The Night I Met Harry

I started the car quickly throwing it in drive before he'd had a chance to follow. I'd hardly knew where I was after a few minutes in the silence of the car. It really was beautiful here. The tropical trees waved as I past them. I'd rolled down the window when I felt myself becoming worse with nausea.

I'd been driving for the drive until it connected mentally to pull over into a nearby hotel. I'd avoided all forms of communication with the crowd of people there before I'd reached the front desk. The ceiling was high with many lights in contrast to the night outside. I remembered asking him for a room though my mind was someplace else. His lips moved...I was sure of it but I'd been neglecting to focus.

Winter:
"I'm sorry, what?"

It was something ridiculously priced but if it were ever a time I didn't care about that sort of thing it was now.

Winter:
"Sure whatever."

I grabbed the key-card after paying and heading for the elevator. My eyes traced the lobby of open space with people laughing amongst one another carrying bags and briefcases.

I reached the room after walking down a long carpeted hall to close the door behind me. It was incredibly fancy in first impressions and the price had slowly began to make since to me. My back remain against the door before my body's reminder.
I reached the large bathroom to remove my shirt and tossel my hair into a ponytail. The discomfort forced tears from my eyes as I began while hovered over the toilet. My knees pushed the floor as it continued like it hadn't took pity on me. I would have been grossed out it weren't the millionth time the baby had done this to me. I didn't blame them at all for my anger right now.

It occupied ten minutes before I'd flushed the toilet and pulled the seat back down. I went to the sink to wash my hands and face with soap. My toothbrush was pulled from my bag to brush after drying my face. I stare there in the mirror but not for too long. I decided on a long shower, quickly stripping my clothes and opening the glass door.

I'd been wrapped in steam and restless thoughts as they swarmed my head without permission. I was okay. I thought in depth about the last time it'd been just me. Single and stress free...then, I was always okay. I held my stomach hoping she'd have a little mercy on my just for tonight. Tomorrow I'd be there hovered over the toilet again but that was all I needed...just tonight.



---


I'd dressed myself in a spring colored maxi dress. It was slim fitting against my body though the long length below blew with the wind. I hadn't much cared about anything in the days leading up to this one. But at least the weather was nice.

I sat in a high chair against the bar I'd just gone to grab a bite. It was sunny out and the heat felt therapeutic against my skin. Though I was becoming olive now it was nothing compared to how tan the guy was behind the counter.

"What can I get for you?"

I ran my fingers through my hair. I'd taken the time to straighten to it to fill the time from my lack of sleep. I took my time answering after meeting his eyes.

Winter:
"...Vodka shot."

I watched sluggishly as he nodded and began to pour, soon placing the glass in front of me.

It was clear and innocent but I knew of the burn that would accompany the swallow. I pulled it close to me to examine quietly. It looked to be a new glass. Crystal clear so that it was easy to see through to the liquid. It wasn't a state of depression or sulking feeling. That wasn't it. If it were it'd be easier to explain, but this was something else. I'd just a few days ago found out that the ex I'd cheated on was friends with my boyfriend. I dragged the glass closer as if it weren't near enough. I could smell the alcohol as I remained in a pilot state. I'd never trust him again and if things were different I would've broken it off right then and there. What more was there to say when we lived in such deceit. He was the kind if guy you couldn't leave or wouldn't want to no matter how bad things were. But I was human. A person, a bad one, but I didn't deserve this. There was no way to escape now that I had her. I took a deep breath hoping silently it was a girl. I touched the rim of the glass with no intention to drink it... I'd never intended that. I just needed the scene. I pulled a bill from my wallet to pay, getting up to leave so he knew I was allowing him the change.

--

I was curled into a ball, the sickness beginning to break me. The tears fell though it wasn’t hysterically. I held myself in my arms as I pushed them away with my fingers. I didn't want them. I just wanted to be alone. Silent. I feared going anywhere or staying out for too long. I'd only become sick again. Even driving was becoming the worst. I felt the wave past but I still held there. I cursed to myself as I realized I hadn't eaten like I'd intended to. It was day 3 now...maybe tomorrow.

