Subterranean | H.S.

S46

Persephone's pov

It's super early in the morning, it's definitely not the right time for me to be up. But as much as I want to stay in bed, I can't. My body is powered by the excitement for the trip. I've been planning it for what feels like forever. Exact plans were made together with Harry. There's no other day as perfect for it as today. 

I wake up at exactly three in the morning, with the first ring of my alarm. I take a shower to wake myself up a bit more. I can already feel it, but at the same time only imagine the temperature today. It's going to be a long day. Long, but hopefully a good one. I pick shorts that end right above my knee and a simple, white shirt. 

I have all my things packed already. It doesn't take me long to finish my very early, morning routine. Exactly thirty minutes after my alarm rang, I get a message and I already know it's Harry. I got ready just in time.

I check just to be sure, and I'm right. 

H: Waitin' for you.

Persephone: Coming

I know that the trip was one of the main topics for the two of us for the past week and a half, but I still can't believe that he agreed to my silly idea. I can't believe he was sitting here, with me, in my apartment, all that time to listen to me, but also to add something from himself. It feels surreal that he's in his car right now, waiting for me to walk down and spend his day off on that. It makes me feel a certain way I can't describe. 

Without wasting any time I grab food, that I prepared the day before, from the fridge and make sure that I have everything. It takes me a total of two minutes to close my apartment and walk down into Harry's car. 

The air is so fresh and nice. I take a deep breath in, smiling. It's a little bit cold now, but it's going to be intolerably hot later. The sky is still dark, only street lights light up the space. There's something about this hour, something peaceful but also disturbing at the same time. I can't tell which one of those makes my stomach turn.

I notice Harry's figure leaning over his car's side, smirking under his nose. He lowers his head, greeting me that way. I copy his moves and smile at him. He opens the door for me and I get inside. I was thinking about sitting in the back, that way I'd be closer to Arnie. After all, Harry convinced me to sit in the front, explaining that Arnie would probably be sleeping for most of the journey. He just knows what to say to calm down my nerves. I just hope everything will go as planned. 

Soon after Harry takes his place and we're on our way to the hospital to get Arnie. 

''Did you get any sleep?'' I start the conversation. ''Are you ready for the drive?''

I take a look at his profile and watch as the tip of his nose moves with each of his words. ''Surprisingly, I did. I'm gonna be fine, I've had way worse trips.'' He stabilizes the steering wheel and looks at me as we drive past the buildings on the straight street. ''I have good company today, that will be my personal navigation.'' He doesn't smile, but his eyes look like he is. 

I smile at his answer, observing his face. ''After this many hours in a car with me, you'll have enough of me, I guarantee that.'' I watch as he focuses on the road again. His face is so smooth, with no sign of facial hair. The hair on top of his head is curly, looking soft. 

''I don't think that I'm ever going to be sick of you.'' He says, quieter than any other sentence. 

I can't really name the topic of our first conversation today, but all I know is that I don't want it to end. ''Bet?'' I ask him, obviously joking, not thinking that he's going to take it seriously. 

He slows the car down and puts his right hand in front of me, accepting the challenge.

My face drops, not actually expecting him to do it. ''Wait, are you serious?'' I look at his hand and his face.

''Does it look like I'm joking? The loser will do whatever the winner says. Simple, not complicated. Just one thing and we're over with it.'' I'm already scared but curious about what he might think of.

He grabs my hand into his and we shake it for a moment. After the handshake, he focuses back on the road.

''Okay.'' I agree with him and watch as we stop in front of the hospital. ''I'll go get him.'' I grab the handle and as I'm about to step out, he informs me that he's going with me. I don't protest, he might be useful. 

Right as we leave the car behind a phone calls and I turn around, surprised. Who's calling him at almost four in the morning? 

Why do I even care? It's none of my business. 

Harry's pov

''I'll go with you.'' 

These are the last words I say to her before we can hear my phone ring. I grab my phone with my fingers and before even looking at the screen I lift my head to look at her. She stops in her tracks with confusion on her face. She opens her mouth as she's about to say something, but it disappears as fast as it appeared. She turns around and walks straight to the entrance, not saying any more words to me. 

I look at my screen, furrowing my brows as I read the name 'Riley'. I can only think of bad scenarios right now and suddenly the heat wave washes over me. I pick the call up and put the phone to my ear.

''Hello? Riley, what's wrong?'' I begin to walk, trying to get rid of the energy in some way. I swear, I've never been more awake at this time.

Instead of Riley, I hear Jade's panicked voice. ''W-where are you? Is sh- Pers- with you? Are you both okay? Please, tell me that she's fine.'' I have so many questions for her right now, I don't even have the answers to hers.

''Why wouldn't we be? Are you guys okay?'' I gesticulate at my words, pacing back and forth. I have no idea what's going on.

''He- he was here. A-and he was looking for her.'' I hear her breathing heavier and heavier. I can't talk to her in that state, she needs to calm down.

''Jade.''

''Yes?'' 

''Take a deep breath and sit down, please.'' I crouch next to my car as well. ''Now, tell me everything once again, slowly, take your time. She's with me, she's safe.'' I add, right before I let her turn our conversation into a monologue. 

Persephone's pov

I take one more look at Harry after I already make my way inside, just to see him sitting on the ground. Something's not right. I start walking back, but he stands up, right as I do so. He starts walking in circles. Once I make sure he's fine I take an elevator to get Arnie. 

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