Perfect | Harry Styles

Chapter One

Sitting alone in the back of the classroom reminded me of just how lonely I felt here. This is the last class of my (hell-ish) junior year of college and I needed to be free of this. One more year, I reminded myself. One more year and this would all be done for. I could go back home for good. I would never have to see this classroom again.  No more getting a taste of home 3 times a year. I could lay in the sand whenever my heart desired. I already imagined how it would feel when the sun kissed my already soft brown skin while the waves lapped my toes. 

"Ms. Moore," Professor Matthews slipped my final term paper on my desk face down. That doesn't look like the way you would hand back a passing grade.

I nervously turned over the paper and the big red scribbles are an obvious indicator that I didn't do well. I flipped to the last page to see my final mark and it's a big fat C. At least I didn't fail. My academic apathy is going to catch up to me sooner or later, but I'm just glad it's not today.

"It was decent work, Elodie, but I felt like there's room for improvement."

I let out a curt thank you, shoved the paper in my bag, and left on my pursuit of summertime freedom. I bounced down the stairs with more energy than I've had all day. I sent a quick text to my mother to let her know I was on the way. I would never hear the end of it if she couldn't reach me. There are stretches of desert that span for miles where cell phone reception is a myth.

I finally reached my car and tossed my bag in the passenger seat. Thankfully I was smart enough to pack up my little SUV this morning before I left for class. Boxes and garbage bags full of clothes packed the blue car to the brim. I could only see a sliver out of my rear view mirror. I selected my favorite driving playlist and the sounds of Fleetwood Mac started pouring through the speakers. Listen to the wind bloooowwww. Watch the suuun riiiise...This was going to be the best 5 hours of my life. There was nothing standing between me and the open road.

___

An armada of palm trees lined every street. The Santa Ynez Mountains set up to be a majestic backdrop against the setting sun. I made it back just in time for this. The panoramic evening skies are what postcard dreams are made of. Purples, peaches, and tinges of yellow splash the sky as the sun sets. Street lights dotted on one by one in the distance. A wave of calm rushed over me as I pulled into the parking lot. I needed to make one stop before I headed to the house.

I wanted to surprise my family with a box of our favorites: Nan's Bakery and Bread. They had an opportunity to eat them all the time, but I never did. There would be no better way to mark the occasion of my not-so-grand entrance. I pulled up and the neon sign looked just how I remembered it as a kid. The parking lot sat empty except for my car and another smaller sedan parked by the dumpster. At least I didn't have to run into too many people here.

The cute chime rang twice as I walked in. Ding ding dong. Ding ding dong.

"Welcome to Nan's," a small and familiar voice greeted me from behind the counter. They were crouched down so I could hear them before I saw them.

"Hey Nan," I smiled waiting for her to turn around.

"Elodie, is that you?" She got up from her crouching spot, rearranging what was left of the bagels in the display case. "Are you back from college already?"

She shrieked and wiped her hands down on her white and red apron before running around the counter to greet me. She hugged me like an old relative that hadn't seen you since you were 2 feet tall. I see Nan every summer, but she always acts like she hasn't seen me since she gave me my first job at 15. My best friend and I worked here every summer until we left for college. I should probably give him a call today. He likes surprises, so I may just wait to pop up at his house with a big smile and two double cheeseburgers.

"Look at you! You've gotten so tall now!" She shrieked again, waving her hands over my 5'7" frame before engulfing me in a bear hug.

Even though I've been this height since I was 16, I graciously thanked her and returned the hug.

"What brings you in today? Are you coming back to work for me again? You know we could use an extra set of hands around here," she looked toward the back before taking her position behind the counter again.

"A half dozen everything bagels, 4 vanilla iced donuts, and 2 cinnamon fries," I answered quickly. Ignoring all remarks about going back to work. I wasn't in the right mind frame to make that decision. Aside from that, I wanted this last collegiate summer to be all about relaxing. I wanted to star gaze, not glaze donuts.

Nan complimented me on my good taste and began to box up my choices. She slid a brown paper bag of donut holes across the counter. A homecoming gift for me is what she called it. I reached into the bag and sauntered over to the old jukebox to over the selections. I thumbed over the laminated pages. They feel even more worn down than I remembered. I plopped another donut hole in my mouth and  finally decide on my favorite Arctic Monkeys tune.

As Nan finished boxing up the carby goodness, I felt a pair of hands wrap themselves around my face. Their long fingers felt cold against my skin.

"You were going to sneak into town and not say anything to me?" They bellowed out before removing their hands from my face and spinning me around.

I could recognize that voice anywhere. Deep and cool with a raspy edge. The kind of voice that felt like velvet to your ears.

"Harry!" I squeaked as soon as I turned around and saw his face. "I didn't see you come in!"