Layla
Lights are flashing absolutely everywhere. I smile graciously for the photos, walking down the red carpet, grateful once it's finally over and I'm granted access into the widely known after party. The film festival was a huge success, bringing about the stars from all around the world, making it the biggest turnabout to date. I'm thrown into immense and boisterous conversation with fellow actors and actresses, sipping on a glass of golden champagne, remembering the last time I enjoyed its spectacular taste. Many are genuinely curious and interested in my upcoming project, providing me with the advice and confidence to keep me motivated and head strong. The music pouring into the art gallery is subtle and enjoyable as many appetizers are passed along on silver trays.
I find Ben, Xavier, and Mia once they step inside into the colorful party, greeting me warmly as we share congrats on a potentially successful motion picture. It's been a difficult journey, putting myself out there, wanting to better improve my talents and abilities. For I didn't want to disappoint anyone. I didn't want to disappoint my passed father as I remember the good times we shared, even though they were shortly brought to an end. But, I've learned that life is filled with short moments, yet every living moment is a beautiful moment. Every person that enters your life is put there for a reason; wanting to provide adventure and color into the midst of all the grey. So, I'm grateful for my past and excited for the future.
I've learned through the many obstacles to love myself wholeheartedly. I won't be and will never become broken. I'll continue to strive for greatness and search for happiness. I'll always search for the presence of a dazzling and mighty rainbow after the ending of a great storm. Some marvelous spicy cheese and chips are tasted as we chat about summer plans and love affairs. I converse, excusing myself briefly to grab some fresh air. The exit of the gallery provides access to a private dock that's surrounded by a glistening and tranquil ocean. Small and quiet waves crash and dance together as the moonlight reflects its strength down upon the water. Admiring the view, I rest by the dock, looking up at the sky, remembering all the good times and the bad that was brought before me in lovely Cannes.
I spend some much needed time here, wanting to be alone with my thoughts before I'm thrown into the hustle and bustle. I needed this moment to remember him and the beautiful smile he wore the other day on our surprise encounter. He was so dashingly perfect, mending the final pieces of my heart with his very presence. And I truly do hope that he's happy and one day will forgive me. For I'll always love him. My heart will always beat faster for him. I hold back the tears, knowing the consequences of the past should be kept in the past. I can't dwell on what could or should have been. I let him go so he could sparkle.
But, when I turn away from the moon and the stars, I find a serendipitous rainbow in the night sky. He walks towards me, hands stuffed in the pockets of his stylish black suit, nerves on the horizon as he focuses his attention and hesitant smile upon me. That smile is intended for me. A true and honest smile. When I don't utter a word, flabbergasted at his presence, he speaks, not caring for the silence in the least.
"I promise, I'm not following you," he teases, fighting a smirk that hopes to join us.
"No?"
"Absolutely not."
"Then what are you doing here?"
"Wanted some fresh air. But it looks like you've stolen my spot."
"This is your spot?"
He walks closer and closer, allowing the smell of comforting home to fill the broad air. "Very much so. And I'm not one to typically share."
He takes another step, careful not to fall into the ocean as the boardwalk can be rather slippery. If only he could feel how fast my heart is racing right about now. I love him so much it consumes me greatly. I wonder if he still feels the same. I wonder if he still looks up at the sun and remembers me. I wonder if I still remind him of those little blue birds or sweet lyrics. I wonder if he's passed his heart onto someone else like I had hoped for him.
I have so many tempting questions for the man of the hour, however as sparkling and bright fireworks fill the sky, it takes us both for surprise. For he winces, losing control and balance, unable to stop as he falls into the sea. I reach for his hand, gaining hold, completely and utterly speechless as he laces his with my own. Unfortunately, this takes us both into the curious water. It invites me in, but in the best possible way as I rise up to the shore, witnessing him do the very same. We're both soaked completely, remaining inside, thinking if we should be upset or amused. He frowns, scrunching his brows together as droplets of water roll down his face as he spits the salty taste out of his mouth. His frustration turns into concern which turns into humor as all three emotions race back and forth between us.
"Are you okay?" He asks, not too worried for my safety and well-being once I begin to share a carefree laugh under the moonlight. He tries to withhold joining me, providing an embarrassed shake of his head. "Do you find me funny, hmm?"
"Absolutely hilarious."
He splashes a great deal of water in my direction, forcing me to do the challenging same. This banter continues for a brief amount of time, until it's quiet and it's just me and him in the water, overlooking the moon and the stars. He's so beautiful, always enchanting those around him. We swim to the nearby shore safely and in one piece. However, instead of going inside to dry up, we decide to sit on the warm sand by the seashells, tracing their path and location. It's been far too long. It's been so long since I've seen this much color and light. The fireworks in the sky are no match for him.
"I'm sorry for ruining another one of your dresses," he shyly admits, meeting my gaze.
