Chapter 27: Bonding

Harry POV: 

Song- Broken Arrow: The Script

My mind was all over the place right now between work, Whitney, and the sounds that appeared to be growing louder with each and every step. Too loud for a typical hotel anyways.

"Can you carry this?" Whitney asked causally, holding out her phone as we walked down the corridor. She looked excited, perhaps even as much as I, adding in an extra bounce to each graceful step.

"Of course," I responded, slipping it into the front pocket of my grey jacket.

As we turned left into the lobby way it suddenly all made sense to me. I had suspected this but it must have briefly slipped my mind that a day off for me meant nothing to them.

Lined outside the hotel revolving doors, one standing by the check-in desk, another sitting in the sofa in the middle of the room, there was no possible way to avoid them all. 

Instinctively I reached for Whitney's hand, her fingers effortlessly falling into the spaces between mine.

That managed to trigger the flashes in an instant. All directions, even through the tinted glass windows that lined the entranceway.

"Are you okay?" I asked in a worried tone, hastily turning to check on Whitney.

Her grasp tightened around my hand, sapphire eyes staring deep into mine. "With you by my side I am."

I couldn't help but grin at that, "Just follow me and don't let go. Okay?"

Whitney nodded before whispering, "Never."

Hand in hand we made our way through the chaos, the way I so desperately desired to back at the airport, together.

Except this, this was much worse then any sort of paparazzi Whitney has encountered thus far. Therefore I was worried for her sake, but she seemed to be taking it rather well. 

I still made sure to glance over at her every couple of paces though, our eyes meeting just long enough to evoke a reassuring smile, her hand squeezing mine appreciatively.

My eyes were unadapted to the rapid change in light but between it all I was able to distinguish a black SUV pulled around front, similar to the one that drove us to the hotel. Whitney must have saw it too for she increased her pace as did I.

All the meanwhile as we made our way through the crowd I keep my tight grip on her hand. It seemed like it took us forever to reach the vehicle, even though it was no longer than a minute before we were settling back into the leather seats, letting out a harmonized sigh of relief at last.

I broke the silence first.

"I'm really sorry-"

Whitney placed her hand on my knee as if to stop me, I met her gaze as she spoke.

"It's not your fault Harry."

Despite her words I couldn't help but feel somewhat responsible.

"So you're okay, like really okay?" I questioned, moving my palm from her knee to mid-thigh as I awaited her response.

Whitney's eyes trailed outside as we pulled from the curb, turning back to me before asking.

"That depends..."

"On?" I prompted.

I could detect the worry in her tone, "Will they follow us?"

"At first maybe-"

She frowned.

"But there's a decoy vehicle that should lead them to the venue instead. One of the tricks that they can't help but fall for every time." I responded as the last of the flashes ceased and we were locked away to the confines in the back of the taxi.

Her lips slowly curved up into a smile of relief, placing her palm above mine which now rested directly on her thigh.

"Good." She mumbled as her thumb trailed across my knuckles. They were still scattered with bruises but slightly less purple than the day prior. Her touch sent a warmth through my chest almost instantly.

I trailed my eyes over her sapphire ones which were gleaming into mine ever so piercingly. Then ever slowly to her right shoulder where her hair was gathered in front, the waves descending mid-torso.

As they rose back to her lips I spoke my thoughts aloud, "I really want to kiss you."

She glanced down at the floor, "Won't they see?"

"Tinted windows..."

Our eyes locked, almost as if to wait for the other to make the first move, to see who would give into their desires first.

It turns out we're both stronger than we thought for neither of us did. The rest of the car ride was spent with nothing more than thoughts of doing so.

But deep down I knew that alone was driving her crazy too.

And before I knew it we had arrived. 

_  _  _  _  _

As we walked along the wide stone path rumbling grew louder, our attention was drawn to our right just as a roller coaster emerged from the top of the volcano, spiraling into a corkscrew so fast that by the time I blinked it was already descending down a twisted loop.

I shot a glance at Whitney as she attempted to follow its path, though as unsuccessful as I.

"You’re afraid of roller coasters aren't you?"

She remained silent so I quickly added, "I caught a bit of what you said earlier and then there was the look on the face when I pointed out some in the brochure before we left and now..."

"I am," Whitney mumbled while fidgeting with her nails.

"Would you be willing to try?"

"I-I don't know Harry." Whitney responded nervously.

"For me?" I asked, loosely gripping her small hand.

She glanced back up at the roller coaster before us, "Maybe..."

