Bad Influence

II. Car Ride

N i c o l e

When I offered to give Harry a ride to wherever, I didn't expect to end up in a bad part of town. All of the people that we drove past looked like they could kill someone with a single glance or like they've committed numerous crimes. I wasn't about it and I definitely didn't feel comfortable while driving around these parts. I was ready to get out as soon as humanly possible.

"The people here aren't so bad." He tells me. I guess he noticed a worried look in my face. That's the first time he's really spoken the entire ride, which surprises me a bit. I glance at him, but he's just staring out the window. "They're friendly. They just don't like people who think they're better than everyone, or pricks who think they have power over everyone they meet."

"I'm just very easily intimidated by anyone, really." I tell him. Out of the corner of my eye, I see him shift in his seat and when I look over to him this time, he's actually looking at me.

"I thought you'd be the innocent and sweet type." He says. "That's why it surprised me when you were rude to me at the college. I didn't think you'd say anything, or that you'd just mumble a 'thank you' under your breath at most."

"I usually am not rude to anyone. I'm very kind and soft-hearted, and I do unto others as they do to me." I reply. "I learned in high school, however, to not let people just run over me and use me. And that I need to stick up for myself if I feel it's needed. To be honest with you, the only reason I was harsh was because I was cranky and hadn't had any coffee. Plus, I was tired. I get upset easier when I'm tired."

"I can understand that. God knows I get cranky in certain situations." He says. He shifts in his seat again but I can still feel his eyes on me. "It's no big deal. I didn't expect you to apologize, though. I didn't really expect to be sitting in the passenger seat of your car, either, but here we are." I let out the smallest laugh, nodding my head the slightest. "Go left on this next street." I follow his direction, and this street doesn't seem as bad as the others we just passed but it's still a little sketchy.

"Why didn't you expect me to apology?" I inquire. I take a quick peek over at him to see him run his fingers through his hair. He's no longer looking at, but instead focusing on the road in front of us.

"When people are rude to me or something along those lines, I don't expect an apology ever. I just learned that people are going to be rude more often than not, so I take it with a straight face and go about my business." He explains to me. "It doesn't bother me when people are mean anymore, but I make damn sure that they get the same treatment that they've given me."

"I'm sorry I was ever mean to you in any way." I say. "I don't like being mean. I really don't."

"It's not a problem." He responds. "Okay, you can pull to the side now. This is my stop." I do as told, parking my vehicle and unlocking the doors. A girl with long, brown hair comes up to the car from where she was talking to some guy with a wacky hair color and opens Harry's door.

"Finally." She mumbles. "It's been hours, Haz. What happened?"

"My mum." He tells her. "You know her." The girl lets out a sigh then nods.

"At least you're here now." She says. "C'mon. Get out."

"Give me a second." He mutters. She steals a glance at me then nods and walks back over to blue-haired man. He glances back to me and sends me a genuine smile, one that's very beautiful and breathtaking if I'm honest.

"Girlfriend?" I ask. He lets out a laugh, shaking his head.

"That's Katie. She's been my friend since we were beginning high school." He tells me.

"Oh. Okay." I nod. For some reason, I was jealous when I thought this girl was his girlfriend. I think I've gone insane.

"Anyway, thank you for the ride." He says. He surprises me by taking my hand and lifting it up, kissing the back of it. I feel my face flush. I'm sure it's the color of a tomato. "I appreciate it."

"N-No problem." I manage to stutter out. He lets out a chuckle then releases my hand, tells me goodbye, and climbs out of my car. He's left me speechless as I put the car back in drive, and all I can imagine the entire ride home is him kissing me in more places than just the back of my hand.

-A/N-

I don't know hOW I managed to make a car ride be 800+ words but I did and I'm incredibly proud of myself for doing it.

Pay attention, because Katie will be essential.

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-Nicole (theprincehes)