Chapter 19 (part 2)

Chapter 19 (part 2)
“I just miss you.” he says, and I believe him because I can see it in his eyes—the honesty, the purity.

Harry’s still holding my waist and we’re so close when my friends open the front door. They’re gaping with mouths wide open. Did I mention the lights were off? The only light comes from the porch, illuminating the living room. They keep staring at me and Harry, then back at me, then back at him. I push Harry away as if that will hide what just happened, but obviously, this is not a movie scene.

“Do we have to give you a minute?” Arya breaks the awkward silence.

I awkwardly laugh and push Harry away. He lets go of my waist, and I turn on the light.

“No need for that.” I chuckle. “That’s stupid. We’re just… uhm, talking?”

Arya enters the house first, eyes locked on us. I sit on the sofa and Harry sits beside me. She stands in front of us like a cop waiting for us to confess. Zara enters, closes the door, and stands beside Arya. I feel like a prime suspect in a murder case — sooooooo awkward. I wish I had Hermione’s time-turner so I could turn back time and escape this awkwardness, being prey to my friends.

“Guys, what’s with you? What are you doing here?” I ask, looking at them.

“Did we just interrupt something?” Zara replies, ignoring my question and crossing her arms.

“Oh my gosh, are you seriously telling me I have to explain what you just saw?” I say.

I look at Harry. He looks at me quizzically then shakes his head. I don’t know what’s up with these two, but they’re so overprotective of me now. Arya crosses her arms too.

“We’re just talking! Guys, come on!” I say.

I leave them surprised by my reaction and storm to my room to change clothes. But I still don’t know what to wear since Harry’s in a tux and tie, and I can’t wear jeans! I eavesdrop on what’s happening downstairs.

“What’s with you and Elise?” Arya asks.

“What are you planning with Elise?” Zara corrects Arya’s question.

Why are they so interested? They’re not my mom.

“We’re good friends.” Harry says uncertainly.

There are no good friends who kiss alone in a dark room — maybe it’s normal in London, but not here. I know Harry wants to know what we really are because we’re more than friends. He’s aware of it, and so am I. I guess I’m just stupid enough to keep pushing him away while kissing him behind closed doors.

“We’re not dumb, Harry!” Zara fires.

“Is that how you greet your friends?” Arya fires.

“We know something’s going on.” Zara fires again.

Harry murmurs something I can’t hear clearly. I can’t understand because it feels wrong to listen to their conversation when it’s all about me. I open my closet and shuffle through the clothes, then realize Arya and Zara aren’t dressed yet — I remember inviting them. I look for a decent dress to match Harry’s tux, but I can’t find anything. After a moment of staring at my closet, I stumble on my feet when I hear my door open.

“It took you forever to change.” Zara says as she walks over to me.

“I just realized I don’t have any decent clothes.” I glance at her.

Zara looks at the clothes I’d been searching through for five minutes. Then she finds the black dress mom bought for me four years ago for dad’s funeral. I didn’t wear it then because it was so expensive — I thought it was dad’s funeral, not a fashion show — so I just wore a black T-shirt. Mom didn’t hate me for not wearing the dress.

“This looks nice.” Zara says.

She holds the dress in front of me, trying to imagine me wearing it. I undress and try not to act awkward in front of Zara — this is the first time she’ll see me almost naked — but she keeps holding the dress up like a shield. She takes it from the hanger and helps me zip it up.

“Please, don’t act like I have to explain everything in my life to you.” I say.

Zara looks surprised but stays quiet. I turn to look at her, pretending I didn’t just hurt her feelings.

“Incredible!” Zara says, running her hands through my hair and ruffling it a little.

“You’re messing up my hair. How is that supposed to help me look like a person?” I ask.

“You look like a boring, lifeless Barbie with your clean, straight hair. Messing it up a little makes you look incredible.” she explains.

She’s smiling brightly, her glow lighting up the room. I close the closet door and glance at myself in the mirror.

“I do wish you’d wear dresses more often.” Zara says.

“I already heard that from you on prom night.” I laugh, looking at her.

“You look incredible in a dress.”

Zara adds a little makeup to my face. We’re laughing as we walk out toward the living room. Harry is speechless when he sees me—so pathetic. He offers his hand, and I take it. He smiles at me like it’s the first time he’s really seen me, making me feel like we’re alone in the room.

“We better go.” Harry says.

“Yeah, that’s a nice idea, Harry.” Arya comments.

“Wait,” I object.

Zara and Arya look at Harry, who looks at me.

“You’re not coming?” I ask my friends.

“Oh yeah, actually.” Arya replies.

“But we invited you.” Harry says.

“Just don’t put your dick on her vagina!” Arya yells at Harry.
I just want to ask them why they’re acting so weird after that moment. It’s so awkward I want to crawl under the floor.

“Stop with the awkwardness and answer our question.” I say.

“Well, we want you two to have a memorable night together.” Zara replies with a sly smile.

Hand in hand, Harry and I walk to his car. He opens the door for me—wow, a real gentleman. I actually feel important right now, and I’m not even joking.

“How come you brought a car here?” I ask, curious.

“I brought it here.” he says, starting the engine as we drive off to… somewhere.

“In a plane?” I clarify, raising an eyebrow.

He looks serious. I don’t need a driver, and I don’t want to go anywhere crazy. Does he think I’m some girl who wants something from him? All I want is silence, privacy, and a good night’s sleep—that’s it.

“Kidding. I rented the car just for tonight.” he says.

I frown and punch him lightly in the arm.

“What are you thinking?” he asks.

“I don’t want anything from you, and I hope you know that,” I retort. “Besides, I barely go anywhere, so I don’t need a driver.”

“Hey, hey, hey! I’m not saying you’re using me or anything. I see that all over social media…” he starts but stops when I cut him off.

“Good that you know that.”