Because of Rosalie
Chapter 10: Too Much Room
[Jenny]
The same boring shows are always on during the day. Fortunately for me, I get to watch children's cartoons for a majority of the time. Rosalie doesn't ever sleep in. The moment she stirs around and doesn't feel me near her, she jumps out of bed and runs downstairs - eager to be with me once again. I don't mind it, she's my favorite person in the world - I wouldn't want to pass up a moment to be with her. However, at this moment in time, she's actually in our room playing with her Barbie dolls - most of which aren't fully dressed. She loses the clothes very fast, especially the shoes.
It's been a few days since I went out with Harry - it's now Wednesday of the following week. We've talked here and there, over text of course. I don't have the energy to speak to him through the phone. He tried to call me once, on Monday, but I just let it ring until he hung up. I shot him a text saying I was with my mom in the living room watching a movie when in fact I was actually in my bed, watching nothing at all but the texts popping up on the screen.
Harry has classes four days out of the week - he doesn't have any on Fridays most of the time. However, most of his "classes" aren't in an actual class room setting - but in a clinic. He's tried to explain it to me, but I usually get confused. This means that he has a certain about of time he can talk to me in between classes. It's clearly not Friday, so I don't know why I'm holding my phone in hopes of a text at 1:41PM. I know good and well he has a class right now. I shouldn't even be wanting to bother him during his college hours - he always respected me when I was doing my online work.
"You seem annoyed, dear. Everything okay?" Mom appears out of nowhere - last time I saw her was an hour ago when she said she was going to take a nap. She took the evening shift at the hospital tonight, so she needs to rest up.
"Just waiting." I shrug.
She sits down beside me and wraps her arm around my back - her hand grips my waist, pulling me close to her. My head falls on her shoulder, a sigh leaving my mouth as I get comfortable against her. My mom has always been the kind of person to give off comfort, not just to me and Rose, but to anyone. I assume it's because she's an RN. She was never in it for the money, only for the passion of helping people. She owns a great, kind soul.
"You and I both know he can't go a day without texting you. Relax, baby, he'll send you something before the sun goes down." Her other hand reaches over to pat my thigh, only making me huff heavily.
"I'm nervous, Mom."
"Why's that?" Her voice is constantly gentle, caring. I wish I could be as strong as her, as loving and as amazing as her. Rosalie deserves that from me.
"He really wants to meet Rose."
"Well.. if he's willing.. then you ought to give him a chance. At least.. introduce him as a friend." She suggested.
"What if she doesn't like him? What am I going to do?" I lean my elbows onto my knees, throwing my hands over my tearing eyes. Mom starts to rub circles into my back, but it isn't calming me down any. "I would lose everything he and I have made, Mom. This would all be a fuckin' waste."
"Shh, honey. You're stressing entirely too much." She whispers into my ear, her hand resting on the back of my head now. Despite her gift of being so comforting, I'm freaking out inside and nothing she's doing is helping me at all. "Rosalie is a very forgiving person. I know that once she meets him properly and receives an apology.. she'll warm up to him. Everything will be alright, I promise."
I shake my head rapidly from side to side, my palms pressed into my eyes. This can't happen. I've lost him once, I couldn't possibly survive if he had to leave me once again. It took so long for us to fall back in place, for us to connect again. Rosalie is my entire world - no matter what happens between Harry and I, no matter how good we are, Rosalie will decide my fate. She's always going to be there, she's always going to mean more to me than anything or anyone else in this world.
"Sweetheart, I know you're worried. But please relax. Harry will send you a text. Rosalie will love him, I just know it." She places a few kisses against my temple, the same way I do to Rose. I guess I pick up a lot of my mother's little things.
Almost a second later, my phone beeps beside me on the couch - can my mother see the future? It has to be a miracle.
I take my hands away from my puffy eyes, wiping my nose on my wrist as I pick up my phone. It's a message from the only person I ever talk to - Harry. My heart swells with joy as I lick my lips, trying to calm myself down some. I unlock my phone and read over his words all while my Mom is smiling beside me, her arm resting in the small of my back.
From Harry: (1:50PM) Remember you mentioned that we should go out again? Well, if you're still down, I have an offer for you.
Sensing my Mom's eyes peering over my shoulder, I tilt the screen towards her so she can read it. She gives me a little squeal, insisting that I hurry and reply before he gets caught up in something distracting.
To Harry: (1:50PM) Yes I remember. What's your offer? :)
"I told you.. be patient, my love." Mom places a kiss to my cheek before standing up, mumbling about how she's going to lie back down for a while. I pass her a smile before she exits the room, leaving me alone with just my phone clutched tight in my hand.
From Harry: (1:51PM) Well.. it depends on if you're busy right now or not.
To Harry: (1:51PM) I'm not doing anything.. but it also depends on how long this offer would take. My mom's going in at six.
From Harry: (1:52PM) Just an hour or two.
To Harry: (1:52PM) What's the offer then?
