Begin Again

Chapter XVII. Empty

Mommy and Daddy looking fly af 💕💞
_________
Harry's POV

I never took in consideration how our friends would feel about Taylor and I being around each other again. I mean, yes we dated, and yes we were once engaged, but that doesn't mean they get to make the air around us awkward.

It's not like I'm making it obvious I still have feelings with her, I'm just being myself. And so is she with her dazzling smiles. We're not even near each other for most of the celebration.

It's been three weeks since the whole hunting down a boyfriend for Taylor started, and surprisingly I found a...an okay candidate who happens to be someone I knew back in college. His name is Kyle, he's a surgeon and looks...alright I guess. I don't know. Every guy in my eyes is ugly...only when they're around Taylor and initiating stuff on her.

But Kyle is okay. He's nice to her. They've gone on six dates so far and now a few days ago I told Taylor to take him as her date to Cara's big birthday party.  I'm surprised she invited me but eh...I guess now that Taylor and I are alright, everyone is less uptight.

Even though I had to hide away from the sight of Kyle dancing with Taylor as she laughed. I never imagined it would hurt this much.

And because I'm a petty fuck, I brought Raymona with me. Maybe not as my date, I haven't asked her out yet let alone asked her to be my girlfriend. To be honest, I don't know where this is going, and I feel like an asshole just keeping her wrapped around my finger while not making a move on her already. There were no more kisses after the first two.

That one talk we tried to have, it was awkward as fuck. And she was quiet. That's saying something since it's Raymona. I might have ruined her and I probably owe her so much, but this isn't the right time to talk about all of this.

I look down in attempt of spotting Ray beside me, but she's not there. I stray away from the group of friends I was talking with and look around, frowning when I don't see her right away.

Where did she go now?

I walk over to where Taylor and Karlie are talking with some girls I don't know. I check their faces first, and no, she's not there either. I tap Taylor's shoulder, sort of praying Karlie doesn't notice me.

"Hey, what's going on?" Taylor asks once she turned to me.

"Have you seen Raymona?"

Even asking about her feels weird.

"I think she just went to the bathroom, why? Everything alright?"

I shake my head in dismay. "Just making sure."

I walked away after that, even though I can still feel her gaze on the back of my head. It's a simple gesture, but I don't how to feel about that. And I don't know how I managed to stay away from Taylor this long since we've been in the same room for a few hours, but I did. However, I never stopped myself from looking at her whenever I could. I couldn't help it. She looks gorgeous.

I reach the corner and I slip into the wide fancy hallway before anyone stops me to have a conversation. I feel uneasy just leaving that little girl for five minutes. She's small and could get lost between the crowd easily. Or anyone could take advantage of her.

The more I over think all the possibilities of what could be happening to her, the more worried and anxious I get. I'm practically hitting the floor as I walked timidly and quickly to where the loo is.

My footsteps echo loudly, and I suddenly hear the sound of a door opening. I stop walking for a second, and hear two women's voices echoing in the hallway. Their voices near and I find Selena and Raymona coming out of the right corner at the end.