Harmony (H.S.)

Chapter 10 | Birthday Boy

30 January 2020

*Harmony James*

"Bitch, are you home? I need your help!", I scream almost in hopelessness when I get home after a full day in the studio.

This week's routine was very similar to the previous week's, Harry and I are alone in the morning and the other people join us in the afternoon. This week, inspiration has been weaker, and we haven't had any special musical revelations yet, but we all know it's part of the process.

Ever since dinner at my house, where I talked to Harry about the music he's made, he's been sharing all his thoughts with me, and I think that's great! I feel like we're really good friends, I really enjoy talking to him and just being with him. And I think this further contributes to the heightened pressure I feel to give him a good birthday present.

"I'm here, I'm here! What's going on?", arrives my best friend with her hair pulled up all disheveled, and wearing an outfit that I've never seen her wear, but I believe neither me nor anyone else.

"What's wrong with you?", I ask worriedly.

"I have an article to finish writing and I've been at it for hours," she says with a sigh.

"Oh okay! I won't interrupt then!" I say.

"Tell me what's wrong Harmony!" she demands.

"I'm going to buy Harry's birthday present now and I was going to ask if you'd like to come with me but obviously what you have to do is a priority, so don't worry.", I say.

"Wait 10 minutes and we can leave", she says and doesn't even let me object and, effectively, 10 minutes later she's next to me, ready to leave and looking like a completely different person.

When we're already in the car on the way to the nearest mall I say "Babe, you didn't have to come! I feel bad for taking you out of study time!".

"Mimi, obviously between spending time at the mall and studying, I prefer shopping a thousand times, so don't worry about that", she smiles, "And besides that I know perfectly well that you need someone to calm you down!" she continues with a knowing smile.

And that's why she's my best friend and that's why I thank the stars every day for having her in my life.

When I notice, we're already at the mall and Rachel is pulling me into the building while asking, "So what are your ideas?"

"Hmmm... none?", I say uncertainly.

"That's impossible Harmony! I'm sure you've thought of a thousand things!", she says pointing her finger.

"And I've thought of a thousand things, but I don't think any are good enough!", I say honestly, "I know I want to give you flowers, but this I give to everyone always! I want to give more than anything let it be important and meaningful!" I sigh.

"Okay, okay! What if we go through store windows and then see if something catches your eye?", she asks, and I nod.

After an hour of walking in and out of stores, I'm about to give up. The man has everything!!! I could give him clothes, but he has a deal with Gucci, how am I supposed to get over it? Music-related stuff too I bet he has everything possible and imaginary! And overly personal things that I usually give to my friends like songs, poems, or pictures, I feel like it's too much for our relationship right now.

When I tell Rachel that I've given up and that I'm going to look for something online, she ends up agreeing with me and understanding and takes me to a second-hand clothing store to find something for her. I see one or another piece that I like and when one of these doesn't have a price, I go to the cashier to ask. In the window, there are some vintage rings that catch my eye and I ask to see them.