Hoping [h.s.]

Espresso.

song for this chapter:
So Into You - Atlanta Rhythm Section
(link added if you'd like to listen while reading!)
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April 8

Harry

To say I was nervous to meet Jarelle at El's was the understatement of the century.

The 6 different outfit options sprawled all over my bedroom was enough proof of the near breakdown I had over putting together something decent for today.

I'd never been that straightforward to just up and invite someone somewhere with no expectations whatsoever.

Something about J just radiated comfort. Whether that was her song choice at the train station, the way her hair laid softly against her chest, or the way she fiddled with her hands when she tried to find the right words to form a proper sentence.

When she turned to the side to write something she saw that would be fitting for her journal, she paused our conversation, excusing herself first, and turned to jot it down. I took this opportunity to write down my phone number on a piece of paper I had on my pocket and put it in hers.

I hoped she would actually find the note because I was too busy trying to regulate my breathing to actually have the balls to invite her out to get coffee.

Arriving at El's felt like a relief when I looked around and spotted her sitting pretty on the little nook on the corner illuminated by the daylight coming in through the glass panels that overlooked the patio behind the shop.

She was wearing a light brown cropped t-shirt, along with a red and white floral skirt that reached just below her knees, topping it off with a pair of very loved up high top black Converse.

I looked down at my own outfit, having put together a fit the same night I replied to her text as soon as she agreed.

I opted for a simple grey t-shirt and black skinny jeans, paired with a light brown suede bomber jacket and my favorite pair of white Cobain sunglasses.

I stepped back out and looked at myself on the glass reflection outside and brushed my fingers through my hair for the thousandth time this afternoon before taking a deep breath and walking inside towards her.

Reaching her, I notice she had her earphones on just like the first time, so I tap her shoulder so I didn't startle her.

When she finally turned around and our eyes met, I almost forgot how to breathe properly.

Again.

Her eyes shone with the type of sparkle you could only find when looking up and fireworks are illuminating the night sky in all their glory.

Her moss hazel eyes had my heartbeat picking up without even uttering a single word yet.

Her hair was brushed down and parted down the middle, having one strand braided down on each side of her face, shaping it perfectly.

The corners of her lips tugged up, welcoming me with the brightest smile I've managed to pull out of her.

"Hey! You actually made it, I was beginning to think I'd have to invite him for a smoothie." She points to her left, turning her torso, we both locked eyes with a kids, no older than 13.

Feigning an offended look, I laugh out "Oh, c'mon, that was uncalled for." I point down to the time on my phone's lock screen. "3pm on the dot."

She laughs at this, making my shoulders sag in relief and the nerves slowly dispersing.