The Bachelorette
First Impressions: Part 2
Love is like the wind. You can’t see it but you can feel it
Clara’s POV
I felt so intimidated. All of the guys were so cute and all of them were here for me. It was crazy when I thought about it. I had just taken my first sip of my wine when Louis asked me if we could have a chat. I was so shocked that he wanted to almost immediately but nodded at him.
“Of course, Louis.”
He smiled at me and we walked past the other guys, heading out of the double doors and down onto the patio. As we walked down the steps into the courtyard, I felt his free hand brush mine. I took it a step further and weaved my fingers with his, gripping his hand tenderly. I felt a warmth close around my heart and I had that feeling that was indescribable.
A lavish white couch came into view, decorated with a canopy of flowers, white, red and purple petals dangling from the top. Louis and I both sat next to each other on the couch; I threw my left leg over my right and rested my left hand across my lap, holding my wine glass with my right hand. I could tell Louis was nervous because he couldn’t look me in the eye for more than three seconds. It was like he was apprehensive to talk to me. I tried to make him feel more comfortable by placing my hand on his knee.
“You certainly took me away pretty quickly.” I smiled, wanting to break the ice a little.
“Yeah, it’s just…I wanted to continue our conversation and I wish to know more about you.” Louis whispered, finally raising his blue eyes to me and holding the contact.
“Well, what do you want to know?” I asked, titling my head to the side a little. Louis cleared his throat and adjusted his position on the couch. It was sort of…cute, how nervous he was. I never thought I would have such an effect on a guy.
“What are your interests? What do you like to do?”
“Hmm, well, I work as a bridal stylist so I’m very into fashion. I love being able to help women find their perfect wedding dress but I do long to one day find mine. I really would like to organise my own bridal wear someday.”
Louis stared at me intently, looking very interested in what I was saying.
“I love the outdoors. I love hanging out at the beach. I really enjoy surfing but I tend to be accident-prone so I never seem to stay on the board for longer than two seconds.”
Louis chuckled softly, his laugh making me feel something I never felt. I don’t know what this guy did to me but whatever it was, I loved the feeling. And I wanted to feel it more. He asked me what I looked for in a guy and I answered as honestly as I could.
“I like a guy who’s kind and caring and who is open. Someone who is adventurous and challenges me. Just someone who will be there for me no matter what. I want a man to love me for who I am.” And you could be that man, Louis. He had all the makings of a long-term partner. I could already tell he was the real deal. I turned the tables and asked him the same question.
“And you, Louis? Who is your dream girl?”
Louis smiled a little at my choice of words.
“I am being a bit vague here but I like a girl who’s nice. Looks aren’t everything to me. What’s on the inside is far more important in my eyes. A girl with a kind heart and soul is what I look for. A girl who, when she smiles, I lose my breath. It’s more of a feeling than an action.”
“You seem pretty sure of what you want.”
“I am very close with my mother and I have seven half-sisters so I’ve been surrounded by women my whole life.” Louis said and my eyes widened.
“Seven?! Wow, that’s a big family!”
“I know. Do you have any brothers or sisters?”
“Sadly, no. I’m an only child.” I said.
“You’d definitely be welcomed into my family. I think they’d love you.” Louis smiled at me. I sipped my wine and looked away for a moment. It had been my dream since I was a young child to have a little brother or sister but my mother never fell pregnant after me so I was spoilt rotten and I still was but it got lonely. So for Louis to have a big family, it appealed greatly to me.
My heart fluttered when I felt something touch my cheekbone. I slowly looked back to Louis who never took his eyes off me, hooking a lock of my dark hair behind my ear. He lowered his hand and I swore I saw his cheeks turn a little pink.
“Sorry…”
“No, it’s fine. Actually, could you wait here for a minute? I’ll be back.” I patted his knee and stood up, walking back across the courtyard and up the steps back onto the large porch of the mansion, my heels clicking on the floor.
All of the bachelors stood and sat around inside and outside the mansion, enjoying the alcohol and having their own little conversations but as soon as I walked past them, their eyes were on me, watching my every move. They whispered to each other as I approached the small table by one of the doors, a silver platter of red roses on it. I had made my decision about Louis and I wanted to let him know that.
0*0
Louis’s POV
I waited by myself on the couch, the fairy lights glittering around me. I gulped down my wine to sooth my nerves, my heart pumping loudly. Clara did something to me than no other girl had done before. She was so genuine and so sweet and it helped that she was absolutely beautiful.
