FLICKER (h.s. au)

9.

Nine

Emery Rivera

Day 3 of vacation

"Luna!! Smile!! Say cheese!" All the girls called out to Luna, who sat on a beach chair in her adorable swimsuit that Harry picked out for her himself. The guys were splashing- more like wrestling, around in the water, while the dads ventured out in search of a golf course, though it was highly unlikely they would find one in this remote location.

Luna wore a contagious smile on her face as she posed in front of the multitude of phones pointed at her. As I mentioned before, this girl absolutely adored being the center of attention. There is absolutely no shortage of that for her here. Even the locals, shop owners and tourists couldn't help but goo at the sight of her.

Today was a day for relaxation. The plan was to lounge at the house and on the beach, play some board games, and maybe venture into town to dine at one of the local restaurants. Yesterday, while the others embarked on a motorcycle tour up the mountain to jump off waterfalls, Harry and I decided to stay behind with the parents. I have a fear of heights, and I didn't want to leave Luna alone for an extended period.

I tried to convince Harry to go with the rest of the group, but he insisted on staying with us. So, we wandered around the small town, exploring every souvenir shop and indulging in all the street food we could find. After savoring every bite of tahoe, a filipino sweet treat and street ice cream, I didn't mind skipping the motorcycle tour at all. It's always a joy to learn more about another culture. It also helps that the food is delicious.

After their adventure yesterday, Cam, Melanie, and Delaney pleaded with everyone to have a day of rest. They were exhausted from the tour, which turned out to involve hiking for three hours instead of just cruising on the motorcycles. They were ill-prepared for the very physical exertion. I think Delaney's exact words were "My feet are about to come off."

"Sit next to her; I want a picture of both my girls," Harry's voice startled me, causing me to jump in surprise.

My girls.

Heat rose to my cheeks immediately at his choice of words.

"Yeah! Go, Emery! The lighting is perfect right now," Joanne urged me forward, giving me a gentle push towards Luna. I stumbled over to her, lifting her off the chair and settling her onto my lap.

Harry raised his phone, brushing off the sand that had settled on top of it.

"Aren't they the cutest?" I heard Cam say whilst nudging Harry with her elbow. Harry didn't roll his eyes or scoff under his breath. He just nodded, looking at his phone screen with this look on his face that I have yet to see for myself.

"Now you go." Cam snatched Harry's phone from his hands, urging him in our direction. Harry beamed at Luna as he made his way towards us. I scooted over on the chair, making space for him to sit right up against me.

Harry's arm wrapped around my waist, and he rested his head against mine, a gentle and affectionate gesture.

I gulped, putting a smile back on my face and pushing through the rest of the picture taking.

Ignore the way your stomach has one hundred butterflies in it right now, Emery. Ignore how good it feels to have Harry's arm around you like this. Ignore the way you're leaning into his body right now.

"Hey, care to go for a walk?" Harry whispered in my ear, his warm breath sending a shiver down my spine.

"Uhh, yeah, let me just change Luna's diaper," I replied hesitantly. Harry shook his head, dismissing my concern.