Saving Gace

School seemed to pass by rather quickly, and for that I was thankful. Harry surprised me in fourth hour English by ditching his usual spot next to all his friends to sit at a desk next to mine. He still never pried for answers though. He didn’t even try to force a conversation actually. He would just give a friendly smile every now and then when our eyes would meet. I couldn’t escape the stares from his friends across the room though. I could feel their eyes on me. Niall, Louis, and Liam all stared our direction and they continued to stare even after I caught them. They weren’t looks of judgement though. They look confused. Probably because of Harry’s new seat. I wondered if that was the same look of confusion my face held when Harry first came and chose the seat next to me.

I tried to not let it bother me… tried to ignore the eyes I could feel on me. Class ended and Harry and I rose to leave class and go our separate ways after exchanging a friendly smile.

“Oi, Haz!” one of them called out as they all ran past me to catch up to Harry. I realized Louis had been the one talking. “What was all that about?”

“What was all what about?” Harry retorted.

“Oh don’t play dumb, mate,” Liam chimed in.

“The girl,” Niall finally spoke. “Why’d you ditch us to sit with her?” the way he said it wasn’t judgmental at all. They all just seemed genuinely curious. I froze. My breath hitched in my throat as my heart began pounding. He wouldn’t tell them, would he? They were his best mates… did he keep secrets from them? Would he tell them about me? About my secret? Did he just feel bad for me and my pathetic life? My mind was racing a million miles a minute. I prepared to make my escape and run out the closest door I could find.

“It was nothing,” Harry shrugged. I exhaled deeply. “I just figured I would sit next to a new friend.”

Harry seemed unaware that all the other bots had stopped walking. They looked puzzled. “Since when have you two been friends? I mean, no judgment, mate- she’s very pretty,” Louis pressed on for more.

“Isn’t she your neighbor? I thought she didn’t really talk to anybody?” Niall questioned.

“Just a few days. And yes she is my neighbor,” Harry said very matter-of-factly. “Her name is Adley and yes she is very pretty, isn’t she? She’s very cool when you get to know her.”

I felt all the blood rush to my cheeks. Did I hear him right? Had he just called me pretty? ‘She’s very cool when you get to know her?’ He really didn’t know me that well. In fact, he barely knew anything about me. Why would he say that then?

The rest of the boys seemed satisfied with Harry’s answer though, and let it go. Maybe that was why he had said it- so they wouldn’t press for more answers. After that, I could hear them talk about plans for the weekend, and I went my separate way to go to my next class and quit eaves dropping.

Other than that, my day was very normal and boring. The end of the day came and I waited around at my locker taking my time hoping everyone would be gone by the time I left. I walked outside and there were only a few cars left in the carpark. One of them caught my eye. A black Range Rover and leaning up against it was the person I was trying the most to avoid. Not because I didn’t like him. I just figured he would insist on a ride, and I didn’t want him to figure out I didn’t really have plans. My heart sank a little.

I looked up from the ground to see Harry walking toward me. Oh crap. “Hey,” he called out with a smile as he came closer.

“Hey, Harry. Is everything okay?” I asked while trying to sound friendly and casual. I know for a fact I told him this morning that I didn’t need a ride home… didn’t I?

“What? Yeah, of course.” He paused for a moment and the silence was slightly intimidating. “I know you said you didn’t need a ride,” he starred at the ground, “but I just wanted to be sure.” He was nervously playing with his hands.

I blushed. He was being very sweet. “Oh I, uhmm, I’m good, but thanks, Harry. I-I really appreciate it,” I stumbled over my words. Now I was the nervous one.

“Are you sure?” his voice was much quieter now. “I don’t mind. It’s really no trouble,” he persisted.

“I’m sure, Harry, but thank you. I really do appreciate it. I’m actually really looking forward to the walk… it’s so nice out,” I said in a cheery tone.

“I understand. Okay,” he sounded defeated… almost sad. “I just thought I would offer ag-”

“Though,” I started, cutting him off this time. He looked up to meet my eyes, looking hopeful.” I wouldn’t mind a ride to school in the morning. That is if it’s okay with you?” I tried to sound friendly. I didn’t want him to feel like I was shutting him out. After all, he hadn’t done anything wrong. He’s been a very good friend the last two days. If letting him give me a ride would make him feel better, then why not?

“Of course!” he answered a little too eagerly. But I had to admit, it was kind of cute.

I let out a small giggle. “Okay… that would be great.”

“Tomorrow,” he simply stated.

“Tomorrow,” I said with a nod. Another small giggle escaped my lips. “Well, I’ll see you later then,” I said as I waved and started to turn to the sidewalk.

“See you then, Adley,” Harry said in a deep voice.

I smiled at the sound of him saying my name. it felt good- normal. Like the way things used to be back home. Before I shut everyone out and lost all my friends. Maybe this was a good thing after all.

Notes