Sunnyvale H.S

5

Twice a week Harry would pick Grace up and drive her to Sunnyvale. They would sit and talk way over their time limit and neither of them really minded. Harry knew that Grace needed the opportunity to speak to somebody and to get all the emotions out. He wanted to give her what she wants so bad, just to see her happy. 

Whenever Grace smiled or laughed, he could feel her opening up more and more. He knew she had a guard up and he knew she was smart and funny, but all those years of hurt and angst and anger had covered up her happiness. Yet, he was positive he could provide her with happiness again.

The weather was sunny for once in the first few months. The surprising burst of sunshine had put Grace in a good mood, and she was more than excited to see Harry today.

"Grace love, you need to eat breakfast before you leave. You'll be starved." 

Avery leant against the doorframe, watching as Grace got ready for the day. Countless bobby pins lay out on the makeup desk in front of her, surrounded by various makeup products. She was quickly filling in her brows in a rushed attempt to get ready on time. Harry was usually 5 minutes earlier than asked, so she wanted to make sure she was ready on time.

"I'm not very hungry. I'll only be gone for an hour, and I can eat when I get home."

"Grace, it wasn't a question. You need to eat.  I don't think your doctor would be very happy if you told him you weren't eating either." 

"Mum, I am eating, just not right now. I'm not hungry. I'll take an apple with me." 

She stood up and walked towards her bed, picking up a yellow dress. It had short sleeves and a curved chest, something Grace was nervous to wear. She hadn't worn a dress since her nan's funeral, and she didn't like the idea of wearing one today. The weather was far too hot to wear her usual jeans and jumper combo, so Avery made her make do with what she could.

"Which dress should I wear? This yellow one.. or.."

Grace pulled out a white cotton dress from the drawers beside her bed.

"Or this one?"

"Go for the yellow. You always used to love wearing that, all the time. You had one similar when you were 6. Your father bought you it."

She smiled softly to herself as Grace tried her hardest not to tense up at the mention of her father. It still hurt to talk about him. It brought back terrible memories that she would much rather forget about. 

"You best get ready. Harry will be here in five minutes."

-

"You did what?" Grace giggled loudly, filling the car with the sound of her voice.

"I was a very immature teenager, I think I've matured a lot now. You'll be glad to know I won't do that again."

Grace smiled and leant her arm against the window frame. She watched the countless silver buildings reflect light across the town. Ever since she started making her own way to Sunnyvale, she would stop by and look at all the buildings and the way they were built. It seemed to fascinate her and catch her eye. 

Harry loved driving through town too. He got to see her face light up whenever she saw something she thought was cool or beautiful. She had such an innocence about her, that he knew would drive him insane. He loved and hated the feelings he got when he was around her. It was almost feverish as if he was burning from inside out when he looked at her.

"Do you know Dr.Hiddleston well?" 

Harry quickly glanced across at her.

"Yes actually. He's an okay friend of mine. Why'd you ask?"

"I feel guilty. For being so rude when we first met. He seems like a gentleman."

"Leaving me for him already?"

"Oh yeah definitely. Bet he would love me to call him sir."

"Grace."

"And doctor."

"You really need to know when to be quiet Grace."

He smiled at her as they drove down Mayall Road, five minutes from Sunnyvale. They came to a stop at a red light. Harry picked up his bottle of water from the middle of the car seats and unscrewed the cap. 

"Maybe he'd like it if I called him daddy."

Harry choked on his water as the words left her lips. 

She laughed loudly as he coughed and spluttered the water he choked on.

"What's wrong? Did I do something wrong Daddy?"

"Grace, you're going to be the absolute death of me I swear."

She laughed loudly and leaned over to his side of the car.

"You love it."

"Debatable."

Grace felt weightless for the first time in what felt like forever. She felt carefree, and happy and as though nothing was holding her back.

She leaned over and kissed his cheek softly.

Her lips were warm against his cheek and his cheeks flushed a scarlet shade as she moved back to her own side of the car.  She smelled of lavender and honey, or a summer day. Something that Harry just couldn't place his finger on. That was his favourite thing about her- she was indescribable.

He figured he couldn't explain her at all, not even to himself. She was beautiful. That was something he knew for sure. He knew how wonderful she truly was and what her mind was capable of. She found art in the simplest things and beauty in almost everything.

"I want to take you somewhere,Grace."

"Like where?"

"It's a surprise. I'm sure you'd love it."

"This is your murder scheme isn't it?"laughed and he nodded.

"Oh yeah, definitely."

"Looks like I have other plans, maybe another time," she joked about and he shook his head a large grin on his face.

"No but really. You have to trust me."

"hmm.. Why should I, you might actually be plotting my murder."

He paused for a moment before replying.

"That would be a very stupid thing to do Grace."

"Would it really?"

"Yeah. If I was to kill you now, it would be a waste of those pretty pink lips."

-

the end of chapter 5 muahahahhaha