From Harry: (1:53PM) It's something you've talked about wanting to see before.. :)
To Harry: (1:54PM) I need to know, Harry. Stop teasing me. I need to dress for the occasion, so what is it?
From Harry: (1:54PM) Dress casual. It's nothing fancy, but I know you'll love it.
From Harry: (1:54PM) I'll pick you up in thirty xx
My eyes nearly fall out of my head as I see that - half an hour to get ready? Not just to go to the store, but to get ready to go with him? Is he actually kidding me. I send a quick reply and hurry upstairs.
The very first thing I do is tell my mom the plans. Once she's gotten the details, I race to the bathroom across the hall from my room, not wanting to waste any time whatsoever. I look into the mirror, nearing gasping at how rough I currently appear.
"Shit."
I grab the hairbrush and pull it through my hair, wincing to myself as I pull the tangles out. When that's finished, I grab the toothbrush and toothpaste and start to brush my teeth. Harry has such white teeth, mine aren't nasty or anything - but not nearly as pearly white as his. It doesn't take long for me to put deodorant under my arms and head into my bedroom.
The door opens quite quickly, making Rosalie jump in fright. She throws her little hand over her heart, "Mommy, you scare me." She sighs, trying to catch her breath.
"Sorry, lovey. Mommy's got to get dressed. I have to go do something."
"What're you doin'?" Before I could process anything, Rosalie is right up under me, pretty eyes gazing up as she waits for me to answer her.
"Going somewhere with a friend, honey." I tell her, touching her cheek gently.
She grabs my wrist, keeping my palm on her face. "You're leavin' me again, Mommy?" She pouts her lips out, saddened by the news of my afternoon plans.
"Not for long, baby, just a few hours. I'll be back before the sunsets, I promise." I give her a kiss on the forehead after picking her up off the ground.
She grins happily, throwing her arms around my neck. "Love you, Mommy."
"I love you, Rosalie." I peck her forehead a few more times before sitting her back on the ground.
She runs back to her playhouse and continues talking for her dolls as she forces them to hop around in the house. I just smile over my shoulder as I reach the closet, hoping to find something decent to wear. Harry's casual is probably quite different from mine. I'm sure he doesn't include pajama pants that are two sizes too big for you and shirts that reach your knees as casual.
My eyes roll at my stupid thoughts. Why can't I just be normal and not overthink things? Just slide some jeans on and a tee, I'm sure Harry will be fine with that. Right? The thing is, what if he isn't? For all I know he could be dress pants and one of his patterned shirts - just ditching the blazer for the day. My head is banging, my circling thoughts are driving me crazy.
Eventually, after much silent debate, I chose to put on a pair of blue jeans and a blouse - but one that was casual yet had a cute look to it. I didn't want to look like a slob, basically. I slide on some sneakers and grab my purse. I kiss my sweet daughter goodbye, hoping to get to the living room soon because I'm not very sure when he'll pull up and I've seemed to lost track of the time.
"Mommy.. I miss you." She whines, wrapping both arms around my legs as best as she can.
"Baby, I haven't even gone yet." I say, running my fingers through her scalp. She starts to sniffle below me, a sign that she'll cry soon if I don't go on and leave. I squat down, forcing her to take a few steps back. Her lips are pouted out, eyes big and watery. "Tell you what.. I'll let you have some ice cream tonight if you be a good girl, alright?"
My offer makes her smile a little, "Chocolate chips?"
"Of course you can put chocolate chips on it, love. I'm not going to torture you." I laugh lightly, kissing her forehead as a goodbye gesture.
She nods to me, returning a kiss to my cheek. "Pretty, Mommy." She whispers, smiling wide at me.
"Thank you, sweetheart. I love you. Be good for Nana, alright?"
"Love you." With that, I gave her one final hug and shut the bedroom door behind me.
Quickly, I go across the hall and let my mother know that I'm leaving. She tells me to be careful and enjoy myself, even though neither of us know exactly what I'm doing. As I'm going down the stairs, I check my purse to make sure I have my wallet and some money in there, along with my lip gloss. I didn't apply too much makeup. I just filled in my brows, added a little mascara so that my blonde lashes can be seen, and some lip gloss. I didn't even bother to conceal the pimple on my cheek.
When I reach the living room, I realize that I left my phone on the couch. I hurry to it, hoping that I haven't missed anything from Harry. He could be waiting outside for all I know. I quickly go to my messages after seeing I have a few new ones. I mentally slap myself, I should've taken my phone upstairs with me earlier.
From Harry: (2:25PM) I'll be there soon xx
From Harry: (2:30PM) I'm outside. If you're not ready I can wait. :)
From Harry: (2:37PM) Is everything alright?
From Harry: (2:40PM) Do I need to come to the door? God I hope you're alright. xx
I throw my hand onto my forehead, why am I an actual idiot? Deciding that texting would be useless, I quickly press the call button on his contact and press it to my ear. I take one last look at myself in the mirror on the wall behind the front door. I look presentable, I assume. My hair is brushed, my face isn't flushed. I'm fine.
