Ever Since New York [H.S]

Kiwi

I rifled through the plastic bag, looking for the note I knew would be hidden somewhere. ‘Friday, August 1, 3pm.’ – I was stunned. That was our wedding day, right down to the time of the ceremony. I had no idea why Harry would bring such a thing to my attention, but I was pulled from my thoughts by a knock at the door.

'Sorry I keep showing up unannounced,’ Harry looked sheepish, but even still, I couldn’t help noticing how beautiful he was. I stepped back and let him inside, knowing Patrick would be out all night, probably in Jessica’s company, no less. If Patrick expected me to tolerate that, he would have to put up with my blossoming friendship with Harry. It was only fair.

Harry had settled into the sofa, and before I could contain myself I’d burst into tears. Harry jumped up immediately. He didn’t say anything, just let me cry. ‘Oh, Harry,’ I sobbed. ‘This is all such an awful mess, I can’t do this.’ With a sigh, Harry pulled me gently into his chest, and began humming into my hair. When I’d settled, Harry guided me down onto the sofa, and headed into the kitchen. I heard the kettle start up, and almost cried again. Harry had known me all of a week and a half, and already he was showing more concern for me than Patrick had in years. Harry returned then, handing me a mug of tea and a container of Chinese food, and joining me on the couch.

‘Patrick is insisting I perform at the wedding,’ he told me. ‘I wanted you to have a say in it too before I commit to it.’ I shrugged. There was no point arguing with Patrick, and I told Harry as much.

‘Might be nice to have one friend at my own wedding,’ I chuckled.

‘I’d be honoured,’ we were both laughing now, and it was so nice to finally feel connected to someone who valued me. ‘I had an idea last night,’ Harry informed me. I nodded, waiting for him to continue.

Harry left half an hour later, and we’d put his plan in motion.

I received a text from Harry just after 7pm, by this time I had already showered and eaten. I considered the thought of staying in but somehow decided against it. Being the only explanation as to why I stood outside the pub with the giant sign above the door that read, 'Barney's'. Fifteen minutes went by and the thought of leaving entered my mind three times. Coming up with the idea that I could slip in there, let Harry know I had made it but that I wouldn't be hanging around and then leave. He'd be okay with that. I knew that Harry would be able to understand that of all the time Patrick's been here, he hasn't ever once asked me to go with. I took in a deep breath of air before I stepped past the security guard and reached out to grab a firm hold on the door handle, pulling the heavy metal door. Immediately, loud cheering could be heard along with the sound of someone singing. My eyes glancing around the place until they fell on Harry. He was standing on the small stage with a microphone in one hand dressed in warm weather gear as it was cold out.

"It's New York, baby, always jacked up." I heard him sing. It was almost too good to be true. He sounded like an angel. "Holland Tunnel for a nose, it's always backed up." He wasn't looking at me moments ago but now he was. I could feel his glare on me as he sung the next few lyrics. "When she's alone, she goes home to a cactus. In a black dress, she's such an actress." I had to force myself to break eye contact with him and look away. I wondered if Patrick were here. If he were, surely he would have spotted me by now. I found myself looking around the room, hoping to find anything or anyone to focus on for the remaining duration of Harry's performance. And as if on cue; my eyes did just as I had wanted them to. They landed on someone; my only problem being who that was. Patrick. I could feel my blood begin to boil and my fists close shut tightly just at the sight of him and Jessica. His arms around her waist with her in his lap and her arms wrapped around his neck as they kissed. My eyes watered as tears welled up in my eyes trying to slip through. I felt sick to my stomach and needed to get out of here. I ran. I ran as fast as I could out the door and half way down the street, hoping that no one noticed.