Harry paced around his bedroom, biting his nails and fidgeting with his fingers. What was he going to do? Why did he have to be so stupid? He slammed his fist against the wall. He knew that night would come back to haunt him, but he never thought it would be like this. That it would be this soon.

He would be able to protect Carter from Lucy, right? That would mean he’d have to be with her 24/7, but that didn’t matter as long as she was okay. But what if he gets in trouble with Tim again and winds up in hospital? Who would protect her then? If he told Liam, he’d just go straight to the police and then Harry would be left alone with the baby.

He doesn’t even know the first thing about parenting! Sure, he’d had young cousins which he played with, but they were always handed back to their parents once they cried o had a dirty diaper. Who could he hand the child if he brought it up on his own. Surely his mum and Robin would help out sometimes, but they’re always busy with work and stuff, so what good would that be?

It was a definite, Lucy couldn’t go to prison. There had to be a simpler alternative, right? And what would Carter say when she finds out? She’s obviously not going to be jumping around with joy, but would she understand? She’s always been an understanding and forgiving person, but I think this may have slightly crossed the line. I mean, she’s barely coping with her daily routine, adding a baby to that surely wouldn’t be good for her health. Of course Harry would want Carter in the baby’s life, but it may be too much for her to handle.

Sighing, Harry stood up and pounded downstairs to be met por his mum. She smiled brightly at him. “HI Harry! How are tu this morning love?” Anne beamed at her son. “Okay I guess.” Harry moped. “How was last night?” Anne quizzed. “Really good. Carter looked stunning.” He told her. “I’m sure she did! Did tu get back late?” Anne asked. “About 12.” Harry shrugged.

“Why was Lucy here? I thought tu two didn’t speak.” Anne furrowed her eyebrows. “We don’t. She just wanted some homework.” Harry stated. “Why didn’t she just call tu then?” Anne tittered. “I don’t know mum!” Harry snapped. Anne looked down at her mug of tea. “I’m sorry mum. I'm just tired from last night.” Harry sighed. “That’s alright love. Why don’t tu go back to cama for a while?” Anne suggested. Just then, Harry’s phone vibrated in his pocket.

From: Carter. Xx
‘Hey Harry :) Is it alright if tu come @ 3 instead? I’m just going shopping with Liam :-* Xx’

To: Carter. Xx
‘Yeah sure babe, see tu then beautiful :-* X’

“Yeah, I’ll go to bed. Sorry again mum.” Harry chimed. His mum hugged him tightly before he went upstairs. Maybe a bit of sleep would do him good. It would help him figure out what he was going to do.

* * * * *

2 hours later, Harry opened his eyes and hopped out of bed. For a moment he forgot about the situation he was in, but not for long. He soon remembered the painful decision he was about to make. Wincing slightly, he padded into the bathroom and took a quick shower. Afterwards, he got changed into something comfortable. He then shrugged on a chaqueta and headed out the door. He had a big decision to make, and he had to think of not only himself, but Carter and the baby too.

Tapping lightly on the door, Harry waited patiently for someone to answer. He had previously noticed that Liam and Louis’ cars were gone. When nobody answered, he turned the handle and stepped inside. There was an eerie silence in the house, causing a shiver to travel up and down his spine. Harry tip-toed slightly for a moment, before walking slowly upstairs.

He opened the door of Carter’s bedroom and peered inside. Carter was sat on her bed, listening to música and studying as she had a lot to catch up on. Her long brown hair fell perfectly on her left side and it was complimented well with a pretty white flower. She didn’t have much make-up on, but it’s not like she need any.

She was the image of perfection. How could Harry let someone like her go?

Carter looked up, her lips curving into a smile when she saw Harry. She unplugged her earphones and closed her book before standing up and grinning widely at Harry. “How did tu get in?” she quizzed. “Er your door was open.” Harry chuckled, cracking a small smile. “Niall must’ve been the last person to leave then.” Carter giggled. Harry shuffled from foot to foot.