"Hey, gosh. Are you alright? You.. you usually answer me." Harry's voice scares me, my heart instantly starts to pound harder in my chest.
"I'm fine. Sorry about that. Rosalie was telling me goodbye." I inform him as I unlock the door, sliding my purse strap on my shoulder.
"Oh, she isn't upset that you're leaving is she? If she is you can stay, it's fine." Harry's voice easily holds his panic.
I smile at how concerned he is with her well being, "She's fine, Harry. I promised her ice cream after dinner. I'm coming out the door right now." I step onto the porch, making sure the door is locked when I shut it.
"Yeah I know, I see you, silly."
My eyebrows furrow as I hear Harry's voice in the air, as well as through the phone. I turn around just to find him leaning against his expensive car, eyes staring directly at me. He takes the phone away from his ear and puts it in his pocket. I lock mine, aware that the call has ended,
When I walk down the narrow sidewalk to the road, Harry pushes himself off the car to meet me. As we approach each other, he embraces me in an unexpected hug, making me freeze for a few seconds before realizing I need to put my arms around him in return. I gladly do by snaking them around his torso, my hands settle into the small of his back.
"How've you been?" He asks, pulling away after a few seconds. It wasn't an intimate hug, just a friendly greeting - I think.
"Good. What about you?" I smile lightly, already feeling utter embarrassment clog my skin. He should be used to my blushing by now. I can't believe I hugged him that way - was it too romanticized? Did he like it? Did he hate it? Did he-
"Alright, I guess. Better now that I get to see you." He smirks slyly, gesturing for me to follow him to the car.
We both become quiet all of a sudden, perhaps he's just as nervous as I am. He opens the passenger side door for me, motioning for me to get in. He bows dramatically to me, as if I'm some sort of royal. I just laugh at him, he has such a good sense of humor. Even when my heart is racing and my lungs are barely working, he can make me smile.
It only takes a moment for him to get in the car as well, which smells the same as it did all the other times I've rode with him. For every date expect our first and sixth he picked me up and brought me home. He claimed it was his way of making sure I got home safely - but I figured it was because he wanted to spend a little extra time with me and that I don't mind at all.
"You look lovely." Harry says, pulling onto the street. There isn't much traffic through here during the day.
"Thank you. You aren't the only person who's told me that today. I'm very flattered." I hold back my laugh and only let my smile peep through my anxious state.
"Oh really? And who else told you that? Do I have competition now?" He asks chuckling, his eyes focused mostly on the road, but every now and then I feel him glance over at me.
"If you consider my daughter competition, then yes." The thought of Rosalie makes me relax some, she calms me even when I'm away from her.
"Definitely."
Harry's comment made me grin, is it possible he's a tad jealous of my daughter? I decide not to ask just yet, that's a question for another time I believe. A thought pops into my head, he has to tell me something!
"Harry, where exactly are we going?" I ask curiously, turning in my seat so that I can see him better.
I watch the smirk grow on his pink lips, "You'll see."
"I want an answer." I huff, not taking his reply seriously.
"I said.. you'll see. It's a surprise." He repeats, looking over at me as he comes to a stop light.
My cheeks heat up as we stay like this for a minute - his gem worthy eyes staring into mine. He gives me a gentle smile, his eyes quickly roam over my appearance. I'm beginning to think I look bad. When the light turns green, the car behind us honks their horn - Harry really should be paying attention.
I sit properly in my seat, staring at my hands sitting in my lap. Already I've taken in his appearance, and determined that his definition of casual is rather close to mine. He's wearing a pair of black jeans, paired with one of his fancy shirts - I should have known he'd have those top buttons undone. This time the shirt has slightly elbow length sleeves. It's orange and has small white and pale yellow floral outlines all over it. I swear only he can pull those crazy shirts off.
"I don't like surprises." I mumble, hearing him let out a light chuckle just a few seconds later.
"I'm sure you'll like this one."
--
Harry's hand is completely covering my eyes - his intentions are to block my vision so that I don't know where we are. It has to be some location where people know him because I've heard a few people greet him using his name. He would return a reply with their name as well. I'm not allowed to question it, Harry wants me to be completely surprised.
"We're almost there." He mutters into my ear, sending chills down my spine. "We got to get in the elevator."
His guiding comes to a halt, making me furrow my brows underneath his palm. I reach out, trying to feel for my surrounds. I touch something almost instantly, but I'm quick to draw my hand back to my chest. Did I just touch a person?
"Sorry about her." Harry suddenly speaks, and I realize that I indeed did touch someone, and it definitely wasn't him. "I'm trying to surprise her, she makes things difficult." Harry adds while gently touching my waist. The person he's speaking to doesn't reply.
The ding of the elevator catches my attention, and within a second we are starting to move. I reach back and grab Harry's wrist, afraid that I might trip since I currently can not see anything. My body is very close to his, we are hardly touching. His front only hits my back when he leans to speak into my ear. However, every now and then, especially while we were walking and I would just stop - completely confused - his lower half bumps into my behind. Neither of us have spoken about it and I highly doubt we will mention it.
