't get over how amazing she looked. Her dress was perfect on her, her hair was so casual and sophisticated all at the same time, and her face was so bright. I wanted to breathe, but she took that ability away from me.

"Wow. You look... Beautiful." I said stupidly. She smiled at my dopey look,

"Flattery will get you nowhere." She said, turning back to watch the crowds. Finally I was able to get the words I'd been holding in all day out,

"H, I'm sorry. That's not even close to a sufficient word for it, but I'm so unbelievably sorry.  You've got to understand, I was scared that you would fall for Ian because... Because I'm the insecure one. I managed to get this talented, gorgeous, smart, and hilarious girl whose just as weird as me, and if you could see yourself like I see you, you'd understand thinking this is too good to be true. Harper, you mean everything to me and I knew that Ian meant everything to you - even if it was a long time ago. I'm sorry for believing for a second that you'd even have the thought to... I'm sorry." I said in the most genuine way I possibly could.  I knew that my face was bright red, but I didn't care. She needs to know the truth regardless of how stupid I look. Her mouth was open in shock,

"Ross... That's the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me. I'm the one who should be sorry - I kind of knew that Ian bugged you and I shouldn't have been talking about him so much. Also, I know I overreacted last night. I was just tired and my mom...." I cut her off,

"I wish I could've known about your mom. If I was going to confront you about Ian, I should've done it awhile ago. Don't be sorry. Please. I just want to see you happy." I said softly. She took a step forward and smiled kindly before putting her arms around my neck and kissing me. Suddenly it was as if last night was years and years ago. As if it happened to someone else. The world melted away and we were the only things left. 

"I love you." She whispered into my ear.

"I wish I had a stronger word to use, but limited to the English language: I love you too." I said back. Harper laughed and I realized how much I wanted to hear that laugh today. 

"Ready to face the madness?" She asked, turning back to the large mass of photographers, journalists, executives, producers, and other musicians. I grabbed her hand,