Luxury | Harry Styles AU

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟒 : 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬.

July 7th, 2006.
Abby - 13, Harry - 19

The blistering sun radiated harsh rays of heat onto Abby's porcelain skin. Despite her generous applicated of sunscreen, her cheeks were getting redder by the minute. Repeatedly jumping into a pool may have made it wear off.

But the 13-year-old didn't mind as she basked in the heat of the coastal sun. These kinds of days are rare when you live in England. 

The waves crashed methodically against the flaxen, sandy beach that was littered with sea shells and rocks. The rhythm turned into a tune in Abby's head and her brain began filling in words to the music. 

"You know, with the school dance coming, I don't think you'd appreciate peeled skin with that pretty dress you chose," Harry spoke from above her.

Abby looked up at him, one eye squinted and face flushed, looking like the prettiest girl ever.

Harry felt his adoration grow.

He took off his green snap back and forced it upon her strawberry blonde locks. He sat down beside her and looked at her eyes that were now relaxed because of the shade and spoke, "much better."

"Thanks, Harry," she smiled at him. He gave her one back and turned his body towards the ocean like her. 

The pair sat in silence with Sammy and Anne's giggles serving as background music. 

Abby couldn't help but let her eyes wander to him. He had turned 19 this February and looked just so - young and free. Much different than he did before. He used to be quiet and shy and now, he was the exact opposite.

He had gone to London just after graduation for a few months and came back looking like a stranger. He wore leather jackets, smoked cigarettes, and even had tattoos. Anne hated it.

Abby was apprehensive seeing him looking all grown up and new but the moment he had taken off his sunglasses and opened his arms, shouting, "Dobby-Abby!", all that went away.

He was just like before, inside at least.

Even so, Abby couldn't help but feel a little intimidated by how attractive he had gotten. She suddenly became aware of how she looked. That little, school-girl crush that had formed may also be the culprit.

Now, as she sat beside him, eyes on his glistening skin, she felt compelled to sit up straight and cross her arms across her stomach.  But that led to her feeling conscious about how chubby her arms looked when she did that. Suddenly, her body felt very foreign - something she didn't know how to function. 

Harry could sense her discomfort and turned towards her to see her shifting in her blue one-piece. He couldn't understand what was wrong though. Thinking she felt awkward because of the silence that had fallen upon them, he said, "So, after this, you wanna go get some Whippys' with us?"

In a small voice, she replied, "No, mum asked me to come home right after."

"Then I'll get you some from Maccies on the way, alright?" He replied, putting his hand on her head to turn her towards him.

She gave him the sweetest smile, "Alright."

"Good."

Moments passed before she spoke again, " Harry?"

"Yeah," he looked at her with a smile.

"Are you gonna go back to London, after the summer ends?"

"I don't know."

No, I miss you too much there.

"Oh, okay."

"Why'd you ask?"