I pulled her body towards mine so I could whisper in her ear, "I'm afraid too."

Her sapphire eyes beamed into mine, clearly surprised.

"Really?"

I nodded before running my fingertips down her right sleeve, "It could be something we overcome together."

"We'll when you put it that way I guess it doesn't sound so bad."

I couldn't quite contain my excitement, "So is that a yes than?"

"One condition."

"Anything." I confirmed.

"I get to pick which one," Whitney stated with a smile.

"Done."

I released my grasp around her body and pulled the folded brochure out of my tight back pocket before handing it over. Her wide eyes scanned the map, occasionally glancing up and twisting around in an attempt locate them in the park and determine which one was which.

After a minute or two I curiously questioned, "So what have you chosen?"

I followed as she pointed to one located on the other end of the park before I burst into a fit of laugher.

"You’re kidding right?"

Whitney gave me a doubtful glance, "Kind of..."

"I don't think that qualifies as a rollercoaster."

"Hey it's called the Kiddy Coaster it totally counts." Whitney stated defensively.

I shot her a doubtful glance.

"Okay, how about the Vortex?" Whitney said in a more serious tone.

"The red one over there?" I asked while pointing just to our left at the steel coaster. It was more of what I imagined she would choose. The park didn't have any beginner coasters in her defense, well besides the 'Kiddy Coaster'. But this one had three loops and a few corkscrews, topped off with a spiral vortex that was the focal point of the ride.

She nodded.

I gripped ahold of her left hand, "Okay let's go."

"Wait no-now?" Whitney stammered.

"I mean the lines will probably be outrageous later," a smirk spread across my face, "you know since I don't get celebrity privileges or anything."

Whitney rolled her eyes playfully, "Okay let's go then."

I tightened my grasp around her hand.

"Together." I spoke to myself, but Whitney must have caught it for out of my peripheral vision could see the corners of her mouth pull up before she mouthed back to me...

"Together." 

*   *  *  *  *

Whitney POV:

Song- Lost With You: The Heyday

What the hell did I just get myself into?

"So these things are safe right because I remember the first time I got on a wooden one with Maddz I swear the bar was loose. I mean of course they checked it beforehand but it shouldn't lift up a half a foot! Well I'm glad it's not a stand up one, wait have you ever rode one of those before? No never mind you said-"

Harry started chuckling and it wasn't until I looked to my left that I realized he was laughing at me.

I shot him a glare which made him quickly withhold his amusement.

Harry then grinned, "Nervous?"

"I'm guessing my rambling gave that away?"

"Just a little..." Harry said sarcastically.

I frowned.

Harry peered up from our intertwined hands, emerald eyes meeting mine as he spoke. 

"It's really cute though. I've never seen you talk so much before."

"You say that now but just wait until I'm screaming in your ear." I informed him before letting out a giggle.

"Perhaps I'll scream with you so were even," Harry said playfully nudging my arm.

I beamed back at him before by attention was drawn back to the line where another train was being boarded. The wait sign said five minutes but with less than twenty people in front of us we were sure to catch the next one.

Butterflies grew in my stomach, unfortunately none of the heartwarming kind. Only those that left me feeling scared out of my mind.

"I can't do this," I mumbled to myself.

"What did you say?" Harry inquired.

I twisted around to glance behind us. There were now twice as many people in line as before. Great, there may not even be a possible escape route.

My hands began to shake uncontrollably, my voice coming out equally unsteady.

"Harry I can't-"

His warm expansive palm encompassed mine, gently tugging me around so we were now facing each other. Green eyes locking with mine as he spoke.

"We can."

"No I really-"

"Babe you have nothing to worry about.”

“What if I pass out or something?”

“I'll be right next to you the whole time. Together remember?"

"You don't understand though!” I shouted, lowering my voice to a whisper before admitting, “I'm scared Harry."

Wait.

Shit.

My heart froze as the sound of the breaks echoed through the air, followed by the next red train slowing to a halt moments later. My mind went in to panic mode as the passengers began to stand and exit the gate on the opposite side.

Harry squeezed my hand which was now more like spazing then shaking. His left one moved to my back and began to circle in-between my shoulder blades, "You'll be fine. I wouldn't ever let anything happen to you Whit."

I concentrated on his soothing movements which contradicted my racing heartbeat. I forced myself to glance up at the first loop which only made matters worse. It was one thing to look at but knowing that in a matter of minutes I would actually be on the ride...

