Across the Hall

Chapter 14: Virginity and Innocence

Harry and I were cuddled up together as we watched the final minutes of The Great Gatsby. Harry gasped as the gunshot sounded from the TV and we both watched in horror as Jay fell into the pool.

"What the hell?" Harry asked in a raised voice. I shushed him, since it was close to 11 and the walls were very thin in this complex.

"I can't believe it," I said in astonishment. We finished the movie and Harry became angry because Daisy didn't attend Jay's funeral.

"The least that bitch could do is show up to his goddamn funeral. I mean really the love of your life dies and you have better things to do?" He questions in amazement. I laughed and he looked at me with wild eyes.

"Annabelle if I died you would come to my funeral right?" He asked.

"Harry, you're not even the love of my life and I would still go," I giggled in a joking manner.

Something flashed in his eyes, but was gone the second it had occurred. He laughed along with me. "Some women."

I laughed at that and nuzzled into his chest. Suddenly I shot up.

"Hey! You're Jay Gatsby!" I shouted out of excitement.

"Shhhh. What the hell do you mean?" He asked, laughing slightly.

"Well think about it. You had a foggy childhood and suddenly out of nowhere got very wealthy and now you're the total bachelor who all the girls love," I said, proud of my comparison.

"I didn't get wealthy out of nowhere Annabelle Lee," Harry rolled his eyes.

I asked him how and he stated simply, "That's another story for another time."

The sound of Harry's steady heartbeat eased me to sleep.

--

"Because I have to go," I said for the fourth time while pulling my pants up my legs. Right as I got them up, Harry pulled my leggings back down. He laughed as I rolled my eyes and playfully hit him.

"But why?" He drew out the y, whining like a child and stuck out his bottom lip.

I pulled my pants back up my legs and he fell backwards onto the couch, giving up. "Because I think my friends are starting to worry that I'm becoming a slut, sleeping over at your house and all after one date."

"Who cares?"

"Harry I'm leaving. See you later tonight?" I questioned.

"Yea, Liam's having a kickback at his place, so I can drive you?" He asked, playing with my hands as I stood by the door. I nodded and smiled as he adjusted the rings on my fingers.

"Ok you can leave under one circumstance," he breathed out, looking into my eyes. I raised my eyebrows and leaned into him.

"You have to be my girlfriend," he laughed as he pushed my hair behind my ear.

"I thought you said you would take me on a couple dates," I giggled.

"Well I changed my mind."

I laughed and kissed him. I opened his door and started walking out into the hall.

Harry grabbed my wrists. "Wow. You tried to get away without any form of commitment. Maybe you are becoming a slut after all" he laughed, teasing me.

"Ok fine. I guess I'll have to be your girlfriend," I rolled my eyes, acting like it was the worst thing ever.

He laughed and slipped his arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him. He brought his lips down to meet mine and I smiled into the sweet and slow kiss.