I didn’t know what came over me when I pushed her hair behind her ear. I just wanted to show her affection. She deserved it more than anybody else. Whoever got her at the end of this, he would be a lucky man for the rest of his life.
My foot tapped the grass and my nerves intensified the longer I waited for Clara to return. I wondered where she went. Did she go to talk to one of the other guys? Has she abandoned me? I was worried I had scared her off. It was the last thing I wanted to do but maybe, I had done just that. Did I ruin my chances?
Suddenly, I heard the rustle of fabric on grass and I looked up to see Clara walking towards me, her dress glowing in the light. I breathed a sigh of relief as she sat back down next to me, placing her wine glass on the table in front of us. I noticed she had her left hand behind her. She’s hiding something… I was eager to know. She flashed me that gorgeous smile of hers and brought her hand forward, a red rose wrapped tightly in her fingers.
She’s giving me a rose? I was shocked to say the least but also, ecstatic. It meant that I had made a good impression on her and I was safe in tonight’s rose ceremony. Clara held the rose in both of her hands and raised her green eyes to mine.
“From the moment I laid eyes on you, I wanted to get to know you more. I still do. You’re a gentlemen and I want to give you a chance to know me more. So, Louis, will you accept this rose?”
“Of course. I would love to.” I smiled at her. She grinned back and pinned the rose to the left lapel of my suit jacket. She flattened the suit around my shoulders and gave me a hug while I pressed a kiss to her warm cheek.
Her skin was so soft and her body felt right being enveloped in my arms. I wanted to hold her forever but I couldn’t. Clara pulled back and rested her hand on my shoulder. No words were spoken between us when she reached down and took my hand in hers. We both stood up and walked hand-in-hand back to the mansion.
I could see the jealousy in the others guys’ eyes when they saw the rose on my lapel. I wasn’t one to gloat but I couldn’t stop the smirk from appearing on my face. I was safe tonight and guaranteed to remain in the mansion.
I took a seat on one of the couches beside Liam, draining my glass of wine. I looked up and saw Clara taking Harry by the hand and leading him inside the mansion. My heart stirred with envy. Even though I had received a rose from her, I couldn’t help but feel a little jealous because I had made a connection with her and when she went off with another guy, there was a possibility that another connection, maybe deeper than the one I shared with her, could be formed.
“So, Louis, what did you two talk about?” Liam asked me. I grabbed another glass of wine from the table and prepared myself for the interrogation but one thing was for certain. I wasn’t going to tell them everything because the conversation I had with Clara was between us and us alone.
0*0
Harry’s POV
Her small hand felt perfect in my larger one. Her skin was smooth and warm and the dress she wore looked like it had been made specifically for her. The slit up the left leg and the beautiful cut-outs at the back showed off her slightly tanned skin, radiating a natural glow under the golden lights.
Clara had asked if I wanted to talk with her and of course, I couldn’t refuse. Time with her was precious because each bachelor wanted to talk to her and spend as much time as possible with her. This was my chance to make her see what kind of a man I was. Louis coming back with a rose just added extra pressure and I seeked to have a rose pinned to my suit jacket as well. I had to prove to Clara that I was worthy of one.
We stopped in one of the empty sitting rooms and took a seat on the couch next to each other. I felt nervous and I knew she was too but this was our conversation. No-one else’s. It was just me and her. Only us.
“How are you feeling so far tonight, Harry?”
“Alright, I guess. I just really wanted to talk to you and I was going to come and grab you if you didn’t come to me.”
“I was always going to come to you for a chat, Harry. You gave me a rose, which was a really sweet gesture. Thank you for that.” Clara smiled.
“It was my pleasure, Clara.” I smiled back and ran my hand through my long curls.
“How long did it take you to grow your hair to that length?” Clara laughed.
“Hmm, I haven’t cut it for over a year.” I answered.
“Just letting it hang out?”
“Yeah, just letting it hang out.” And we both chuckled. It was already a great start. Her laugh was so dainty and infectious that I had to laugh too. Her smile lit up the room more than any of the lights and her green eyes sparkled underneath her thick black eyelashes.
We launched into our conversation. I told her my parents were divorced and I hardly saw my father anymore. I told her I was raised by my mother and my older sister and that they were the most important women, and people, in my life. I told her I had been taught to respect women and treat them beautifully. Never to objectify them by the way they look. Clara stared at me intently as I spoke, never breaking eye contact. I was mesmerised by her eyes and the way she licked her lips after she sipped her wine. How is she single? How does she not have a boyfriend? But I was glad. It meant that I had a chance with her. She could be mine.
