My life has reached a state of normalcy after that chaotic day. Well, a new normal. An okay normal.
Dean is out of my life.
I never expected it to be so simple... to end things with him. It was easy. Too easy.
Our relationship started to get rocky a couple months ago, but I assumed it was just a rough patch and that we were going to get through it.
But things escalated. Rough patches turned into sinking holes and I was scared and I was alone.
I didn't know what I was supposed to do or who I should talk to. But I needed someone, someone to be there for me. If I had tried to explain our relationship to my friends, they'd say I was overreacting and remind me how lucky I was to have Dean. They didn't feel like real friends. Auntie Jill wouldn't have understood either, she adored Dean for the person she thought he was. She will never know the Dean that I know.
Dean was my best friend, he was all I had. So, once he started to become controlling and sometimes physical; I was alone. Scared and completely alone. I needed someone to reach down into my sinking hole and pull me out.
And that someone was Harry.
He not only rescued me from my physical pain, but also from my emotional pain. Just by pulling me out of that sinking hole, he showed me I was worth something more. I knew if some random stranger would go out of his way to help and save me, then I was worth much more than how Dean was treating me. Harry's sweet words and gentle touch showed me a slice of what being cared about feels like. Even if he only cared about me for that day and for my wounds, it showed me that there is hope. It showed me that there is a better life then with Dean.
Auntie Jillian was full of questions when I told her about the break up, but I didn't really answer any. I just told her it wasn't working, and that it was a mutual decision between the both of us.
I haven't seen Harry since that day, but a day doesn't pass by that he doesn't cross my mind.
One month has passed by without seeing those sparkling emerald eyes and that beautifully inked skin and hearing that raspy voice full of kindness. How could someone look so dark and dangerous, but be so caring and full of compassion.
Everything about Harry is a mystery to me.
I've come to the conclusion that it's for the best that I never see him again. I don't mean anything to him, even though he means something to me. Something I can't truly describe. Something I don't know if I'll ever understand, so I push it to the back of my mind. I try to ignore the ache in my heart that I have to see him again and to thank him again.
I quickly finish getting ready for work, throwing my curly hair into it's usual messy bun and putting on my work uniform which consists of a black polo and black pants. I grab my name tag off my dresser and quickly pin it on. I apply light makeup and rush to my car. I can't stand to be late, so I always make sure I'm a little bit early.
I pull up to the 99 restaurant. I've only been waitressing here for about 3 weeks and it's great. I can really use the money and it keeps me busy.
It's only a couple past 10 a.m. so the place is a ghost town, not a single customer yet.
I'm sweetly greeted by my manager, Tina. She's in her mid-thirties with wavy blonde hair and a bright smile. She's so wonderful to work with.
~~~
By 1:00 p.m. the place is packed. I run, literally run, from table to table, doing my job. Some people are patient and understanding, others are grumpy and rude, but I have to keep my best smile on. That is, if I want to keep my job.
I walk briskly over to my next table, notebook in hand. I take a deep breath and smile brightly, looking up at the customers.
But my plastered smile quickly fades as I'm met with a familiar pair of emerald green eyes.
My heart sinks when notice the petite blonde sitting across from Harry. Wait no, I shouldn't feel like this. I'm not jealous because Harry's on a date. Why is this feeling gnawing at my stomach though?
"Hi I'm Belle, I'll be your server today." My voice comes out stronger than I expected and I mentally pat myself on the back for being so calm and collected, when my mind is currently exploding.
I hand them both menus.
"Can I get you guys something to drink?"
Harry is staring at me wide eyed. I tear away from his gaze and smile at the tiny blonde. I feel self conscious just looking at her.
"I'll have water." She looks at me expectantly. Her voice is high pitched and squeaky. I internally cringe.
I hesitantly look towards Harry and it feels like his gaze hasn't left me.
I raise my eyebrows at him, as if to say "Are you going to order a drink or no?"
"Um" He clears his throat, not leaving my eyes, "I'll have a coke."
"Okay, I'll go grab those for you." I walk as fast as my legs will manage without breaking out into a run. I turn the corner and head towards the kitchen when someone grips my elbow. I spin around to be met with those swirly green eyes that have haunted my dreams for the last month.
"Belle" He almost breathes my name.
"Hi." I'm overwhelmed. I've yearned to see him, and now that I finally have I'm speechless.
"How are you doing?" His eyes search my face and then I remember the cold hard truth: that he left me at the hospital. And he lied.
I pull my elbow out of his grasp and cross my arms over my chest.
"Why did you leave me at the hospital?"
"I-" He runs a hand through his hair, "I don't know."
"You don't know?" My eyes involuntarily fill with tears.
"I figured it would be better if I left, so that we could both move on with our lives."
A couple tears fall onto my cheeks. I don't know why I'm so emotional. I guess I expected more from Harry. Maybe I hoped he couldn't stop thinking about me either.
"Go back to your date. There's no use talking about it anymore." I turn away from him and the unreadable look on his face and enter the kitchen.
