Allure (ENG)

Chapter 17 - Harry

When I walk up the hill the sun is still soft. It is the road I have taken many times to my Mum's house. I hope she won't ask any difficult questions. She doesn't have to know about the existence of Emily. Not yet.

I ring the doorbell on the gate.

"Yeah?" it sounds through the intercom.

"Yeah. It's Harry." For a second everything goes quiet. Then the gate opens with a creaking sound.

"I thought I gave you keys?"

"Left them at Dad's." My Mum nods and walks towards the kitchen.

"Do you want some coffee?" She picks up the pot and pours some into her mug.

"No, I'm just here to get my bike." My Mum stops pouring and looks at me stunned. "You know I'm off today, you know that."

"No, that's not it. It's just...." Here we go. She sighs deeply and then continues her sentence "last time you rode it was..."

"Yeah, I know." Last time I rode it was with Kirsty. "I'm just getting my motor stuff, today," I interrupt her. My Mum is startled by my tone. Not today Satan, not today!

"Yeah, you can of course. No problem!" I roll my eyes at her fake happy tone. Without looking back I walk to the garage. At the sight of my motorbike my whole body fills itself with adrenaline. Memories of last year jump into my mind. I went riding with Kristy too. She found it a bit overwhelming, but she did enjoy it. Or at least that's what she told me. Olivia liked that I have a motorbike. At the memory of her my body shivers. Neither of them are here this year. With Emily everything is different.

I grab two helmets from the shelfs next to my bike. When I put the extra helmet into the pannier I realise my Mum is in the garage too. For a second we just stare at each other. As if I am waiting for the question to come. A question or comment about the second helmet.

"Have fun," she says softly before exiting the garage. I am sure I will, because I am going with Emily.

It feels good to be back on the bike and before I realise it I am in front of the hotel.

"No?! Are we going by bike?!" Emily exclaims enthusiastically. She runs up to me and pulls me into an embrace. "I didn't know you had a motorbike?" Her enthusiasm and cheerfulness spread warmth within me.

"Do you dare?" I ask softly. She lets go of me and nods. She looks like she has read my message carefully.

"With you? Always." I hand her the second helmet. With ease she puts it on as if she has done it before. There's a twinkling in her eyes behind the visor. I help her onto the seat behind me.

I adjust the mirror so I can see her behind me. When I start the motor and drive out of the street I can feel her grip tighten around me. I press the button on the portophone.

"You alright?" There's a smile from ear to ear behind her visor.

As soon as we exit the highway, we ride through Mallorca's nature. We ride past small idyllic places hidden between the hills. Emily looks all around her. The tight grip around me eases as I enter the parking lot. Slowly I put the motor to the side.

"Hey, why are you stopping?" She looks around at the cars that are coming and going. I take her hand in mine and help her off the bike. In one swift motion she takes the helmet off of her head. Her long blond hair appears again. On the inside I am drooling over the sight of her, but I try to not let it shine through.

"What? Is it messed up?" she asks insecurely. I nod. "Great, it's messed up."

"You're beautiful," I whisper. Emily blushes and hands me the helmet. I put both hers and mine in the pannier.