Saving Avery

Chapter 2

When we get back, we immediately settle down in Harry's new penthouse apartment. Married life suits us both well. During the days, we go out to the movies or to lunch, and sometimes we just sit at home. Most nights, Harry does concerts with the rest of the boys. The fandom has changed quite a bit since (technically) none of the boys are single. But of course their fans are still just as dedicated. It makes me a bit angry, though, when I see girls trying to flirt and get at Niall. I mean he's made it clear that Allie was and still is his one and only. I've taken to saying some very choice words to the "fans" who disregard that fact. Anyways, it was one night about three months after we got married. I'd had a bit of a headache all day, but then, right after the concert, I felt very sick. Harry came up, smiling, and put his arm around me. I leaned me head on his shoulder and closed my eyes, grabbing his other hand and squeezing it. He squeezed back and then lovingly brushed the hair out of my eyes, turning me to face him. Seeing the look on my face, he pressed his lips to the top of my head and whispered,

"Tayler, are you okay?"

"I'll be fine once I can lie down." I murmur back, leaning into his mouth. A wave of nausea hits me and I take a deep breath. Harry puts his chin on top of my head and runs his hands up and down my arms. I reach my arms around his back, and he immediately envelops me in his own arms, pulling me tight.

"Let's go home, okay love?" he says softly. I only nod. He takes my hand and we make our way out to the car, Paul and a couple other security guards following close behind. The rest of the boys spot us, and they quickly come over.

"Is she okay?" Liam, always caring about the rest of us, instantly asks."

"I'm fi-" I try to say, but Harry cuts me off.

"She's got a temperature and she's feeling sick. We're just gonna head home." he says, letting go of me to open the car door. A moment later, another wave of sickness hits me, and I suddenly feel very faint. I reach out to grab the top of the car and lean my head against the cool metal. All the boys are instantly at my side, Harry and Liam helping me back while Zayn, Louis, and Niall hovering next to me.

"I'll be okay, really. I just need to sleep it off." I say. Everyone looks doubtful, but Harry just lowers me gently into the car. I buckle up and lean my head against the back of the seat. Harry waves a last good-bye to the fans that are just now leaving the stadium. He slides in and immediately takes my hand, squeezing gently. I smile, my eyes still closed. When we get home, he gently leads me out of the care. Once in the penthouse, I began taking my shoes off while Harry goes to the kitchen to get me a glass of water that I didn't ask for. But I have to stop, one shoe still on, and run to the bathroom. I barely make it to the toilet, emptying my dinner into it. Harry is instantly at my side, holding my hair back and stroking my face. When I'm done, I lean my head back against the cool bath tub. Harry wipes my mouth with a tissue and then picks me up, sliding his arms under my legs. He lays me on the bed, takes my other shoe off, and lays a blanket on me. I open my eyes to look at him, and am faced with his eyes full of concern and love. I force myself to smile. He doesn't smile back. Instead, he studies me intently. He leaves the room for a few moments, then comes back carrying the glass of water and the car keys.

"I'm running to the drug store for a few things." he says. He sets down the glass and kisses my forehead. I reach out for his hand. He squeezes it and finally smiles at me. I smile back, then he turns to leave. I lay back, close my eyes, and I'm asleep before he's even out the door.

~ ~ ~

The next thing I know, it's mid morning. I open my eyes, and slowly sit up. The pounding headache from the day before seems to be gone, but I still feel a bit sick. I glance over at Harry's side- the blankets are rumpled, a dent in the pillow. Odd that it's empty. I smooth them down and turn to the night stand for my water. There's a note and a plastic bag from the store. I yawn as I read the note:

My Love,

I've gone to the studio for recording. Here's some things you might need. Call me if you need anything. I love you xoxo

Love Always,

Harry

P.S. don't freak out :)

My brow crinkles in confusion at the last line- don't freak out? Why would I freak out? I shrug and reach into the bag. First I pull out a bottle of ibuprofen. Next comes anti-nausea pills. I set those aside and continue going through the bag- surprisingly there's more. I extract a pair of fuzzy socks, a few magazines, and cough drops. I smile at each one. I slowly take out the last thing in the bag. It's a blue rectangular box. I turn it over to read the label. I expect to see that it's more medication or something. But then I see the words "ClearBlue". My eyes widen in shock. A -pregnancy- test?! Why would he get me that?! I just stare open-mouthed at the box. I turn and pick up my phone to call Harry. I hear it ring three times before he picks up.

"Hello?" he says.

"Why the he-" I began, but he cuts me off.

"I told you not to freak out!" I hear the boys laughter in the background. I take a deep breath and begin again.

"Okay. Fine. Why did you get me that- that..."

"The test? Well, I kinda figured, I dunno, since you were sick, you might..." Now the boys are laughing even harder. I sigh in exasperation.

"Okay. I'll do the test. But I'm not telling you the results until you get home." I reply irritatedly.

"That's alright. I'll see you later then. I love you." I can detect the laughter he's biting off, too.

"Love you." I reply and hang up. Then I blow the hair out of my face, go into the bathroom, and do the test. I set it on the counter, sit down, and wait.