"You smell good." Harry's voice whispers quietly into my ear, I don't think anyone else could hear it.
I smile lightly, my cheeks heating up from his comment.
"And you look good, too." He says even softer, a chuckle following.
Giving his wrist a squeeze, I shake my head lightly from side to side. His flirting is something I am used to, and something that I definitely have learned to love and appreciate.
It didn't take but a few minutes for us to end up being the only two people in the elevator. Harry let me know when other people were getting off. I started to wonder when we were going to get off. How tall is this building?
"Here we are." He says behind me.
Before I can say anything, he gives my hip a pat - his signal telling me to start walking. I do as he insists, his hand still covering my view. We walk for a half a minute until finally he stops. He reaches around me and I hear the sound of a beep, along with a door being opened.
"One more door." Harry sighs, making me walk a little further once the first door had shut behind us.
I comply with him, as I've done the entire time. Just a few moments went by. He stops one final time and reaches around me, another beeping noise fills the silence. The door is opened and he gives my hip one last touch, indicating that I step over the threshold that I still can not see.
"Now.. I'll uncover your eyes, love." He laughs faintly, his voice still close to my ear. I can feel his warm breath and smell the mint from the gum he was chewing in the car.
His hand comes off my face - I almost feel incomplete. It's been on me for so long, it's like it belongs there. I can feel Harry's presence moving around me, despite not being touched in any way. His footsteps stop, and his fingertips softly trail down the side of my hand.
"You can open your eyes." His deep voice is closer than I thought - it only makes my heart flutter even more.
Hesitantly, I peel back my lids, honestly not knowing what to expect at this point. A gasp jumps from my throat, where am I? Harry remains directly beside me, his front facing my side. He's watching me closely, I can see his stare from the corner of my eye.
My sight roams around, admiring the expensive looking place. The ceiling is extremely high, double a normal room I'm sure. The back wall is lined with tall windows, heavy curtains hang all the way to the floor. The space is incredible - it's huge. There's a black spiral staircase in the far corner, a semi-open second floor that I can see - and I do believe the staircase goes beyond a second level. I see an arrangement of chairs and a sectional - all black leather with white and grey accent pillows and a throw blanket across the back of the sectional. The glass coffee table is round, placed in the middle of it all. A large white area rug rests on the medium grey toned marbled floor. The lamps are tall, white shades with bright lights. Fancy art work hangs on the wall, a miniature sculpture sits on a table near by. My eyes lift up, staring at what I can see of the second floor.
Up there it seems there is an office area and another seating arrangement. To my right is a fancy kitchen - black cabinets and dark marble counter tops. Shiny brand name appliances and an elegant light display hangs from the ceiling. To my left, however, is something are more beautiful and perfect.
"Is this your place?" I ask Harry, my eyes wide with both shock and admiration.
"Yeah. You seem to like it more than I do." He nods, smiling at me before walking towards the staircase.
I remain frozen - unable to collect my thoughts. Harry's family has money, I knew that from our previous talks, but I didn't realize what amazing things money could buy. His first floor is bigger than my entire house.
"Are you coming?" Harry asks with a laugh, looking over to me from the staircase.
Once I feel how hot my cheeks have gotten, I lower my head and hurry across the large room to get to him. I don't want to get lost in this place, there's no telling what else is up those stairs. Harry insists I go first, I try to hesitate but he gives me a starting shove.
"Go on, Jen. Don't be scared."
As I start to ascend the stairs, my stomach flips and my heart rapidly pounds - where exactly is he taking me? What relevance does this place hold to what our plans are for today? When I reach the second level of Harry's apartment - I consider this more than just an apartment - I notice a thick glass wall is acting as a railing. I lean over it slightly, looking down at the lower floor. The glass reaches my chest, thankfully preventing me from falling.
"You're very fascinated by all this, aren't you?" Harry comes up beside me, his arm slides around the small of my back.
"It's amazing."
"It's too much." Harry sighs, squeezing my waist before letting his arm fall.
"I disagree." I say with a smile, but when he looks over at me I notice he's slightly frowning. "What's wrong?" I become worried that I might have done something, or said something, wrong to him.
"It would be nice.. but it's just me here. It's quite boring. Too much room." He shrugs, pushing himself off the railing. He starts to trail away from me, so I take this as a sign to follow him and stop awing over his home.
He leads us to a door in which he opens it, flicking on the light as he goes in. Immediately, I know what this room is - I don't need an explanation at all. This is something I've been dying to see, a place he's promised to bring me. And I can't believe I'm actually here.
"Harry." I say with a happy laugh, quite shocked by all of this happening at once.
He turns to face me, his hands extended to gesture around the room. He does a silly spin, making me cover my mouth to stop myself from falling on the floor in fits of laughter.
"Welcome to my studio."
