Bad Blood (h.s.)

Part Eleven

Part Eleven

I carefully stack books on the shelves of the store, aware of everything around me. I haven't spoken or seen Harry in two days and I am afraid he will do what my mother told me. She told me every experience she has had with boys when she was my age, how all of them pressured her into doing bad things, and she told me to stay away from Harry. I understood and I haven't talked to him at all.

"Beth, I need you to do inventory." Ruth smiles at me from the back counter and I nod. I walk back to her and I tell her not to let Harry back here if he comes. She nods and understands, letting me walk back and grip the clipboard. I start to write down the numbers of how many books we have and search the dust covered stacks. My eyes set on an old book that I have never noticed before. I lift it up and start to read through pages.

It looks like a journal of some sort. I place it down and finish taking inventory, eager to get back to the old leather bound book. I finish the chart, the pen placed on the counter next to the clipboard, and I walk to the book. I sit on the floor and open it, the dust coming off the pages and filling my nose.

Dearly Beloved,

Simple days have been long but my love for you is eternal. I have not seen such a soul like yours before and I don't wish to meet another. You are the one to whom takes my breath away, carrying me into the early dawn to feel you heart. Gratitude shows in all your actions, giving me the strength to carry on and believe you to be true. Be forth tomorrow and I shall dream of you tonight.

Dearest Margret, 1917

All the pages filled with love letters, so beautiful and charming. They are old, signaling they have never been read.

"Well, Ruth, I have news for you, she's been avoiding me so I have the right to see her."

"Mr. Styles, she took the day off to be with her mother. So I suggest you leave or I will call the police."

I hear Harry groan and he asks if he can check the backroom. I pray that Ruth says no. I quickly crawl over to my coat and put it on, replacing it for my apron. I grip the journal in my hand and throw my bag over my shoulder. I walk to the backdoor and hear a slam. I turn slightly, meeting Harry's dark green eyes. I open the door and run, escaping to my house. I run up the street and down the sidewalk to my house. I see Harry a block behind me and I reach my house, quickly opening my door and stepping in. I shut and lock the door, sliding down the door and sitting on the ground. My mom looks at me from the kitchen table, her oxygen by her side, and gives me a confused look.

"Beth, I swear to God let me in!" Harry yells, pounding on the door. My mom's eyes widen and she walks to me.

"Is that him? The boy you have been with?" I nod and she carefully wheels her oxygen to the door. I stand and walk to the living room, letting my mom talk to him. I hear the door open and I bring my knees to my chest.

"Why have yo-" he immediately stops after seeing my mom I presume.

"You need to leave," she tells him. I hear her machine going off, signaling she needs a new capsule.

"I need to talk to her, please."

"No, now leave."

She shuts the door and walks to me. She sits down and changes her machine. I look at her and she smiles at me, kissing my forehead and laying back down on the couch.

"Do you like him?" she asks me, laying her head on my lap.

"Yes, but you told me I can't be with him and I am slightly upset and confused by it. But I don't want to get hurt."