Not The First Love : Re-Imagined

5. Taylor : He's Nice

Harry's words, "I have a crush on someone," keep echoing in my mind. I told myself I wasn't going to fall in love, but the truth is, being with him makes me feel happy and comfortable. It's confusing.

After school, I get home and head straight to my room. My phone chimes, and I see a message from Harry: "She's Hazel," along with a few pictures. I recognize her immediately; I've seen Hazel around school before.

"I've seen her," I text back. "You must have," he replies.

"Do you think we would look good together?" he asks next. As I'm reading Harry's text, another message comes in, this time from Elena. She sounds upset. Aaron is breaking up with her. I quickly type back, "Why?"

"He doesn't like me anymore; he's in love with another girl," she texts.

"How dare he! I'm on my way to your place," I declare. Amidst the urgency, I decide to call Harry. "What are you doing right now?" I ask, urgency colouring my voice.

"Sleeping," comes his deep, resonant reply, creating a momentary pause as the sound reach my ears.

"Actually, we need to go somewhere. Come and meet me near the school," I hurriedly convey.

"Yes, madam," he replies promptly, his tone a mix of concern and readiness. Despite my anxious state, there's a calming effect in his response. With determination, I book a cab to the designated meeting spot.

I see Harry leaning against the wall, his black T-shirt sleeves stretch slightly against the tension of his biceps. His hair is a bit tousled, with a few strands falling casually over his forehead. The way he looks at me as I approach sends a pleasant shiver down my spine. As I draw nearer, he moves closer, his presence calm and comforting amidst the urgency of the moment. It's a simple yet striking appearance that momentarily takes my breath away.

"We're in a hurry; we have to go to Grace's," I state firmly.

"As you say, ma'am," he replies with a playful tone, a smile playing on his lips. "Stop calling me ma'am," I chuckle.

"Then what should I call you?" he asks, his smile widening.

"Taylor," I affirm.

"Okay, Tay it is," he says with a grin.

"No one calls me that," I reply, smiling back.

   "Well, now I will," he declares. My phone buzzes with a text from Elena asking about my whereabout. Reading Elena's message, I quickly respond, "Okay, we gotta go now. We''l discuss this later."

"Where does she live?" Harry asks.

"Nearby." I reply.

"Alright, my motorcycle is parked nearby; let me bring it here," he says.

"Bike?" I ask, noticing the gleaming motorcycle parked nearby.

"Yeah, I thought we had to go somewhere a bit far, so I brought it," Harry explains, his eyes bright with excitement.

I hesitate, unsure about riding on Harry's motorcycle. "I prefer walking. The surroundings are beautiful, and the fresh air feels nice," I suggest, trying to find a way out.

"Yeah, you can enjoy the surroundings and fresh air riding on my motorcycle too," he counters smoothly, undeterred by my hesitation.

I scramble for another reason, not ready to give in. "While walking, I'll explain the things that happened with Elena, and on a motorcycle, you won't be able to hear me clearly."

"I'll try to ride slow so that I can hear you," he says, his tone patient and reassuring.

I give him a dead-eyed stare, and he immediately responds, "Alright, alright, as you say... Tay. Hey, Say... Tay... sounds rhyming."