No More Misery

Sixteen - Hensley's POV

Ideas for the chapter: Hensley, Watson, Harper, Madeline and Dakota go to a fair. Hensley's mom makes Dakota go to get out of the house. Dakota and Harper have a thing? 

2pm. Berkeley coffee shop. I just ordered an iced coffee and a chocolate chip muffin. Madeline, Harper and I were on a coffee date. 

"So, you said you had serious info about Watson's parents?" Harper said as I sat down at the little round table with her and Madeline.

"Yeah. Honestly the dinner meeting was horrible. It's clear that his father is some sort of drunk. His mother was sweet, but doesn't seem too supportive. Oh my gosh, don't get me started on his older brother Quinton. I won't give too much details on that, or else I'll get really angry. Let's just say the night ended with Watson smashing a plate, and punching Quinton in the face."

"Oh my gosh. Hens, that's awful." Madeline's sweet smile turned to a frown.

"So what happened afterwards? Did you just awkwardly leave?" Harper asked.

"His father threw him out. And I sort of followed. Watson then drove us to his families cottage that nobody was staying at. We sat and talked inside there for a bit. Then he drove me home."

Harper gleamed at Madeline, and Madeline returned the expression.

"Wh-what are you guys doing? What're those looks for?"

"Did you and Watson, you know, do the dirty?" I knew Harper would make the conversation come to this. In our friend group, she was the only one who has lost her V-card. It was in eleventh grade at a high school party to this jock named Jacob Matthews. They dated for a few months. 

"No we didn't. We were close to it. But I had to stop him." 

"That's okay Hens." Madeline said.

"Why'd you stop him? You aren't ready yet?" Harper was super curious.

"You know. With my ex. He wasn't very gentle with me. Honestly, being vulnerable with a guy now scares me."

"It's okay Hens. I'm sorry for pushing you for answers; I'm just curious. But yes, I think it's good that you're taking your time and making sure that you feel completely comfortable with him first." Harper took a sip of her coffee.

"Hey how was your test today Maddie?" I tried to change the subject. 

"It went bad. Think I failed." Madeline looked down at her tea, and lifted the tea bag in and out of the cup.

"Okay stop this. This is a depressing day. We need to spark it up. I heard that Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone is playing tonight at the drive in. We should all go. You can even invite Watson! And Maddie, you can invite anyone too! Maybe that cute guy in your English class?"

"Like a triple date?" I asked.

"Yeah. Except, I don't exactly have a date." Harper replied.

"That's okay. We don't need to invite boys to have a good time." Madeline said to try and bring back the positivity. 

"No. You guys should! I don't mind." 

"Okay, I'll call Watson." 

"Maddie. Go call Dylan!" 

"Fine, fine." Madeline gave in.

***

Madeline, Harper and I were at my place getting ready to go to the drive in. Harper was curling Madeline's hair, and I was putting on some makeup. I usually like going for a natural look, so I just put on some mascara, blush, and this new lip gloss I got. 

Mom came and knocked on my bedroom door. 

"Come in." I said.

"Wow look at you girls. You all look good!"

"Thanks mom."

"Thanks Mrs. Westfell." Harper and Madeline said in sync.

"Where are you guys going?" 

"A triple date," Harper winked, "at the drive in."

"Sounds fun! Who's everyones date?" 

I love my mom, but she was always super nosy when coming to me, my friends, and dating.

"Madeline is going with a guy named Dylan in her English class. I'm going with Watson. Harper doesn't have a date."

"Oh. Well I'm sure Dakota would love to tag along. He could be your date." Mom suggested. I really wish she didn't. You mention any sort of boy and Harper is there for it.

"I mean, if he wants to.. that'd be great. And if it's okay with you Hens. I don't want things to be weird."

How could I say no to her. Especially in front of my mom. What kind of horrible person and friend would that make me look like.

"Of course he can come." 

"Perfect. I'll go grab him!" Mom got all jumpy and excited. Dakota has never had a date or girlfriend before. Plus my mom loves Harper, so I'm sure she would be pleased to have them go on a date.

A few minutes later, Dakota came into my bedroom.

"What time are we going?" 

I had hope that he would say no to going. But much like Harper, if you mention any sort of girl, he's there for it. Plus he's even admitted that he finds Harper attractive. 

"Watson's picking us up in like 10 minutes. Dylan is meeting us there so we will have two cars."

"Sounds good." 

***

Watson arrived and we all got in his car. I sat in the passenger seat, and Madeline, Harper, and Dakota squished in the back seat. 

"Hey Watson." I kissed him a hello.

"Hey gorgeous." 

Watson never referred to me as gorgeous before. It made my whole body tingle. It felt weird to be so lovey with him in front of my friends and brother.

"How are you guys in the back there?" Watson asked as he put his hand over the back of my seat as he backed out of the driveway.

"Good. Thank you for picking us up." Madeline said.

"No problem."