Sanctuary [h.s.]

Chapter Three

"Baby, tell me where you want to go

Baby, tell me what you want to know

Give you everything I have and more"

***

It was the start of another long week of work. I started my day off with a jog around the neighbourhood. It helped to spark my energy for the day and was one of the few types of exercise I didn't mind. I spent the day sketching out a new design for a client until my hand cramped and I could no longer hold a pencil. Olivia and I ordered Chinese food for dinner; neither of us in the mood to cook. I hid away in my bedroom for the night watching mindless animated sitcoms on my laptop in the dark.

My phone screen lit up the room, grabbing my attention. I paused the show before grabbing the vibrating device and reading the screen once it was in my view.

'Unknown Caller'

My face scrunched in confusion as to who could be calling this late at night. I hesitated before pressing the glowing green button and holding the phone to my ear, "Hello?"

"Eleanor?" A deep masculine voice spoke.

"Yes? Who is this?" My fingers picked at one another anxiously.

"It's Harry. Could you meet me?"

The recognition of his voice hit me like a ton of bricks. My mouth dried up as my muscles stiffened.

He finally called me. It's been over a week since our last encounter. I waited by my phone like an idiot after the first few days waiting for him to call. I eventually concluded that he wasn't going to. I was sure that he was uninterested and I had been undeniably delusional this entire time.

I sat up in my bed, moving the laptop off of me, "Oh, you actually- Uhm, I- I don't know, Harry. It's late. I have work in the morning."

"I'll have you home early. I swear." He spoke sincerely.

I pursed my lips as I debated internally with myself. I wanted nothing less than to see him again but I feel as if this could be a bad idea. Meeting with a man I've only talked to twice in the middle of the night. I clicked my tongue, taking a deep breath, "Sure, where?"

"Anywhere. Your choice." His satisfied grin could be heard through the phone.

I gnawed at the nail of my index finger as I thought about it, "There's a park a few blocks down from my flat. I could meet you there?"

"Perfect. What's the address?"

"I'll text it to you," I pulled the phone away from my ear as I went to message him but paused as I heard him speak up.

"No, uhm - I... I don't text." He spoke coyly.

My eyebrows scrunched together as I looked around in confusion. I refrained from questioning him and read aloud the address instead. We ended the call after planning to meet one another in twenty minutes. The park was ten minutes away on foot so I quickly used the extra time to freshen up.

As I slipped on my shoes and coat by the front door, Olivia spotted me, "Where are you going?"

An embarrassed grin rose on my lips, "I'm meeting Harry."

She grabbed the remote and pointed it at the television before pausing it, "El, it's almost ten o'clock."

I scratched the back of my neck, "I know. It's just at the park down the road. I won't be long."

She sighed rolling her eyes, "Okay... just - be careful. I'm going to watch your location. Call if you need anything."

I nodded as I reached for the doorknob and opened the door, "I will. Love you!"