Burned {h.s. / n.h.}

Chapter 23

-- Georgia --

As I rolled over in my bed, my wrist brushed slightly against my lips, conjuring the memory of Harry's lips on mine. I instantly began to smile, knowing that I'd see him today. Soon, we'd be able to pick up exactly where we left off yesterday night when my father opened the door. I have to admit, I didn't foresee that happening, but luckily my dad didn't lunge at Harry or try to ground me indefinitely.

I glance at the clock on my bedside table and see that it is almost 8 AM. Harry hasn't texted me yet, so I decide to make the best use of my spare time by making myself look presentable. If I had my way, I'd be wearing an oversized t-shirt and absolutely no pants, but such is not the way of life. Also, my mother would absolutely die if I left this house looking like a train wreck. She told Charlie and I we had to wear makeup by the time we hit eighth grade, as if I was scoping out my male schoolmates to see which one would become my future husband. No, thank you...

About thirty minutes pass as I pick out clothes, apply mascara, and get back in my bed while checking my email. I sigh heavily, dropping the phone to my chest, after I no longer have any more emails to check. A noise erupts from downstairs in the kitchen, letting me know that someone is making breakfast. I throw off the covers and make my way down, phone tightly in hand, to see who's in the kitchen.

It's my mother.

"Good morning, sweetheart," she says, smiling warmly at me.

"Good morning," I reply. "How'd you sleep?"

"Very well, thank you. I'm making blueberry muffins. Our favorite. Do you think your sister will be awake before noon today?" She asks.

I shrug my shoulders and shake my head. Mom sighs heavily and goes back to mixing. I can already smell the blueberries and the batter, making my stomach growl.

"I can't help but notice you're already dressed for the day. Either you woke up a few hours ago, or you have plans." She smiles knowingly at me, causing me to blush in response.

"I...may have...something kind of...maybe going on today," I manage to say.

"Is it Harry?" she asks.

I don't have to respond because it's evident on my face. She lights up and claps her hands delightedly.

"Mom, stop," I say, laughing in embarrassment.

"Oh, come on. No one else is around. And I liked him! I thought he was very gentlemanly."

"Even with all the tattoos?" I ask.

She makes a face, as if she's trying to force herself into saying yes.

"Ehhh, I'm not a huge fan of...body art."

I laugh at her choice of words. Of course she'd call it body art. Of course.

"It's okay. I was thrown off by them at first, too. It's odd because the tattoos seem like they don't go with him at all, with his personality and all that, but somehow...it just fits. Like I couldn't imagine him any other way."

"You really like him, don't you?" She asks me.

I look up at her. She's already put the muffins in the oven to bake and is picking up her mug of coffee to take a sip. The steam rolls off it in wispy swirls from her breath as soon as her lips touch the ceramic edge.

"Yes. I do."

"Georgia's first boyfriend...how adorable," a voice says from behind me. I turn to see Charlie, decked out in a terribly messy braid, gray sweatshirt, and tiny light blue polka dotted pajama shorts. I guess she is in a mood today.