Mutinous

Chapter 10

Knowing I was going to see him in class I contemplated whether or not I should give him a hug and wish him a happy birthday once more. But then again it was Monday, which meant it was no longer his special day.

I took a deep breath. I was overthinking things way too much just like always.

"Booh," a voice in my ear whispered, and I practically jumped before I realised who it was.

"You scared me," I confessed looking at the boy or more like man with the cute dimples and undeniable smile plastered on his face.

"Sorry, love. Couldn't help it. You looked very lost in thought."

"I was," I told him biting my bottom lip. My heart was already pounding a hundred miles a minute.

"Care to enlighten me?"

"Well happy birthday," I said placing my arms to the side with my palms pointing towards the ceiling. I was kind of indicating a hug, but if he didn't take the hint I didn't look like a complete fool. To my luck, he was quick to pick up on my not so smooth gesture and wrapped his arms around me.

"Thank you, but you do realise it was yesterday, yeah?"

"Yes, but I didn't get to give you a cuddle. And then I was wondering since we didn't get 'round to dessert on Friday that maybe you'd like to- Like we could go out and get something after we finish classes today. My treat." I was rambling, and I hoped I didn't resemble a tomato. How did girls manage being friends with guys? This wasn't easy. I was making a total fool of myself.

He licked his bottom lip. "I'd like that."

"Great. So did you go out last night?" I said letting go of him, making a note in my head to let James know I wasn't coming straight home. The hug had lasted longer than normally and even if I liked being close to him, it made me slightly uncomfortable. If only I knew what he was thinking.

"No. Me and some  mates went out Saturday night instead."

"Hope, I didn't wake you then."

"You didn't. Mum had me woken up at 8. You always up that early?"

I wanted to lie and tell him no, but I was still not used to lying. It didn't come naturally, and he already knew the answer just by looking at me.

"Not that there's anything wrong with that." He quickly added and I felt my cheeks heat up. This was doomed before it had even started.

"So how does it feel to be 21?" I asked changing the subject while we walked to our lecture.

"Honestly not much different than being 20. Nothing changes really, apart from the fact you're now a year older on your ID."

"Nice," I did not know what else to say. I didn't look 21 nor 20 for that matter. I probably didn't even look 19, and I had never actually been to a club where I would need to show my ID. I had never been drunk, and the only alcohol I had had was a glass of wine or champagne at my parent's dinner parties. I was a joke, and I should get away from him as soon as possible because if he didn't know it already, he would find out very soon.

"Lighten up. It'll be your turn one day," he elbowed me playfully trying to lighten my mood, but it wasn't working.

I scrunched my nose. "In three years."

"So? It doesn't mean anything. It's just a number."

"We both know it's more than that," I complained wanting to disappear. I was naive for ever picturing Harry and I as more than just friends.

"But you'll be an adult just like me in less than three months. Just enjoy the age you have while you can."

"Right."