Can't Crush The Boss

Rachel and Jessica insisted that I was glowing, even though I consistently denied their accusations. They simply weren't true… to an extent. I couldn't help but glow, for it was only a matter of hours since I was snug beside Harry in the bed we had just slept in… just slept.

As of recently, I wondered if being in love always made you act older or matured you in some way. I know when completely smitten, they say you do silly and careless things you had never thought of before, but that doesn't necessarily mean its childish. Unlike animals we don't have a mating call or dance before the actual act of love making. So I grew to the conclusion that the act of impression was ours. I was more than impressed and thankfully felt less like a childish girl.

I remembered when Harry asked me if I liked to be woken up a certain way, although it wasn't the same replay, it was still just as romantic.

I lay faced down upon my pillow, the soft blanket covered my back halfway. I groaned at the realization it was now morning and the countdown back to reality had commenced. If it were not for the smooth fondling fingertips across my shoulders, my thoughts could have ruined a potentially wonderful morning.
With the little energy that I had recovered at that point, all I could offer was a smile; not even my eyes were willing to open just yet. I perceived the addition of my little friend, as two fingers shuffled their way down my back; followed by some helpings of kisses along the way.

Trying to relive the moment was distracting me from work. It was almost 6 o'clock. Usually my heart would beat a little faster, as I so anxiously awaited Harry's arrival. But today that wouldn't happen. My heart began to race like clockwork only to be disappointed in the end. I wasn't sure who to expect tonight. I only hoped it wasn't Mr. Platt or the Human Resource lady.

After spending time cleaning the windows, I found a frightening stack of DVD slip covers that needed replacing. I volunteered myself to the task, figuring I could exclude myself for a while in this robotic motion and continue reminiscing.

I felt Harry's nurturing hand gather my hair to the side, running his fingers through and detangling some rebellious tresses. I rolled over eager to see his waking smile.

"There you are," his soft eyes greeted mine.

"Good morning," I mumbled while stretching.

Unaware that the silk sheet was slipping off me in the process, I wouldn't have known if it weren't for the cool air-conditioning hitting a rather sensitive area. I casually covered up not feeling the least bit awkward…strangely.

"Aww, I was enjoying the view from up here?" Harry whined.

"I bet you were...so tell me, what is it that you dream about?"

He bit his lip, striking a mischievous glance.

"I'm afraid I can't share that information…without showing you."

I raised a brow, suspicious of his evil plot; yet confident that the second I hesitated he would back off. I accepted this little dare.

"Well first I…"


"Chloe! Chloe!" I heard a girl shout.

When I turned to see who had disrupted the climax of the scene, I was both happy and heartbroken when I saw who it was. No one else could be more grateful to see Trisha wearing a new uniform, but that meant I would never see Harry walk through these doors again.

"Hey manager!" I congratulated her with a hug.

She truly hadn't interrupted much, just as Harry began to describe his fantasy I had received a phone call from my parents to return home. It only left more intrigue and excitement for our future encounters.

I was thrilled for Trisha, but couldn't help feel a bit saddened that the times I'd get to see Harry were few and would only become less frequent as he would soon move to Orlando. For now I'd distract myself knowing that my 18th birthday was in a few days, the most anticipated of all birthdays.

In the following days, I remained paranoid awaiting the moment when I least expected to be interrogated regarding prom night. Aside from the sugar coated version I reported, there were no signs of alarm.

On Wednesday, my birthday, I'd finally get to see Harry. We made sure to talk at night, but his week seemed pretty busy; between finishing details with his college classes, finding a place to live in Orlando, and the new adjustment at the other video store he had been transferred to. I still couldn't ignore that little thorn of guilt about his relocation. However to even mention it would useless, for he would always talk me out of my shame.

For my birthday, my parents decided to take me out to dinner, than I'd get to spend the rest of the evening with Harry. I wore my mom's present, a one shoulder navy blue fitted dress with nude shoes. We walked into a Thai restaurant, it was one of my favorites, but we only went on special occasions. As our host led us to our table I spotted a few balloons with the number 18 on them. And before I could react, my night was made complete at the sight of my love standing there.

I skipped to his side and gave him the biggest, warmest hug to show him how much I had missed him. This night was special, knowing that I was about to have dinner with the most cherished and important people of my life. My dad unfortunately was horrible at lying and keeping a secret, and judging by his awkward behavior I knew he was up to something.

The dinner conversations flowed so effortlessly, especially between my dad and Harry. Harry had informed my parents about his upcoming plans, which impressed the heck out of my father. I knew he had already won my mother's heart, especially after that one incident. I could tell my parents approved of him, which is what any girl could wish for, particularly with her first serious relationship.

Harry and I planned to go out for our own dessert instead, so around 8 o'clock we determined to part ways with my parents, who were suspiciously anxious to exit the restaurant at the same time. I thought maybe they were over emotional about me turning 18, but that certainly wasn't the case.

We were walking in the parking lot, my hand around Harry's arm when I gave him a solid squeeze. I gazed in disbelief at the sexy white sports car with an oversized silver bow on the hood. I sought confirmation from my parents who had their own pairs of proud smiles.

"That is mine?" I cried.

"Yup, now you can definitely come up for a visit," Harry responded.

I never suspected I would receive a car; the dinner would have sufficed.

"This was supposed to be your graduation present too, so we figured since it's around the corner, why not now," dad explained.

I could not verbally describe my present feelings.

"Well happy birthday hija, go enjoy yourselves."

