Dr. Styles

Chapter 1

"Congratulations, graduates!" the announcer shouted with a smile. Toga hats were all thrown in the air and everyone clapped with joy.




"Congratulations, Valerie!" We're officially nurses!" Valerie's best friend Megan said and hugged her tight.
"Congratulations to you too, M! We're not nurses yet though, we still have a board exam to pass!" Valerie answered and Megan rolled her eyes.
"Well the point is, we graduated! Finally!" The both jumped in sync.
"Congrats, babe!" Megan's boyfriend Zayn said behind her with a bouquet in his hands. She smiled and gave Zayn a tight hug and quick kiss as she accepted the flowers.
Valerie went over to her family and they congratulated her.
"I'm so proud of you, honey!" her mom Janet said and kissed her on the cheek. Everyone else gave her more hugs, kisses and handshakes.
"Alright, enough of this. I'm hungry! Let's go eat dinner!" Valerie's little brother Conor said and they all laughed.

Chapter 2


"Head's up!" Zayn shouted at their friend Niall as he kicked the football really far.
"What's wrong with you, man?! I can't run that fast!" Niall shouted as he crossed his arms. Zayn, Megan, and Valerie laughed.
"Sorry, mate! I'm not good at this sport!" Zayn shouted back still laughing. Niall shook his head and walked towards the ball to get it.

"So when's the board exam again, V?" Megan asked as she flipped through the pages of the latest Vogue magazine while laying on the field grass.
"In a month. Have you even started studying?"
"Sort of. I've re-read a few chapters of my science books. You?"
"Yeah a bit. I'm so nervous, I want this job so bad!"
"Psshh, you're included in the top 10, miss Valerie Carter!"
"That doesn't matter, miss Megan Edwards!" They both laughed at the way they had to state their full names at each other. Zayn and Niall approached them to ask if they're hungry.
"I wanna eat at Nando's!" Niall said in an excited voice.
"We always eat at Nando's because of you, Nialler." Megan said and patted his head like a puppy. Niall gave her a look and furrowed his eyebrows.
"In a good way! Come on guys, Nando's it is!"



"What do you guys want to order?" Zayn asked.
"The usual. We'll all have what Niall will have." Valerie answered and patted Niall's shoulder. Zayn nodded and started ordering.
"Where's Alice? Haven't heard from her all day," Megan asked Niall.
"Oh, she's busy at work. I called her earlier and she told me to pick her up before 8."
"Wow, demanding girlfriend?" Valerie joked.
"Nah, I like the fact that she's the boss." Niall said. Megan and Valerie nodded. The food was served and they started eating.

"What time is it?" Niall asked.
"7:30." Zayn answered looking at his watch.
"I gotta go, guys. My lady will be waiting at the coffee shop near her office. Bye!" Niall wore his jacket and waved goodbye.
"My lady?" Valerie whispered and they all laughed.

Chapter 3


"2 days... I can do this!" Valerie thought to herself as she pointed at the huge calendar behind her bedroom door. The date was encircled with a red marker so she won't forget about the exam. She sighed and closed her eyes before walking back to her study table. Her phone rang as she sat back down.
"Hey girl, what's up? Why aren't you studying?!" It was Megan on the other line.
"I was! But I decided to browse through a few job websites and found out that Holmes Chapel General Hospital is looking for new nurses! That hospital is damn high class, V!"
"Honey, we haven't even passed the board exam and you're already looking for a job?"
"Well, of course we gotta start early somehow! You'll never know we might get the job!"
"Can we talk about that after the exam? I have to study, I'll call you tomorrow okay?"
"Fine. Talk to you soon, V. Good night!" After they hung-up, deep inside Valerie felt excited and nervous at the same time but couldn't figure out why. She shook her head and started studying again.

"Cerebral hemisphere, Thalamus, Hypothalamus..." she read trying to master the parts of the brain which was literally making her head hurt. She gave up and decided to go to sleep.




Chapter 4


Valerie's alarm clock beeped at 6am. Finally the day of the exam, she thought feeling nervous.
"Good morning, honey! You ready for the test?" her mom asked as she poured a some juice in her cup and placed her breakfast on the table.
"I think... I don't know." Valerie answered.
"You can do it, sis! I know you can!" Conor sneaked up behind her and tickled her.
"Stop it! Thanks bro" she said as she caught Conor's hands to stop him from tickling her.



"Hey, M! You ready?" Valerie met Megan and Zayn in front of the building.
"Uh, next question please!" Megan joked.
"You'll do great, babe. I'll pick you up later. Call me after the test." Zayn said and gave Megan a quick kiss.
"Oh, do you wanna ride with us later V?" Zayn asked.
"I brought my car, no worries." Valerie answered and waved at him.


"The exam will start in a few minutes, everyone." The proctor announced and there was silence in the room. Megan and Valerie wasn't taking the test in the same room so Valerie had no one to talk to. Megan texted Valerie "Geez, people in here are too serious. It's worse than a library in here!" Valerie covered her mouth to stop herself from laughing and texted back "Same!" was all she could text because the exam was about to start.




"So, how was it?" Zayn met the girls at the parking lot and wrapped his arms around Megan.
"It was... Okay... Average..." Megan sounded unsure.
"Except for the Chemistry part. I hate that subject." Valerie said and Megan nodded.
"The Biology part was easier," Megan added.
"Well I'm sure you'll pass!" Zayn tried to convince the girls to lessen their nervousness.
"I need a cup of coffee. Let's go to Starbucks." Valerie said and sighed.



Chapter 5


"Valerie!!! Valerie wake up!!! Valerie Leighton Carter!!!!" Megan's loud voice mail woke up Valerie at 7am on a Saturday morning.
"What do you want, Megan?" she answered grumpily in a low and sleepy voice.
"WE PASSED THE EXAM!!!!" Megan shouted. Valerie's eyes widened a huge smile formed on her face.
"Really?! You're not kidding, right?!"
"Of course I'm not! I checked my e-mail this morning and read the results! Oh, and sorry I had to hack your account as well..."
"I don't care if you hacked my account! I just need to know if it's true!"
Valerie grabbed her laptop and opened her e-mail at once. Her jaw dropped as she read the words and finally believed that she passed the exam.
"Yes!!!! WE DID IT MEGAN!! WE PASSED!!!!" she shouted as tears fell from her eyes and started jumping on her bed. Her mom peeked through the door to see what was happening.
"Mom! I passed the exam!!! Look!"
"Congratulations nurse Valerie!!!!" her mom said as she gave her a tight hug. Hearing her say "nurse Valerie" was a great feeling and she couldn't be happier.
"Party at my place tonight!" Megan shouted through Valerie's phone.



Valerie arrived at Megan's house and heard loud music coming from her backyard. As she entered, everyone saw her and shouted "Congrats Valerie!!!" she flashed a huge grin and Megan hugged her. Niall, Alice and Zayn walked towards them and they all hugged.
"Nurse Valerie and nurse Megan. I like it!" Alice said and winked.


"Thanks for tonight, Megan! Congrats to you both!" Niall said and shook their hands before leaving. Alice waved goodbye and gave a flying kiss before closing the door.
Megan and Valerie sat down on the couch, tired but still feeling happy.
"So... Holmes Chapel General Hospital?" Megan asked and winked.
"I already got my resume!" Valerie joked and smiled.



Chapter 6


"Earth to Valerie!" Megan shouted.
"What?"
"You should just chill, V. We can do this!"
Valerie started biting her nails as she walked around the hospital lobby. Megan just flipped through the pages of a newspaper she found on the small table across her.
"Miss Valerie Carter and miss Megan Edwards?" a voice spoke from behind them.
They turned around and saw a curly-haired boy with green eyes and a perfect white smile.
"Hi, I'm Dr. Styles. I'll show you the way to Dr. Wilson's office, the head doctor," he said and showed the way. Valerie bit her lip and thought about how Dr. Styles could be a doctor but he looked too young.


"Good morning, ladies. I'm Dr. Wilson, head doctor of Holmes Chapel General Hospital. Have a seat."
Dr. Styles smiled one last time at the girls and left.

"So I reviewed your resumes and I was quite impressed by both of you. Miss Carter, I've read here that you're on the honor's list?"
Valerie nodded nervously.
"And Miss Edwards, your recommendation form signed by your Chemistry teacher said that you're a very fast worker. Very good!"
Megan flashed a smile and nodded once.
Dr. Wilson looked at the papers again and returned it inside the envelopes. He stood up and shook Valerie's hand, then Megan's as well.
"Congratulations, nurse Carter and nurse Edwards. You got the job!"
Their jaws dropped and huge grins formed on their faces.
"Thank you so much, Dr. Wilson! You have no idea how much this means to us! Thank you, thank you!" Valerie said in excitement.
"Yes, thank you! We won't let you down! This is our dream job!" Megan added and shook his hand again.
"I believe that you ladies have potential, and don't worry, you'll be training with the best doctors. Work starts tomorrow at 8am sharp. Don't be late!"
"Yes sir!"





Beep! Beep! Valerie stopped at Megan's house to pick her up.
"Hey V! Can we grab some breakfast on the way? We ran out of eggs this morning. My mum ate the last one."
"Sure thing. We'll pass by at McDonald's."



"Good morning, Dr. Wilson." Megan greeted as she opened his office door.
"Good morning, nurse Edwards and nurse Carter. Are you ready to train? You'll be staying for the night."
The girls nodded in sync and Dr. Styles entered the room.
"Ah, Dr. Styles! Perfect timing! These are the new nurses I hired: nurse Carter and nurse Edwards."
"I've seen you both yesterday, right? Nice to meet you again." Dr. Styles answered and shook their hands.

Dr. Styles showed Valerie and Megan around the hospital. "And this is the locker room. You can get your uniforms in locker 16 and 17." Dr. Styles said. Valerie nodded and smiled and hopefully she thought he understood that it was a simple thank you.

At lunch break, the girls sat at the cafeteria full of doctors, nurses and few visitors.
"This place is huge! I've never been in here," Megan reacted.
"I've been here once, when my brother was born. I honestly don't remember the place because it was so long ago. And this is quite far from home." Valerie said and bit her ham and cheese sandwich.
"You're right. A 30-minute drive every other day off or something? It's gonna be hard."
"Hi! You must be the new nurses?" A voice suddenly spoke and a red-haired girl sat beside them.
"I'm nurse Moore. But you can call me Brie." she said and offered a handshake.
"Hi, I'm Valerie Carter and this is Megan Edwards. Nice to meet you Brie." Valerie said nicely. A few other nurses came to their table and they all introduced themselves. Valerie and Megan started to feel comfortable around them already and the day was going great.




"Ah, there you are nurse Carter! I need you to assist me in room 117. Are you good with children?" Dr. Styles asked as he was checking the clipboard he was holding.
"I guess so... I have a little brother, hopefully that's enough experience." Valerie said.
"Good to hear, then." Dr. Styles smiled a little.

"Hi, Frankie! I'm Dr. Styles, and this is nurse Carter." he tried to greet the blonde boy sitting on the bed as friendly as possible. He started checking his pulse rate while Valerie was trying to distract him.
"You know, I beat my brother and his friends on NBA2K12! No joke!" Valerie said with pride.
"Seriously? You're so cool! Can you please be my sister!?" the boy joked. Valerie saw a smile form on Dr. Styles' face while writing on the papers attached on the clipboard. His eyes met Valerie's eyes and she blushed, feeling a little embarrassed that she still plays video games.