“So… I've got ‘Just Go With It’ and ‘Life As We Know It’. They’re both Rom-Coms but I figured that you’d probably fall asleep anyways and – Harry?” Carter paused once she noticed that Harry’s attention was somewhere far. “Oh… I-I-I… Erm… Sorry.” Harry mused, looking up at Carter. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a fresh bruise on Carter’s neck.

“H-How did tu get that?” he questioned. “Oh… Er… I bumped into Lucy when I was waiting for Liam in town.” Carter bit her lip. “She hit you?!” Harry’s voice rose slightly. “Relax Harry! It’s not a big deal. She didn’t hit me, she shoved me and I fell. It’s my fault really, I’m so clumsy.” Carter chuckled uneasily. Harry ran his hands through his hair.

He knew what he had to do, No matter how much pain it caused both him and Carter.

“Harry, are tu okay?” Carter asked. “We need to talk.” Harry sighed heavily. “Um… sure.” Carter smiled, shuffling onto the bed. Harry sat on the edge uncomfortably. “What’s wrong Harry?” Carter questioned.

“I think we should break up.”

Carter froze and slowly faced him. “… What?” was all she managed to force out was a mere whisper. “We need to break up.” Harry repeated. “W-Why?” Carter inquired, flabbergasted at Harry’s words. Harry kept his eyes on the floor. “I-I… I just think we’re drifting apart.” Harry lied through his teeth. He had no other choice.

“Oh no… This is all my fault, isn’t it?! With my anorexia and the depression... The mood swings and refusal to eat... It’s obviously putting loads of stress on you! Harry, please! I’m so sorry.” Carter pleaded. “It’s not that-” Harry began, but he was soon interrupted. “Harry, I promise I’ll be better! I’ll force comida into me no matter how much it hurts and I’ll make myself get better with the depression. I-” Carter rambled.

“It’s not that Carter.” Harry told her. “Then what is it?” Carter whispered, choking back her tears. Harry sighed, before turned towards her. “Lucy’s pregnant.” He spoke. “You cheated on me?” Carter croaked. “N-No! It was before we were together Carter, I promise.” Harry assured her. “Then what’s the problem?” Carter quizzed. Harry shifted uncomfortably. “… Harry?” Carter chimed. “We can’t be together Carter.” He mused. “B-But Why?” Carter asked. “I can’t tell you.” Harry said. “I don’t understand… I thought everything was fine?” Carter queried. “I thought so too! You’ll be better off without me anyways.” Harry retorted.

“How can tu even say that Harry?! tu know that if it wasn’t for you, I’d be dead a long time ago.” Carter stated. “Well I’m the one that caused your depression! And tu were so distracted por me getting stabbed that tu didn’t eat and developed anorexia!” Harry argued. “That’s not why I developed anorexia Harry.” Carter remarked. “Then why?” Harry quizzed.

“I starved myself so I could be más like Lucy.” Carter looked at the floor, ashamed. “Why would tu want to look like her?!” Harry inquired. “Because she’s so pretty and skinny! I thought that you’d get bored of the same old thing so I starved myself.” Carter bit her lip.

“You thought I’d get bored of you?” Harry narrowed his eyes. Carter nodded slowly. “How could tu even think that?!” Harry exclaimed. “I-I-I don’t know. I was paranoid I guess… And now that you’re leaving me for Lucy makes it a whole lot worse.” Carter told him. “Carter, I swear, I’m doing this for you. I can’t see tu get hurt.” Harry spoke. “But I need tu Harry! I can’t live without you.” Carter whispered.

“You can Carter, trust me. You’re going to get past your anorexia and depression and be as happy as ever, I promise!” Harry shot a re-assuring smile in Harry’s direction. “I can’t do it alone.” She croaked. “You won’t have to babe! Liam and the boys will be with tu every step of the way!” he told her. “But tu won’t be.” Carter chimed. “Carter, if I could do something about this I would, but I can’t. I do amor you.” He said. “No tu don’t! If tu did amor me tu wouldn’t be leaving me for your new family!” Carter screamed. “Carter, I’m doing this to protect you!” Harry yelled. “How is leaving me to be with someone else protecting me? You’re just hurting me more!” Carter wept.