The same boring shows are always on during the day. Fortunately for me, I get to watch children's cartoons for a majority of the time. Rosalie doesn't ever sleep in. The moment she stirs around and doesn't feel me near her, she jumps out of bed and runs downstairs - eager to be with me once again. I don't mind it, she's my favorite person in the world - I wouldn't want to pass up a moment to be with her. However, at this moment in time, she's actually in our room playing with her Barbie dolls - most of which aren't fully dressed. She loses the clothes very fast, especially the shoes.
It's been a few days since I went out with Harry - it's now Wednesday of the following week. We've talked here and there, over text of course. I don't have the energy to speak to him through the phone. He tried to call me once, on Monday, but I just let it ring until he hung up. I shot him a text saying I was with my mom in the living room watching a movie when in fact I was actually in my bed, watching nothing at all but the texts popping up on the screen.
Harry has classes four days out of the week - he doesn't have any on Fridays most of the time. However, most of his "classes" aren't in an actual class room setting - but in a clinic. He's tried to explain it to me, but I usually get confused. This means that he has a certain about of time he can talk to me in between classes. It's clearly not Friday, so I don't know why I'm holding my phone in hopes of a text at 1:41PM. I know good and well he has a class right now. I shouldn't even be wanting to bother him during his college hours - he always respected me when I was doing my online work.
"You seem annoyed, dear. Everything okay?" Mom appears out of nowhere - last time I saw her was an hour ago when she said she was going to take a nap. She took the evening shift at the hospital tonight, so she needs to rest up.
"Just waiting." I shrug.
She sits down beside me and wraps her arm around my back - her hand grips my waist, pulling me close to her. My head falls on her shoulder, a sigh leaving my mouth as I get comfortable against her. My mom has always been the kind of person to give off comfort, not just to me and Rose, but to anyone. I assume it's because she's an RN. She was never in it for the money, only for the passion of helping people. She owns a great, kind soul.
"You and I both know he can't go a day without texting you. Relax, baby, he'll send you something before the sun goes down." Her other hand reaches over to pat my thigh, only making me huff heavily.
"I'm nervous, Mom."
"Why's that?" Her voice is constantly gentle, caring. I wish I could be as strong as her, as loving and as amazing as her. Rosalie deserves that from me.
"He really wants to meet Rose."
"Well.. if he's willing.. then you ought to give him a chance. At least.. introduce him as a friend." She suggested.
"What if she doesn't like him? What am I going to do?" I lean my elbows onto my knees, throwing my hands over my tearing eyes. Mom starts to rub circles into my back, but it isn't calming me down any. "I would lose everything he and I have made, Mom. This would all be a fuckin' waste."
"Shh, honey. You're stressing entirely too much." She whispers into my ear, her hand resting on the back of my head now. Despite her gift of being so comforting, I'm freaking out inside and nothing she's doing is helping me at all. "Rosalie is a very forgiving person. I know that once she meets him properly and receives an apology.. she'll warm up to him. Everything will be alright, I promise."
I shake my head rapidly from side to side, my palms pressed into my eyes. This can't happen. I've lost him once, I couldn't possibly survive if he had to leave me once again. It took so long for us to fall back in place, for us to connect again. Rosalie is my entire world - no matter what happens between Harry and I, no matter how good we are, Rosalie will decide my fate. She's always going to be there, she's always going to mean more to me than anything or anyone else in this world.
"Sweetheart, I know you're worried. But please relax. Harry will send you a text. Rosalie will love him, I just know it." She places a few kisses against my temple, the same way I do to Rose. I guess I pick up a lot of my mother's little things.
Almost a second later, my phone beeps beside me on the couch - can my mother see the future? It has to be a miracle.
I take my hands away from my puffy eyes, wiping my nose on my wrist as I pick up my phone. It's a message from the only person I ever talk to - Harry. My heart swells with joy as I lick my lips, trying to calm myself down some. I unlock my phone and read over his words all while my Mom is smiling beside me, her arm resting in the small of my back.
From Harry: (1:50PM) Remember you mentioned that we should go out again? Well, if you're still down, I have an offer for you.
Sensing my Mom's eyes peering over my shoulder, I tilt the screen towards her so she can read it. She gives me a little squeal, insisting that I hurry and reply before he gets caught up in something distracting.
To Harry: (1:50PM) Yes I remember. What's your offer? :)
"I told you.. be patient, my love." Mom places a kiss to my cheek before standing up, mumbling about how she's going to lie back down for a while. I pass her a smile before she exits the room, leaving me alone with just my phone clutched tight in my hand.
From Harry: (1:51PM) Well.. it depends on if you're busy right now or not.
To Harry: (1:51PM) I'm not doing anything.. but it also depends on how long this offer would take. My mom's going in at six.
From Harry: (1:52PM) Just an hour or two.
To Harry: (1:52PM) What's the offer then?
From Harry: (1:53PM) It's something you've talked about wanting to see before.. :)
To Harry: (1:54PM) I need to know, Harry. Stop teasing me. I need to dress for the occasion, so what is it?
