Harry's Point of View

The staircase was straight, and very long, but eventually they reached the end of it. Another door. Fezzik gave it a push. It opened. Another corridor lined with cages, big ones though, and inside, great baying hippos and a twenty-foot alligator thrashing angrily in shallow water.

Over the next two weeks Alyssa and I continued to read The Princess Bride. We were very close to the end and I think she was really hoping it'd just be over soon. We hung out with our new friends a few more times but Alyssa stayed shy. I myself went to Liam's house a few times just to hang out with the lads. I think Alyssa is still warming up to the others but she is with Marilyn almost everyday. I heard she's moving and I know that'll play a toll on Alyssa.

"Don't 'sir' me, sonny," Miracle Max said. He was tough when he was young and he still was tough. "I got work to do. I was feeding my witch when you came in; I got to finish that now," and he lifted the hut trap door behind him. When that was done, he put his finger to his lips and ran to the old woman cooking hot chocolate over the coals.

"I think that's good for now." Alyssa shut the book and tossed it back inside while checking her phone.

"We didn't even finish the chapter, the good part just started."

"I have--"

"things to do. Sure you do Alyssa." I stood up and grabbed the book from her floor, opening back up to the right page and sitting on her bed.

"You can't read it Harry!"

"Why?"

"Because we're supposed to read it together."

"Well you don't want to read so I'm going to." She snatched it out of my hands and threw it by her closet door.

"What's wrong with you? We've been doing great for the past two weeks. I though you forgave me for everything."

"Something's wrong with me." Is she about to open up to me?

"Okay? What is it?"

Alyssa sat across from me on her bed and looked into my eyes. I always see sadness in her eyes. Even when she's happy she's sad. I think the only time I've ever seen her happy is the first night we kissed; and even then I couldn't really see her eyes. If I can get her to like me maybe she'll be happy. I sure do like her. Homecoming's coming up, I want her to go with me.

"I can't decide if I should get a job or not." I rolled my eyes and sighed while speaking,

"And why can't you decide?"

"Well, if I work I'll have money. But if I work I won't be able to read as much and do things I like to do."

"Like hang out with me?" She finally laughed. "Oh my god!"

"What?"

I crawled towards her and set her chin in my palm.

"Was that a laugh? Was that a genuine laugh?"

Alyssa smiled again and shook her head away from my hand. I want to kiss her so badly. She looks so beautiful today. It's getting chilly outside so she's been wearing yoga pants with big sweatshirts lately.

"Go away Harry." She laughed. I stayed close to her and studied her eyes.

"Can I..." should I?

"Can you what? Kiss me?" How did she know? I guess she saw my confusion and smiled. "No, you can't."

She stood up and stretched, showing me a small hint of skin. I don't care what she says, it's been two weeks since I've kissed her. Maybe we're friends, maybe we're more, it doesn't matter; I'm going to kiss her.

"Dinner's ready!" Lily shouted to us.

"Yum, food!"

I ran in front of her and she gave me a famous eye roll until I took her face to mine. No, she wasn't expecting it so she squirmed for a moment. When I didn't let go I heard a small breath, a laugh. When she finally kissed me back I let go of her face slowly with both of my hands.

"Sorry." I smiled with my dimples.

"No you're not." She dimpled me back.

"You're right." I intertwined her hair with my fingers on both sides of her neck.

Where's the wall? I need a wall.

I found one next to her balcony and shivered as the cool air pushed against our bodies.

"I never want to let you go Alyssa." I really shouldn't talk to her like this. She's a loose cannon, unpredictable, a storm waiting to come.

"Shut up Harry. That god damn accent turns me on." I laughed between a kiss and released from her, holding my forehead against hers.

"I'm serious Alyssa."

"Either keep kissing me or get off."

She pulled my hair until I returned to her lips. Why the hell does she not have a boyfriend? How is she so invisible? I have so many questions but now is not the time. She'll tell me soon enough.

"Dinner time Alyssa! You too Harry!" We stopped and looked at each other, yearning for more.

"We're going to be in so much trouble Harry. This is bad, really, really bad." She maneuvered around me so she was no longer against the wall. I twisted around her, leaning where she once was.

I crossed my arms and chuckled. "No one's going to find out. And if they do...what are they going to do? Send me back?"

They can't do that? Can they?

Alyssa's Point of View

I combed my hair down where it probably looked like sex and walked out of my room. I'm sure Harry was still there laughing but this really isn't good. He likes me, I know that, but I don't want to like him. Lust and love are different--I don't know what I'm feeling. It's not like we can go out on a date or anything.

"Nice of you two to join us."

I didn't realize he was right behind me.

"Sorry, we were just reading." Harry smiled, showing his best dimples and the twins laughed.

"If making out means reading."

Harry choked on some water but I stayed composed. I'm so used to their stupid comments I just ignore all of them. He's the one who's going to get us in trouble.

"Yes, it was a lot of fun Erin. I'm sure you guys are really jealous. He's a great kisser too." I laughed while Harry shoved some salad in his mouth.

"That'll be enough Alyssa." Dad didn't find any of it funny but he's clueless. He has no idea Harry and I have feelings for each other. Well, that Harry has feelings for me.

"Sorry dad." I giggled. Today's a good day.

Notes

thanks for the 10!

another update later today :)