Harry Baby

Chapter 18

I wake up the next morning with sun streaming across my face. I check my phone. It's half past noon. I've been asleep for over twelve hours, yet I'm still exhausted. I shake it off and get breakfast. No surprise that there isn't anything I like in the fridge.

Changing into jeans and putting my coat on, I walk out the front door and head to the 7/11. Of course, it's all the way across town. Hey, it gives me an excuse to walk through the park. Who am I kidding, I was going to that anyway.

It isn't snowing, but the wind is whipping and weather is raw. I pull my coat tightly around me. My already knotty hair is being blown back, creating even more knots for me to brush out later. I wish I had chap stick and mittens.

Usually when it's like this outside, I'm sitting in front of the fire with a banker wrapped around me, and book in my hand, and either a cup of green tea or hot coca next to me. Of all the days to not have breakfast, it has to be today right?

As I walk through the park, I see young couples taking walks while holding hands. Also, there are people walking their dogs and building snowmen. Just last year that was me, Maria, and Ally. The day is still young, maybe they're up for it.

I start to hum Santa Baby. Humming turns to singing quietly. Singing quietly turns to people starring at me. Christmas was so incredible that I'm still too cheery to care. I wonder what Harry's doing now.

(Harry's POV)

I said I would be at the park on December 26th. I haven't seen Cassy yet. It has only been twenty minutes. I'm so impatient. And hungry. I haven't eaten breakfast yet.

For some reason, I'm so excited to see someone I just met. With my luck, she's probably not even thinking about taking a walk. She was so happy with that car yesterday I can guarantee she's out driving it right now.

It's a nice car, I have to admit. I should go and buy a convertible myself. Mine would be red of course, and a little more old fashioned than Cassy's.

My Christmas didn't completely suck like I made it sound. Music has always been a major part of my life. Time and time again I've considered making a career out of it. I love playing the guitar here. Do think that if I left my case open people would start throwing money in it? Eh, probably not. I'm not that great of a singer.

Just as I'm about to lose hope and leave the park, I catch sight of the familiar brown hair and trench coat and beautiful singing voice walking this way.

"Hey," I say as she approaches me.

"Hi," she responds.

"How are you?" I ask trying to make small talk.

"Cold. And tired," she answers.

"Weren't you tired Christmas Eve? And Christmas?" I joke.

"Tired isn't even a temporary state for me anymore. It's and inherent part of my personality," she says followed by a cute giggle. "I value sleep more than food," she adds.

"I'm the same way," I chuckle.

"So what are you doing today?" I ask after a brief and awkward silence.

"Right now I'm going to get breakfast. Later, I don't know yet. Hopefully building a snowman with my sisters," she says.

"I haven't eaten either. And if you do build a snowman, would I able to join?" I ask.

"I wouldn't care," she shrugs.

"I'm wondering through, why are you walking to get breakfast when you have that beautiful convertible? I'm sure it wasn't easy for Santa to get that," I say.

"Because it's nice out," she says cutely.

"Nice out?" I question.

"This is coming from the guy who was just playing the guitar out here two minutes ago," Cassy's says.

"Your point?" I ask.

"Just shut up and get breakfast with me," she laughs.

"Okay," I say putting my guitar away.

"It was you, wasn't it?" Cassy asks as I close the case.

"What?" I question trying not to sound suspicious.

"It was you who bought the car, the ring, the karaoke machine, the Barbie dolls, the lessons. You're Santa aren't you?" she says starring at me intensely.

"Yeah," I give in, "it was. And I didn't buy much. I never used that car, I bought the karaoke machine for my sister last year, but she ended up getting one before I was able to send it to her, and I know someone who teaches guitar and piano lessons. He agreed to give your sister ten free lessons each. They only things I really bought were the Barbie dolls and that ring," I nod at her hand which still has the heart shaped diamond in it.

"Why did you give them to us though?" she asks.

"Because I wanted you to have a Christmas you'd remember," I say honestly.

"Why do I feel like you're lying about not buying anything," she giggles again.

"Because I sort of am. I had to hunt my friend down to find the car and karaoke machine. I did get them, but then I have them to him to sell," I explain.

"You know a lot of people," Cassy chuckles.

"Just those three," I say. She laughs.

"Ready to get breakfast?" she asks.

"Yeah," I say picking the guitar up.

"IHop sound good?" I ask as we start walking.

"I was planning on 7/11," she giggles.

"Since I'm paying, were getting legit food," I chuckle.

"What makes you think you're paying?" Cassy raises her brow.

"Because I'm nice, and gentlemen usually pay when they take pretty girl out," I flirt.

"God, you can be annoying," she giggles.

"You doing anything New Years?" I ask taking her hand.

"No. Why?" she asks.

"Would you like to join me? I'll be all alone if you don't," I say.

"That depends on what food you plan on servicing," she says.

"How does shrimp tempura and bacon wrapped beef Wellington sound?" I ask.

"It sounds like I have plans for New Years," she smiles. I smile back her. 2014, I'm ready.