Stay

Late that night I got a text back from Harry.

From: Harry
Hey, babe, I got your note, is it ok if I ring you? xx

I smiled at this, knowing I was going to hear his voice. Texted back quickly.

To: Harry
Yeah, that’s fine :)

A few minutes later my phone began to vibrate. I answered quickly.

“Hey, Haz,” I said, trying to keep my voice low, knowing that Amy was probably asleep.

“Hey, babe. Listen, I’m really sorry about last night,” he said.

“It’s ok, Harry. It’ll happen I suppose.”

“But it shouldn’t have to, babe.”

“I know, Haz.”

“I wish I could have stayed, babe.”

“What did she make you do?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, you were there for a while.”

“Babe, I… she made me stay the night and then I had to go shopping with her the next day.”

“Ah I see.”

“Claire, I really am sorry. I know it’s hard but we’re in this together.”

“Well, Harry, its just that I feel like we’re not.”

“Babe, don’t say that. You know I’m always here for you.”

“Harry, this whole affair is preventing that. I’m not accusing you. I just… I don’t like this,” I said and I felt tears begin to slide down my face. This conversation hadn’t turned out at all like I expected.

“Babe, how about we have another sleepover soon. I want to see you as much as possible, ok? I think I have a gap this weekend, you can come over,” he said.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, babe. Please come over.”

“And you’ll stay?”

“I’ll try, babe. Really.”

“Harry…”

“Please, Claire,” he seemed to be almost begging now.

“Oh, all right,” I said, sniffing slightly as a smile slid onto my face.

“Thank you, thank you!” he said excitedly.

“You’re too cute, Haz,” I said, giggling.

“But you are too, babe. I miss you so much,” he said.

“I miss you too,” I said, sniffing again.

“Are you ok, babe?”

“I am now.”

“That’s my girl. I’ll let you get to sleep, shall I?”

“I suppose.”

“I love you, Claire. I’ll see you on the weekend.”

“I love you too, Harry.”

“Bye, babe.”

“Bye bye, Haz.”

There was a bit of silence before Harry said, “Are you gonna hang up?”

“Oh, Haz,” I said giggling. “Why don’t you?”

“Because…”

“Not a good enough excuse.”

“How about we hang up at the same time since we’re so undecided.”

“Sounds better.”

“Ok, one… two… three,” and we both hung up.

I put my phone on the bedside table, smiling. He really was adorable and he did make a really good effort. I don’t know why I was so reluctant though. Maybe it was the fear of being disappointed. But I loved him, I really did. And was glad for another chance to spend time with him because, really, we had to make the most of these and not take them for granted. Like they say, take every opportunity pushed under your nose because you may well regret it if you don’t.

Let’s say, that night I slept a bit easier knowing I had something to look forward to again.

Notes