“So what do you like doing?” Clara inquired.
“I like photography. I love to take pictures.”
“Professionally?”
“No, just for fun.” I shook my head.
“What do you take pictures of?”
“Anything that catches my eye. A nice view or a gorgeous sunset. A beautiful woman…” I smirked at her and I saw her cheeks turn a light shade of rosy pink. It suited her complexion and made her eyes glow an even brighter green.
“That’s just in my free time though. I work as a baker most days of the week.”
“You can bake?” Clara raised her eyebrows.
“I work behind the counter. I wouldn’t say I can bake that well…”
“As long as you don’t burn the cakes. Every woman likes a man who can cook food.” Clara winked at me and I knew she had begun to flirt with me because I had started it by smirking at her a few moments earlier. Any guy would flirt with her because she was stunning and she flirted back, making something warm grasp my heart.
A minute later, she rose from her spot on the couch and told me to stay where I was. I watched her walk out of the room, the sparkles on her blue dress casting a shimmery light on the floor around her, like stars. But Clara was a star herself. The purest one. The brightest one. I felt like I was blinded by her beauty but I could never look away.
The sound of her silver heels returned to my ears and she walked back into the room, holding a red rose in her left hand. I kept my smiling to a minimum because I didn’t want to come across as boisterous. She sat back down and held the rose in front of her.
“Harry, you seem like the perfect English gentleman and I would love to spend more time with you. So will you accept this rose?”
“Absolutely.” I smiled and she pinned it to my lapel. I put my glass of wine down to give her a hug and kiss her cheek. I felt her skin grow warm beneath my lips and I knew she was blushing.
“Thank you, Clara.” I whispered in her ear. Her arms tightened around me and she buried her face in my shoulder, her warm breath ghosting over my neck, sending shivers down my spine. This was perfection. Holding a beautiful young woman in my arms with no interruptions. I smiled to myself when I remembered the rose on my lapel.
I’m safe tonight.
Clara’s POV
I felt so intimidated. All of the guys were so cute and all of them were here for me. It was crazy when I thought about it. I had just taken my first sip of my wine when Louis asked me if we could have a chat. I was so shocked that he wanted to almost immediately but nodded at him.
“Of course, Louis.”
He smiled at me and we walked past the other guys, heading out of the double doors and down onto the patio. As we walked down the steps into the courtyard, I felt his free hand brush mine. I took it a step further and weaved my fingers with his, gripping his hand tenderly. I felt a warmth close around my heart and I had that feeling that was indescribable.
A lavish white couch came into view, decorated with a canopy of flowers, white, red and purple petals dangling from the top. Louis and I both sat next to each other on the couch; I threw my left leg over my right and rested my left hand across my lap, holding my wine glass with my right hand. I could tell Louis was nervous because he couldn’t look me in the eye for more than three seconds. It was like he was apprehensive to talk to me. I tried to make him feel more comfortable by placing my hand on his knee.
“You certainly took me away pretty quickly.” I smiled, wanting to break the ice a little.
“Yeah, it’s just…I wanted to continue our conversation and I wish to know more about you.” Louis whispered, finally raising his blue eyes to me and holding the contact.
“Well, what do you want to know?” I asked, titling my head to the side a little. Louis cleared his throat and adjusted his position on the couch. It was sort of…cute, how nervous he was. I never thought I would have such an effect on a guy.
“What are your interests? What do you like to do?”
“Hmm, well, I work as a bridal stylist so I’m very into fashion. I love being able to help women find their perfect wedding dress but I do long to one day find mine. I really would like to organise my own bridal wear someday.”
Louis stared at me intently, looking very interested in what I was saying.
“I love the outdoors. I love hanging out at the beach. I really enjoy surfing but I tend to be accident-prone so I never seem to stay on the board for longer than two seconds.”
Louis chuckled softly, his laugh making me feel something I never felt. I don’t know what this guy did to me but whatever it was, I loved the feeling. And I wanted to feel it more. He asked me what I looked for in a guy and I answered as honestly as I could.
“I like a guy who’s kind and caring and who is open. Someone who is adventurous and challenges me. Just someone who will be there for me no matter what. I want a man to love me for who I am.” And you could be that man, Louis. He had all the makings of a long-term partner. I could already tell he was the real deal. I turned the tables and asked him the same question.
