Masterpiece {h.s}

5. Awkwardness & Numbers

For the rest of the dinner, I disregarded Harry as much as I could. Engaging in whatever conversation I could with Meg and Harry’s father. Every time, I deliberately ignored Harry’s attempts to talk to me.

The situation was awkward, so awkward that I literally jumped out of my chair once we finished eating. I squeezed in a small “I’ll be outside” before exiting the coffee. Come to think of it, it was probably the worst idea I’ve had since my aunt kept talking about god knows what and Harry simply joined me outside.
I sat on the edge of the window and pulled out my phone. I had no one to text, but I hoped that I would look busy enough and Harry wouldn’t talk to me.

“You’re ignoring me” he said as he sat next to me.
“I am not”
“Oh, cut the crap Annabelle.” my eyes followed his hands as he ran them through his hair. He turned his head in my direction and looked right into my eyes. I looked away and he sighed. We stayed silent for a minute, before Harry started talking again.
“You still haven’t answered me.”
“Answered what?” I knew all too well what he was referring to.
“If you wanted to go on a date with me.” he rolled his eyes.
“Oh yeah, that.” I looked down at my feet, uncomfortable.
“So?” he pressed on.

I looked up at him. What was wrong with this boy? We barely knew each other and he was asking me out on a date. He doesn’t know me and if he really knew me, I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t be asking that. I also don’t know him. Honestly, the only thing I know about him is that he laughs all the time and that he’s a flirt, so really, there is no reason to say yes to this.

Where would he take me?

Oh no, I’m not going to think about that, because it doesn’t matter, I’m not agreeing to this.

“You’ve got balls, I’ll give you that.” I finally answered.
“Well with the small conversation we had, I figured that you liked honesty and people that are straight forward” He said with a side smile.
“There's a difference between straight forwardness and stupidity.” I laughed lightly to soften my harsh words. I didn’t want to go out with Harry but that didn’t mean I wanted him to dislike me either. In his own way, he was nice. A bit annoying, but nice.
He frowned. “That doesn’t answer my question.”

He was pulling away, I could feel it. He was hurt and he was scared. I could tell because I’ve felt similar feelings. His emotions looked so raw, it made me wonder... I thought he asked me out because he was that kind of guy. You know, the kind of guy who thinks he can have anyone he wants and dates whoever he can. But he looked genuinely hurt. Was he really a flirt or simply polite and charming? I started to doubt my latest thoughts and it made me feel guilty.

I’ve been cold to him, like I’ve been with everyone else. It’s was my way of dealing with things. I know I said he was annoying, but really he isn’t, I just don’t like when people pay a close attention to me.

All along, this is what I wanted, him distancing himself from me. I didn’t want to open up to anyone, I wanted to be alone. But as I felt him withdrawing, I started to panic and rested my hand on his knee.

Oh my god, what am I doing?!

He looks back at me, expecting me to say something. Why did I do that! His eyes are now filled with hopes. Hopes that I can’t fulfill. I let out a deep breath, this is taking a lot more courage than I thought it would.

“The answer is no, Harry.” I weakly said. “I'm sorry, but I barely know you.”

It was the best excuse I could come up with and say out loud.

“Aren’t dates to get to know people?” he retorted.
“Maybe, but some people aren’t worth knowing.”

Again, I saw hurt all over his features.

“I’m talking about me.” I quickly add. “Not you, me.”
“Don’t say that.” he said as he frowned.
“I think I’m in a good position to affirm that.” I weakly smile. “Trust me, I’m not worth your efforts.”
He still insisted. “Well, I’d like to have my own opinion on that.”
“The answer is still no.” I stubbornly answered
“How about you see this as you getting to know me then?” He laughed, trying to lighten the mood.
“You think you’re funny.” I stated trying to change the subject and suppressing a smile.
“Why would you say that?” He asked, his eyebrow raised.
“You laugh a lot at your own jokes.”
“Well that’s unfair.” he pouted. What was he talking about?
“What?”
“You know something about me and I don’t” he added, still pouting.
I threw my head back laughing. “This is ridiculous” I said in between laughs. “You can’t be serious.”
“Very. Very serious.” He was still pouting but his eyes sparkled with amusement. His eyes seemed brighter than usual. Or maybe I just never noticed how green his eyes were.

I lightly shook my head to clear my thoughts and reached for his chin. I squeezed both cheeks in between my fingers to stop him from pouting.

What am I doing?