"Whit?"

I snapped out of my daze to see the bars lift for boarding.

"Do you trust me?" Harry asked.

My response didn't require a second thought, "Yes, of course I do."

Harry looked deep into my eyes, his words sending a chill through my body.

"Then show me."

I was looking for ways to do just that but, like this?

There had to be another option.

Who am I kidding?

I'm stuck in line and there is only one direct path.

The ride.

Which just so happened to be a rollercoaster that went at least 60 MPH.

I squeezed my eyes shut trying to wake up from the nightmare.

But then I would be too lucky because this right here is my reality.

I nodded in defeat, shuffling my feet as slow as possible while Harry moved by my side.

Looks like I'm overcoming my fears, even if I die trying.

I'm pretty sure these things can actually cause heart attacks. Is it even possible to be this nervous? For your heart to beat so fast that the span of time in-between...

"Whit."

...each pulse is diminished to the point where it is now unrecognizable.

"Whitney."

Oops so much for not rambling, well at least Harry didn't have to suffer through that one.

"I asked where you want to sit." Harry stated after waving to catch my attention.

My eyes quickly scanned the available seats.

First row?

Haha yeah right.

Last row?

Nah I heard that was as bad as the first.

"The middle?" I asked, glancing up at Harry to make sure he was okay with it before I took a seat.

He gestured for me to go in first, "If that’s where you would like. It’s up to you babe."

As I cautiously stepped into the cart I heard a snicker from the seat behind me. To my surprise Harry shot them a disapproving glare before sliding into the seat beside me.

His hand instantly found mine and for the first time since the morning I felt comforted, secure by his side as the bars were lowered. The feeling radiating through my fingertips were his hand contacted with mine as it slowly eased through my bloodstream until it calmed my heartbeat.

With his other hand Harry rattled the bar which didn't budge a centimeter.

"See we're not going anywhere." 

“Thank goodness,” I said slightly relieved.

“Whit?”

“Mhm,” I hummed while biting my bottom lip nervously.

Harry’s tone was serious, more so than ever before. “I meant what I said earlier, I’ll scream with you.”

I glanced over at his emerald eyes but it wasn’t until now that I remember I wasn’t alone. That we shared the same fear which meant this anxiety I was feeling, he felt to. The part of me that wanted to shove back through the line moments ago, he secretly thought about but suppressed so I wouldn’t be as worried.

So in conclusion…

I am scared.

Harry?

He’s scared and brave.

I envied him for that.

His hand enfolded with mine as the sound of the brakes lowered beneath us. I gripped back for dear life, literally.

“I trust you.” I whispered to Harry.

Between the thudding of my heart and the instant the words left my lips, I got a glance at his heartwarming smile that set me at ease, my words perhaps making him slightly more relaxed, just in time as the ride took off up the lift.

As the sound of the chains raddled below us I traced my thumb over Harry’s wrist, meanwhile his index steadily stroked across my knuckles as we continued to ascend.

My throat caught in my stomach as we were drawn over the peak, now at least a hundred feet in the air with nowhere but down to go.

Everyone on the ride began to shout a countdown as we approached closer

5!

Fingers that were holding me together

4!

Days I’ve spent with him in this beautiful town.

3!

Seconds until I plummet down this hill.

2!

People that would grow stronger from this experience.

And only, 1!

Guy that I trusted enough to keep me safe as we accelerated at lightning speed.

Screaming at the top of our lungs,

Together,

Because we wouldn’t have it any other way.

*  *  *  *  *

As I stood from the ride I could feel my mind still spinning from the loops, the corkscrew that seemed to go on endlessly, and that spiral segment that I actually somewhat enjoyed. Well minus the stomach dropping feeling that came along with it.

“You okay babe?” Harry asked in a worried tone.

“A bit disoriented,” I confessed.

Harry gripped his left arm around my back as he guided me down the exit ramp, his digits resting firmly on my side.

"I'm really proud of you Whit."

His smile grew contagious within an instant I was beaming back at him.

"I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks for not letting me run back out of the line." I said giggling. Now that would have been embarrassing, more so than my hesitant actions to get on in general.

"Anytime."

Harry peered up from the ground as we reached the bottom of the ramp, emerald eyes meeting mine as he spoke. 

"So I was thinking about something low key next. How about the boat ride along the river?"

"That sounds wonderful." 

“C’mon it’s this way.” Harry said as he led me off to the right.

