Little Shy Ariel (ft. Harry Styles)

Chapter 26 - Celebration

Chapter 26 - Celebration

“Harry,” I say, incapable of fighting the smile that creeps to my lips or the way the butterflies in my stomach start fluttering, tickling me and making me want to burst out giggling.

He’s here! And I can’t believe how excited I am.

Harry smiles radiantly at me as he starts approaching and I don’t move, I can’t only stare at him, still smiling foolishly. By the time we’re face-to-face my heart is practically beating in my throat and I take a deep breath to calm down.

Harry doesn’t try to give me a hug like Carl did, although I’m sure I wouldn’t have reacted the same way with him. Who knows? Maybe I would’ve panicked if I had seen him trying to hug me. Because I’m not sure is that I’m glad he didn’t try to hug me but instead he reached out for my hand and with delicacy he raised it until he lands a sweet and soft kiss on top of it. Needless to say my butterflies go crazy and I have to press my lips tightly so I don’t make a weird sound. Plus, he’s watching me carefully so I have to watch out my every reaction.

“Having a good day so far?” he asks softly still holding my hand. Of course I notice that, how couldn’t I?

“Yes,” I reply still smiling. “Dad and Timmy surprised me with breakfast in bed. They also laughed at me ‘cos of my hair,” I add and he laughs.

I look down at our hands and when Harry sees I’ve noticed how he’s still holding mine, he lets go. I regret having done that, he probably thought I was uncomfortable or something when I was just mesmerised by his actions.

“Well, I hope you are available now because I have plan a whole day ahead for us,” he says and I smile, trying not to show that I wish he would take my hand again.

“Let’s go,” I reply and his smile is so cute, so nice.

I just notice then that he had some things besides the truck so when we get in he also makes sure to put inside the basket. Yes, a basket, like the kind you take to a picnic. If that’s his plan then it’s adorable. I’ve haven’t had a picnic in so long. When I was a kid my mum used to prepare picnics for us in the garden because in the movies it always looked so lovely and I wanted to try. I always loved those.

Harry asks me to just go back to the lake so I follow his instructions and once we leave the truck he takes me to the dock.

“Well, I hope you like sweets,” he says putting the basket on the wood of the dock and taking a red tablecloth. “I had to bribe the cook but I made all that I’ve brought.”

Impressed, I can only open my eyes wider as he starts taking out some sandwiches, fruit,  pop cans and a little box, but I can’t see its content.

“As this is your favourite place I thought it’d be nice to have a picnic here,” he says and offers me his hand, inviting me to sit down, as well. “Please, join me.”

“This looks delicious,” I say and it does. It’s not fancy, but it’s so nice that he prepared this instead of just grabbing things from the kitchen. “Thank you.”

Harry smiles at me and offers me a sandwich and a can that he opens first. I take another look at the box, it’s a simple one with a little lace and he notices that I’m watching it.

“It’s your present but I’m not giving it to you yet.” I raise my brows in a questioning way. “Later.”

I don’t argue so instead we just enjoy the picnic he prepared for me. We have a small chat and I have to admit it’s really, really nice to be here with him, just enjoying nice food. It’s still early, barely noon so I’m not that hungry. Harry suggests we leave some for later and I totally agree.