Teenage Dirtbag

20

-Harry-

I had been laying, just waking up when I heard my phone vibrate on my nightstand. I jumped up, grabbing my phone. I had gotten a text from an unknown number.

*Hello! It's Noel's mum. I was going to ask you if you'd want to come by for dinner tonight @ 4. If you have plans, that is totally fine! I understand that it's Christmas Eve, but if you would visit, that would be great!*

I sat up, looking around my room, then outside my window. There was snow on the ground, which was just new from last night.

I jumped out of bed and ran downstairs. "Mum!" I almost fell down the stairs when I entered the kitchen, seeing mum and Gem.

"What's gotten you so anxious?" I panted as I leaned against the counter.

"Are we doing anything today? Like at all?" They looked at each other with curiousity, then back at me. "No, except going shopping, why what's up?"

I showed her my phone, letting Gemma see as well. Their eyes went wide, just like mine did when I read it. I rubbed my face, groaning at this situation.

"You are going!" Gemma exclaimed.

"But- it's Christmas Eve, aren't we getting ready for tomorrow?" They shook their heads, pushing me upstairs. When we reached my room, they rushed in, going to my closet.

"Where are your pants?" I pointed to the top, showing them the few pairs I had. They were all black, but I liked them. Gemma pulled one of them down, as mum picked out a dark blue button up shirt. She held it up to my chest, smiling for me to put it on.

"Mum it's only dinner, I don't need to dress up?" I took my t - shirt off, revealing my tatoos to them.

"When did you get those done?" Gemma points to the swallows inked on me.

"A while ago." I pushed through the sleeves of the buttoned up shirt, closing it to hide my tatoos from further questions. Gemma rolled up the sleeves, as mum messed with my hair.

"Do you have flowers?" I looked at my mum. "Flowers? Mum it's dinner, not a welcome to my home party!" She giggled, shrugging as her hands laid on my shoulders.

"I'll give you some money for flowers." I rolled my eyes, pulling out my wallet. "Mum, I got my own." She kissed my cheek, handing me my brown boots. They were a bit run down, but they were good enough for tonight.

I made my way downstairs, trying to think of something to buy time.

"Did you put cologne on? Brush your teeth? Put deodorant on?"

"Mom! I did, just calm down or I will have to put you in the basement." She looked me in the eyes again, her eyes watering up.

"Is this what you wanted?" I bit my lip, looking down at my rolling feet. She caught me in a question I was too afraid to answer. I had wanted this for so long, to meet her parents. To show them how good I can be for her instead of that dick ex boyfriend of hers.

When I grabbed my keys, mum and Gemma hugged me and wished me luck, telling me to be on my best behavior. They knew I could get a little rude sometimes, but it was a worthless trait I had inherited from my dad.

When I got into the car, I plugged my phone in and drove to the store. The roses weren't hard to find, knowing that they were going to be next to the produce section. I made sure they had twelve roses in the bouquet, making my way to the cash register.

Once I paid, I smiled at the lady at the register like I always did, and made my way back out to my car.

It was only 3:35 when I checked the time, so I decided to stop by the bakery and see what was going on. Christmas Eve was probably the worst to visit because of how many people want to come for Christmas treats.

I crammed my way through, smiling at Nelly when we made contact. I pulled her into a hug, waving at Damion in the back.

"Why are you all dressed up Harold? You never dress up on a holiday?" Chills ran down my spine when she spoke my full name, but I was okay with it. It was everyone else that I dispised, it just wasn't a thing I was fond of.

"Well I'm not keeping secrets from you, but I'm going to dinner." I shrugged, smiling as she eyed me down with happiness. She hugged me again, wishing me luck.

"I have to meet her parents, but I guess it'll be alright, I hope so.." She patted my cheek lightly, making it red.

"You'll be great, now run along it's a bit busy in here! I'll see you later Harry!" I waved at her goodbye as I made my way out of the bakery after five minutes.

Once I was on the road, cornering into her neighborhood, I started to feel the nervousness in my system. It was taking over me like drugs, not completely, but just enough to keep me focused.

I was so scared of what they might think of me since the first time they saw me was when I had almost made out with their daughter in their front yard.

Speaking of Noel, I was pretty sure we weren't on the best of terms after I'd gave her that letter. I hadn't recieved one back, but I wouldn't be surprised if I found it in the trash at the library.

I parked on the side of the road near her house, getting out with the roses. I made sure all twelve of them were in place as I rang the doorbell.

I looked down at myself, seeing some snow on my shirt. I wiped it down, instantly looking up to see her.

Her eyes were bulged out, and her mouth was opened slightly. She signaled all over that she was shocked. I hadn't seen her beautiful face since the day at the bakery, and God had I missed being able to gaze at it.

I waited for a few more seconds, realizing it was awkward. She looked me over, darting to the roses.

"Hi.."

"What are you doing here?" She whispered, looking behind her. I furrowed my brows when her eyes met back with mine.

She didn't know.