“And you, Louis? Who is your dream girl?”
Louis smiled a little at my choice of words.
“I am being a bit vague here but I like a girl who’s nice. Looks aren’t everything to me. What’s on the inside is far more important in my eyes. A girl with a kind heart and soul is what I look for. A girl who, when she smiles, I lose my breath. It’s more of a feeling than an action.”
“You seem pretty sure of what you want.”
“I am very close with my mother and I have seven half-sisters so I’ve been surrounded by women my whole life.” Louis said and my eyes widened.
“Seven?! Wow, that’s a big family!”
“I know. Do you have any brothers or sisters?”
“Sadly, no. I’m an only child.” I said.
“You’d definitely be welcomed into my family. I think they’d love you.” Louis smiled at me. I sipped my wine and looked away for a moment. It had been my dream since I was a young child to have a little brother or sister but my mother never fell pregnant after me so I was spoilt rotten and I still was but it got lonely. So for Louis to have a big family, it appealed greatly to me.
My heart fluttered when I felt something touch my cheekbone. I slowly looked back to Louis who never took his eyes off me, hooking a lock of my dark hair behind my ear. He lowered his hand and I swore I saw his cheeks turn a little pink.
“Sorry…”
“No, it’s fine. Actually, could you wait here for a minute? I’ll be back.” I patted his knee and stood up, walking back across the courtyard and up the steps back onto the large porch of the mansion, my heels clicking on the floor.
All of the bachelors stood and sat around inside and outside the mansion, enjoying the alcohol and having their own little conversations but as soon as I walked past them, their eyes were on me, watching my every move. They whispered to each other as I approached the small table by one of the doors, a silver platter of red roses on it. I had made my decision about Louis and I wanted to let him know that.
0*0
Louis’s POV
I waited by myself on the couch, the fairy lights glittering around me. I gulped down my wine to sooth my nerves, my heart pumping loudly. Clara did something to me than no other girl had done before. She was so genuine and so sweet and it helped that she was absolutely beautiful.
I didn’t know what came over me when I pushed her hair behind her ear. I just wanted to show her affection. She deserved it more than anybody else. Whoever got her at the end of this, he would be a lucky man for the rest of his life.
My foot tapped the grass and my nerves intensified the longer I waited for Clara to return. I wondered where she went. Did she go to talk to one of the other guys? Has she abandoned me? I was worried I had scared her off. It was the last thing I wanted to do but maybe, I had done just that. Did I ruin my chances?
Suddenly, I heard the rustle of fabric on grass and I looked up to see Clara walking towards me, her dress glowing in the light. I breathed a sigh of relief as she sat back down next to me, placing her wine glass on the table in front of us. I noticed she had her left hand behind her. She’s hiding something… I was eager to know. She flashed me that gorgeous smile of hers and brought her hand forward, a red rose wrapped tightly in her fingers.
She’s giving me a rose? I was shocked to say the least but also, ecstatic. It meant that I had made a good impression on her and I was safe in tonight’s rose ceremony. Clara held the rose in both of her hands and raised her green eyes to mine.
“From the moment I laid eyes on you, I wanted to get to know you more. I still do. You’re a gentlemen and I want to give you a chance to know me more. So, Louis, will you accept this rose?”
“Of course. I would love to.” I smiled at her. She grinned back and pinned the rose to the left lapel of my suit jacket. She flattened the suit around my shoulders and gave me a hug while I pressed a kiss to her warm cheek.
Her skin was so soft and her body felt right being enveloped in my arms. I wanted to hold her forever but I couldn’t. Clara pulled back and rested her hand on my shoulder. No words were spoken between us when she reached down and took my hand in hers. We both stood up and walked hand-in-hand back to the mansion.
I could see the jealousy in the others guys’ eyes when they saw the rose on my lapel. I wasn’t one to gloat but I couldn’t stop the smirk from appearing on my face. I was safe tonight and guaranteed to remain in the mansion.
I took a seat on one of the couches beside Liam, draining my glass of wine. I looked up and saw Clara taking Harry by the hand and leading him inside the mansion. My heart stirred with envy. Even though I had received a rose from her, I couldn’t help but feel a little jealous because I had made a connection with her and when she went off with another guy, there was a possibility that another connection, maybe deeper than the one I shared with her, could be formed.
“So, Louis, what did you two talk about?” Liam asked me. I grabbed another glass of wine from the table and prepared myself for the interrogation but one thing was for certain. I wasn’t going to tell them everything because the conversation I had with Clara was between us and us alone.