Harry bent down in front of Carter as she sat on the edge of her bed. Carter refused to look at him, and avoided his gaze at all times. Harry raised his hand to her face, and caressed her cheek softly, wiping away her tears.

“Carter, tu are the most amazing girl I have ever met. You’re funny, smart, clumsy, cheeky and most of all, beautiful. You’re the only person I’ve ever loved and the only person I will ever love. I wish I could stay and take care of tu like I promised, but it’s not possible. I can’t watch tu get hurt. It’ll tear me apart. You’ll be fine without me, okay? I amor tu más than anything in the world.”

Carter gazed at Harry deeply, her brown eyes piercing though him like a knife. It felt as though he had been stabbed several times in the chest and that his corazón had been ripped out. As he stared at her immensely, all he could see was pain in her eyes.

The same pain he felt when he saw Carter and Niall kissing.

The same pain she felt when she lost her best friend.

The same pain he felt when he hit Carter for the first time.

The same pain she felt when the boy she loved bullied her every day.

The same pain he felt when he though she was gone.

The same pain she felt when she thought he was gone.

Harry pressed his lips against Carter’s. Her perfect touch made it all the harder for him as their lips moved in sync. He cupped her face in his hand while she laid her hand on his chest. Electricity ran up and down their spines and mariposas erupted in their stomachs. Their passionate kiss felt just as amazing as they’re first, and they never wanted to let go. But they knew that this would be the very last time.

When they broke apart, Harry immediately pulled Carter towards him, wrapping his arms around her. She nuzzled her head into the crook of his neck. Her breathing was raged, her body was shaky and her skin cold. He tightened his grip on her waist and held her más securely. His glorious scent lingered on his camisa, camiseta as Carter closed her eyes in his arms.

“Please don’t leave me Harry.” Carter pleaded, clutching onto his hoodie tightly. Harry knew he wasn’t able for this.

“I can’t do this to you.” Harry stated, pulling away from Carter. “W-What do tu mean?” For a moment Carter’s corazón lit up. She though this meant he didn’t have to leave her.

“I amor tu Carter, just remember that, okay?” Harry told her, before leaving the room.

Carter tried to call him back, but it was no use. He was gone. And this time she knew it was for good.

* * * * *

“CARTER! I’M HOME!” Liam yelled from downstairs, but instead of a reply, all Liam heard was an eerie silence. Frowning, Liam jogged up the stairs to find that Carter’s bedroom door had been locked. But Liam had learned from reciente events and had gotten himself a spare key. He got the key out of his pocket and unlocked the door before stepping inside.

There he saw his sister sitting on her bed, cuddling into her almohada with absolutely no expression on her face whatsoever. “How come your door was locked?” Liam asked. Carter shrugged in response, staring into space. “Where’s Harry?” Liam quizzed. “I don’t know, it’s not like I care anyways.” Carter retorted. “Gone? What?” Liam had a very confused look on his face. “We broke up Liam.” Carter said.

“WHAT?! WHY?!” Liam exclaimed. “I don’t know.” Carter’s voice cracked in the middle of her sentence. “You mean he dumped you?!” Liam yelled. “Yeah, but-” Carter spoke, but Liam was too worked up to listen. “Don’t tu dare try and make up excuses for him Carter! I warned him not to do this to you!” Liam roared.

“But Liam-” Carter tried to argue, but he was having none of it. “Where is he now?!” Liam inquired. “I-I-I don’t know.” Carter stuttered. Liam paused, seeing that his sister was clearly upset. “Look babe, I’m sorry. The boys will be inicial soon, so just hang on ‘til then, yeah?” Liam dicho in a soft tone. “Where are tu going?” Carter asked quietly. “To teach that fool Harry a lesson.” Liam chimed.

“N-No! Please Liam, don’t bother!” Carter pleaded. “Carter, I’m not just letting him get away with this.” Liam retorted. Carter put her head in her hands. “I’ll be back soon, okay? Please don’t do anything stupid while I’m gone.” Liam begged before tip-toeing out of the room and shutting the door slightly.

Harry sat on the edge on the bridge, looking down at the river before him. It was a long way down. The impact of his body hitting the water would surely kill him, right? Maybe he should slit his wrists and then jump, to make sure to get the job done.