"Good job on your first day, ladies. I'm proud of you!" Dr. Wilson greeted Valerie and Megan, passing down the hallway where a few nurses and doctors were sitting down.
"You guys wanna go get coffee or something? Starbucks is just around the corner, we can chill there for a while." Brie suggested. They all agreed and removed their white coats and nurse's uniforms and wore their jackets.

The other nurses were talking at the other table while Dr. Styles, Brie, Valerie, Megan and a few others sat on the table across them.
"How long have you been working at the hospital, Dr. Styles?" Megan asked.
"Call me Harry," Dr. Styles suddenly said.
"Oh okay then. So Harry, how long have you been working here?"
"This is actually my second year as an intern," The girls nodded. Brie leaned on Harry's shoulder and kissed him on the cheek.
"And we've been together for a year," Brie whispered and winked. Valerie frowned a little, but couldn't figure out why.




2am and everyone was resting in the spare room of the hospital. The boy nurses were fooling around, throwing the basketball-shaped pillow across the room.
"I didn't know he wasn't single." Valerie whispered.
"Who? Harry?" Megan asked and Valerie nodded.
"It's just that he didn't act like he was in a relationship at all, it's just weird."
Megan's phone rang and saw that it was Zayn checking up on her. She tapped Valerie's knee and stepped outside to take the call. Valerie sighed and still had that strange feeling inside her.


Chapter 7


"So where are you from, nurse Carter?" Harry asked while he was checking his paperwork, and Valerie was washing the lab tools.
"I'm from the city. It's quite hard living there and I have to travel here in Holmes Chapel every day off or so..."
"Have you ever thought of moving in town? I can help you find a place here." Harry suggested.
"Really? You wouldn't mind?"
"Of course! I'll take you around the city on our day-off, you can ask nurse Edwards to come too."
"And uh... You can ask Brie to come, I guess?" Valerie asked awkwardly.
"I don't think so. She hates apartment hopping."
Valerie nodded once and continued washing the tools. She still hasn't figured out why their conversations become awkward when talking about Brie.





"Welcome to Holmes Chapel, ladies!" They drove around the town in Harry's car and searched for apartments.
"This looks great!" Megan shouted pointing at the bare walls of the 3rd apartment they saw.
"Yeah, it does. And it's only about 10 minutes away from the hospital. Very convenient." Harry said.
"I like it, I really do." Valerie said quickly and clapped her hands.
"Oh look! There's a park nearby as well! I can take my nephews here some time!" She added as they all looked out the window. They walked towards the park to check it out. There wasn't any children when they came, so they decided to fool around and play like 5-year olds.
Valerie ran to the swing and held on tight as Harry pushed her. Megan was trying to cross the monkey bars across them, but she suddenly stopped. She crossed her arms and sat down, looking closely at them. She tilted her head a little and smiled. She realized Valerie had a different look on her face. She hasn't seen that expression in years. She looked extremely happy. Maybe it was the adrenaline rushing through her, or she just felt that comfortable around Harry.

"I never had this much in like, forever!" Harry said putting his hands under his head laying on the grass.
"Me too, I feel young again!" Valerie joked and they all chuckled.
"I'm glad I met you," Harry whispered and looked at Valerie. Megan raised an eyebrow at Harry.
"I meant the both of you! I'm glad I met you and Valerie, miss Megan!" Megan chuckled and messed up Harry's hair.
"Well, we're glad we met you too, Dr. Curly" Megan said sarcastically and laughed again. Valerie just smiled and bit her lip.



"So what do you think about the apartment? Are we taking it?" Megan asked.
"Yeah, it's really nice. I'll call the former owner and we'll move by next week?" Valerie answered and took out her phone. Megan nodded.

"Valerie? I have something to ask you." Megan said in a low voice.
"What is it? If it's about Zayn's hair again, I can't help!"
"Hey! His hair is awesome! I told him to keep it that way. But seriously, V. Uh... You and Harry have been really close for the past few weeks. Do you... I mean..."
"Do I what? We're close friends, that's all." Valerie lied.
"Whatever you say, girl."
Valerie rolled her eyes. What have gotten into Megan to ask such a thing? She thought to herself.



Chapter 8

"I need some advice. If I ask Heather out, you think she'll go out with me?" Ian, their fellow nurse, asked as they ate their lunch at the cafeteria.
"Well, we can't really answer that. You'll have to find out yourself." Megan replied.
"Okay, so describe me then. You think my personality is enough for her?"
"Yeah, I guess so. You're nice and funny." Valerie said.
"Really? You think so?"
"No, I was joking. Your pick-up lines need some updating, man!" They all laughed and Ian crossed his arms and pouted like a kid.
"Hey guys, what's going on?" Harry said placing his tray on the table.
"Where's Brie?" Valerie just had to ask.
"Assisting Dr. Wilson at surgery. They just started so it might take a while." Harry answered.
"Anyway, we were giving Ian some advice about the ladies. Particularly miss brunette over there." Megan secretly pointed at the other table.
"Well, Dr. Styles. Do you have any advice?"
"Uh, act natural? I'm not really good at this stuff."
"Maybe what Harry's trying to say is, you should be yourself around her. Try to get to know her more, and if you feel that she might be interested, give it your best shot. If she refuses, then it means you're not meant to be. Simple as that." Valerie explained. Harry looked at her and smiled sweetly, impressed by her advice.
"Oh, and you should avoid the pick-up lines, dear. I don't think she can handle that." she added and everyone chuckled again, including Harry.





