understanding.

chapter 2

 Harrys P.O.V

I swear today couldn't have been any slower. The final bell signaling the end of the day is music to my ears. I ran to my locker and unlocked my lock. I stuffed all of my necessary books into my bag and ran towards her locker. Whenever I see her she seems to become more and more beautiful. When I got to her locker she was nowhere to be seen. Had she forgotten? I certainly hadn’t. As I was about to leave I saw her. She was talking with her friend, Maddy. She noticed me and grinned. I watched her wave goodbye to Maddy and walk over towards her locker.

“Hey.” Gracie said.

“Hello.” I replied.

“Do you know where a café is?” She asked curiously.

“Um, I think there is one two blocks away from here.” I replied.

“Ok. If you wait outside, I’ll meet you there.” Gracie said.

“Um, sure.” I replied nervously.

I was becoming more and more anxious as I waited outside. It’s been 10 minutes and she still hasn't come. As I was walking through the door back into the school, she was just coming out. She had changed and put makeup on. I really didn’t think she needed makeup because she was already beautiful without it.

“Sorry.” She said sheepishly.

“It’s fine.” I replied. My concern completely disappeared.

“So how long will it take to walk there?” She asked.

“Around 5-6 minutes I think. I’ve never really been there before but I’ve driven past it a couple of times.” I told her honestly.

“Oh, ok.” She replied with a warm smile.

We walked in comfortable silence. We reached the café and took our seats at a booth.

“What would you like to order?” I asked.

“I’ll pay.” She responded quickly.

“No, I will.” I demanded.

“Fine,” She sighed, “I’ll have a iced chocolate please.”

“One iced chocolate coming right up.” I smiled.

I placed our orders in and sat back down at the booth.

“So, tell me about yourself.” She spoke.

“Well, I’m from England, Worcestershire. I have a sister, Gemma and my favourite colour is orange. You?”

“Um, I don't have a very interesting life, just to let you know, but my father died when I was 2 and my favourite food is a cheeseburger. “ She blushed.

“I love Macca’s too.” I winked. She laughed.

“Look at us, bonding over McDonalds.” She giggled. 

I laughed.

“You are one of a kind.” I said. As soon as I said them I covered my mouth.

“T-that s-slipped.” I managed to cough out.

“It’s okay.” She smiled a toothy grin.

“So, uh, where were we?” I said nervously.

“We were, you know, talking about Macca’s.” She was still grinning.

It made me think that maybe, just maybe she liked me too. And there goes me admitting to myself that I like her. A lot.

“Oh, right.” I replied.

“You know what?” She asked.

“What?” I replied nervously.

“I need to get going. I have a lot of homework. We’ll study another time?”

“Oh yeah, of course.” I try to hide the disappointment in my voice.

“I’ll see you around okay?”

“Okay.”

Now here comes the awkward goodbye. We both stood up and I went in for a hug but she was about to shake my hand. We ended up just shaking hands.

“Bye.”

“See ya.” I packed up my things and headed home.

On the walk home I started to imagine if she liked me back. But then again, I hadn't even thought of the possibility that she had a boyfriend. She’s beautiful so there’s a 99% chance that she’s taken, but that 1% still gives me hope. I ran my hands through my hair and sighed. I entered my house slowly and dragged myself upstairs. I flopped on my bed and stared at the ceiling.

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“I’m home!” I heard Mum shout.

“I’ll be down in a minute!” I yelled back.

I must’ve dozed off because when I looked at the clock on my bedside table it showed 6:30 pm. I opened my door and walked down the stairs. Mum was struggling to carry the grocery shopping.

“Here let me help.” I suggested.

“Thanks sweetie.” She stretched.

I unloaded the groceries for her but left out the ingredients she needed to cook dinner.

“Hey, what’s up?” Mum asked. She always knew when something was wrong. On some days I feel like she can see straight through me.

“Nothing.” I replied quickly.

“Sure, sure.” She smiled.

“I swear there’s nothing wrong Mum.” I lied.

“What ever you say, Harry.”

“I’m going upstairs.” I huffed.

“Alright.” Mum replied.

I ran upstairs and slammed my door shut. I couldn’t bother to tell Mum about Gracie because what's the point? I’m pretty sure Gracie has a boyfriend and there’s not a thing I can do about it.

Gracies P.O.V

 That did not just happen. Harry Styles did not just tell me that I am ‘one of a kind.’ I felt butterflies in my stomach when he said that. It wasn’t the bad type of butterflies either it was definitely the good type. Truth is, I actually don’t have much homework to do it’s just I couldn’t stand to stay there because I knew it would get awkward. I think he likes me back. I’m just not quite sure. I didn't have much to think about on the walk home because it was only a few seconds down the road. 

"I'm home Mum!" I waited for a response.

"Hey sweets!" She shouted.

"I think I'm going to go straight to bed Mum, sorry! See you in the morning." I replied guiltily.

"I understand, high school's tough aye!" She chuckled.

"You got it." I smiled.

I lay in bed thinking about Harry. It's only been a day and I can tell that he will be on my mind for quite a bit.