| Twenty Nine |
I begin walking through the dark, feeling the coldness of the night enclose around me. Whilst I was comforted by the countless amount of street lamps scattered around, the darkness seemed daunting all the same.
Wrapping my arms around myself, I assumed Blair had made it to the dorm already. I was just grateful I would be with her and in my bed in minutes.
Preoccupied by my thoughts, I don't recall having heard the sound of a car speed off. My eyebrows lower in thought, stopping myself from walking any further. Curious, I slowly turn my head, stunned to see Harry still sat in the car, gripping on to the steering wheel just as I had left him. Even though it was dark, the light in the car was enough to see Harry as it glistened upon him.
We suddenly lock eyes and I notice the same confused expression plastered over his face. He seemed to be at war with himself constantly tonight.
Eventually, he gives me one last glance before speeding off, leaving me dazed and confused.
I need to stop over thinking but I couldn't help but wonder why he was acting unusual, why he waited for so long. At one moment, I actually thought he was going to get out the car and speak to me. I couldn't help but feel a little... disappointed?
Eventually, I arrive at the dorm, pleased to see my bed. I strip down and chuck a top and some shorts on, smiling to myself at how cute Blair looked: curled up in bed, fast asleep. I begin to feel my own eyes droop, collapsing onto my bed and shutting the light.
*
My eyes slide open to the bright light of the early morning streaming into the dorm room.
Rubbing my eyes, my mind flashes back to last night. I couldn't stop thinking about Harry for some reason. Surely this was just me overthinking like always. Maybe it was just nothing.
I distract myself by forcing myself up and performing my usual routine: shower, get dressed, make-up and all. My results come in to mind and I felt worse again. I am so nervous.
I knew I was going alone, I very much doubt Harry meant what he said last night.
Once I was ready and I had made sure Blair was awake, I decide to leave early and get a drink round the corner. I really need to get out.
*
I sit at a table with my drink and examine my surroundings like usual. I am bored and have nothing better to do than watch the people around me, playing a little game with myself by seeing if I could figure them out.
*Beep*
I was a little started by the sound as I was so deep in thought. I carelessly check my phone, expecting it to be Blair.
However, it wasn't.
To my surprise, I see Harry's name.
H- Where are you
A- Starbucks on campus.
I end up waiting for a reply which never came. I place my phone back in my pocket and carry on doing the usual and sip my drink.
A few minutes must have passed before I jumped at the touch of a fairly large hand grabbing my shoulder. I twist round to meet a pair of light green eyes.
"Harry—" I stutter.
He smiles and takes a seat opposite me.
"Hey babe,"
"I wasn't expecting you to come at all," I say, sipping my drink.
I try to witheld any emotion but I can't help but smile a little and he notices.
He smirks — back to his usual self then. He seemed to have regained control of himself, totally opposite to his seemingly quiet self last night.
"I said I would,"
I smile.
"So... you getting a drink?" I ask, after uncomfortably being watched by Harry each time I took a sip.
"No,"
"Ok, well, just so you know, I doubt they'd let anyone else in, and maybe it will be better to go speak to my professors alone," I say, fiddling with my straw.
"I'll just sneak into your dorm and wait," He replies.
I shrug. "Ok,"
"I'll need the key," He smirks.
I look at him. After a small staring contest, I finally give in.
"Fine," I say, without thought.
I know it was just my dorm but I always felt unsure. I never really knew what Harry was thinking and his intentions and all.
"This is my only key I've got right now, so if I knock on the door, answer it. Don't lose it," I instruct.
"Yes Miss," He chuckles but eventually nods.
I roll my eye, smiling.
I bite my lip and pull the key out, placing them into his hand. He clutches onto the keys and pushes them down his pocket.
I soon lose eye contact with Harry, looking down and fiddling with my straw.
"Don't worry about the results Ariana," He says.
I look at him.
"I'm really trying Harry. But, this means so much to me. I've worked so hard, university has been one of the best experiences. I don't want this to be all for nothing."
"I understand. But I know you will do it, I'll help if I have too. There's always a way." I felt his hand rest on mine, our eyes connecting.
Soon, he moves away as if he realised what he was doing.
"Thanks Harry," I smile.
I laugh a little, stopping the awkward silence last any longer.
"And the offer still stands Ariana."
"What?"
"With the house and all."
I look down at my drink.
"How do you afford all this?" I say. "Having a house an all at your age."
"My family... well they're quite wealthy but I ended up taking on the business after a while. As well as some other... jobs here and there."
"Oh wow." I say.
"Tonight or Tomorrow,"
"What?"
"Come see it, tonight or tomorrow,"
I pause. Might as well.
"We'll see later on."
He smiles.
"So how did you do in college,"
"I got a first."
I nearly choked on my drink.
"A first?" I stutter.
He chuckles.
"Did you really believe I'm that shit?"
"No it's just— I don't even know what I expected." I chuckle.
I was playing around but a part of me refused to believe this. It wasn't because I didn't think he had the potential — you could tell he was very intelligent. It was just that he seemed to mess around a lot.
"I'll prove it when we go to mine," He says amused.
"Fine," I smirk.
This would be interesting. I was always a little curious about Harry's life.
I bite my lip and check the time. It was about time I left.
"I better go," I say.
He nods and stands up, towering over me.
It was difficult to ignore a few girls glaring at Harry. He smirks when he realises.
"Harry," I roll my eyes.
He chuckles.
"Anyway I'll see you after babe. I'll be at the dorm waiting," he says.
"See you there," I smile.
Harry and I both go our separate ways and I am left alone to discover my results.