"Drive safely, sweetheart. I love you." Megan said to Zayn during their conversation on the phone.
"Where is he going?" Valerie asked.
"He's going to DJ at this club on Friday. I'm not familiar with the place, but he said it was far."
"He's leaving tonight? It's raining hard."
"He has to be there early because of reservation issues."
Valerie nodded and continued replacing the bed sheet with a new one.

"Nurse Valerie, I've heard you're good with kids. Can you help me out?" an intern, Dr. Georgia interrupted.
"Yeah sure. See you later, M."

"Have you ever assisted in surgery?" Dr. Georgia asked Valerie.
"No, this will be my first."
"Oh okay, then. The kid's sort of paranoid and we can't calm her down."
"I'll take care of this, Dr. Georgia."
Valerie wore the scrub suit and and entered the operating room. She saw Harry inside, about to do the surgery.
"I can't do this! I want my mommy! Get me out of here!!!" the young girl shouted trying to escape from the table.
Valerie moved beside her and whispered, "imagine that these doctors are clowns, and all they're going to do is tickle you. Wouldn't that be awesome?"
The girl giggled, "that is sorta cool. Clowns can be so funny."
"Uh-huh, wanna hear a joke? What day is most hated by fish?"
"What?"
"Fry day" the girl giggled harder.
"I like you, can you take care of me after my operation?" she tugged on her scrub suit and smiled.
"Of course, now let's get these clowns tickling you so we can eat ice cream after."
The doctors all smiled at Valerie and put the girl to sleep.
"Good job, nurse Carter." Harry whispered and tapped her shoulder.





"Has anybody seen nurse Edwards?" Valerie wandered around the lobby, stretching her arms out because she was tired from surgery.
A loud bang of the entrance doors opened and a patient was rushed into the emergency room. Megan came running through behind them and hugged Valerie, crying hard.
"Megan, what happened?! Who was that?!"
"It's... Zayn! He... He... He lost control of the... Car... and crashed...." Megan was panting.
"Ssshhh." Valerie held her tight and rubbed her back.
"Everything will be alright. It's okay, Megan. I'm here."


2 hours, which felt like days of waiting at the lobby. Megan was curled up at the corner of the couch, her eyes were tired but couldn't fall asleep. Harry and Brie sitting across her and Valerie was leaning on the wall, biting her nails.


"He's alright. He just had a minor cut on the forehead and a broken arm. But he's fine." Dr. Wilson explained to Megan and Zayn's parents. Megan sighed in relief and placed her hands on her face.





"I'm staying with Zayn for a week, or until his arm is fully healed." Megan told Valerie, packing her bags.
"Oh okay then. I try to call you everyday if I could, M." They hugged and Valerie helped her bring the luggage to her car.
"See you soon. If you get a boyfriend, make sure to tell me first!" Megan joked and started the engine. Valerie waved one last time at Megan and she drove away. As much as she didn't want Megan to leave, she knew she cared about Zayn and just wants to take care of him. Valerie sighed at the empty street and wrapped her arms around herself and went inside.



Chapter 9


"I hate math, where the hell is the calculator?" Valerie asked computing the paperwork she was holding.
"In the left drawer near the computer." the accountant said also computing some paperwork.
"This is your job, Paige! You know I suck at this!" Valerie joked and leaned her head on the side of the table.

"Hey hey hey Valerie! Got a second?" Harry suddenly said and flashed a huge smile.
"You do know that other doctors can actually hear you calling me by my first name right? What's up with you, Styles?"
"Come here! I wanna tell you something!" Harry jumped and grabbed Valerie's hand. Valerie just realized how soft his hands were, she shook her head and focused on what he was going to say.
"I'm getting married to Brie"
Valerie's mouth hung open but before she could speak Harry broke her off. "Well, not yet. I mean, I still haven't asked her.... So... Uh... Can you help me out?"
"Uh, how?" Valerie said awkwardly.
"I don't really know how to tell her. I want it to be special."
"Well, take her to dinner and propose!"
"Too common! We need a better plan!"
"Do you even have the ring yet?"
"No."
"You can always use the iron ring at the lab. And there's an iron ring stand to hold it too!"
"Shut up, Valerie!" Harry chuckled and hit Valerie's arm gently.
"Fine, I'll help you." Valerie finally said even if she didn't want to. Harry grinned and hugged Valerie tight.
"Thank you so much!"



Valerie laid on her bed, her arms under her head thinking about Harry's favor. She hated the fact that she couldn't say no to Harry. So maybe Megan was right, she did sort of like Harry as more than a friend. But that was all it was ever gonna be. Just friends. She was sad thinking about it, and she'll even get more depressed once she starts helping him planning his engagement proposal.
Her life was a mess.




"So how about you take her to the carnival, then ride on a ferris wheel and propose?" Valerie suggested. They were literally at the carnival. Holmes Chapel sets up this huge carnival every Christmas season.
"That way she couldn't say no!" she joked.
"You are the meanest person I've ever met!" Harry said.
"Hey, I'm not mean! I'm trying to help you out here, Styles!" They laughed as they walked towards the bump cars line. They gave each other a look, "You're on!" Valerie shouted as she ran to the line and pulled Harry.


"That was unfair! You and that blonde boy hit my car on both sides!" Harry said.
"It's not my fault you're such a bad driver!" Valerie answered and giggled.
"I bet you a 100 bucks that I can drive better than you," Harry said protesting.
"Well surely I'm better at bump cars than you, curly." Valerie winked.

"Oh! I have another idea! Take her inside the haunted house then have one of the monsters hold the ring and give it to her at the exit!" Valerie said.
"Are you crazy, woman?! You'll give her a heart attack!" Harry shouted and Valerie laughed hard.
"Seriously, I think we better get out of this carnival before you come up with another silly idea."
"So where are we going then?" Valerie asked trying to stop herself from laughing again.
Harry smiled and grabbed Valerie's arm. "Come on, I know the perfect place."


