haphephobia • ed

• Chapter 2 •

•Saturday•

I wake up to the bright orange and yellow tones beaming through my window. Today felt different. I felt a tiny bit of happiness inside. Surprisingly, I liked the feeling. Happiness is one thing I've never really had so I've always gone along without it. It's like a drug everyone else is able to get their hands one but me.

Stretching, i take the chunky knit blanket off me and make my way towards the bathroom. Mirrors were always honest. Never showed you someone else, always showed the real you. I have a love/hate relationship with mirrors. I stare deep into my soul, wishing something would click inside and reveal a new and improved me. Nothing happens. I turn on the rusty cold tap. Water hits every feature of my face. Waking me up and making me face reality. I continue to get ready and drag my feet back to my room. My favourite dress hangs inside my wardrobe. Maybe i will make an effort for once and make myself look as good as a girl like me can.

Smoothing the dress down, I stare down at myself.

"It'll do." I whisper to myself. I grab my book and place it into my bag; finally making me way down the stairs. Quickly, i scribble a note to inform my mother that I'm out. She knows that every weekend of mine is spent at the cafe or on a cliff top. After deciding to walk, i make my way into town admiring the animals and insects i pass. The sun beams on my face and lift my head up. Trying to look as confident and happy as i can.

The smell of coffee makes its way up my nostrils. I breathe in the familiar scent and make my way towards an isolated booth. Waiters and waitresses know my order by heart. At 10:00 every Saturday, an iced latte is placed onto the coffee table despite the mass of customers here before me. The clock hits 11 o'clock and Maya slides the drink onto the stained wood coffee table, sending me a wink. I nod me head to show i am thankful.

I pull out my headphones and begin to play my Saturday Morning playlist. Billie Eilish fills my ears. I tap my foot whilst pulling out my book. Chapter 50 out of 85. I can definitely finish this. i think to myself.

2 hours pass and i have one chapter to go. Turning the rough page, I see a tall boy pass by. Never have i seen him in here before. I shake it off and continue reading. I whisper the dialogue of the book to myself. My shoulder comes into contact with a index finger tapping me multiple times. I feel myself shrink into the chair. The finger continues to tap, creating a twitch in my chest. I feel sick from the human contact.

I remove my headphones and look up towards the tall boy. He sends me a nervous smile.

"Romeo and Juliet?" He speaks with a husky voice which suits his exterior perfectly.

"Urm-?" He cuts of my confused tone.

"The book, its Romeo and Juliet." The same index finger points towards mt damaged book.

"Oh yeah, sorry I'm a little spaced out." I say bluntly wanting to get back into my book. Wanting to escape reality just for a few more minutes. I begin to look down to continue reading until he speaks up again.

"Hey I'm Grayson." He smiles down at my petite body.

"Springs, Harper Springs" I reply instantly wishing i hadn't said my last name.

"Hello Springs." He sends me a friendly wink. Making my heart skip a beat.

"Hello Grayson...."

"Dolan, Grayson Dolan." He says looking down to his yellow converse,. I admired his outfit. Black and white stripe t-shirt with light wash denim jeans. Yellow converse and white socks peaking though the slight gap between his jeans and shoes.

"I like your shoes." I blurt, feeling my checks turn red.

"Thanks I like your dress." He taps my red dotty dress. I tense up from the contact. Grayson realises and quickly removes his hand awkwardly.

"So, what school do you go to? I'm new to the area and want to make some friends." He said with a smile from ear to ear.

"Joyville High School." I respond friendly.

"No way, I'm going there we can be friends." He nudges me.

I move slightly away from him and nod.

"Well I've got to get going Springs but can i have your number?"

"Urm ...yeah sure." I tuck a piece of hair behind my ear and grab my phone.

He types my number into his newer phone. Sends me a smile and a wave. And with that, walks out the cafe.

For once, i have met a boy who wants to be friends not more not less.

AYYYYEEEE gray and harper have met. Now you may be thinking i thought this was a ethan fanfic.....well yes you are right it is an ethan fanfic ;)