0*0
Harry’s POV
Her small hand felt perfect in my larger one. Her skin was smooth and warm and the dress she wore looked like it had been made specifically for her. The slit up the left leg and the beautiful cut-outs at the back showed off her slightly tanned skin, radiating a natural glow under the golden lights.
Clara had asked if I wanted to talk with her and of course, I couldn’t refuse. Time with her was precious because each bachelor wanted to talk to her and spend as much time as possible with her. This was my chance to make her see what kind of a man I was. Louis coming back with a rose just added extra pressure and I seeked to have a rose pinned to my suit jacket as well. I had to prove to Clara that I was worthy of one.
We stopped in one of the empty sitting rooms and took a seat on the couch next to each other. I felt nervous and I knew she was too but this was our conversation. No-one else’s. It was just me and her. Only us.
“How are you feeling so far tonight, Harry?”
“Alright, I guess. I just really wanted to talk to you and I was going to come and grab you if you didn’t come to me.”
“I was always going to come to you for a chat, Harry. You gave me a rose, which was a really sweet gesture. Thank you for that.” Clara smiled.
“It was my pleasure, Clara.” I smiled back and ran my hand through my long curls.
“How long did it take you to grow your hair to that length?” Clara laughed.
“Hmm, I haven’t cut it for over a year.” I answered.
“Just letting it hang out?”
“Yeah, just letting it hang out.” And we both chuckled. It was already a great start. Her laugh was so dainty and infectious that I had to laugh too. Her smile lit up the room more than any of the lights and her green eyes sparkled underneath her thick black eyelashes.
We launched into our conversation. I told her my parents were divorced and I hardly saw my father anymore. I told her I was raised by my mother and my older sister and that they were the most important women, and people, in my life. I told her I had been taught to respect women and treat them beautifully. Never to objectify them by the way they look. Clara stared at me intently as I spoke, never breaking eye contact. I was mesmerised by her eyes and the way she licked her lips after she sipped her wine. How is she single? How does she not have a boyfriend? But I was glad. It meant that I had a chance with her. She could be mine.
“So what do you like doing?” Clara inquired.
“I like photography. I love to take pictures.”
“Professionally?”
“No, just for fun.” I shook my head.
“What do you take pictures of?”
“Anything that catches my eye. A nice view or a gorgeous sunset. A beautiful woman…” I smirked at her and I saw her cheeks turn a light shade of rosy pink. It suited her complexion and made her eyes glow an even brighter green.
“That’s just in my free time though. I work as a baker most days of the week.”
“You can bake?” Clara raised her eyebrows.
“I work behind the counter. I wouldn’t say I can bake that well…”
“As long as you don’t burn the cakes. Every woman likes a man who can cook food.” Clara winked at me and I knew she had begun to flirt with me because I had started it by smirking at her a few moments earlier. Any guy would flirt with her because she was stunning and she flirted back, making something warm grasp my heart.
A minute later, she rose from her spot on the couch and told me to stay where I was. I watched her walk out of the room, the sparkles on her blue dress casting a shimmery light on the floor around her, like stars. But Clara was a star herself. The purest one. The brightest one. I felt like I was blinded by her beauty but I could never look away.
The sound of her silver heels returned to my ears and she walked back into the room, holding a red rose in her left hand. I kept my smiling to a minimum because I didn’t want to come across as boisterous. She sat back down and held the rose in front of her.
“Harry, you seem like the perfect English gentleman and I would love to spend more time with you. So will you accept this rose?”
“Absolutely.” I smiled and she pinned it to my lapel. I put my glass of wine down to give her a hug and kiss her cheek. I felt her skin grow warm beneath my lips and I knew she was blushing.
“Thank you, Clara.” I whispered in her ear. Her arms tightened around me and she buried her face in my shoulder, her warm breath ghosting over my neck, sending shivers down my spine. This was perfection. Holding a beautiful young woman in my arms with no interruptions. I smiled to myself when I remembered the rose on my lapel.
I’m safe tonight.
Notes
OK, I wish to know why my rating went down. Is it just one person who decides to rate lower than 10.0? If so, I would like to know why, please! It also happened with WMYB and that one’s completed! However, Always still has a 10.0. Sorry, this just confuses me greatly.
I don’t think this chapter was very good because I sort of rushed it but I hope it was OK!
blankspace1 xx
Can't wait!!
10/15/16