Illusion - h.s.

Nine - Choices

"They've been saying, "You're sophisticated." They're complaining, overeducated. You are saying all the words I'm dreaming - say it after me."

The Adults Are Talking - The Strokes

Here I sat, on the bench at the local metro park. It's been a really warm day, I decided on wearing a little summer dress. I got here a little early out of nerves and now I'm waiting for Harry's arrival. It'll be nice to meet with him at a normal place for once. Sure his house was nice but I felt so out of place and nervous there. And as soon as I set foot inside the club I'm already ready to leave. I spend too much time for my liking there. At first it was less of a job and more of a way for me to get away from my crazy home life, but now it's just becoming a nuisance. Before I got here I stopped at a little convenience store and got
myself some snacks. I had told my father I was going to Sydney's for dinner and now I started to feel the hunger catching up to me. I rooted through my purse until I found the pouch that
contained my hot pickle. I haven't had one of these in a while, I'm excited.

I rip off the top of the package so the tip of the pickle stuck out. I bite into it and immediately taste all the spiciness.

"Ah!" I blow out, not expecting it to be so hot. I cough a little bit while I swallow. "Oh my god." I take a moment before going in for a second bite. I hear someone clear their voice behind me. With the pickle still in my mouth my head snaps to that direction. Harry stood behind me with one hand on his hip and the other covering his mouth holding in a laugh.

I immediately take the rest of my bite and mistakenly swallow it quick. I started coughing even more this time and all I hear is laughter.

"Harry!" I choke out. "Hi!"

"Hi my little Ruby, or should I say my little pickle." He laughs sitting down next to me on the bench.

"I'm sorry, I was a little hungry." My face heats up. Oh my god, that's embarrassing.

"It wouldn't be the first time you've put an image like that in my head. I'd say you were choking just as much the first time too." He winks and my mouth drops at his remark. "Babe, we can go get some real food if you want." He spoke as he placed his hand on my thigh and gave it a light squeeze while he chuckled.

"No, no. I'm fine. I'd rather just stay here and hang out." I smiled at him, my face starting to cool off. He keeps his eyes in front of him with a smile on his face. I feel him reach his arm over my shoulders as he relaxes more on the bench. It felt really nice being here with him, this was the first time in a little while my mind has felt completely at peace.

"So did you want me here for any specific reason?" He breaks the comfortable silence we were sitting in. "Or did you just want to sit and judge all the people walking on the trails?" I laugh at him. In front of us were several walking trails leading into the small wooded area and to the side was a children's playground.

"I always liked coming here. I thought it would be peaceful." I told him. I could feel a slight breeze pick up and I watched as the leaves moved slightly in the trees.

"That it is darling."

"Tell me something about yourself. Something... weird or interesting or crazy." I asked looking over to him and he tilts his head and smiles.

"Something weird about me? Hmm..." He thinks to himself. I can feel him rub small circles on my arm. "Well, I always like to have a glass of water by my bed every night." He speaks looking at me as if to see that I thought his answer quailed as weird enough.

"A glass of water? Why is that?" I ask.

"Well incase I get thirsty of course." He speaks like it's obvious, which I guess it kind of was.