Lights, Camera, Harry // l.s.

Chapter 22

What the hell is going on today?

Why was he nice, civil even?

Why was he looking at me like he was studying me?

Where was Charl when I needed her?

WHAT THE FUCK!

I slammed my hands down into the steering wheel in frustration.

This was so unfair.

He was screwing with my head. He treated me so badly that my illusion of him was shattered and instead, I grew a dislike for him.

Always scared, always waiting for the next attack.

I shook my head and took a few deep breaths, calming my erratic heartbeat.

I reached for my coat, pulled my phone from the pocket and dialled Charl's number.

I needed her, the Louis drama was through the roof.

And on top of that, it wasn't like her to just ditch work.

Something was definitely up with her.

I pressed the phone to my ear as the dial tone filled my ears.

"Hi, you've reached Charlotte Little and I either don't want to talk to you or I'm busy. Sorry. Deal with it or call back later. Bye!"

I laughed at her adorable message before trying again.

And again.

And again.

By the third time I was really worried.

I had no idea what was going on with her but I knew it wasn't good.

She always picked up my calls.

I put my phone in the drink holder beside me and started the car.

As I drove, I tried not to think about it but it kept stirring in my head.

When I pulled up to her building, I practically flew out to the door and raced up the stairs.

I pressed every buzzer at the door until one opened, allowing me through the security door and inside.

I tried to be calm, but even as I walked up to her door, it felt like something was off.

I had a bad feeling about whatever was going on.

I slowly brought my hand up to the door and knocked.

Then I waited.

There was no answer.

I knocked again, this time more forcefully.

Still, no answer.

"Charl?" I called through the heavy wood.

I pressed my face up to the door to try and hear something, anything.

I heard a scuffle and what may have been a sniffle.

"Charl?" I repeated. "Are you there? It's Harry."

I definitely heard footsteps that time, thought I wasn't sure whether they were coming or going.

"Charl?" I tried yet again. "I don't know if you can hear me, but I just came round to see if you were okay. I was super worried about you today... Can you at least let me know that you're okay?"

I waited a second, pausing just a little.

"I need to know that you're okay." I added in a small voice.