Harry parked in front of a building, Valerie looked up to see how tall it was. She wondered where Harry was taking her. "Come on!" he said and grabbed her hand.
They rode the elevator and clicked the top floor. As it opened, they found themselves at the rooftop.
"Wow." Valerie mouthed. Harry pulled her hand again and he laid down on the concrete ground. He told her to do the same. She smiled at the sight of the beautiful stars in the night sky. She'd never seen so many in her life. It was amazing. As Valerie kept her eyes on the sky, Harry glanced at her. Her eyes were twinkling like the stars and her smile was soft. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and she glanced back at him still smiling. She bit her lip and he moved a bit closer.
Her smile faded, realizing how awkward it suddenly felt. She sat up and combed her hair using her fingers.
"Uh, so maybe you could take her to a planetarium or something... Then have people hold out banners with 'Will You Marry Me?'"
Harry sat up and frowned. "Yeah, that would be nice... I guess. I... I better call her" that was the only way to break the awkwardness between them. Valerie sat there in silence while Harry talked to Brie on the phone. She was slightly rocking back and forth, hugging her knees. Harry sighed when he hung-up.
"We better go, it's getting late." he said and Valerie nodded. Harry offered a hand to help her get up. Of course she took it, and as she stood up, Harry kept his hand on hers, their eyes locked on each other. Valerie pulled her hand away and slowly walked towards the door. He sighed and placed his hands in his pockets.


Chapter 10


"Valerie! We're having dinner at my cousin's place this weekend, please come! You can invite Harry and the others too!" Megan said through the phone.
"Sure! That would be great! How's Zayn by the way? Is he alright?"
"Yeah he's fine, we're actually babysitting his little sister right now."
"So you're a babysitter now, M?"
"Just for today! Hey, his mom's gonna pay us!"
"Good for you, babe! Well I gotta go back to work. See you on Saturday!"

"Was that Megan?" Harry asked as he entered the room. Valerie nodded.
"She invited us over to dinner this weekend at her cousin's place. Can you tell Brie and the others?"
"Sounds awesome! Okay, I'll tell them."












"You made it! Hi guys! Nice to see you again!" Megan greeted and hugged Valerie. Harry, Ian and the others stood behind them smiling.
"Thanks for inviting us, Megan." Harry said and kissed her on the cheek.
"No worries, I just miss all of you!"
"Brie will come a little late, Dr. Wilson asked her to do some paperwork." Harry added.


"Mom, these are my co-nurses and doctors," Megan introduced.
"Pleasure to meet you all! Buffet table is at the back." Megan's mom pointed to the backyard and they all walked over. Harry stood behind Valerie with his hand on her back as she lead the way.
"Help yourselves." Megan as she distributed plates to Valerie and the others.


"You have crumbs on your face," Harry pointed to Valerie's cheek and wiped it off.
"Thanks, Harry." she answered in a shy voice and pinched his nose.
"Ow!" he said and pinched her cheek back. They both laughed.
Megan was talking to her cousin but noticed their body language even from afar.
"Do you think they'd make a cute couple?" Megan asked.
"Wait, they're not together? I thought they were! They've been flirting the whole night!" her cousin said.
Megan just smiled and nodded.

Music started playing and people started dancing.
"I love this song! Come on V!" Megan pulled Valerie to the dance floor as Katy Perry's Last Friday Night played on full blast.
Harry stood by the buffet table with his hands inside his pockets, watching Valerie dance. He realized how beautiful she was in that pink dress and white heels she was wearing. Her long, dark hair bounced as she danced and her smile lit up the room.
"Hey, hottie. Wanna dance?" Brie suddenly said behind him.
"Brie! Glad you made it!" he greeted and kissed her gently on the lips. She pulled him to the dance floor and placed his hands on her waist.

Slow music played and the crowd split up to find partners. Zayn tapped Megan's back and offered a hand. Megan looked at Valerie and she nodded in approval. "I'll be by the buffet table, M. Have fun." she whispered.

Valerie sat down awkwardly and watched the crowd sway to the music. She had that warm feeling inside, because every couple on the dance floor was smiling and looking at each others' eyes. But at the same time, she felt alone.
"Hey, V. Would you like to dance?" Ian asked behind her and smiled. Valerie nodded and took his hand.
Valerie eyed Brie and Harry at the corner, their foreheads touched, his hands were firmly holding her waist, and she was smiling. Little did Valerie know that Harry wasn't smiling back.
As Valerie looked away, Harry saw her. Her eyes were sad, and she had an expressionless face. Harry decided to move closer to Valerie and Ian to switch partners.
"May I dance with you, Valerie?" he tapped her back and offered his hand.
"Only if Brie would approve," she said and looked at Brie.
"Yeah, of course! I can dance with Ian."

Harry held on to her waist and she held on to his neck. He felt shivers down his spine as he felt her fingertips slightly rubbing her neck. Harry pulled her a bit closer so their foreheads touched.
"Are you having a good time?" she whispered.
"I am now."
Valerie pulled back and raised her eyebrows at him.
"I am because.... Brie came." he said nervously and bit his lip."
She shook her head and grinned at him.
"Alright."







Chapter 11

"Nurse Carter, can you take a blood sample of Riley Beckham at the waiting area?" Harry asked Valerie.
"Yes, Dr." she said awkwardly and walked away.
Seeing her walk away, her petite figure and long locks swaying behind her.. He sighed as the figure faded as she got further away.
"Guess who?" Two hands covered Harry's eyes and he smiled. He turned around and hugged Brie tightly. She did see him watch Valerie walk away, "Was that nurse Carter?" she couldn't stop herself from asking.
"Uh, yeah. I just asked her to take care of a patient." Harry answered, hoping he didn't get caught staring at Valerie.
"Oh okay, see you at lunch then? I love you," Brie whispered and kissed his cheek and walked to the elevator. It felt different seeing Brie walk away. A feeling that was slightly fading, and another feeling starting to get stronger.