"Don't mention it. Although, you do have a little bit of seaweed in your hair," I say, not being able to stop myself as my fingers find home within his curls. I toss the memorable tokens of the water back into the ocean, trying not to think about how soft and wonderful he feels. Before I can pull away, he takes my hand in his, holding it, not ever wanting to let go as I attempt to catch my breath and control the pounding in my chest.
"Layla..."
"I should go."
When I rise to my feet, he does the same, following behind, stopping me in my tracks with such powerful words. He's magnetic and I'm incredibly drawn to him. Nothing and everything has changed. "Please, don't walk away from me, not again," he says.
"Harry, no, please, don't."
It's so strange hearing his name roll off my tongue so naturally. He's so naturally radiant and I'm so naturally in love with him. "No, I will. I have to say this or I'll spend my entire life regretting it."
"There's nothing more to say."
"There's so much more to say. I have spent over a year, trying to convince myself to move on. I have spent months, pretending that you don't love me and that us being apart is for the best."
"You know why we can't be together."
He walks forward, holding both sides of my face in his hands, just like he would always do. He's so familiar as my heart is practically leaping for joy at his mere presence. But, my feet want to run, to escape, to protect us both from another inevitable heartbreak. Yet, I don't find the willpower to walk away from him. Not again.
"I see every reason as to why you're the one for me. I'm standing here telling you in a ruined suit that no other man will ever love you as much as I do and I'll never be able to love another. Layla James, I know you're trying to protect me. I know you think this is for the best, but I don't. I think you're wrong. Do you hear me, you're wrong. We've accidentally walked into each other's lives too many times to think it's a coincidence."
When the bittersweet tears do fall, I decline him, knowing I'll melt if he does kiss me. I can't take it back if I allow myself to fall. "Nothing has changed, you know that," I say. "I still can't ever create what you should have in your life."
"Look me in the eyes and tell me you don't love me. If you don't, I won't bother you again. I'll take the first flight out of Cannes tomorrow morning. Just please, please, tell me how you feel. If it's another man who has your heart..."
"There's no other man. There's never been another man for me Harry." The steps that remain between us are evaporated into thin air as he smiles brightly from ear to ear, hearing what I can no longer deny. "I love you Harry Styles. I've loved you since the moment I set eyes on you. From the time you stole my suitcase and then my heart, you are all I've ever dreamed about. I fell in love with you two years ago in Cannes. And because I love you, I only want what's best for you. It's all I've ever wanted."
He wastes no time, pressing his sweet mouth onto my own, awakening all my senses and the desire I've secretly tucked away. Gingerly, he gifts me with a passionate kiss that would put all romance novels to shame. For our love story is the greatest to ever exist. The love we share can conquer all. We shine brighter together. We compliment each other in the best possible way. I taste champagne and the sea on his tongue, never wanting to give him up, never wanting to share this moment with another. I find home in his arms. I find everything I could ever hope for in his eyes. He's the greatest adventure of all. Loving him is the greatest adventure. We share a laugh, uncertain about what tomorrow may have in store for the two of us, but sure in this picture perfect moment.
We're just two love birds, flying higher and higher in the sky. And as vibrant and dazzling fireworks continue to fill the sky, I have the most powerful lights of all. I've found him once more. We've found a way back to each other, despite thinking it's best to be apart. And in the moonlight, I notice the nostalgic golden rose pendent around his neck, reminding me of another magical time. Being with him feels like magic.
"Do you want to get out of here?" He questions, offering a hand.
Standing in a soaked dress that once was so incredibly elegant, I accept without another thought. "Where did you have in mind?"
He shrugs, grinning beautifully. "Anywhere. Absolutely anywhere, doesn't matter."
With a nod, he guides me forward, neither of us caring for who may see or what conversation it may spark. None of that matters anymore. For we found love in the least expected of times. We found each other in the process, realizing that we're stronger and bolder together. Because that's the thing about serendipity, it's the most wonderfully, perfect accident. You meet someone who could quite possibly change your life, let you see the world in ways you never thought imaginable. You find yourself lost in the scenery that is the other's view on the world. You find yourself lost in them.
But that's not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, we have to be a little lost to find ourselves. We have to always seek adventure, crave to discover new lands, have a thirst to be wanderlust. Now I know that he's right. I was wrong. For nobody will ever love and adore him the way that I do, that's the truth. And as we approach his car, he tosses me the key, ignoring the flashing lights of the paparazzi, focusing on me as I eagerly get behind the wheel, providing life to the engine. We don't mind where we're going nor do I care to find out as a simple joyride through the tranquil streets with him by my side is all I need. Driving off, I look his way, earning a impressed and hopeful wink as I steer us into the unknown. Tomorrow is another day that we'll surely conquer as it's one small step at a time to reach tranquil bliss.
One of my absolute favorite chapters to write—hope you all loved it!! Brace yourselves for what's to come...this story isn't over just yet. Please vote and comment your thoughts!!
Also please check out the prologue to my new HS story called Pigment. Please let me know if it's worth continuing!! xoxo