He always had a fear of dying, ever since the fuego at Carter’s house. That thought him that anyone could die, anytime, anywhere. But now, here he was. Preparing to jump to his death. What had his life come to?

He loved Carter too much to leave her, but he couldn’t see her get hurt either.

Taking a deep breath, Harry glanced down at the river underneath him. This was it. He leaned adelante, hacia adelante slightly. “Don’t tu dare jump off that bridge Styles. I’m not done with you.” Liam’s voice echoed across the street. Harry looked back at him before shaking his head and turning his attention to the river once more. He leaned adelante, hacia adelante again and jumped.

segundos later, Harry noticed that he wasn’t dead in a river. In fact, he hadn’t even touched the water. He seemed to have stopped and was now dangling in mid-air. Gazing around him, he saw Liam staring down at him, holding the capucha, campana of his jumped tightly. “Let go Liam!” Harry ordered, trying to wriggle out of the older boy’s grasp.

“I’m not letting tu be so stupid.” Liam spoke between gritted teeth as he hoisted Harry up onto the bridge. Harry rose to his feet, looking Liam straight in the eye. Liam shoved Harry to the ground in a fit of rage. “What the fuck Harry?! How could tu do this to here?! She loves tu Harry, and this is how tu treat her?!” Liam yelled. “N-No! It’s not like that!” Harry objected.

“You were the one who caused all this in the first place! If it weren’t for tu Carter would be happy! And tu promised you’d take care of her!” Liam roared. “You don’t understand Liam!” Harry said. “What do tu mean I don’t understand?!” Liam exclaimed. Harry stood up slowly, avoiding Liam’s gaze.

“L-Lucy’s pregnant.” Harry stuttered.

Blood boiled inside Liam’s body. He lunged towards Harry and punched him in the face. “So tu cheated on her?! I always knew tu were a piece of scum Styles. And to think I ever classed tu as my best friend!” Liam shouted, shoving Harry against the wall. “Liam, please, just let me explain.” Harry begged. Liam stared at Harry for a moment, before releasing his grip on him.

“You’ve got 30 seconds.”

“Lucy called over this morning and told me that she was pregnant. I was convinced it was Tom’s but she knew the exact fecha and everything. But I swear it was before me and Carter were together. I can promise tu that!” Harry spoke.

“Then why do tu have to leave Carter? Can’t tu just support Lucy and the baby?” Liam quizzed. “That’s what I said! But Lucy wants the baby to grow up in a proper family, not a broken one.” Harry told him. “That’s a load of bullshit!” Liam cursed. “I know! I tried talking her out of it, but she dicho that if I didn’t break up with her, she would-” Harry paused, not wanting to finish the sentence. “She would do what Harry?!” Liam questioned.

“She’d kill Carter.” Harry croaked.

“What?! S-She can’t do that! tu honestly don’t believe that Harry, do you?!” Liam shouted. “Liam, she’s almost killed Carter before! She knocked her down for god’s sake! I wouldn’t put it past her to do it again!” Harry chimed. Liam froze unable to move. “… Lucy was the one who knocked down Carter?!” he screamed. “I-I-I thought tu knew!” Harry stammered. “No, I didn’t Harry! We need to go to the police!” Liam panicked.

“And what are they going to do Liam? DO tu really think they’re going to lock up a pregnant woman when we’re got absolutely no proof? Carter doesn’t even remember the crash, and there are no other witnesses!” Harry pointed out. “You’re right.” Liam sighed.

“What am I going to do Liam? How the hell am I going to raise a child?” Harry put his head in his hands. Liam exhaled loudly, sitting down beside Harry. “Don’t worry Harry; you’re going to be a great dad. I can tell.” Liam smiled. “You think so?” Harry raised an eyebrow. “Of course.” Liam chuckled. There was silence between the two for a moment.

“Wait, if tu left Carter to protect her, why are tu trying to kill yourself?” Liam inquired.

“Leaving her is harder than I thought. I can’t live without her Liam.” Harry let the tears fall freely down his face, something he rarely did.