"Valerie! Zayn's mom got me a job at the local clinic, should I take it or...?" Megan said through the phone.
"If that's what you want, M."
"I don't wanna leave you, though. I feel bad."
"No, it's fine! Take the job! It's better if you're closer to Zayn anyway."
"Are you sure? I promise to visit you every now and then!"
"Yes, I'm sure! Say hi to Zayn's mom for me by the way."
"Alright, talk to you soon V!" And they hung-up. Valerie felt bad because she never told Megan about what was actually happening in Holmes Chapel.
She walked back inside the hospital and placed her phone in her pocket. As she walked to the cafeteria, she saw Brie and Harry eating together at the last table. Her eyes were stuck staring at Harry, and he looked back. Those green eyes directly looking at hers, but she forced herself to look away. Harry shook his head and tucked a strand of hair behind Brie's ear.
Valerie wasn't hungry, so she decided to skip lunch and sit by the corridor outside to get some fresh air.

"Hi." a voice said behind her.
She looked back, of course it was Harry.
"What are you doing here?" she asked.
"I'm thinking about buying the engagement ring this Saturday. Can you help me choose?"
Goosebumps triggered on her skin. "...Sure" was all she could say as she looked down.
They heard footsteps coming towards the corridor, "Oh hey guys, what are you doing here?" It was Brie.
"We were just talking about the patient earlier. I'm going to pick-up his x-ray at the lab right now." Valerie lied and hurriedly walked inside. Brie raised her eyebrow, "What was that all about?"
Harry didn't speak and just pulled her to kiss her forehead.






"I really like this one, the diamonds on it are beautiful!" Valerie pointed at the set of rings inside the glass container.
"Doesn't this one look better? There's a pearl at the middle, and Brie loves pearls." Harry said from the other side of the store.
"But you have to think outside of the box! And besides, she'll love anything you'll give her! It's an engagement ring duh?!"
"But still...."
"Geez Styles, make up your mind!" Valerie hit his arm and Harry stuck his tongue out.
"There are 3 stores left on the list, Harry. I'm hungry, can we go eat first?" Valerie suggested.

They sat down at Starbucks and ordered 2 croissants.
"I can tell this is going to be really messy when I bite it." Valerie said cutting her croissant with a knife and Harry giggled. Rain started poring down the window and Harry's eyes narrowed.
"Have you ever been kissed in the rain?" he randomly asked.
"No, I always wanted that though. I find it so romantic." Valerie answered, the side of her mouth full of crumbs. Harry chuckled softly at her face but wiped it off with tissue paper. Valerie blushed, "Uh.. Thanks."
"I wanna be kissed in the rain too, but Brie finds it so lame."
"Really? What's up with her? A kiss in the rain is every girl's dream! Have you watched The Notebook? Oh gosh, I wish I had a love story like that."
"I think I watched half of it with my sister Gemma, but I fell asleep."
"You gotta be kidding me, Styles! You cannot propose to Brie without finishing The Notebook!" Valerie demanded.
"Alright, fine. I'll watch it again. But I'm pretty sure Brie wouldn't enjoy it. She fell asleep when we watched Love Actually!"
"Watch alone then!" Valerie joked.
"No way! I need someone to keep me awake! Can you watch with me?"
"Fine, I'll make sure to give you 10 cups of coffee before the movie starts to keep you awake. Oh, and 1 extra cup to throw in your face just in case you fall asleep again." Valerie laughed and messed up Harry's curls.
"Deal." he said and shook her hand.






Harry knocked at Valerie's apartment door, "Who is it?" she asked.
"Pizza delivery!" he joked.
"Very funny Styles." she said and opened the door. Valerie was wearing a small tank top and short shorts.
"Oh, sorry." she grabbed her sweater and wore it quickly. Harry tried to stop himself from smiling but he just couldn't.
"I'll set up the movie in the living room."
"I'll bring the sodas and popcorn there okay?"
"Okay. The plates are inside the cabinet above the sink." Valerie's voice faded as she left the kitchen.
Harry walked in the living room and saw Valerie sitting on the couch. Her perfect figure sitting down, her feet on top of the coffee table. Harry sat awkwardly on the couch, a bit far away from her. He knew his limits, but he doesn't know how long he could control himself.


"I want all of you, forever. You and me everyday."


Harry found Valerie sniffing and wiping her eyes. He moved in closer to wipe her tears with his handkerchief. She felt his breath on her cheek as he wiped her eyes. She looked up and felt him move closer. She didn't pull back, instead she moved in, her nose slightly touching his.
"I can't..." she whispered and pushed him away gently. There was awkwardness around the room. They were sitting at both ends of the couch.
The credits started rolling, and Valerie finally moved to switch the lights on. Harry was still on the couch, his head down and eyebrows furrowed. Valerie sat beside him, "Sorry..." she whispered. He nodded once, "I gotta go. Thanks..." he whispered back and rubbed her shoulder.
He grabbed his coat and slowly opened the door. He looked back at Valerie and forced a smile.
When he left, Valerie felt like crying again. What happened? She asked herself.
Harry walked through the dark streets analyzing what he felt when their noses touched.

They both knew it was wrong, but it somehow felt right.




