Midnight // h.s.

chapter 22

chapter 22

-Harry’s POV-

The hum of the car’s engine and the clink of my car keys hitting each other accompanied by the radio playing create the soundtrack to our trip. Ellie’s sitting next to me, looking out onto the Portland landscape. The leaves are beginning to turn brown and gold as fall slowly rolls in. She seems engrossed in her thoughts, her eyes darting back and forth trying to absorb the passing scenery. And goddammit, she’s biting her lip; my favorite of one of her many habits. It’s driving me crazy, almost enough distraction to pull my clouded fucked up head away from the thought of Gus and his unexpected arrival.

I had no intention to ever see the guy again, the shitty part of my life that included him ended around when I turned 18. But his presence reminds me of those dark days that brought my family pain, and, for myself, huge drug-induced highs. Ellie’s drumming her fingers to the music on her leg and the small movement brings me back to reality. I need to guarantee Gus will remain out of my life and more importantly, out of Ellie’s. Unfortunately, she fucking knows the guy. If only Ellie knew the full extent of Gus’s evil intentions and what, or rather, how much I owe him. His notorious drug dealing status and puppy-dog groupies are threat enough to get me to somehow pay him back without my parents or Ellie figuring it out. As much as I never want to see the guy again, I know that I will be talking to him sooner or later.

If only Ellie knew who her brother, Will, really was. She would be destroyed. She’s too fragile and naïve. I doubt she would even believe me if I told her that Will was an up and coming drug dealer on campus. He got involved with Gus and his crew and got drawn into the idea of easy money, popularity, and free drugs. Will obviously must have been a good liar because it seems that Ellie and her dad think Will was the golden boy. Sure, he could keep his grades and responsible reputation up around those who mattered, but when it came to dealing and getting high, Will was on top, or getting there at least. I met the guy a few times, but I doubt he would remember me. I never really made the connection when I first met Ellie that they were siblings. I didn’t know his last name was Hall. I know Ellie should know, but I’m avoiding the truth as long as possible. Telling Ellie who Will really was when he wasn’t around her would reveal a part of me and of Will that I know she wouldn’t like.

What worries me the most of Gus’s unwanted presence is the threat he so wickedly gave me. All I remember was the most sinister voice whispering into my ear at the Waffle House, “If I don’t get the money, I’m going to make sure your little girlfriend Ellie gets hurt. Badly.”

If we weren’t in a public place and I wasn’t standing in front of Ellie protectively, I would have punched the guy right there. Although I have been in my fair share of fights, and admittingly get a good rush out of them, I knew I wouldn’t have been able to take Gus and his friends.

Ellie must sense the tension in my jaw and see my knuckles turning white from gripping the steering wheel to contain some of my rage because she says, “Harry, I thought we were forgetting what happened back there. Stop radiating anger, it’s messing with my mojo,” she giggles.