From Harry: (1:54PM) Dress casual. It's nothing fancy, but I know you'll love it.
From Harry: (1:54PM) I'll pick you up in thirty xx
My eyes nearly fall out of my head as I see that - half an hour to get ready? Not just to go to the store, but to get ready to go with him? Is he actually kidding me. I send a quick reply and hurry upstairs.
The very first thing I do is tell my mom the plans. Once she's gotten the details, I race to the bathroom across the hall from my room, not wanting to waste any time whatsoever. I look into the mirror, nearing gasping at how rough I currently appear.
"Shit."
I grab the hairbrush and pull it through my hair, wincing to myself as I pull the tangles out. When that's finished, I grab the toothbrush and toothpaste and start to brush my teeth. Harry has such white teeth, mine aren't nasty or anything - but not nearly as pearly white as his. It doesn't take long for me to put deodorant under my arms and head into my bedroom.
The door opens quite quickly, making Rosalie jump in fright. She throws her little hand over her heart, "Mommy, you scare me." She sighs, trying to catch her breath.
"Sorry, lovey. Mommy's got to get dressed. I have to go do something."
"What're you doin'?" Before I could process anything, Rosalie is right up under me, pretty eyes gazing up as she waits for me to answer her.
"Going somewhere with a friend, honey." I tell her, touching her cheek gently.
She grabs my wrist, keeping my palm on her face. "You're leavin' me again, Mommy?" She pouts her lips out, saddened by the news of my afternoon plans.
"Not for long, baby, just a few hours. I'll be back before the sunsets, I promise." I give her a kiss on the forehead after picking her up off the ground.
She grins happily, throwing her arms around my neck. "Love you, Mommy."
"I love you, Rosalie." I peck her forehead a few more times before sitting her back on the ground.
She runs back to her playhouse and continues talking for her dolls as she forces them to hop around in the house. I just smile over my shoulder as I reach the closet, hoping to find something decent to wear. Harry's casual is probably quite different from mine. I'm sure he doesn't include pajama pants that are two sizes too big for you and shirts that reach your knees as casual.
My eyes roll at my stupid thoughts. Why can't I just be normal and not overthink things? Just slide some jeans on and a tee, I'm sure Harry will be fine with that. Right? The thing is, what if he isn't? For all I know he could be dress pants and one of his patterned shirts - just ditching the blazer for the day. My head is banging, my circling thoughts are driving me crazy.
Eventually, after much silent debate, I chose to put on a pair of blue jeans and a blouse - but one that was casual yet had a cute look to it. I didn't want to look like a slob, basically. I slide on some sneakers and grab my purse. I kiss my sweet daughter goodbye, hoping to get to the living room soon because I'm not very sure when he'll pull up and I've seemed to lost track of the time.
"Mommy.. I miss you." She whines, wrapping both arms around my legs as best as she can.
"Baby, I haven't even gone yet." I say, running my fingers through her scalp. She starts to sniffle below me, a sign that she'll cry soon if I don't go on and leave. I squat down, forcing her to take a few steps back. Her lips are pouted out, eyes big and watery. "Tell you what.. I'll let you have some ice cream tonight if you be a good girl, alright?"
My offer makes her smile a little, "Chocolate chips?"
"Of course you can put chocolate chips on it, love. I'm not going to torture you." I laugh lightly, kissing her forehead as a goodbye gesture.
She nods to me, returning a kiss to my cheek. "Pretty, Mommy." She whispers, smiling wide at me.
"Thank you, sweetheart. I love you. Be good for Nana, alright?"
"Love you." With that, I gave her one final hug and shut the bedroom door behind me.
Quickly, I go across the hall and let my mother know that I'm leaving. She tells me to be careful and enjoy myself, even though neither of us know exactly what I'm doing. As I'm going down the stairs, I check my purse to make sure I have my wallet and some money in there, along with my lip gloss. I didn't apply too much makeup. I just filled in my brows, added a little mascara so that my blonde lashes can be seen, and some lip gloss. I didn't even bother to conceal the pimple on my cheek.
When I reach the living room, I realize that I left my phone on the couch. I hurry to it, hoping that I haven't missed anything from Harry. He could be waiting outside for all I know. I quickly go to my messages after seeing I have a few new ones. I mentally slap myself, I should've taken my phone upstairs with me earlier.
From Harry: (2:25PM) I'll be there soon xx
From Harry: (2:30PM) I'm outside. If you're not ready I can wait. :)
From Harry: (2:37PM) Is everything alright?
From Harry: (2:40PM) Do I need to come to the door? God I hope you're alright. xx
I throw my hand onto my forehead, why am I an actual idiot? Deciding that texting would be useless, I quickly press the call button on his contact and press it to my ear. I take one last look at myself in the mirror on the wall behind the front door. I look presentable, I assume. My hair is brushed, my face isn't flushed. I'm fine.
"Hey, gosh. Are you alright? You.. you usually answer me." Harry's voice scares me, my heart instantly starts to pound harder in my chest.
