Hollow Highs [h.s]

4.

He could feel the poisoning aura of his everyone around him slowly choke him. He never enjoyed being a part of such things. His idea of a perfect evening would be getting ice cream and watching some movie.

He never wanted to be a part of this relentless cycle of repetition. He could hear the chiming of glasses, small chuckles and laughs being distributed. He sighed and took a sip of the sparkling champagne in his hand.

"Harry, mum and dad want to meet you." Clara said, awakening him out of his trance. He ran a hand through his growing hair and nodded.

He quickly drank the champagne, knowing he would need it profoundly. He took in a few breaths, aware of the scrutinising gaze Clara's parents were passing him.

"Let's go." She said. Grabbing his hand and dragging him threw the crowd. He muttered a 'hi' and 'hello' every now and then trying to be as polite as possible.

"Harry," Clarion's father, Jimmy Holt said. He brought out his hand which Harry shook with a firm grip.

"Good afternoon Mrs. Holt." He greeted Angela, Clarion's mother.

Angela and Jimmy were of stern and stubborn fibre, much like their daughter who took after them. The two of them had formed a wealthy pharmaceutical empire. They had gathered immense wealth over the years, some of which they had inherited.

They had clear goals and intentions. They were orthodox, just like their parents. They had been brought into a world of riches and they snaked their way around it. Clara was expected to do the same. She was predicted to take over the empire and steer it.

"So, how are classes?" Angela asked him. Her blonde hair were pushed into a bun. Ruby earnings dangled from her ears. A large, attention craving necklace was placed on her bony chest.

"Good actually. I've been busy with them." He said. His tone reflecting the unease he felt.

"Will be you be taking up the law firm once you're a graduate?" Jimmy asked him. His tone was stern and intimidating. Harry gulped and chuckled nervously.

"I'm not sure about that." He said.

"But your parents want you to." Jimmy quickly replied. His eyes were narrowed at the boy.

"They do. I'm still trying to gain clarity of the subject." He said, narrowly refraining from running a head through his hair as a sign of nervousness.

"I suggest you do it faster." Jimmy spat at the boy. Harry could feel himself squirm under his authoritative words and gaze.

Is it really worth it?

"I will speed up. Pleasure talking to you." He said and escaped the family's venomous hold on him.

He sighed and walked back to the spot from where Clara had collected him. He muttered various profanities under his breath, mainly out of frustration. He felt like ripping his hair off of his scalp.