Chapter 12


"Okay, Mrs. Jenner, it looks like Gary's going to be alright. He just has a mild fever. Let him rest at home." Harry explained to the patient as Valerie stood behind them looking down and playing with the loose string on her uniform.
"Thank you so much, doctor." Mrs. Jenner said and shook his hand.
"No problem." The patient and his mom left and they were alone in the room. Harry looked at Valerie awkwardly, "About last night...." he started.
"I don't want to talk about it, Dr. Styles." she quickly said. "You have another patient at the lobby. I'll go call her." Valerie added before Harry could speak again. He sighed and leaned on the side of the desk crossing his arms.

Valerie walked towards the elevator with her head down. To be honest, she did want to talk about what happened last night, but just not right now. She liked him, she really did. But it still felt wrong.

Harry felt the same. He was falling hard for her. She was just... Different.

Someone knocked at the door, "hi." Brie whispered and peeked into the room where Harry stood alone.
"Hi." he whispered back.
"You okay? Are you busy?" she asked.
"No, I'm just waiting for my patient. Uh, what are you doing here?"
"I just wanted to see you..."
"Here I am, what's up?" Harry said and placed his hands on her waist.
"Nothing, I just miss spending time with you I guess."
"I'll take you to dinner tonight, if you're not busy. Deal?"
"Okay, deal." they smiled and kissed gently. Harry frowned when Brie left the room. He sort of had this guilt feeling inside him.


"I'm taking Brie out tonight," Harry whispered while Valerie was checking on the patient's pulse rate.
"Oh, great." she said sarcastically.
"Can you at least try and act like you care?" Harry muttered hoping Valerie wouldn't hear.
"What did you say? I do care, Harry!" Valerie said in rage and the patient's eyes widened in shock.
"Why are you yelling at me?" Harry asked.
"I'm not! It's just that I didn't really need to know!"
"I just wanted to tell you! Why are you so sensitive?!"

Valerie shook his and and walked out of the room.

Harry placed his hands on his head and gave a quick tug on his hair.
"You like her, don't you?" the patient suddenly asked and Harry turned to face her.
"I don't know... I have a girlfriend..." Harry answered and sat down.
"And you don't seem happy with her..."
"I don't know what to do anymore..." he whispered with his hands on his face.
"You're not planning on cheating, right?"
"No, of course not."
"Here's some advice: If you're not happy, just leave. Find something or someone who will make it all better."
The patient smiled at Harry and tapped his back.
"Thank you, ma'am." he said and forced a smile.



Valerie sat at the corridor with an expressionless face. She figured Harry and Brie would have been gone by now and are already eating dinner out. The thought bothered her for some reason. This might be the night he'll propose to Brie. Valerie's face started to feel hot. She was hurt by just thinking about it: Harry kneeling on one knee and asking "Will you marry me?" and seeing Brie's face light up and saying yes. It torn Valerie apart and a tear fell from her face. As she wiped it, she realized that she really is in love with him.


"Bye, Valerie. See you tomorrow." nurse Ian greeted and waved at her. The other nurses and doctors in the room waved too.
"Bye," she said in a low and tired voice.

Valerie placed her hands in her pockets, and as she walked down the street, he found Harry's car parked in front of her apartment.


Chapter 13


There was something about the way she looked at him. Whenever he's with her, everything feels alright. From a small spark to a flame, all he wanted was her, to be with her.

He was holding the box where the ring was kept. Rubbing the red, velvety texture between his fingers as memories came crashing through his mind.
He accidentally dropped the box, and the ring fell. He stared as it rolled further away from him, and it stopped as it hit the tip of familiar white shoes. He looked up and found Valerie standing by the door, her hair was messed up and her eyes were tired. She bent down to pick the ring up, but their hands touched it at the same time. She furrowed her eyebrows and gazed at him as he clenched his fist, holding the ring firmly. They stood up slowly, with the ring in place. He cupped her cheek with his other hand, she placed hers on his shirt pulling him closer. He felt her breath on his cheek as she pulled even tighter. He tilted his head and kissed her. As the kiss got more intense, their hands loosened and dropped the ring. His hands moved to the back of her head as hers were placed firmly on his cheeks.

Harry's mouth moved from her lips to her cheek, to her ear, then down her neck. Valerie moaned and giggled softly. She loved the feeling of her neck slightly getting tickled by his lips. But as his lips started moving down, her eyes opened in shock.
"Stop." she whispered as Harry's lips moved away from her shoulder and looked her in the eyes.
"What's wrong?" he whispered back.
"This. Everything about this is wrong." She pulled away and walked to the couch biting her nails.
"I'm sorry. I guess this is... Wrong." he said as he sat down at the end of the couch.
"But it does feel right somehow." he added in a soft whisper and she tilted her head in confusion.
"Valerie, can I tell you something?"
She didn't respond.
"What if... What if I tell you that I've realized some things these couple of weeks... And maybe those things involve you... And me."
Valerie slowly gazed at Harry's eyes, his expression was calm.
"The first time I've met you, the first time I saw you smile at Dr. Wilson's office, I already felt something. When I shook your hand, it's like I've held on to it for so long. The way you talk, the way you randomly say these sarcastic jokes, the way you act around kids and make them feel better, the way you make me laugh even during tough times...."

Valerie's frown turned into a smile as Harry explained.

"I've never felt this way before. I'm in love with you Valerie." Harry finally confessed. He bit his lip.

Her smile faded as she saw the ring on the floor. His eyes followed where she was looking and he clenched his fists.
She quietly stood up and picked the ring up again. She walked over to Harry, forced his hand to open and placed the ring on his palm.
"You have to leave. Please." Valerie begged as tears started forming in her eyes. Tears also formed on Harry's eyes, but he stood up and quickly walked out the door.

Valerie cried as hard as she could and threw the red velvet box at the closed door. She sat on the floor and hugged her knees tight.




