Arrangement [H.S]

12

Harry apologized to me? What happened?

The air in the apartment remained heavy with tension, like an impending storm that refused to break. Harry's unexpected apology had caught me off guard, and although I appreciated it, I couldn't help but feel skeptical.

Initially, the awkward atmosphere persisted. The silence between us was thick with unsaid words and lingering resentment. I knew I was still harboring some bitterness towards Harry for the hurtful things he had said, especially regarding my father. But I needed to find a way to let go of that anger for my own peace of mind.

My mother's constant nagging and hurtful comments had thickened my skin a little, but only a little over the years. I had grown accustomed to enduring harsh words from others, but Harry's had cut deep. They had reopened old wounds and made me question my self-worth.

As the evening of yesterday approached, something peculiar happened. Harry began to act differently. It was as if a switch had been flipped, and he transformed from the cold, antagonistic roommate I had grown accustomed to into someone polite and almost courteous. The abruptness of the change sent shivers down my spine.

It scares me fucking very much. He is never nice to me.

I couldn't help but be suspicious. People didn't just change their attitude so quickly, did they? There had to be an ulterior motive behind Harry's sudden shift in behavior. Was he trying to manipulate me, gain something from me, or was this an elaborate setup to catch me off guard?

Yesterday evening, when I went to take a shower and it took quite a long time, I never heard any remark or stupid comment from him. And as I left the bathroom, he smiled at me. Then I decided that he was definitely going to kill me, and he only wanted to silence my vigilance.

Later I decided to bake a cake, something I hadn't done in a while. Perhaps indulging in a familiar activity would help ease my nerves. As I mixed the ingredients, the sweet aroma of vanilla filled the apartment.

Out of the blue, Harry walked into the kitchen, and I couldn't help but jump at his sudden appearance. His presence alone was enough to send my anxiety skyrocketing.

"What are you making?" he asked, his tone surprisingly gentle.

I hesitated for a moment, my guard still firmly in place. "Just a cake," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

He leaned in, peering at the batter in the mixing bowl. "It looks delicious. You're quite the baker." 

What the fuck?

I blinked in surprise. Compliments from Harry were about as rare as a blue moon. I wasn't sure how to react. "Thanks," I mumbled, my skepticism still lingering.

He continued to watch me as I poured the batter into a cake pan. The weight of his gaze made my skin crawl. "You know," he began, "I should apologize for my behavior again. I let my temper get the best of me, and I said some unforgivable things."

His words caught me off guard, and I turned to look at him. His expression seemed genuine, and it was disarming to see him admit his fault. "I appreciate the apology," I replied cautiously.

Harry nodded, his eyes still fixed on me. "I don't want things to be this way between us, Naomi. We share this space, and it's in our best interest to get along."

Again, what the fuck?

I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over me. It was as if he had a hidden agenda, a motive behind his newfound civility. But I couldn't pinpoint what it might be. My gut told me to remain cautious.