tornado // h.s.

tornado; fifteen

C H A P T E R     F I F T E E N

“butterflies are self propelled flowers.” 
 » robert a. heinlein

I KNOCKED on Harry's door, impatiently waiting to tell him the details. I know I'm not supposed to 'kiss and tell' although I felt a sense of pride knowing that I actually achieved what Harry wanted me to do. 

"Come in, it's open," I heard from the other side of the door. I walked in, greeted by a mop of wet curls.

"I've got the details." I announced.

"Oh. Do tell," 

"Well, he showed me his tattoo and kissed me," I spoke, not mentioning the scars. It was not my secret to tell after all.

"That's perfect! Did you speak to him about it yet?" 

"Um." 

"Oh please don't say you haven't mentioned it," he pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.

"Tonight. I promise." 

"Okay." 

We sat there in an awkward silence, looking at each other then looking away.

And before I even knew it, I had my hand grasped around his.

He jerked away.

"Oh, uh, sorry," I bit my lip in embarrassment.

I had no clue what I just did, but it was driven my a small urge. I wanted to try it. I wanted to try touching him. I wanted to know how it felt because ever since I've seen him I've been dying to know.

Oh how I'm losing my head.

"I'm sorry. I love Beth, and that's how it will always be. I didn't mean to lead you on or anything; I thought I made it clear that we were frie-" 

"I don't like you! What's wrong with you? I was being kind. Why is that.. Why is that mistaken for flirting?" I snapped, in an attempt to save my dignity.

He smiled broadly.

"Sure," 

"What's wrong with you?" 

"Nothing. It's just something wrong with you. You're in denial," 

"Uh, how could anyone even love you," I scoffed.

"You should ask yourself," he teased.

"You know what? I'm leaving." 

"I'll come along."  

"No, you're disgusting." 

"Pretty certain I'm handsome. I'll have you know many girls would kill to be as close as you are with me." 

"Goodbye, Harry," I rolled my eyes and stood up to leave. 

He began bursting into fits of laughter, slapping his knee along with his shortened breaths. His eyes crinkled just slightly as he wiped the tears near his eyes. 

The corners of my lips tugged up into a smile in defeat, before I exited his room. 

"Miss. Ocean, where have you been! We must prepare you for the dinner tonight. Sir Emmanuel claims that there are very important people attending the dinner tonight, and you must look your very best." one of the maids, Vivian, ushered.

I sat on the hot seat and faced the vanity mirror, and watched as Vivian groomed my hair. She added a bit of makeup on my face and laid down a dress on my bed. I admired the black polka dots on the fabric and how it was nice and comfortable, yet still elegant. 

I twirled and admired my appearance in the mirror. It felt nice being pampered once in a while, and it boosted up my confidence. I tried slipping on the heels, and after nearly falling on my face 4 times, I finally got a hold of it. I grabbed onto the walls and Vivian's arm to keep me in balance, and she guided me down the staircase.

"You look wonderful, Ocean." Emmanuel praised as I got a seat adjacent to him. I smiled shyly as a thank-you, feeling slightly intimidated by the old woman and man sitting directly in front of me.  "This is Ocean, she's a bit shy." he spoke for me. I was a bit upset that he'd treat me as if I didn't know how to speak, although I wasn't in the mood for a scene; especially in front of people I don't necessarily know. 

"I'm Amberly, nice to meet you," the old woman smiled, and shook my hands. 

"Maximus." the old man added, and also shook my hands.

"Nice to meet y-you," I choked out.

"What a wonderful flower you are. Your shy demeanor is cute as ever," Amberly triumphed.

"Thank you," I felt my cheeks redden.

We began eating, and during our meal, I whispered in Emmanuel's ear. 

"Where's Harry?" 

He took a napkin and wiped his mouth before leaning in to whisper into my ear.

"He wont be joining us tonight." 

"Why?" 

"He's scarred. He doesn't look appropriate for tonight. We have guests." 

"Oh." 

"Don't be sad now, it's just for tonight," 

"I'm not sad, in fact, I'm happy," I plastered a smile on my face. He put a hand on my knee, and I felt my self stiffen as he gave me an assuring squeeze. Allowing my body to relapse, I placed my hand on his.

"So how long have you been seeing each other?" Amberly asked, and a puzzled expression took over my features. 

"Not too long." 

What the hell?

"You both are darling." she grinned.

"It's called infatuation, dear," Maximus chuckled.

"Emmanuel has told us all about you, like the fact that you are a duchess,"

I looked back at Emmanuel with shock. Was he using me to cover up some sick scheme?

"Oh.. yes," I went along with it, deciding to respect Emmanuel and trust that this is for a good purpose and has a reasonable excuse. 

 "I'm assuming you will be attending our wedding this weekend?"

"Oh um,"

"Of course she will," Emmanuel answered for me. 

"Perfect!" she clapped her hands with joy.

author's note:

horrible update, im so so so sorry omg 

its literally 3 am right now and i just cant find it in me to write any better/more im sorry but i promise next chapter will be worth it okay ily guys so much ty for understanding

next update: monday

VOTE & COMMENT PLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thx ily lol ok 4 real now goodbye friends

 [not edited bc yolo]