Half a Man at Best (Sequel to VALERIE)

Chapter Seventeen

~UNEDITED~

Copyright © zylgnagnaba 2014

Harry’s POV

Valerie is such a sight to see when she smiles. The kind of smile that comes from within because of sheer happiness that brings it upon her face, not just for the sake of smiling. The smallest hint of that happiness I have witnessed today upon seeing the rest of the crew that she also considered family before she left, especially Lux.

String of smiles is sent to everyone’s way after that. It is plastered on her face even by the time we’ve had lunch altogether with Niall and Bree’s sides of the family. I watch how she quickly formulates comebacks to Jackie’s and her newfound friend, Evonnie’s stupid banters. Although I can see that there are moments that she’s holding back, I am glad that she’s letting other people in her bubble just like she always did before.

She’s a people-person after all.

After that lunch, we – by we, I mean the soon-to be-married couple, the rest of the boys, Perrie, El, Jackie, Evonnie, and of course, Valerie – spend the whole afternoon strolling around the resort riding golf carts before we stop by the prospect location where Niall and Bree’s vows are going to be exchanged at. Now, I understand why the couple chose the venue. Niall wasn’t exaggerating when he said it would be on the top of the hill, because it’s where we are all standing as of the moment.

Standing along the sturdy metal railings, my eyes sweep around the place idly. I am glad that I tamed my curls – that has grown over the weeks that I didn’t do haircut – with a bandana to fight against the breeze that seems to send all the others’ hair flying around. I mentally laugh at how uneasily the others keep pinning their hair with their hands, which is a futile attempt by the way because wind is a force to be reckoned with.

I suppose Niall and Bree are rethinking about the venue as of now – or not since I watch as both of them are gawking at how the sight around is breathtakingly beautiful. I press my lips together and nod, because I agree, yeah.

The place overlooks the whole property of the resort. From above, we can catch the bird’s eye view of the few hotel buildings clustered at the far left side below the hill, along with the large swimming pools set next to them. Next are the rows of shops, restaurants and bars within the vicinity and few more attractions there resides. Aside from that, I can only observe that the location is very close to nature since green dominates the whole view – which I think is perfect for a nature-lover like Bree.

Looking around before my eyes land to a certain beautiful short-haired blonde girl, I stop and watch as the most beautiful sight that I got the pleasure to see in my entire life laugh along at whatever Evonnie is telling her. I marvel at how her breath sifts through her wide grin, revealing her perfect white teeth; the sparkle in her eyes flicker that combines with the sunbeam touching her skin; how she holds onto her tummy as she throws her head back laughing; how the air carries her sound to my tingling ears, yearning to hear that distinct adorable cackle that only comes from her. But I know, no matter how much she seems happy today, yet again, there’s still something that’s holding her back. I have known her for more than a year to know that she’s thinking too much even if she’s in the middle of doing or saying something. It’s quite scary that I can figure her out, yet I can’t read her – there’s a difference between the two.

No matter what it is, I need and have to find out.

I want to know what is running through her head.

I don’t even know that I am staring at her long enough until I watch her being elbowed by Jackie. She whispers something into her ear which causes her to turn halfway around and our gazes lock with each other. I am flabbergasted to say the least, for being caught staring. But at any given time, I wouldn’t even be embarrassed about it. She’s really beautiful and now that I see her smiling back at me, I just really don’t regret staring at her for too long.