The Things You Mean to Me // Harry Styles Series #1 - Holmes Chapel

The Way You Smile With Your Eyes

On Monday, Dad and I went to the school uniform store and stocked up. As usual, I asked for medium tops. As usual, the lady wanted me to try the small, so I did. As usual, she agreed I needed medium.

My new wardrobe consisted of a few v-neck sweaters, which are called jumpers, a few skirts, and a bunch of white shirts and black tights. I even had to get a black winter coat, since that's the only color you're allowed to wear with your uniform.

The jumpers have a badge on them, the school crest. It's black, of course, with the church from the center of town and two sheaves of wheat. Boring. I wonder what they'd think of the Weston Wasps and our lightning bolt wielding, stinger thrusting mascot? Less historical, but more intimidating.

We spent Tuesday in Manchester, the nearest city, about forty five minutes north of Holmes Chapel. Dad took me to the mall to pick up some things I'd forgotten to bring. Like bras. I had completely forgotten to pack any, so I only had the one I flew in, and that was a serious problem.

Thankfully they had a Victoria's Secret. I'm not easy to fit, but since I usually shopped there at home, I found exactly what I wanted right away, grabbed a few matching panties and some basic underwear, which are called knickers, for good measure, and got out of there.

Dad was waiting, impatiently, outside. My boobs make him uncomfortable. I get that.

We had honest to goodness fish and chips wrapped in paper for lunch. It was so good. People had told me that food in England was gross, but so far I hadn't seen anything too bad. I hoped the school food wouldn't be as disgusting as the stuff at home.

I got an English cell phone, an iPhone 3GS. It wasn't like Dad to splurge like that. I think he must've gotten a raise for the job. We'd have to sell it when we left in May, because it wouldn't work in America, but it was fun to have a cool phone while it lasted.

It was a really good day. We both laughed a lot, the kind of laughs that make it all the way to your eyes. We hadn't done that much lately, and it felt good.

I was upstairs putting away the day's purchases when I heard Dad's phone ring. A few minutes later he knocked on my open door.

"Hugh needs me to start tomorrow, Liv. Can't wait until Monday when you start school. I'm really sorry. Are you going to be ok on Thursday going for the tour by yourself?"

"It's maybe a ten minute walk. Even if it rains... again... I'll be fine. Do you think it always rains here?" I wasn't impressed with the grey and damp days.

"Evidently it's not a particularly bright and sunny spot in general, but there'll be cheerful days, I'm sure. Being here in winter doesn't help. You'll be meeting Mrs. Banning at eleven o'clock to see the school, visit a classroom or two, and get your schedule."

"Do I have to wear my uniform for the visit?"

"No. Just be presentable. I trust your judgement."

~

I spent Wednesday doing a bunch of investment cooking, stocking the freezer. Baked ziti, tuna noodle casserole, and meatloaf are all things I cook reliably.

I also agonized over what I would wear to the school visit, trying on at least six different outfits, finally settling on super dark wash jeans with a soft pink turtleneck sweater. I liked how the pastel contrasted with my dark hair.

Dad came home after seven o'clock, obviously worn out after his first day.

"How about some comfort food?" I asked as he set his computer bag down on the small desk built into the kitchen counter.