Chapter 14


"Dr. Wilson? Is it alright if I work with Dr. Georgia for the rest of the year?" Valerie asked nervously.
"How come? Is there a problem with Dr. Styles?"
"Uh, no. I just... Maybe... I just need more experience... Dr. Georgia's technique is fascinating and I would love to learn more from her."
"Oh. Okay, I'll inform her right away."
"Thank you, Dr."

Valerie left the room and walked through the halls, hoping she wouldn't bump into Harry... Or worse.. Brie.


"Ouch! Can you please be more careful?" the patient complained as Harry tightened his grip on the patient he was examining.
"Sorry," he said.
"Ow! Let go please!"
Harry lifted both his hands and turned around to lean on the table.
"Dr. Styles, is something bothering you?" nurse Ian asked as he massaged the injured arm of the patient.
Harry shook his head and sighed.
"No, I'm fine. I'm just... having a rough week."
"You should go rest, Dr. I'll take care of this."
"Thank you nurse Ian."

Harry placed his hands in his pockets and wandered in the hallway. He stopped in the middle as he saw a familiar figure standing a few feet across him. There stood Valerie, the tension they felt even from a distance was strong and fiery.
The elevator door opened and Brie walked in between them. She saw how Harry looked at Valerie, and she raised her eyebrow. When Harry saw Brie, he shook his head.
"Hi. I'm on my break... I'll treat you to lunch?" he said as he rubbed Brie's arm. He peeked behind her and Valerie was gone.
"Uh okay," she answered.


"So about last week, sorry I bailed on you. Something came up." Harry apologized to Brie after the unfortunate change of events that past night at Valerie's apartment.
"It's fine, I left the hospital late anyway." she said but with an expressionless face.
"Harry, can we talk?" she added.
"We already are."
"No, I mean really talk. Alone. Not here in the cafeteria. Serious talk."
"About what? I don't understand..."
Brie sighed. "I know you understand exactly what I'm trying to say. Can we please have dinner tonight? Don't bail on me again."
"Okay, I promise. I'll pick you up at 8 tonight."








Harry knocked at Brie's apartment door. The door opened and Harry smiled. Brie was wearing a navy blue cocktail dress, with matching black high heels and her hair curled up.
"You look beautiful, Brie." Harry said and kissed her gently on the lips.
"You look fit yourself, Harry." she said as she pulled his necktie down a bit.


As they finished off their meal, Brie held Harry's hand on top of the table.
"Thanks for this, Harry." she whispered.
"Anytime."
"...This might be the last time, though." she whispered again, tightening her grip on his hand. Harry's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"...What?"
"You've never looked at me the way you look at her." Brie tried to explain rubbing Harry's hand. His eyes started to get teary, and he bit his lower lip.
"I love you so much, Harry. But if I can't be the one to make you happy, I have to let you go. She's your happiness now. It does kill me to see you smiling when you're with her, but I've never seen that kind of smile when we're together.."

"I'm sorry, Brie. I love you...." Harry whispered and placed his other hand on top of hers.
"No. You loved me. But you love her. You fell in love with her, and that's fine with me. The pain will take a while to heal, but that's how life is. We had good times. Now go, run after her. I just want you to be happy."

Harry lifted her hand and kissed it as a tear fell from Brie's face. She stood up and pulled Harry in for a tight hug.
"Thank you," he whispered and he felt her nod once.




Chapter 15


Valerie packed her bags as fast as she could. She threw all the picture frames hanging on the walls in a huge box. She was crying hard, and she wanted to leave Holmes Chapel. She couldn't take the pressure anymore, she wanted to go back to the city and find a new job, see Megan, her family and just start over.



As Harry reached Valerie's apartment, he ran towards her door and knocked. He waited, but there was no answer. He looked through the window and saw the place was empty inside. Harry clenched his fists and ran outside, only to find that her car was gone too.
She's gone. Harry sat on the sidewalk and placed his palms on his face. Where would she go? He thought to himself.
His eyes widened. He rode the car and drove as fast as he could. He tried calling her, but her phone was off. He dialed Megan's number, "Where is she? Is she there?"
"....No." that was all she said, then she hung up. Harry refused to believe her and kept driving to the city.

He reached Megan's house and knocked hard.
"What are you doing here? Didn't I just tell you that she's gone?" Megan said in an angry voice.
"So she was here? Where did she go? Please Megan. I need to see her."
"Where's Brie? Didn't you propose to her a few nights ago?"
"We broke up. Megan, where is Valerie? Please." Harry begged and grabbed both her arms, tears forming in his eyes.
"Why should I tell you?"
"Because I'm in love with her! I don't know how, I don't know why. But I fell in love with her. It was something beyond my control!"
Megan's face softened and she smiled. She knew she was right.
"She went to the lake. It's 3 blocks away from here. Go get her."
"Thank you so much."
Harry ran to his car and drove away.

As he drove to the final U-Turn, he spotted Valerie's car and parked behind it.
There she was, sitting alone by the lake. Hugging her knees tight and her hair was being blown by the cold breeze. He walked quietly behind her and bit his lip nervously.

"Hi." he whispered.
"What are you doing here? How did you find me?" She realized Megan must have told him.
"...Can we talk?" he asked in a rough voice.
"There's nothing to talk about. When's the wedding?" she said, looking at the lake and not gazing at Harry.
"There's no wedding. We broke up." he said and sat beside Valerie.
She remained quiet, still not looking at Harry.
"Okay look. I'm sorry about this. I'm sorry if I hurt you in some way. I didn't want this to happen. I didn't want you leave. I love you, I wanna be with you. I'm...."
Valerie suddenly kissed Harry. He was startled and his eyes widened. She cupped both of his cheeks as the kiss got more intense. He placed his hands on the back of her head as their mouths played around each other. She felt him smile during the kiss and she bit his lower lip gently to keep things interesting.

"I wanna be with you too.." she whispered and they both smiled.