The Night I Met Harry

I’d been thinking about what happen between Harry and me all week. It was one of those things where too many emotions were involved to just push it on the back burner. Maybe I was lying to myself, believing that I’d be easier to pretend he’d never existed. It wasn’t easy… more like impossible and I hated it. It was Friday again, and I felt it took longer to come than any other. I’d cooked for Scott, and we’d eaten about an hour or two ago. I’d been mentally occupied lately so I thought I’d channel that into a little unpacking for the weekend. I looked at myself in the mirror, pulling the hair tie from my hair to let it fall around the shape of my shoulders. He walked into the room quietly; I’d got use to his silent appearances any time I spent to long alone. I’d just walked from the shower and hadn’t gotten around to fully clothing. I watched him through the reflection as I stood there in my bra and underwear. His presence drew closer, he stayed quiet as if to study me. His hands gently roaming around my waist, playing with the side bands of my lace underwear. The fingers owned by his left hand moved up to brush the length of my hair back from my shoulders. His touch was warm and familiar, but I could tell its effect had slightly changed. He turned me around, rubbing the edge of my jaw line in comfort.

Scott:

“You alright, babe… I feel like something’s wrong.”

Apparently I hadn’t had much of a good poker face these days. Maybe he was better at reading me than I gave him credit for. But the last thing I wanted to do was let him in on all the things that’d been going on in my head. I still wasn’t sure if I should mention anything to him about Harry. Everything was perfectly fine between us now, I seemed the only one with the problem. I grabbed his hand, pulling it from my face to hold them in mine. He began kissing my lips. I loved the way he was with me, always so gentle and cautious as if I’d break if he handled me too harshly. His lips moved down to my neck, taking in the scent of me like he always did. The marks that once stained me had gone recently, but I still felt a discomfort in the attention he gave me there. He kissed me intimately, softly as if he were afraid I’d disappear. I knew where this was going. I felt the heat between us. I couldn’t do this. Not now, not having unresolved feelings for another guy. The thought made me counter react. The conversation I held with Harry resurfacing to my memory.

Winter:

“I just… I’m not feeling so well.”

I thought he’d stop at my words, but he didn’t. I guess this would be his way of making me feel better. I needed to jolt. The contact was smooth and familiar, but for now, felt strange.

Winter:

“I think I’m going to just go out for a walk. Maybe stop by Caitlin’s and have a tea.”

He stopped, catching my hint.

Scott:

“Yea, that’s actually a good idea. It’s the end of the week and you’re probably just exhausted…”

I felt waves of relief.

Scott:

“ Do me a favor though babe, don’t drink for a while, okay?”

I was grateful for his understanding. He was always so sweet, and caring when it came to me. One of the many reasons I’d fell for him.

Winter:

“No, of course not. No alcohol for me. The girls will have to do without me.”

Scott:

“Thanks. And since you’re going to be out, I’ll probably just go to Kyle’s for a bit, K?”

Winter:

“Sure. I’ll be fine, have fun.”

--

The air was refreshing. I walked for a while, just clearing my head and running through what just happened. I’d just rejected Scott. He probably hardly noticed by the subtle way I’d shifted out of it. I wanted to question myself, but I’d known why I done it. I was slightly respecting his rules not to let Scott touch me. This was insane, I hadn’t even spoke with him since I’d ran away. I wished things were less complicated… I couldn’t help but realize how much they were before I met Harry.


My walk was quick. I’d just decided to walk around the block and back in fear that it’d start raining. I hadn’t actually wanted to see my friends. Nothing I had to say right now would satisfy they’re craving for the details of my current life. Scott had left by the time I made it back to the house. I stood in the driveway contemplating what I’d do before unlocking the car door and starting up the engine. I remember the route to his house from when he’d driven us. I didn’t think about it too profoundly, before deciding. I’d always have these moments where this was the most important thing and everything else didn’t matter for a while. I pulled up in his driveway next to his truck, hoping my heart would cease racing. My palms were sweaty as I let go of the steering wheel, staring up at his house. My nerves began to overpower me, ignoring them as I got out of the car and made my way to his door step.

Winter:

“Shit.”

I was nervous. I took a deep breath in, closing my eyes and counting to three mentally before breathing out. My hands reached out to meet the door. The knock louder than I’d intended. I waited for a minute, feeling butterflies as my heart belt in my throat. There was no answer. My eyebrows knitted together, deciphering whether or not knocking again was what I wanted. I shifted on my feet, raising my fists and knocking a tad louder. I waited again. Unsure, if I should just turn around and run back to my car when the door opened.

Her hair was dark like mine. A lot shorter in length and she seemed a lot taller from inside the doorway. She wore shorts that met her upper thigh and a large shirt that looked to be Harry’s. I wondered why she’d been here at his home answering the door but my heart told me I knew exactly why. I hadn’t expected this in my visit. I forced myself to speak, though my throat became progressively dry.

Winter:

“Harry here?”

I hoped she’d heard me the first time because I wasn’t sure I could stand here much longer. She disappeared from the doorway, I took the time to collect myself before seeing him. All I felt was pain. A pain I hadn’t yet felt before in this lifetime. The thought of them two together made me feel stupid. Uprooting my life for someone who obviously had a hidden agenda. I felt like nothing. I was hoping the situation would explain itself differently before I turned away to leave. I stood there waiting for what seemed like days. I had obviously interrupted them. And then I saw him. Standing there in an undershirt and dark denim jeans, his feet were bare. He didn’t smile when he saw me this time, though looking surprised. I began to think the worst. He’d stepped out, looking back before closing the door behind him. He studied my presence.

Harry:

“ Are you upset with me?”

I wasn’t okay. I felt sick now standing before him.

Winter:

“Busy?”

I watched him closely as he answered. He eyed me questionably.

Harry:

“At the moment. Do you mind if we meet somewhere in about an hour?”

What was I to him. I couldn't believe it was playing out like this but I was glad I knew what this was.

“Bye, Harry.”

I thought I’d feel anger, but my heart felt sore. I didn’t know why. This wasn’t my place. And I knew that.

Harry:

“No, wait. Winter… just let me get rid of her okay. One minute.”

I nodded hesitantly. I wasn’t sure what was happening but it definitely looked bad so far.

He returned to the door, she behind him. He only looked at me, as he disposed of her like he’d promised. She’d kissed him on the cheek before turning to me questionably.

“I’ll call you later, Harry.”

His eyes stayed on me as she walked by. He hadn’t said anything in her reply. And she was gone.

Notes

I'll post later this week, okay.