two | h.s. - t.c.

51

i ran my hand through my hair as i left my room, folding the paper back up and sliding it into my back pocket as i went down the stairs.

jenny was here—she was sitting on the couch, laying back with an opened book leaning against her thighs. i think part of me expected her to be here, it was why i rushed to get ready.

she looked up from her book as i went down the last step, getting up from the couch. she was in the black sweat pants she'd usually wear to soundcheck, and they sat low at her waist as usual, showing off her flattering figure i haven't yet complemented. she wasn't one to wear color, but she wore a lavender cropped tank top today. the style was flattering on her, the material ruffled near her chest but synched at her waist.

she always wore tanktops, meaning her tattoos were always exposed. they fit her so well—i always said this in my mind, but never told her. every time i saw her, i also thought about the events at the beach the other day—i just couldn't help it.

she seemed a little intrigued, looking at my empty hands.

"did you...see the note?" she asked, her eyes finally on mine.

the sunlight projecting from the window behind me was shining on her face, making the greens and yellows in her eyes vibrant.

"yes, what's it for?" i asked, taking it out of my pocket.

"you have to answer the question first." she said, stepping closer as she watched me unfold it.

i stared at it, and so did she. "do you know who it is?" she asked.

"what?" i raised my eyebrows, "no." i lied.

"what! it's so easy, harry." she said, raising her eyebrows. her tone was uplifting, like she knew i had to know the answer. she always said my name whenever we spoke, i don't know why i loved hearing it.

"the style's so specific." she said while pointing at the wobbly figures she had drawn.

i pretended to examine it some more as her large eyes remained on me. "come on, you know this." she said as she lightly tugged on my arm.

i tried to hide my smile but failed, the corners of my lips rising. "i don't, can't you just tell me?"

"it's matisse." she said, "do you remember now?"

i let out a fake gasp of realization, "oh yeah, yes, i remember now—what does matisse have to do with us again?"

she pouted her lips at me, something she did unintentionally whenever she was unsure about something. "oh, and where's my phone?" i asked.

she sighed as she grabbed my hand, leading me out the glass side doors that were already unlocked.

"jenny." i called as i followed behind her, her pace fast as she led me to the front of the house.

she stopped in front of the car, turning around to face me with a more worried look. "you're not mad at me, right?" she asked quietly.

"i'm not mad at you." i said, briefly looking down at our hands.

"okay then." she slipped the car keys out of her pocket, unlocking the car.

she opened the door to the passengers seat, letting go of my hand. i stared at her before she basically forced me inside, her hand resting on my back until i got in. she closed my door and quickly made it to the driver's seat, where she said "oh, and in case you couldn't tell, i'm taking you somewhere."