----

I'd never gone to a restaurant alone but I guess I couldn't say that after today. I dressed myself yet again for the mere fact that I didn't want to.
I sat my sketch book aside when the older waiter had approached and given me my plate.

Winter:
"Thanks."

I didn't want to say anything...another reason why I did. I hadn't acquired much of an appetite but the fork was lifted anyways. I looked about at the nicely dressed people, hoping it wasn't well known for obvious reasons. I witnessed a guy leave his party of acquaintances for his eyes to rest either on me or something behind me, I wasn't sure. I looked down and away in annoyance as he'd come closer...This was why I never did this.

"You mind if I join you."

Yes.

Winter:
"...No."

He sat slowly as I experience him for the first time. I tried keeping my thoughts from outwardly projecting because though I wasn't in the best mood, it wasn't because of him.

"Waiting for anyone special?"

I cringed with the thought, picking up the fancy glass of water to sip.

Winter:
"I told you to sit, didn't I? "

I still hadn't understood why.

He smiled as if amused at my response before replying politely.

"Just making conversation."

His hair was dark like his, though a different look entirely. The attire that held him made him look quite nice though I didn't want to study too much.

He looked at the small book in the middle of the table I hadn't shut.

"Hey did you-"

I pulled it away before his fingers could make contact. He couldn't just make healthy conversation, he had to go there.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry."

I stayed quiet as I watched him. The situation was becoming unpredictable.

"That's great, by the way. Did you draw it?"

I held it firmly in my hands under the table.

Winter:
"No, I'm holding it for a friend."

I relayed it so rude and sarcastically but I couldn't find my filter. He'd chuckled gracefully at the comment, and I felt myself slowly begin to relax at how much of a good sport he was being.

"I draw too...See."

He leaned his arms against the table for me to better see the ink trailing down either side of his arms.

They were great. Really intricate detailing. Most were black but warm colors settled in places. I reached for his arms without shame to gently turn them over as I studied. He seemed to have liked the attention.

Winter:
"The ink too?"

"No. I actually sketch them out and a mate of mine inks them for me."
I nodded with the new information.

Winter:
"They're awesome. "

He had a nice smile. And though my feelings were innocent, I had to remember he'd come over to hit on me.

"So...you have to let me see now."

I'd given an expression to imply otherwise.

"I showed you."

Winter:
"Yea, but everyone can see them."

"Still counts..."

I debated for a moment as I looked away. Why was I debating about this topic with someone I didn't know, I never did that. I held it out to him, pushing it across the table before I changed my mind. Maybe it was a conversational get away that was keeping me from dwelling on other things. But I didn't want him to get up yet. I didn't feel bad about it.

I'd picked up the fork to give my hands something to do. I ate cautiously to avoid sickness as he turned the pages again and again. If things were different I would've felt so violated with his actions...I was too numb for that emotion these days.

"Oh my god."

I didn't feel insecure... or anything at all. But this was definitely a one time thing.

"You're better."

I lent a smile as he looked up and over between his eyelashes.

Winter:
"Thanks. You don't have to say that."

"Are you from around here?"

Winter:
"Not really, no."

"...can you tell me your name?"

Winter:
"Winter."

I had his undivided as he studied me silently.

"I'm Mason... maybe we can draw sometime."

I felt accomplished in finishing most of the plate, feeling now that it was my cue to leave.

Winter:
"Nice of you to ask, Mason, but really I cant.."

I motioned to the waiter so he knew I'd been ready for him.

Mason:
"I figured you'd have a boyfriend...Look, I won't hit on you, I promise."

I didn't answer, but I think it'd come off just as effective. I slip the money between the black book he'd placed on the table shortly after.

Mason:
"...as friends... I'll show you more of my work."

Winter:
"Maybe."

I was walking away from him now.

Mason:
"Wait but how will I call you?"

Winter:
"I'll see you around."

I'd given him a grin in return for making my evening. But it wouldn't be long before I was balled up between the duvet again. I tried not thinking about it as I lay my head against the steering wheel, and put the car in drive.

Notes

Sorry I didn't edit much guys. But I have a ton of work and I wanted to post early for once.

Thanks for reading this chapter. Sunday's the next one. Thanks for the comments. :)