I kissed my mother and hugged my dad goodbye. Harry took out the keys from his pocket and placed them in my hands. I was beside myself, I no longer had to wait and depend on my mother to use her car. Today the taste of freedom was that much sweeter.

I was almost too nervous to drive; I didn't even know where to go.

"Oh Harry, I know I should be driving my new car and all, but I'm afraid for our safety you should instead. I'll have plenty of time later."

I threw him back the keys and carefully glided into my passenger seat. The car smelt brand new and it was spotless.

"Were you in on this?" I asked.

"Umm…kind of, I helped out a little. But those details aren't important. I had spoken with your parents earlier and they were convinced that a car was the perfect gift since I'd be moving further away. I also helped them pick it. Check this out…"

He began to explain all the dashboard's neat gadgets and functions. There was a sunroof and an awesome new music system that he had previously installed. You wouldn't believe the amount of passion mixed with thankfulness that I had brewing in this little heart of mine.

I revealed that my last birthday wish was to get dessert to go and just spend the night alone with him at his place. Which surprisingly, after this time of being together I had never been to. I'm not very hard to please; I admit the cheesecake and fruity wine bottle from the supermarket wasn't the most elegant of choices, but it was my wish and the fastest option.

Within a 20 minutes' drive we pulled up to an apartment complex. It looked very well kept with its clean and illuminated walkways.

"I thought you would want to go out dancing instead or something," Harry assumed.

"I know, but I've really missed you. I'd rather have a relaxing and quiet evening."

He lightly squeezed my hand as we went upstairs to his door. I was curious to see what his apartment looked like. After he opened the door and switched on the lights he allowed me to walk in. On the left was a small kitchen and table; to the right was the living room and in front was a slim hallway.

"Quick tour?" He suggested after putting our grocery bag on the table.

He grabbed my hand and stood close as he began to guide me through each room.

"Here we have my very spacious kitchen as you can see; where I cook up my 5 star gourmet meals and eat alone, wishing that you would join me. But you always stand me up, every single night. And over here my luxurious 10,000 dollar couch and entertainment system… not really. Now down this claustrophobic hallway we have the bathroom to the left and to the right … the bedroom."

He just happened to say the last part in a very deep yet silly voice. His room was white, black and gray. Pretty simple but very clean; that I liked. On his dresser I found a picture frame of him and his parents. He looked younger, in his early teen years. I began to wonder about what they were like and where they were. Aside from being totally in love with this guy I really didn't know much about his past and childhood.

"Well, and there you have it, not much but enough," he defended.

"I like it…now how about some cheesecake?"

Minutes later we sat on his black sofa with dessert plates on our laps and wine glasses in our hands. He proceeded to tell me about the different employees at the new store; he was missing the old gang and me especially. I let him vent out the rest of his frustrations, leaving him more at ease once he was done.

"Did I tell you how amazing you look in that dress by the way?" he complimented.

"Thank You, it was my mom's gift… Changing the subject, you still haven't told me about your dreams."

"Uh-no, ask me anything but that right now." he smiled.

"Okay…tell me about your parents."

He let out a heavy sigh; perhaps it wasn't the easiest of topics to discuss. He took our empty plates and placed them on the floor, then laid his head upon my lap. I began to run my fingers through his hair and massaged his head while I listened attentively.

"My dad died a few years ago…of an asthma attack, he was 59 years old…"

He paused as I could tell he was starting to choke up. He stared up at the ceiling as if he were watching a childhood memory being projected on the vast white surface.

"He was a great man, but even a more amazing father. He knew everything, and whatever question I asked that he didn't know he'd research it and in that same day he'd have the answer… I wasn't very athletic or artistic, just good with numbers. He always made up games using numbers and made learning fun and less stressful."

"What about your mom?" I asked fearfully.

"She…I don't know what happened really. She wanted to divorce my dad, they had gotten married when she was 19 and he was 28. She said things had changed. They divorced when I was teenager and years later she remarried and moved to Ohio," he recalled.

"Do you talk with her often?"

"Not really, sadly I don't care to. She made her choice, besides she stopped caring the moment she signed those papers. I believe she's reminded of my father every time she looks at me."

"Yeah, I could tell from the picture in your room, you look a lot alike. When was the last time you saw her?"

"At my father's funeral. I've always been close with my Aunt Amy, my dad's sister. We moved in with her after the divorce. She's much older and fragile now, so I try to visit when I can."

I couldn't help love his openness and vulnerability. He was serious; lost in thought and painful memories. My heart was full of compassion and understanding. I only appreciated him even more and the kind of person he was.

"I remember one of my dad's fervent prayers was for me to find a worthy woman. He saw how I began to date around a lot. After this one night where we had a strong and difficult discussion, one that I'm incredibly grateful for, he got through to me. Since then I hadn't dated seriously until now… I really think he would have loved to meet you," he confessed.

"He sounds like a wonderful person. I'm sure I would have too."

As much as I wanted to prance around the subject of Harry's dreams again, it didn't feel like the right time. Especially not after a conversation like this one.

As we watched a movie, my feelings couldn't engage in the storyline. I was still numb in thought, saddened by Harry's past. I regret that I could never meet Mr. Styles and tell him how amazing his son was. I guess I understood why Harry made such efforts to get along well with my parents and why he was such a gentleman.

"Hey, what are you thinking about? Brush off that sad face, it's your birthday," he said sympathetically.

He squeezed my arm as it rested across his chest, while his head stayed cradled on my lap. I was an emotional mess, could you blame me?

"I dream…in slow motion, of the day I get to ravish you."

And emotional mess … gone!

Notes

I'll keep these coming for as long as I can :)