“Harry, tu kill yourself today and I guarantee tu that Carter will be dead por siguiente week.” Liam mused, and Harry knew he was right.

“Then what am I going to do Liam?” he said. “I think tu should break up with her. If it means the two of tu will be seguro then it’s for the best.” Liam told him. Harry nodded, even though inside he was dying of heartbreak.

“Why haven’t tu gone to the police about Tom Harry? tu could get him sent down!” Liam queried. “It’s not that easy. Tom will just tell them about what I did to Carter and she’ll get dragged into this mess.” Harry told him. “So you’re not going to press charges because of Carter?” Liam quizzed. Harry nodded. There was a short silence. “You’re a good guy Harry.” Liam smiled, Harry returning one.

“I better go Haz, I need to see if Carter’s okay.” Liam said, getting to his feet and helping Harry up after him. “So, what about school and stuff? Is Carter going to be well enough to go?” Harry asked. “I don’t know… We’ll see how she is in a couple of weeks.” Liam hesitated. “And what about me and you? Can we hang out anymore?” Harry questioned. “I don’t think so Harry… I can’t do that to Carter.” Liam shook his head. Harry gazed at the ground, shuffling from foot to foot.

“Well I guess this is goodbye then…” Harry choked back his tears, not wanting to make a fool of himself in front of Liam.

“Yeah I guess… Bye Harry. See tu around.” Liam forced a smile, also trying to hold back his tears.

Harry put his hand out for Liam to shake, but instead Liam pulled him into his embrace, hugging him tightly.

Both boys had been through a lot together, and even though they’ve had their fair amount of bust-ups, there was no denying that at the end of the day, they will always be best friends.

* * * * *

Liam opened the front door and stepped inside. There he saw Niall, Zayn and Louis sitting on the bottom of the stairs. Once their gaze met Liam’s they rushed towards him. “Liam! What’s wrong with Carter?! When we came inicial she started freaking out because tu were going to hurt Harry o something! Is she okay?! What happened?!” Louis panicked. “I’ll explain everything in a while, where is she?” Liam asked. “Upstairs. She locked herself in her room.” Niall said. “I’ll be down later guys.” Liam told them before jogging up the stairs.

Reaching for his key in his pocket, Liam unlocked the door and it creaked open. He looked inside and saw Carter curled up in the corner of her room, tear stains down her face and blood all over her wrists. Liam edged slowly towards his sister, bending down when he reached her. “Carter, wake up.” Liam whispered, shaking Carter lightly. Carter’s eyes opened and she stared at Liam.

She moved away suddenly. “L-Liam! Where’s Harry?! Did tu hurt him?!” She exclaimed. “NO I didn’t Carter, don’t worry.” Liam re-assured her. “So he’s really gone, isn’t he?” Carter looked down. “I’m afraid so… I’m sorry babe.” Liam spoke softly. “It’s okay, I’m fi-” Carter was unable to finish her sentence. She burst into tears. “Carter, it’s gonna be fine, okay? We’ll get tu through this.” Liam promised. Carter wiped the tears out of her eyes and rested her head against the wall.

Liam picked her up in his arms and laid her down on the bed. She was getting blood all over her duvet but that wasn’t exactly important at the moment. “Thanks Liam.” She smiled bravely. “No problem babe. I’ll be back in a second.” He whispered. Carter nodded and closed her eyes.

Liam went downstairs to the cocina and poured himself a glass of water. Gulping it down, he skipped back up the stairs. Just as he came to Carter’s room, his phone buzzed in his pocket.

From: Danielle. Xx
‘Hey Liam! I was wondering if tu wanted to do something tonight? ;) Xx’

Liam bit his lip while gazing at the screen. He then looked in at Carter in her bed.

To: Danielle. Xx
‘Sorry Danielle, I can’t :( Something came up, maybe another night? Xx’

Liam turned his phone off and shoved it in his pocket. He then stepped into Carter’s room and got into the cama beside her. Pulling her close to him, she cuddled into his chest. Usually he would jump at the thought of going out with Danielle, but today, he just couldn’t do it to Carter.

He knew that she needed him.

* * * * *