Not The First Love : Re-Imagined

4. Taylor : Stroke Of Luck?

"See ya, Mom." I say and exit the door. Not too far from the bus stop, a group of puppies engages in playful fun. I go to them and lost in play with the lively puppies, I lose track of time. Startled, I notice the bus pulling away just as I I join reality. Panic surges, and I sprint after the retreating bus, desperately calling for it to stop.

Inside, Harry, seated near the back, catches sight of me through the window. Urgency strikes him, and he swiftly alerts the driver to stop. Stepping off the bus, he patiently waits, his gaze fixed on me as I race towards him.

"Tha-nk G-od," my breaths coming in rapid succession as I slow down, my heart still racing from the chase.

"It's okay. I got your back," Harry says, boarding the bus and extending his hand to help. But I don't know why choose to grasp the rod and climb onto the bus independently. In response, Harry withdraws his hand with a gentle understanding and we settle into our seats.

With my breath still rapid, Harry suggests to drink water. Following his advice, I retrieve my bottle and take a few sips, gradually feeling the calming effect.

"Oh, shoot. Harry extended his hand while boarding, and I didn't grab it. He must be feeling bad. Should I say sorry or let it be?" I ponder silently. Glancing back at Harry, I seek to gauge his emotions through his expression. He seems fine to me. Harry breaks the silence, asking, "Do you wanna say something, Taylor?" "Hey, Taylor?"

"Umm?" I'm not able to catch him.

"Do you wanna say something?" he asks again. Snapping out, I respond, "No, nothing," in a low voice.

Harry, perceptive, persisted, "Nah, I thought you want to say something because you've been staring at me for the past 30 seconds or more." Wait, What? How? 30 seconds!? How is that possible!!! I just saw him now. How did 30 seconds happen? What's going on?? Was I lost? I literally don't understand what's happening. He must be teasing.

Curious, I ask, "30 seconds!? Like for real?," "You must be kidding."

"Why would I?" He replies.

"You were staring at me. You must be thinking something. Or, you were just blurred out," He adds. "No. I wasn't." I say, a hint of embarrassment colouring my expression.

Harry responds warmly, "Yes you were, but being the subject of your gaze, a girl like you, is indeed a stroke of luck," a smile gracing his face.

"A stroke of luck? Oh God, he's crazy." I exclaim, placing my hand on my head in a gesture of frustration, though, at this moment, I'm feeling opposite. Harry laughs, the kind that starts with a subtle twinkle in his eyes and quickly spreads to his whole face.

"I got a nice male friend after a long time," I remark.

Chuckling, Harry responds in his playful tone, "Um... friend? But we are not friends yet."

"We aren't?" I echo, a subtle note of sadness in my voice.

"No, you didn't ask me to be your friend yet," Harry replies playfully. In a moment of sincerity, Harry extends his hand and asks, "Ok, let me ask you, Taylor, would you like to be my friend?"

Gazing at his outstretched hand, I finally grasp it and reply, "Yes, I will." Harry grins widely, his eyes sparkling with genuine joy.

"Welcome to Harry's life." I smile back, feeling a warmth spread through me. "Welcome to Taylor's life."

The transition to the school canteen happens seamlessly. One moment we're sharing a laugh about our newly declared friendship, and the next, we're sitting together at a corner table, our trays laden with cafeteria food.