The Skin I'm In

Chapter Eight: Daily Frappicinos and Morning Car Rides

Spring's P.O.V
The weeks went by so fast and the week that all teenagers dread was upon us; exam week. I was mentally dying with no exaggeration. Me and Harry finished the project and turned it in hoping for the best. Everyday after my breakdown he'd come to my house early in the morning with a new set of Frappuccinos from Starbucks and a set of car keys in his hand, I thought, if he has a car why doesn't he ever drive it? But I kept that question to myself. We'd go in his car and drive to school in awkward silence, I would try and put in my headphones but he refused, saying it's better for me to acknowledge my surroundings. We'd eventually arrive to school and his girlfriend comes and hugs him and they eat each other's face off while I walk into the gates of school by myself with a sting of jealousy in my heart. I heard people whispering things around campus wondering why he was always talking to me. What can a junior possibly do with a freshmen? Nothing. Especially with me. He's Harry Styles and I'm just little Spring Evermore with the discolored palms. It's obvious he just feels bad for me and I don't need a pity friend or any friends at all. All they ever do is let me down so I won't expect anything, that way I'm not let down.

-
Harry had it up to the brim with Vivian, she was rude and she was always that way, but since Darcy died he felt guilty for being with people like her who caused his only beloved sister to take her life. Vivian kissed him repeatedly and he was getting annoyed, Spring walked away and every step she took he felt his heart break more.

I'm an idiot. What is he doing with her and not Spring?

"How are you, babe?" She caressed.

"I'm fine, Vivian. Please stop touching me." He pushed her off and tried to catch up with Spring's short legs.
After finally catching up with her he got her attention.

"Hey. What building are you heading to for exams?" He asked, a smile on his face.

She looked up from her locker, "I'm going to the portables. Why?"

"I'll meet you there at the end of the day. Good luck!"  He said before abruptly kissing her on the cheek and before she had the chance to react, he was long gone. People were staring and she didn't think she'd ever walked so fast with a heated face and palpitating heart.

-
Spring's P.O.V
I gazed at my watch.

11:30

Fifteen minutes away from dismissal. Since it was exam week we'd take our test and leave. I forgot to tell my mom about early dismissal and I really didn't wanna take the bus. Harry lingered in my head throughout the day and I couldn't help but get butterflies at this and even though he had a girlfriend I felt just a little nervous being around him.

Don't expect anything. You're you, remember that!

The bell rang suddenly and I got up hoisting my lightweight backpack onto me and heading over to the main building to grab a snack and maybe see if I could call my mom, a presence came up to me when I heard my name shouted across the portables.

"Spring! Wait up!"

Harry walked up next to me and wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

"Where ya headed?"

I laughed, "Uh home?"

"What's at home?" He asked.

"My bed." I chuckled once again.

"C'mon. Let's go to that diner down the road. Grab a bite?"

"I don't know, Harry...." I dragged.

He gave me a look, "Please? You won't regret it."

I thought of his girlfriend and why he wasn't doing this with her instead of me, but who turns down a free meal and a beautiful boy? Not me. Harry looked at me expectantly, wide eyed and killing me of correct judgment as I knew I would give in.

"Fine. Fine!" I surrendered.

"Come. My car's back here."

I was really hoping I wouldn't regret this later because as much as I hate feelings, I'm catching some. We drove with the top down and I relaxed my head on the passenger seat as the wind blew through my curls, I turned my gaze to Harry and he smiled at me.

"What?" He chuckled.

I'm a quiet person but I couldn't help but want to pry into his thoughts and know all his secrets, have the privilege to keep them.

"Nothin'."

Smiling he spoke, "Something's gotta be in that pretty little head of yours."

Oh my god you're beautiful.

"Maybe there is. Maybe there isn't." I teased.

Harry pulled up in front of the cute little diner that made me want to just pour out my soul onto a piece of paper. Stepping out of the car with phone in hand I felt my stomach flutter once again as he waited for me with the door open, quickly shutting the car door, I thanked him and stepped into the diner and we sat down at a booth by the window. I looked down at my phone and texted my mom telling her where I was and hoping she wouldn't overreact.

"How were exams today?" Harry asked with a concerned look on his face.

"Uh, it was pretty decent for my first one." I explained briefly.

"I'm pretty sure you rocked it. You are in an eleven year class with me."

True. Even though I was homeschooled for a while I always advanced in English, it was my favorite.

"Yeah I am." I gloated.

He laughed and picked up the menu as I did the same. I was starving so I flipped to the section that had burgers and sandwiches, ending up with the conclusion that I would get a grilled chicken sandwich with fries and a strawberry milkshake as well as extra-whipped cream. The waiter arrived and took our orders.

"So, where are you from?" I heard his thick accent through his speech as I looked up at him.

"I'm from St. Martin. What about you?"

"I'm from England. Moved here when I was about seven."
I paused, thinking of how much could be behind that behind that face and sparkling green eyes. Maybe he isn't just the popular kid, but even then I was reluctant to believe he was genuine as he seemed.

"That's beautiful. I've always wanted to go there."

He nodded, "I know this is long overdue but, I'm so sorry about what I said before. I can't help but feel like the reason for everything bad that's happened to you lately. I-"

I heard my heart beat in my chest. Thump. Thump.

"Harry. I know. Don't be sorry. I always knew I was cripple I just never had the guts to say it."

"Hey. Don't let assholes like me bring you down. I was a bad partner. I shouldn't have said those things."

"I shouldn't have called you white boy."

I couldn't be selfish. I was wrong as well. Our food arrived and I thanked the waiter, picking up a fry and dipping it into my milkshake to hear a chuckle.

"What?" I asked, curiosity evident.

Harry gazed at me for a good while, shaking his head and laughing.

"You don't notice it, do you?"

I genuinely had no idea what he meant, what don't I notice?

"You confuse me. A lot."

"You'll get it in the long run."

I couldn't help but feel a little annoyed but I wanted to stick around to really understand the mysterious case that is behind those dimples and green eyes.