Paper Rings - HS

05

The smell of cinnamon filled the air as my eyes fluttered open, the light causing me to squint. My glasses were no longer perched on my face but rather folded up and sitting next to two face down phones on the coffee table. Mine and Harry's.

Glancing at the clock perched on my wall, the time read 11 o'clock. I was becoming more aware of my surroundings, sitting up fully now. The soft hum of my record player had filled the house, Abbey Road, a vinyl I had received for my sixteenth birthday was mid spin, the sweet sound of Here Comes The Sun was playing, paired with a new voice. One that belonged to Harry.

I made my way to the kitchen, watching Harry; apron clad, as he flipped pancakes, the kitchen island set with plates and silverware. He continued to sing along to the voice of George Harrison, someone we both had an admiration for.

"Good morning sunshine."

I watched as he turned around, taken by surprise at my sudden presence. His dimples making an appearance as he looked at me, standing in my kitchen with his hoodie that could pass for a dress, hair messy, and glasses smack dab in the middle of my face.

"Pancakes, fresh fruit, coffee, and orange juice because you have such a strong hatred for apple, which still doesn't make much sense to me."

Hoisting myself up into the bar stool, I nodded. He remembered I dont like apple juice. It's small, but it mattered in this moment.

"Thank you for doing this, you didn't have to."

He brought a plate with a stack of pancakes over to the island, setting them down in front of us before taking his seat beside me.

"I wanted to."

Minutes turned into hours, simple conversation and jokes being made brought the sweetest smiles from both our faces. I had missed him more than I thought and I would cherish every second with him that I could, because you're not guaranteed tomorrow.

Our chatter had died down around one o'clock. Harry moved to clear the dishes, insisting I stay right where I am because "he made the mess" which I appreciated. Always considerate.

After Harry had cleaned up, each appliance back in its place; he made his way around the flat tidying up, which he really didn't need to do, but I know him well enough to understand this was his way of apology.

"Get ready, we're leaving in five."

"Where are we going?"

I questioned, rising from my seat as I looked up at Harry once he came to a halt in front of me.

"Soccer."

It was the only word to leave his mouth and it was enough to make me walk into my room, changing into a fresh set of clothing, a jacket draped over my shoulders; the air in London became colder by the day. It was a nice change from California and all the smog it consistently produced.

A small knock on my bedroom door was signal enough as Harry walked in. He was in his gear, ready for a game or practice of some sort.

"Come on."

-

The walk to campus was the same as usual, short, cold, and full of people watching. We continued to walk passed the buildings. Entering the complex, the turf was bright green, and the white lines were crisp. I never understood liking field sports, but I'd always support Harry. There weren't many people here, just a practice.

As we got to the sidelines, Harry motioned for me to take a seat on the beach as he sat with me digging through his bag to find his cleats which eventually he did. He smiled over at me, it was a bright smile. A happy one.