Harry's Empathy [h.s]

two

tw: mentions of suicide

two

Arden

"Arden, I need you to close tonight."

I looked up at Florence who quickly threw off her apron before throwing on her jacket. She opened the drawers in a fast motion, causing the drawer to almost fall out.

"Yeah of course, is everything okay?" I implied at her speed of grabbing things.

Florence shook her head, "No, my sister is going through labor and the one time her boyfriend went home to get sleep is the time the baby decided to pop right out."

"Ah, what are the chances, congratulations to her," I giggle. "I'll be on my way home soon anyways." I turn back to the table, wiping the stubborn stain aggressively with a rag.

"Perfect, make sure you text me when you leave and when you get home. If I don't receive the texts, I'll assume you got kidnapped," she warns. "Seriously, stay safe okay? Thank you again." She pulls me into a quick hug before waving goodbye.

After cleaning up the place, I grabbed the keys and locked the cafe behind me. My eyes wondered off around, checking the area and the people near by. Snow was slowly covering the ground, regret of wearing sneakers hit me as I take cautious steps towards the sidewalk.

At least I wore my jacket like my dad warned me to.

The surrounding places and stores seemed to be closing down as I continued my path, the town's hotspot bar being the only place still alive and open.

It always felt unsettling walking around this time by myself. I'd usually have Florence drop me off or my dad pick me up, but ever since my sister started working, she'd be the one with the car.

I took my phone out and sent my dad a text, telling him how Florence wasn't gonna be able to drop me off. I already knew the second he saw the text, he wouldn't be too pleased.

"Arden? Is that you?"

I stop in my tracks, my hand tightening around my purse before turning around. I glared at the group in front of me, all of them looking highly intoxicated judging by the way their trying to balance themselves. The only sober and stable one was Sang who was in the middle, his arms being used for support as his friends clung onto him.

I force a smile, "Sang." I'm shocked he remembered my name, but it probably travels in Amy's mouth often.

"What is a girl like you doing, walking alone at this time?" He teased, eyebrows scrunched in confusion.

Maybe it was the news, maybe it was the media, but I didn't feel comfortable with three drunk barely known people at this time. Sure, he's Amy's boyfriend but it's not like I'm close with her like that either.

It didn't matter, either way, I didn't feel comfortable. Me against three boys, the only way out of this would just to talk nicely enough to leave the conversation without any of them following me back home.

My dad always warned me about boys like this, especially entering high school for the first time. He said the basics but my sister always told me the same phrase.

"Remember, high school boys only want one thing."

I was well aware of their intentions, specifically the ones in front of me.

I forced a smile, "Ah, didn't notice I was alone."

I made sure my tone was set at sarcasm, hoping he wouldn't take it as an invite to talk with me or hang out with me longer.