UNEDITED




"Human sex trafficking."

Harry gave me a face, soon after licking his lips and furrowing his eyebrows in deep concentration. I had arrived at his motel room only half an hour ago. After offering me a sandwich and me declining, somehow, we ended up on the couch. Opinions on certain things being shared between each other.

"Human sex trafficking is a modern version of slavery. Although the bible in Leviticus does permit to do so, I think it is bad for anyone to hold such power over anyone else," he begins. I open my mouth to agree with his words, but am cut off by his elaboration. "Of course, not enough is done to stop this. Reason why is because of the origin of this slavery are very diverse and cannot all be assessed. I think the media's coverage is bad in general, not specifically for male victims. I read the other day in an old newspaper that an average female would cost around 150 USD and an average male would cost roughly 400 USD. Quite bad isn't it?"

And for what seems to be the thirtieth time, I stare at Harry in complete and utter shock. His knowledge on today's controversial events never cease to amaze me, especially for someone in his current situation.

"Oh dear," I hear him say. "Did I bore you?"

"No!" I quickly shake my head. "Not at all. Your knowledge just leaves me speechless. I can't believe someone with such an intellectual mind is..." I trail off, realizing that I am crossing boundaries. My last intention would be to insult Harry.

"Its okay, you know." I look up at him. "I'd be shocked myself to see a once homeless man with ragged hair and horrible breath to be as knowledgeably inclined as myself, not that I'm bragging."

I smile. "May I ask how you ended up in this situation?"

His smile falters and so does mine. I crossed boundaries, God dammit. I mentally clap myself for asking such a personal question. But at the same time, I did provide this man with shelter, clothing and food... So the least he could do is share some personal matters with me, right?

No. Stop being selfish, Hazel. Just because you helped him out, doesn't necessarily mean you should know every single God given detail about his life. He is entitled to privacy. I do what is right, and apologize.

Over and over.

His eyes don't leave his hands as he tells me there is no need to apologize or whilst he sparks up a new topic. "How about we play 21 questions? Just to learn the basics about each other."

I quickly agree, my cheeks are still flushed with embarrassment from before.

"Okay," he begins. "What's your favorite color?"

"Purple," he makes a face. "What?" I laugh.

"Purple is the color of eggplant, I hate eggplant."

I tilt my head back in a boisterous laugh. "Oh, hush. What's yours?"

"Blue."

The game continues for about twenty minutes. I learn that he was born in London, and had only migrated to New York last year. He has an older sister and a younger brother. His last name is Styles (which suited him perfectly) and his favorite animals were cats. The most shocking fact, though, is that his dream occupation is to be an environmentalist.

"I actually pegged you as a journalist," I say. I mean, could you blame me? I'm sure his vocabulary consists of every single world in the English speaking dictionary.

"Nah," he shakes his head. "I love the environment. I dunno, the way it provides us with every single necessity for survival is astonishing."

I nod before letting out a yawn.

"Would you like to change out of that?" He points to my dress. "Though you look rather beautiful, that is no piece of clothing you should be wearing in a motel room."

My cheeks flush at the fact that Harry had just called me beautiful. I debate on whether or not I should thank him or not for the compliment, but decide against it. "No thanks, Harry. I bought those clothes for you."

He ignores my words as he runs to the small bedroom, soon returning with joggers and a t-shirt in hand. He smiles, handing them to me "Rubbish. Go change."

I oblige, accepting the clothing and going to the bathroom to change.


-


"I intend on going job hunting tomorrow."

My eyes widen and I shoot up from my current position to stare at the curly hair boy.I take in his appearance. Though he is quite an attract lad, his shoulder length hair, unkept facial hair and stained teeth won't land him a proper job.

"You will not go job hunting tomorrow," I say.

He furrows his eyebrows. "And why is that Ms. Raymon?"

"Uhh," I refuse to tell him that his physical appearance is rather repulsive and he would get kicked out of the building within two minutes of entering the premises. "You don't have the proper clothing!"

He looks down, cheeks crimson with embarrassment. "Oh."

Frowning, I say "I can always bring you shopping tomorrow."

Immediately, he shakes his head. "Absolutely not, Hazel. You've already given me so much, I refuse to take anything else from you."

"Bu--"

"No."

"Harold," I whine.

"Harry. H A R R Y," he states. "Harry is whats on my birth certificate Hazel, not Harold." He smirks to lighten the tension in the room.

"Oh come on, dammit!"

"No."

Our banter continues for God knows how long before I get aggravated and yell at him to shut up. He obliges, eyes widening at my sudden outburst. I hadn't meant to shout, I just wanted to help and he refused to accept it.

"Look," I sigh. "How about I help you with just this last thing, everything else is on you."

He lets out a deep sigh, putting his head in his hands. "I just want to be able to make something of myself on my own, y'kno?"

"I get that, and Harry I promise not to intervene anymore after this. Just let me sharpen you up."

A moment of silence. "Fine."

I jump off the couch in excitement. "This is the last time," he says over my high pitched screaming.

"Okay, okay." I grab my dress and phone from off the coffee table. "I'll pick you up at 10 tomorrow. I promise you won't regret this Harold!" I shout before running out his door. I was much too excited to help this man. Though I have an old soul, I am still a girl and boy do I enjoy shopping and grooming myself.

I hear Harry's faint voice, as I stalk further and further away from his room. I smile wide at the words.

"My name is Harry!"

Notes

This chapter felt very rushed but thats only because my younger cousin keeps trying to snoop and I would rather not anyone in my family know I write fan fiction.

I would like to thank everyone who has been commenting very very kind words and sending me messages of hope. It means more than the world to me. I hope you enjoy this chapter! Remember to comment (fill up my notifications!!!) and vote.

Love you guys!! xx