checkout (l.s)[Boyxboy]

seven

Harry brushed his teeth with the window open. He felt a little bare in just his cotton pyjama bottoms and no shirt, but hey, it was his home.

Today was a Sunday. Usually, it's a day where Harry sat down and watched films, called up his mum, had a bit to eat, then go to bed. However, today Harry wasn't going to do that, because he was going out with his sister and her friends to a place for 'brunch'. He'd never been to brunch before, and today he was really excited to try it.

He wasn't usually excited about social situations. If anything, he did everything and anything to avoid them. Unfortunately for him, his sister wasn't having it - thus, inviting him to brunch. He had been on many outings with Gemma and her friends in the past and he wanted to say that they were his friends too, considering he had their numbers.

As Harry put on his coat he sighed. Because in the back of his mind, he knew this was out of pity. He knew that Gemma didn't do this out of genuineness. She did it so he wouldn't be completely miserable like he used to be. She did this because their mum didn't want him to be alone. As much as he hated being the tag-a-long friend (or the annoying little brother), he did like Gemma's friends. They were all so friendly and easy to have conversations with, like most girls Harry used to talk to. He didn't like girls who were full of themselves or had too much unnecessary attitude - so high school wasn't exactly the best time for him.

He slipped his shoes on and turned on his phone. He checked for any messages and was left disappointed to find that it was just as he left it - no new messages. He was kind of hoping for one.

After one last look in the mirror and deciding that his hair couldn't look better if he tried, he walked out the door and locked it behind him.

*****

"I'm engaged!"

The table erupted in cheers and squeals as Debbie fluttered her fingers at everyone. The ring was stunning. It had a small diamond along with even smaller, intricate designs around it. The band itself fit perfectly on her delicate finger.

"He finally asked you?" Another woman, Grace, piped up. "Oh my God, I can't believe it! I knew you'd be the first to get married!"

That was followed by more squeals and, surprisingly, some tears.

Harry was very, very happy for her. She usually talked about how she longed to have a Jane Austen inspired wedding with the old fashioned dresses and carriages. Mike, her fiancé, was quite a nice guy. In Harry's opinion, his appearance was much better than his personality, because he does have a habit of questioning Harry sometimes.

"Why are you wearing those muddy trainers, Harry?" He once asked him this one time when they were at the seaside on a day trip. "We're at the beach, go put some sandals on."

"Why are you wearing a pink shirt?" He asked, this time at dinner. "You're not a girl, are you?"

"You can hang out with me and the lads, Harry, once you buy yourself some nicer clothes, yeah?"

"Have you ever considered getting a haircut? It'll do you wonders."

"You're walking around in those shoes and you wonder why you're single? Come on, boy."

He probably meant all of these things in light hearted banter, but either way, it didn't sit very well with Harry. When he got home after that dinner, he never wore his pink shirt around him again; and Harry never really complained about being single. It wasn't a bad thing to be free. And it wasn't like he was completely alone, he had friends.

Anyway, Debbie's engaged. Talk about possible dates and wedding themes circulated the table, as well as a round of applause and wishes for the best. Harry congratulated her and was rewarded with a hair ruffle and polite conversation from Jenna.