ONCE

Chapter 7

I still feel a little uncomfortable.

"I'll go order," Harry mumbles.

I really shouldn't care about the blonde girl, but I do.

Get over it! My subconscious snaps at me and I think I'll listen to her.

Harry returns.

"I asked for another waitress."

"Why?"

"Because I can feel that you're uncomfortable."

"Alright thanks I guess," I laugh a bit.

There's a long silent pause before Harry speaks.

"I've been thinking, you know how you said that your mother was a control freak?" Harry asks and I nod. "Is that why you're getting married at eighteen?"

"Yeah I guess."

"Why does she want you to marry young?"

"I'm not sure." And I'm not. I have no idea why she wants me to get married this young.

"Tell me about him." Harry speaks up after some time of silence.

"What do you want to know?"

"Everything."

"Well, he's tall, bright eyes, dark hair, twenty-two and rich, well his parents are, that's about it," I shrug.

"When did you meet?"

"In high school."

"High school sweethearts," Harry smirks.

"Yeah."

"Do you want to get married?"

"Yeah, I mean well, no not at this age but yeah later in life, when I'm older," I tell Harry.

"Don't get married then," Harry frowns.

"It's not that easy, Harry."

"How is it not easy, Nastasia?" Harry sighs loudly.

The way my name just rolls off his tongue.

"Because it's not."

"Just call it off," Harry says frustrated.

I don't know why he's frustrated I'm the one being interrogated.

I sigh and shake my head. I look to where the kitchen is and see our food coming but the waitress is now an older woman with red hair.

"Here you go," The red-head places our food down.

"Let's talk about something more positive," Harry huffs.

I nod in agreement.

"Since I've taken you out for breakfast and lunch, how about I take you out for dinner?" Harry smiles up at me.

"Sure," I smile back.

"But I'll take you to this fancy restaurant, so dress up a bit," Harry nods at me.

"How fancy?"

"Nice dress and heels, fancy."

"Alright."

"I'll pick you up at eight, so be ready by then."

"I'll make sure I'm on time."

"Good."

"Tell me, what are your plans after you graduate?" Harry's eyes stare deep into mine.

I shrug. "I haven't made any plans yet. I just want to make it to my graduation."

I pick up my fork and dig into my meal, which has been sitting there for a few minutes.

"What are your plans after you graduate?" I reciprocate the question.

"My plans? Well I want to own my own publishing company," Harry shrugs.

"Impressive. Your parents must be proud," I smile.

"My parents?" He laughs. "My parents couldn't give a shit."

My fork stops mid-air.

"Their your parents, of course they care."

"Mine don't. All my dad cares about is fucking as many women as he can behind my step-moms back, and my mom...she only cares about trying to get every dollar my dad has, and he has a lot," Harry snaps.

He's mad.

I'm surprised by this information. I expected him to have a perfect life, a perfect family.

"Are you done? We're going." Harry stands quickly.

Harry throws money down onto the table and heads straight for the door, leaving me to chase behind him. I catch up to him and get into the car.

The car ride is awkwardly quiet and I don't like it.