"I'm fine. Sorry about that. Rosalie was telling me goodbye." I inform him as I unlock the door, sliding my purse strap on my shoulder.
"Oh, she isn't upset that you're leaving is she? If she is you can stay, it's fine." Harry's voice easily holds his panic.
I smile at how concerned he is with her well being, "She's fine, Harry. I promised her ice cream after dinner. I'm coming out the door right now." I step onto the porch, making sure the door is locked when I shut it.
"Yeah I know, I see you, silly."
My eyebrows furrow as I hear Harry's voice in the air, as well as through the phone. I turn around just to find him leaning against his expensive car, eyes staring directly at me. He takes the phone away from his ear and puts it in his pocket. I lock mine, aware that the call has ended,
When I walk down the narrow sidewalk to the road, Harry pushes himself off the car to meet me. As we approach each other, he embraces me in an unexpected hug, making me freeze for a few seconds before realizing I need to put my arms around him in return. I gladly do by snaking them around his torso, my hands settle into the small of his back.
"How've you been?" He asks, pulling away after a few seconds. It wasn't an intimate hug, just a friendly greeting - I think.
"Good. What about you?" I smile lightly, already feeling utter embarrassment clog my skin. He should be used to my blushing by now. I can't believe I hugged him that way - was it too romanticized? Did he like it? Did he hate it? Did he-
"Alright, I guess. Better now that I get to see you." He smirks slyly, gesturing for me to follow him to the car.
We both become quiet all of a sudden, perhaps he's just as nervous as I am. He opens the passenger side door for me, motioning for me to get in. He bows dramatically to me, as if I'm some sort of royal. I just laugh at him, he has such a good sense of humor. Even when my heart is racing and my lungs are barely working, he can make me smile.
It only takes a moment for him to get in the car as well, which smells the same as it did all the other times I've rode with him. For every date expect our first and sixth he picked me up and brought me home. He claimed it was his way of making sure I got home safely - but I figured it was because he wanted to spend a little extra time with me and that I don't mind at all.
"You look lovely." Harry says, pulling onto the street. There isn't much traffic through here during the day.
"Thank you. You aren't the only person who's told me that today. I'm very flattered." I hold back my laugh and only let my smile peep through my anxious state.
"Oh really? And who else told you that? Do I have competition now?" He asks chuckling, his eyes focused mostly on the road, but every now and then I feel him glance over at me.
"If you consider my daughter competition, then yes." The thought of Rosalie makes me relax some, she calms me even when I'm away from her.
"Definitely."
Harry's comment made me grin, is it possible he's a tad jealous of my daughter? I decide not to ask just yet, that's a question for another time I believe. A thought pops into my head, he has to tell me something!
"Harry, where exactly are we going?" I ask curiously, turning in my seat so that I can see him better.
I watch the smirk grow on his pink lips, "You'll see."
"I want an answer." I huff, not taking his reply seriously.
"I said.. you'll see. It's a surprise." He repeats, looking over at me as he comes to a stop light.
My cheeks heat up as we stay like this for a minute - his gem worthy eyes staring into mine. He gives me a gentle smile, his eyes quickly roam over my appearance. I'm beginning to think I look bad. When the light turns green, the car behind us honks their horn - Harry really should be paying attention.
I sit properly in my seat, staring at my hands sitting in my lap. Already I've taken in his appearance, and determined that his definition of casual is rather close to mine. He's wearing a pair of black jeans, paired with one of his fancy shirts - I should have known he'd have those top buttons undone. This time the shirt has slightly elbow length sleeves. It's orange and has small white and pale yellow floral outlines all over it. I swear only he can pull those crazy shirts off.
"I don't like surprises." I mumble, hearing him let out a light chuckle just a few seconds later.
"I'm sure you'll like this one."
--
Harry's hand is completely covering my eyes - his intentions are to block my vision so that I don't know where we are. It has to be some location where people know him because I've heard a few people greet him using his name. He would return a reply with their name as well. I'm not allowed to question it, Harry wants me to be completely surprised.
"We're almost there." He mutters into my ear, sending chills down my spine. "We got to get in the elevator."
His guiding comes to a halt, making me furrow my brows underneath his palm. I reach out, trying to feel for my surrounds. I touch something almost instantly, but I'm quick to draw my hand back to my chest. Did I just touch a person?
"Sorry about her." Harry suddenly speaks, and I realize that I indeed did touch someone, and it definitely wasn't him. "I'm trying to surprise her, she makes things difficult." Harry adds while gently touching my waist. The person he's speaking to doesn't reply.
The ding of the elevator catches my attention, and within a second we are starting to move. I reach back and grab Harry's wrist, afraid that I might trip since I currently can not see anything. My body is very close to his, we are hardly touching. His front only hits my back when he leans to speak into my ear. However, every now and then, especially while we were walking and I would just stop - completely confused - his lower half bumps into my behind. Neither of us have spoken about it and I highly doubt we will mention it.
