Trace

Chapter 24

          I sit in my back garden when he arrives. There isn't a cloud in the sky, and there is a moderate breeze. As usual, I'm spending my morning reading a book, and feeling relaxed. When he walks through the gate, at once I sit up, as I'm not expecting company.

  I look up to see a tall figure, and the sun is in my eyes, so I can't make out their face. He comes closer and I know it most certainly isn't Harry.

  "Hello, Cae."

My heart freezes for a second as I recognise who is before me. I stand up and brush off the ends of my pink sundress.

  "Hello, Ghain."

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HARRY'S P.O.V.

    After I eat some oats and yogurt for breakfast, I go to get change. El had suggested that Niall and I spend some time together, and although I don't care too much for the idea, I agreed anyway.

  I throw on a beanie after I'm done getting dressed and brush my teeth. I check my phone for any messages, and send El a text saying good morning and I let her know where I'll be today. Niall and I have planned to see a derby race. Though I can't say I'm a huge fan, El revealed to me that Niall loves them, so I relented.

  ~Leavin now.

Niall Horan: Me too- see you soon, mate !

I let out a sigh. I would much rather spend my day today with El. However, I know how much she wants Niall and I to become close mates. It's not that I don't like Niall- he's a very nice guy- but I can tell that he has a few feelings for my girlfriend... but I can't figure out what.

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  EL'S P.O.V.

"W-what are you doing here?" I sputter out, and fiddle nervously with my fingers.

  His smile is warm, and I can see that his intentions were innocent on coming here.

"Decided to stop in, that's all. How are you? I know it's been over two months since I last talked to you..."

  "Yeah, well. Um...I'm fine. How are you?" I ask politely.

"Great, actually, thanks. I just got back from a vacation in Paris."

     "Wow, really? How was it?"

"It was loads of fun."

  The conversation is extremely awkward, and there's a stiff tenseness lingering between us.

"So... I was wondering if I could take you out sometime? I feel horrible that I stood you up last time," he nervously chuckles.

 I shake my head. "I uh...don't think that'll work..."

"Cae, I'm really really sorry about that. I really do like you, please can I buy you dinner sometime?"

    "Ghain... I have a boyfriend."

His mouth forms an "O" shape, and no sound comes out.

 "Er..well, it was nice seeing you, Cae."

I smile. "You too."

  He takes a step back and gives an awkward, short wave before leaving through the white fence's gate. I let out a puff of air and plop back down, retrieving my book. Even though I try to focus on the words of the story, my mind is completely preoccupied with other thoughts.

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HARRY'S P.O.V.

It's dark when Niall and I walk into the cafe. Surprisingly, I had a fair time today with the lad. I found that we had several things in common...and he was rather funny. We definitely had a laugh today. We each order some food and then go to wait for it.