It may sound stupid but even through that simple movement I could feel a difference, more in sync than ever before.

Fears are meant to be overcome with those we care for.

That one experience is a type of bonding that can’t be found anywhere else.

To fully put your trust in someone,

Have them go through the same thing at the same time,

That’s really special.

*  *  *  *  *

Harry POV:

Song- Turning Pages: Sleeping At Last

I kneeled down to help steady the boat as Whitney stepped in first. Followed by myself moments later after she took a seat on the bench in the middle. I sat across from her where the oars rested to either side.

“Will it just be you two?” The main on the dock asked.

“Yes, thank you.”

Whitney gave me a doubtful glance, “Your steering this thing?”

I shrugged, “They usually drift on their own pretty well but I’ve had some practice”

“Oh reallyyy?” Whitney inquired doubtfully.

“Year eleven camping trip.”

“So you’re like a pro right?” Whitney asked while playing along.

I shook my head yes before chuckling under my breath while gripping ahold of the oars, rowing the boat backwards.

“Just keep an eye out for any ducks I may run into.”

“You better not hit any!” Whitney shouted.

“I see your love for ducks hasn’t changed either,” I chuckled.

“Nopee.”

"We'll feed them when we get done here then?"

"Yay!" Whitney smiled with contentment.

“So the rollercoaster was okay? I hope I didn’t pressure you to-” I asked, changing the subject a minute later.

“I’m actually kind of glad I tried it. Besides the plummeting of my stomach it wasn’t all that bad.”

I looked up from the lake to meet her gaze, “You get used to it.”

She nodded with a small smile.

"So ready to go on another?"

"I think one was enough for today," Whitney giggled.

“Fair enough.”

.  .  .

We both absorbed the view as I steered us to the middle of the river, letting go of the oars so we could drift until we floated under the arched walkway bridge that was a few feet away.

Whitney twisted the ends of her hair, the wind picking up slightly.

I ran my fingers through my disheveled curls in an attempt to tame them as best as possible. "So earlier I never got to finish explaining…”

“Explain what?” Whitney asked.

“That I'm afraid too."

"I know. You told me earlier you were afraid of rollercoasters, remember?"

"No, well yes but-"

I decided to try again.

"What I meant was...I'm afraid of how fast I'm falling for you."

"Really?"

I swept my curls to the side anxiously, "It's just never been so easy before. Being with yo-"

"Harry..."

"-and I have never been drawn to anyone the way-"

"Harry."

"-I am to you Whit-"

"Harry!

I looked over to Whitney, realizing I had been to consumed in my own thoughts to catch her the first time, or the second.

"Sorry babe, what did you want to say?"

"I just wanted to get you quiet for a moment so I could do this...."

"Do what?"

Right as the words left my lips my question was answered in an instant. Whitney slid her hand out from under mine, wrapping it behind my neck so her fingertips brushed my curls as she crept closer.

Inches.

A mere centimeter.

Until out lips met at last.

With my eyes shut I used my sense of touch to maneuver my hand gently around her left side, pulling her in closer.

And damn was I falling.

The tingling sensation upon my lips as they moved in sync against hers, unrushed. The way it felt to have her body next to mine, comforting. The nerves bundling in the pit of my stomach for when we would inevitably depart from this embrace.

I skimmed my teeth over her bottom lip, running my tounge across until hers parted at last. It was new to me. Sure I've kissed a fair share of girls before but Whitney was different. With her the physical attraction had an incomparable fire behind it, but was somehow shared with the most gentle of kisses so I got that feeling in my chest everytime.

This one in particular was far more powerful than the rest, as I had expected but never to this degree. I had never admitted this to Whitney but that morning I found out about her and Andy all I could think about was kissing her not being the same anymore.

Worried she would feel a detachment.

That the spark wouldn't be as strong.

But the increasing span of time was perhaps the cause of this.

Or maybe it was just that I was falling...

Like never before.

For Whitney is now my everything.  

_ _ _ _ _

Whitney POV:

Words can't describe what it felt like to kiss Harry again. Everything he told me last night I finally understood because, I felt it.

It was on an entirely different level. Forget being ten times as strong, this was a hundred and then some. His lips caressed mine so perfectly I could taste the passion radiating from the sweet contact we shared.

Sometimes actions speak louder than words.

They convey feelings that are inconceivable.

How two hearts begin to become one.

All the meanwhile falling for the boy who had my heart a long time ago.

Harry.

Edward.

Styles.

And he doesn't even know just how hard.