"You smell good." Harry's voice whispers quietly into my ear, I don't think anyone else could hear it.
I smile lightly, my cheeks heating up from his comment.
"And you look good, too." He says even softer, a chuckle following.
Giving his wrist a squeeze, I shake my head lightly from side to side. His flirting is something I am used to, and something that I definitely have learned to love and appreciate.
It didn't take but a few minutes for us to end up being the only two people in the elevator. Harry let me know when other people were getting off. I started to wonder when we were going to get off. How tall is this building?
"Here we are." He says behind me.
Before I can say anything, he gives my hip a pat - his signal telling me to start walking. I do as he insists, his hand still covering my view. We walk for a half a minute until finally he stops. He reaches around me and I hear the sound of a beep, along with a door being opened.
"One more door." Harry sighs, making me walk a little further once the first door had shut behind us.
I comply with him, as I've done the entire time. Just a few moments went by. He stops one final time and reaches around me, another beeping noise fills the silence. The door is opened and he gives my hip one last touch, indicating that I step over the threshold that I still can not see.
"Now.. I'll uncover your eyes, love." He laughs faintly, his voice still close to my ear. I can feel his warm breath and smell the mint from the gum he was chewing in the car.
His hand comes off my face - I almost feel incomplete. It's been on me for so long, it's like it belongs there. I can feel Harry's presence moving around me, despite not being touched in any way. His footsteps stop, and his fingertips softly trail down the side of my hand.
"You can open your eyes." His deep voice is closer than I thought - it only makes my heart flutter even more.
Hesitantly, I peel back my lids, honestly not knowing what to expect at this point. A gasp jumps from my throat, where am I? Harry remains directly beside me, his front facing my side. He's watching me closely, I can see his stare from the corner of my eye.
My sight roams around, admiring the expensive looking place. The ceiling is extremely high, double a normal room I'm sure. The back wall is lined with tall windows, heavy curtains hang all the way to the floor. The space is incredible - it's huge. There's a black spiral staircase in the far corner, a semi-open second floor that I can see - and I do believe the staircase goes beyond a second level. I see an arrangement of chairs and a sectional - all black leather with white and grey accent pillows and a throw blanket across the back of the sectional. The glass coffee table is round, placed in the middle of it all. A large white area rug rests on the medium grey toned marbled floor. The lamps are tall, white shades with bright lights. Fancy art work hangs on the wall, a miniature sculpture sits on a table near by. My eyes lift up, staring at what I can see of the second floor.
Up there it seems there is an office area and another seating arrangement. To my right is a fancy kitchen - black cabinets and dark marble counter tops. Shiny brand name appliances and an elegant light display hangs from the ceiling. To my left, however, is something are more beautiful and perfect.
"Is this your place?" I ask Harry, my eyes wide with both shock and admiration.
"Yeah. You seem to like it more than I do." He nods, smiling at me before walking towards the staircase.
I remain frozen - unable to collect my thoughts. Harry's family has money, I knew that from our previous talks, but I didn't realize what amazing things money could buy. His first floor is bigger than my entire house.
"Are you coming?" Harry asks with a laugh, looking over to me from the staircase.
Once I feel how hot my cheeks have gotten, I lower my head and hurry across the large room to get to him. I don't want to get lost in this place, there's no telling what else is up those stairs. Harry insists I go first, I try to hesitate but he gives me a starting shove.
"Go on, Jen. Don't be scared."
As I start to ascend the stairs, my stomach flips and my heart rapidly pounds - where exactly is he taking me? What relevance does this place hold to what our plans are for today? When I reach the second level of Harry's apartment - I consider this more than just an apartment - I notice a thick glass wall is acting as a railing. I lean over it slightly, looking down at the lower floor. The glass reaches my chest, thankfully preventing me from falling.
"You're very fascinated by all this, aren't you?" Harry comes up beside me, his arm slides around the small of my back.
"It's amazing."
"It's too much." Harry sighs, squeezing my waist before letting his arm fall.
"I disagree." I say with a smile, but when he looks over at me I notice he's slightly frowning. "What's wrong?" I become worried that I might have done something, or said something, wrong to him.
"It would be nice.. but it's just me here. It's quite boring. Too much room." He shrugs, pushing himself off the railing. He starts to trail away from me, so I take this as a sign to follow him and stop awing over his home.
He leads us to a door in which he opens it, flicking on the light as he goes in. Immediately, I know what this room is - I don't need an explanation at all. This is something I've been dying to see, a place he's promised to bring me. And I can't believe I'm actually here.
"Harry." I say with a happy laugh, quite shocked by all of this happening at once.
He turns to face me, his hands extended to gesture around the room. He does a silly spin, making me cover my mouth to stop myself from falling on the floor in fits of laughter.
"Welcome to my studio."
Notes
I apologize for the delay! Updates coming soon xx please let me know what you think down in the comments! thanks for checking it out xx all the loveee --- J ;)
@LovelyLeelah
thank you, I'm very glad you're enjoying it!! xxoo
7/10/19