A Cup of Fate

CHAPTER 20: What Makes a Good Morning

CHAPTER 20

Breathe in. Breathe out.

I took a huge sigh, inhaling the air merged with the scent of freshly blossomed lavenders surrounding the luscious green shrubs and grass that landscaped the entire park. It was a good day to jog, to wind up and to feel that sensation of warmth of the sweeping beam of the sun. The breeze was chilly but at the same time, it was temperate. The air calmly comes in contact with my peaches-and-cream skin every time it blows. It felt soothing. It felt good.

I looked at my watch. 7:12 AM. I lunged down, stretching every tendon on my body, trying to do a bit of warm-up before pushing myself into a run. I looked over my surroundings. I was still in LA. I can still feel the LA aura; the busy streets, the summer feeling. But being in this park, made me disconnected with the real Los Angeles.

I entwined my fingers together, raising my hands above my head, with my eyes gently shut as I faced the branches of the willow tree directing its gaze to me.

I slowly fluttered my eyes open.

“Oh my God!” I flipped.

“That’s a unique way of greeting someone good morning.” Harry stood beatifically in front me, leaning on the trunk of the tree.

“Dude, you don’t go sneaking up on people like that. If I have heart problems, I could’ve died.” I said in protest.

“But you don’t, love.” He flashed a teasing smile. I shook my head as I sighed. He shuffled a step towards me.

“You look fit.” He remarked, sliding down his hands in his pockets.

“And you don’t look like you’re supposed to be here.” I shot back. Harry was wearing his signature blazer-shirt-skinny jeans look. Add the messy but fixed curls of his; he does really look quite attractive. No wonder girls would die to be with him.

“Why are you here, anyway?” I asked as I bent down, my fingertips reaching the end of my toes.

“Am I not allowed here? This is a public park so-”

“You’re not answering the question.” I looked up to him. I straightened my back, standing up.

“I guess someone woke up at the wrong side of the bed.” Harry said in a calm tone. I felt my eyes rolling skyward. I turned away, leaving Harry back at the willow tree and started to trot along the jogger’s lane. I plugged in my earphones in my ears. I began to run. Step by step, I was in motion keeping my heart rate stable, careful not to run too much and drain myself. I was taking in sufficient amount of air as I paced forward. The trees and shrubs passed by me, as if they were moving.

After almost a kilometer, I began to slow down, gasping for air every step I take. I felt the sweat trickling down my face. It felt so hot, like I was burning up, my face turning red as a tomato. I stopped running, letting the other joggers pass before me. I put my weight on to my knees, hands clasped on my thighs, drawing rough breaths as I breathe heavily.  I wiped the sweat on my forehead with the back of my hand. I just stood there for a couple of seconds trying to get my heart rate back to normal whilst panting. I knew this was a bad idea. I shouldn’t have done a jog. I haven’t jogged for who knows how many years.

“Knackered?” A voice asked. I looked up. Harry.

“No,” I said whilst palpitating.  He gave me a little push which almost made me trip. Good thing I get a hold of myself or it would be very embarrassing.

“Okay, maybe a little.” I admitted. He smiled mischievously.

“I never thought you’re such a weakling. You always seemed tough.” He said; giving a withering look.

“You can say I’m not really athletic.”

“Need water?” He handed out a bottle of water to me. I glared at the water bottle then stared at his green eyes. “What did you put in there?” I asked suspiciously, giving him a cross-eyed look.  

“Water.” He simply said. I arched my eye brows at him and he shook his head.

“Would you rather question me about the water and die because of dehydration or would you want to live by taking it? You’re choice.” He said in a gravelly tone. I took the water bottle from his hands and gulped down. It was refreshing. I was thankful for him for the water but at the same time, I feel so pissed by his presence. I don’t even know why. I know I should be grateful and I know he hasn’t done anything wrong to me but I can’t help it that I want to distance myself from him. I just felt like I need not to be close to this guy. Weird, eh? The last time I was with him, I said I needed him and now, I’m pushing him away. Well, I guess I’m random that way. No judging.

“Wait,” I stopped myself from drinking. “Did you drink in this bottle?” I asked.

“Yeah.”

“Ugh. That’s gross.” I gave back the bottle to him. “We practically kissed.” Annoyance was overpowering my tone. Harry snickered to this. “You really can’t take it back. You already drank half of the water.” He hissed.

“Oh god.” I murmured.

“You know, I really don’t know why Niall fancies you,” He paused. I glared at him.

“I mean, you’re such a drama queen.” He finished. Wait, me? A drama queen? Wow. Now that really pissed me off. I’m not near to being one, and I don’t have any plans on being one.

“Wow, thanks.” I said sarcastically.

“Why are you here anyway? No offense, but shouldn’t you be doing something else? Why suddenly cared?” I asked.

“I’ve finished the things I’m needed to do and I felt like giving myself a break.” He answered. “And I felt the urge to somehow look after you while you’re here in LA.”

“Why is that?”

“Let’s look at it this way, Niall’s one of my best mates, he fancies you, so I somehow have this responsibility to look after you for him.” Harry looked appealing, like he’s sincere. I don’t know if I’m buying it though. People say he’s unpredictable.

“Niall doesn’t like me.” I snickered.

“Yeah, he does.” He said as he nods his head.

I didn’t say a thing, and neither did he. We stood there for a good couple of seconds when he finally decided to say something.

“Well, do you want to eat breakfast? You look off colour.” He offered.

“Breakfast would be great.” I just said. I didn’t think twice because first of all, I know for myself I’m going to faint any time if I don’t eat and second, I love food and eating. Easy as that.

We started to walk out of the park. Harry kept himself incognito with his Raybans while I was busy damping a towel on my face to dry myself. We took a cab to a breakfast house in LA.

“The Griddle Cafe, please.” Harry said to the cab driver. The driver gave him a nod and then, took off.

“Oh and hey,” Harry turned to face me.

“Yeah?”

“Is it cool if we’ll eat with someone? I’m meeting a friend.” He said.

“Sure.” I replied unconsciously.

“Wait,” I arched an eyebrow doubtfully at him. “Who?” I asked. Harry stroke his brunette curls. “You’ll thank me later.” He said, smiling slyly. 

a/n: Hiiii! I'm sorry if the update took so long. I really suffered extreme writer's block. For 3 days, I can't think of the first word to start this chapter. I'm terribly sorry if it's lame. :P I tried fighting through my frustration of not being able to write down a single word for this chapter. hopefully, I didn't let you guys down.

oh and this chappy is dedicated to @livinglikeLouisboo because she sort of inspired me in writing this chapter. Xx Thank you so much for the votes/comments and of course for reading. Xx

thank you for all the people who continues to read my story. I LOVE YOU. 

PS. sorry for the cliffy right there. Xx