The Adventures of Harry and Me (H.S.)

Every Story Has a Beginning

"So whose party are we going to?" I ask Abigail, walking down the street on our way to the art gallery where the event is being held.

"Jeff Azoff is throwing a birthday party for a musician." Abigail explains. I've never met Jeff in person but know that he and Abigail have been friends for ages. "He sings the song Madeline you were dancing to earlier."

"Oh I know who you are talking about. I heard that song for the first time last week. It's a good one." I comment as we approach the front doors where a man is standing with a list, verifying each guest as they enter the building. "It was nice of Jeff to allow you to bring me."

"He didn't mind! I figured you would enjoy the art as well as a night out." She says, taking a few steps as the line moves up.

"I do enjoy art. I've heard this gallery is amazing!" I look up at the sign hanging above the building. Culture Trip is a brand new gallery that is a collaboration between three different artists. I'm excited to explore and experience the art with my own eyes, having heard about it already.

"Name?" A guy in a black suit asks Abigail and I as we step to the front of the line.

"Abigail Rogers and guest." She says. I watch as the man skims down his list looking for Abigail's name. Putting a check when he finds it, he unlatches the ropes and nods his head towards the door in a signal for us to go inside.

I follow Abigail as we enter the Gallery. Taking a deep breath, I explore the room with my eyes, breathing in the atmosphere. I haven't been to any parties like this in my life, and I'm a bit nervous. The gallery is gorgeous as I can see the walls full of paintings; sculptures are placed around the room and candles light the tables.

"Are you okay?" Abigail grabs my arm, yanking me from my reverie and admiration of the art around the room.. I look up at Abigail, giving her my full attention. I nod my head in an effort to ease her worry. "Should we get a drink? Would that help calm ya down?" She chuckles slightly at the amount of anxiety that is pouring from my body.

"Yeah, a drink would be good." I say. She grabs my hand, pulling me towards the bar that is placed at the opposite side of the room. We weave our way through people, squeezing onto each other so we can stay together. Abigail comes to a sudden stop and I run into her back, making me whisper a quiet apology to my friend.

"Abigail Rogers!" A male voice exclaims. "You came!"

"Jeffrey!" Abigail squeals, immediately wrapping her arms around him in a hug. "How are you?" She asks as she pulls away from the dark haired boy. My eyes dart to the floor as they have their conversation.

"I'm well. Glenne is around here somewhere. She was hoping you would come." Jeff looks around the room in an effort to spot Glenne but he doesn't appear to find her. "She'll be happy to see you."

"Oh for sure! I'll keep an eye out!" Abigail says with smile. I stand next to my friend, quietly feeling a little awkward as I have yet to be introduced. I'm not a big fan of large social gatherings I would much rather wander the gallery by myself instead of making small talk with people I don't know.

"Abigail, this is Harry." Jeff points towards a tall boy who is standing next to him, sipping silently on his tequila.

"Hi Abigail, nice to meet you." Harry holds out his hand, grasping Abigail's and giving it a shake. "And your name is....?" He moves his hand towards me as I pause, the British accent throwing me off a little bit. It's smooth and deep; I think I could listen to him talk all day.

"Elizabeth!" I say, grabbing his warm hand in mine, the metal of his rings sending a small electric shock through my hand. "Nice to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine." Harry smirks, winking in my direction. I can't help but smile back. I watch as he takes another sip of his tequila, and my mouth goes dry, taking in his appearance. The sunglasses placed upon his head hold back the soft brown curls from dipping into his eyesight. The shirt he is wearing has me confused. On any other person, this shirt would look absolutely ridiculous, but this man seems to pull it off with ease. His jeans are tight against his thighs and the boots he is wearing are almost as beautiful as he is.I can see tattoos scattered across his arms and chest, and it makes me curious as to their meanings. He is gorgeous, and I want to know everything about him.