Darling.

Seven

Friday, September 10

I sit at the kitchen counter after making two scrambled eggs and a slice of toast for breakfast. I feel pretty motivated this morning. I think it may be the fact that I have to pick up Harry this morning, like I had offered last night. I set my alarm a bit earlier to allow me a few more minutes that it might take to go to his house and back the other way to school. It's not like it's a long ride. Maybe if we're early enough we can stop and get a cup of coffee on the way if he's down. 

After eating, I go up to my room and quickly throw on a pair of black skinny jeans and a light purple top that's a bit too long so I decide to tuck it in. I add a white belt to the jeans and put my slip on vans that match the top perfectly. I don't really feel like putting makeup on today so I just do a simple coat of mascara and put on some lip balm. 

Realizing I still have about ten minutes until I need to leave, I take the time to put my hair up into a neatly styled ponytail, my natural waves making it look a bit messy anyway. When I decide I look decent enough, I grab my backpack and tennis bag and text Harry that I'm on my way. 

I take my keys from the counter and head out the front door and get in the car. I turn it on and play a random radio station that seems to be good enough for the ride to school. I back out of my drive way and drive down the street to Harry's. He's already sitting on the front steps when I pull in and he's just on his phone waiting.

When he notices my car in the driveway he instantly stands up and walks over to it. I unlock the door and he slides in, placing his bag by his feet. I really like his outfit today. He's wearing a black and white patterned button down that's just a tiny bit too big with the top button undone and tucked into some black jeans. He's also wearing black vans and a cross necklace. A couple of rings are placed on his right middle and pointer fingers. 

I try to make it seem as if I wasn't just staring at him and admiring his look by pretending to open the center console and look for my charger that I usually keep in the car for emergencies. I pull it out and plug my phone in, despite it being at 97 percent.

We give each other small smiles and while I pull back out of the driveway, Harry tries to stir up some friendly conversation. "Good morning, Sophie. Thank you for doing this. I don't mean to put you out of your way."

"Harry, you don't have to worry about it. You're literally just a couple houses down. If anything, it's nice to have some company during the boring ride to school. I'm here for a ride any time you need it," I say brightly, grinning at him. It is quite nice having someone to chat with in the morning. It lifts my mood for the day instead of walking into my first class, already feeling tired and bored. "Do you mind if I stop for coffee? I could get you one as well if you'd like."

"Of course, that's fine. But I'm okay. Thank you for the offer," he politely declines.

I pull up to the drive thru and put my order in before asking Harry if he was sure he didn't want anything. He nodded in response and I told the lady that it would just be the one coffee. She gives me my total and I drive up to the window to pay. When the window is opened, I hand over my card and she gives me the coffee and we're on our way to school once again.

The drive over is quiet while the radio plays softly in the background. Harry and I don't really know each other that well yet, but the silence is comfortable nonetheless. We just sit and listen and Harry hums along to whatever song is playing so quietly that I can just barely hear him. 

I pull into my usual parking spot by the front of the building and turn off the engine. Harry takes his time to check his phone before grabbing his bag and getting out of the passenger side, closing the door gently while I get my backpack out of the back seat. I close and lock the car doors and we make our way into the building, taking the long way to Mr. Sommer's class.

When we walk into the classroom, my group of friends is already sitting in the back. I look at Harry in a way of inviting him to sit with us and he nods over to the seat. I say hello to my friends and sit down next to Molly, leaving an open seat next to me for Harry. Zach and Noah sit in the row behind us. 

---

When forensics is over, it's time for econ. This is probably the most boring class I'll ever have to take, but, unfortunately, I'm stuck because I need it in order to graduate high school. 

I take the same seat I had last class and Harry follows me. We sit and listen to the teacher while passing notes telling each other how bored and hungry we are, chuckling every few passes, earning glares and eye rolls from Mr. Smith. 

Econ passes in what feels like a year and as soon as the bell rings I pack my stuff and fly out of the room and to the cafeteria to meet my friends. I wait for Harry by the cafeteria entrance and we walk over to the lunch table where only Raia and Zach were waiting. 

"Where are Molly and Noah?" I question, raising my eyebrow. They're usually the first ones here. 

Raia laughed. "They're stuck in English together with Mrs. Winter. I feel so bad for them. She's always been the type to hold kids back even after the bell."

"That sucks. I hope they make it on time."

For the rest of lunch we just tallk about how senior year has been so far and the teachers we love and hate. Before I know it, it's time to go to my third and final class of the day. Every Friday I get to leave one class early, but it kind of sucks because I just have to come back anyway for tennis, and we have a big match today against our rival so I have to make sure I'm back just in time. 

Throughout my last class, I think of not leaving school and just visiting and talking with my favorite teacher from my sophomore year. I always went to see her when I had time after school last year, but now since I can technically leave early if I want to, I can visit her during her free block and maybe just get some work done. Especially while I'm doing tennis this fall. I don't really have much to do for the hour I have off anyway since none of my friends took it with me. 

---

When I get out of class, I see Harry in the hallway and he stops me with a alightly concerned look on his face. He says, "Hey, Sophie, um... can I ask you something?" What could this be and why is he worried?

"Sure, go ahead."

"Well, I really don't want to bother you, but my mum isn't able to pick me up after school. Would you mind driving me home? It's okay if you can't."

I stop to think for a second before answering. "I have a match after school. I could try to right before it starts, but I don't know if I have the time. Unless you wouldn't mind watching? Or maybe you have some work you can do after school?" 

He answers me almost too quickly when he says, "I'll watch your match, I've always enjoyed watching tennis, and it's much better in real life." He says that last sentence with a grin.

"Alright, Harry, just let me know if you change your mind. I won't be offended," I chuckle. "I'll be on court three today if you want to sit around there." 

"Sure." He shoots me a small smile and he's on his way.

NOTE: Hi! I really hope you're enjoying this story so far. Feedback and comments are always welcome and I would love to hear from you! (: