Dear Ellen.

Chapter 8

“I brought food!” Harry said enthusiastically, holding up a grocery bag full of popcorn and drinks. “I didn’t know what kind of popcorn you liked, so I brought extra butter, no butter, and caramel.” He continued, walking into the hotel room when I moved to the side to let him in. “This is nice. How long are you guys here?” He continued. He sounded, nervous?

“Extra butter would be fantastic. Yeah, the hotel room is nice. We are here until Wednesday. Can I make fun of you for being nervous, or do you normally ramble like that?” I asked, smiling.

“I’m glad you’re okay with butter. We’re here until Wednesday, too! If I can pass this off as something I normally do, I’m going to go with that.” He said, winking. I laughed and grabbed the bag out of his hand.

“You can pick the movie. I have all the ones I brought picked out. I’m going to make some popcorn. How much are you going to eat?” I asked, eyeing the boxes of popcorn.

“I’d make two bags, just to be safe. I haven’t eaten in a while.” He said, walking over to my bed and looking around. “What kind of movie choice is this? They’re all chick flicks!” He said, pretending to be upset.

“Two of your favorite movies happen to be in that lineup. Don’t think I don’t know.” I said, peeking my head out from behind the divider. He turned three shades of red, and smiled.

“You really do your homework.”

“Please, that’s grade A information. Super easy to come by.” He laughed, grabbing a movie and putting it into the DVD player. I went back and put the other bag in, staring at the microwave patiently while it popped.

“I actually have stuff to drink.” I said, eying the tea he brought. “It’s American, but it’s good.” I said, walking over to the fridge and grabbing yet another Monster. “If you really want tea though, I can make it for you. I guess.” I said, smiling.

“No, I’ll have whatever you’re having. Are you cool with the Titanic?” He asked, looking at me instead of the screen.

“Yeah, that’s fine. Here. It’s an energy drink, are you going to go crazy?” I asked, laughing at the confused face he gave the drink.

“Why is it so big?”

“I’m a fan of energy drinks.” I said, sitting beside him with the popcorn.

“I see.” He took a drink of it, and his eyes bugged a little.

“It’s sort of an acquired taste.” I said, laughing.

“This is terrible.” He said, taking another drink. I laughed. I did the same thing every time I drank Monster, but it never got old watching others.

“Yeah, I know.” I said, taking a drink of mine. “Have you seen the remote?” I asked, looking around.

“No. I just got here. I didn’t think it was polite to snoop the second I walked into the door.” He said, completely serious. I laughed.

“Well, now we’re going to snoop for the remote. It’s pretty hard to start the movie without it.” I said, standing up to look around. I spotted my remote sitting on the bedside table and ran to grab it. “Found it!” I said, holding it up in the air.

“Yay!” He said childishly, sitting back down on the couch. “Okay, can we actually get this started?” He asked impatiently. I laughed loudly.

“You’re the first guy I’ve ever seen that is that excited to watch The Titanic.” I said, pushing his arm slightly.

“I’m special.”

“That’s a way of putting it.” I said, pressing play and watching as the previews continued. I looked over to see him downing his Monster, smiling. I took in what he was wearing for the first time. He had on sweatpants and a t-shirt. His hair was slightly unkempt, but in a good way.