Lights (2019)

Birds and the Bees

Harry has been dragging his feet all through the packing lot. He keeps trying to think of excuses to get out of it, but I remind him that they squeezed him in and being a no show is rude. He then offered to call and cancel, but we were already here so I pushed him towards the front door. He is mumbling in coherent things under his breath, the bell rings on the door exclaiming our arrival.

"Hello, Blair," the receptionist says, instantly recognizing me. "Long time no see!"

"Hi, Sally," I greet her. "It has been awhile."

Sally is a woman of about fifty who has been working as a receptionist here for maybe ten years. She has brown hair that was peppered with grey and kind hazel eyes. She kind of reminds me of Phyllis from the Office. She has a sweet look to her, and she always offers those butterscotch candies.

Her eyes shift to Harry. "Hello, dear," she greets him. "How may I help you?"

"Uh, he has an appointment with Dr. Stone," I say. "Three o'clock."

"Of course," Sally says, checking her computer. "Styles, is it?"

Harry nods.

"Please fill theses out," Sally smiles handing Harry a few papers and a pen. "Have a seat and Dr. Stone will be out shortly."

Harry and I take a seat. He pouts and huffs as he starts to fill out the paperwork. I watch his pen scratch across the papers. When he is finished he hands the papers back to Sally, and slumps back in the chair besides me. He takes my hand in his, and brings it to his lips, kissing my knuckles.

I lean over and kiss his cheek, "Be nice, please."

"I'm always nice."

"Okay," I say sarcastically. "Just be your usual charming self."

He cracks a smile. I can tell he is worried, his brows are furrowed together and his foot is bouncing at an insane rate. He keeps fidgeting in his chair. He is picking at the skin around his nails--a nervous habit that I thought he broke years ago. "Blair, I really...I really don't know about this."

"Relax," I say, squeezing his hand. "It is just talking. You're not getting any shots."

He smiles at my small quip. He takes my hand in his and holds on tight.A few minutes pass before I recognize the smart grey hair and glasses of Dr. Stone.

"Blair Price," he greets me, his blue eyes kind. "It's been a long time."

I leap out of the chair and hug Dr. Stone. I hadn't had in appointment in almost a year. I had gotten to a point in my life where I could handle not coming once a week; now I come by for an occasional check in to see how I am doing or if I really just need to work through some stuff. Dr. Stone and his practice is like a second family, since I had been a client since I was about thirteen.

"It's nice to see you, Dr. Stone," I say, smiling. Dr. Stone's eyes fix on Harry behind me. "This is Harry." I look back to see Harry standing uneasily; his hands clasped behind his back and he is slightly swaying. I smile at him warmly. "Harry Styles."

Realization flashes across Dr. Stone's face before he returns to the professional mask. I had mentioned Harry quite a number of times over the years-- I was bound to considering the part he plays in my life. I had confided my infatuation with Harry in Dr. Stone the moment it had developed.

"Mr. Styles," Dr. Stone greets Harry, sticking out his hand. Harry shakes it tentatively. "It's a pleasure."

I flush and timidly take Harry's hand, squeezing it lightly.

"Wow, all grown up I see. What a lovely pair you make." Dr. Stone chuckles, adjusting his glasses. "Now, Mr. Styles, if you'll follow me to my office--"