No More Misery

Seventeen - Watson's POV

We got to the drive in and Madeline pointed out her date, Dylan. I parked beside him and Madeline got out of the car and into his. Harper and Dakota left, and spread a blanket out on the grass near the front of the parking area. That left Hensley and I alone in my car. 

"How was your day?" I asked.

"It was pretty good. How was yours?" 

"It was fine. I got your sweater back." Watson reached over me and opened the glove compartment. My sweater was neatly folded in it, and I pulled it out.

"Thank you. I almost forgot about it."

In that case, I wish I could've turned back time and never have given it back. Little did Hensley know I spent about an hour sniffing the thing last night. It was drowned in her perfume. I could keep that sweater forever.

"So, have you ever seen Harry Potter before?" Harry Potter is one of my all time favourites.

"Yes I have. I love it. Have you?" 

"I love it too." My eyes latched onto Hensley's lips.

We leaned in. I kissed her. She kissed me. We were one. Two halves, now whole.

As we pulled apart, I wanted to cry. I couldn't tell if it was tears of happiness, or sadness, from our kiss ending. 

"Strawberry." I whispered.

"What?" Hensley giggled.

"Your lips, taste like strawberry." I then licked my own lips, because the taste of strawberry from hers lingered on mine.

"Oh. It's my lip gloss." 

"I like it."

"Oops. We are missing the previews." 

"How dare we?" I said sarcastically.

Hensley shrugged then grabbed my cheeks and pulled me in for a second kiss. She was becoming more open with me, less fearful, less shy. I felt special to see this side of her. It was a side that not everyone got the opportunity to see.

***

After the movie we were waiting for everyone to come back to the car. Madeline ended up going home with Dylan. So it was just Harper and Dakota in the back seat with us. I kept glaring through my rear view mirror and saw that Harper and Dakota were fiddling with one another's fingers and smiling at one another. They obviously had something started through his date. I looked over and Hensley who gave me a look. She noticed them in the back too. I couldn't tell if she gave me a look of "are you kidding me?" or a "help. I hate this."

I dropped Harper off at her house first, then drove to Hensley's and Dakotas. 

"Thanks man." Dakota and I shook hands. I'm glad that we're getting along. Though we haven't had a conversation yet.

"I'll be inside in a moment." Hensley said.

"Okay." 

"I had a fun night tonight." Hensley bit her lip.

"Me too. Thanks for inviting me." 

"Thanks for driving us." 

"Thanks for being alive." 

"Wh-what?" Hensley laughed.

"You-you're amazing. I hope you know that." I nodded in disbelief.

"I love you." Hensley replied.

"I love you too." 

Hensley and I kissed, and then when our lips untouched, she whispered 'goodnight Watson.'

After Hensley went inside, I drove to the cemetery. I wanted to visit my grandmother and tell her about my night. She always told me how much she thought I'd be a good boyfriend someday. I truly hope that I was a good boyfriend to Hensley. I especially hope that my grandmother thought so too. 

I got out of my car and sat down beside her headstone. I rested my hand on the back side, almost like she was the headstone and I was sitting on the grass beside her. 

"Hi grandma. I couldn't begin to express how much I wish you were actually sitting here with me, looking at the stars like we used to. I miss your astrology stories. You pointing out the constellations, and bringing out your telescope; even though you were growing so old that you were almost unable to carry the darn thing. I miss you. There is so much in my life that I wish I could talk to you about. You were the only one who understood. But, I'm also so thankful for Hensley. Do not get me wrong, I need you more than anything. But Hensley, has been a great support. She's everything amazing, just like you were. I love you." 

I figured I should shut up before I got too personal, and random ghosts could listen in. So I continued to look up and the sky, trying to remember the sound of my grandmothers voice pointing out the constellations and stars. Telling me, I was the brightest one of them all.