Demoralized

Chapter 16

A/N: Since we made y'all wait like forevs for chapter 15, we did a DOUBLE UPDATE tonight. Yeah, you're welcome. ;-)

xo, Audrey

I juggle the laundry basket underneath my left arm, while dialing Harry's number with my right.

"Hello?" He says, exhausted after a few rings.

I pause, surprised by him actually picking up the phone. The past few days consisted of him avoiding me in the school hallways, purposefully walking around the school rather than through it, and him declining each and every one one of my calls.

"Harry. Hi."

Silence.

"Um, can I come over?"

There was another long pause, each second adding to the mountain of anxiety piling inside of my stomach. "I'm actually on my way out. Maybe tomorrow?"

"Oh, yeah sure. Where are you heading?"

"I'm dropping off some Christmas cookies at my mom's work." He states with a flat tone, giving me an odd sense of shame.

"Okay, well I just wanted to talk." I say, clearly noting that this is the most awkward and stiff phone call I've ever experienced.

"About?"

I take a deep breath, slowly becoming irritated by his dull and monotonous manner. "You know what, Harry. You can't just cut all communications with me forever. I don't know if you're embarrassed or annoyed or mad at me but whatever it is, it's not a good enough reason to stop talking to me."

I can practically hear him agreeing with me, picturing him nodding his head and sifting his hand through his hair. "I know, love."

"You know? Is that all you have to say?"

"I have a lot to say."

"Well...?"

I hear him draw a deep breath, and I smile to myself, knowing he's about start one of his long, philosophical speeches. "First of all, I feel embarrassed. Obviously. I don't think I would be normal if didn't. And I didn't mean to scare you, I was just upset that I let my guard down and I didn't get the response that I had hoped for. Even though I can't have you the way I want, I would never ever want to give up on our friendship. You've helped me in so many ways, without really doing anything. But, since I'm so open about my feelings, I want to tell you that I do like you. More than a friend, Trin. And I admit, I'm not the best at communicating and dealing with people. But nobody has ever made me smile like you do, and I get this odd sense of happiness whenever I hear your name. I want you, badly, Trin. And that was the cheesiest thing I have ever said, but there you go. I just wanted to tell you. Do whatever you want with this information, but I will be here. Always."

Harry gives me this odd sense of fascination and awe. He never fails to amaze me with his way of words. I feel as if the quiet and shy people have the loudest and vibrant minds. And meeting Harry has definitely proved me right. I feel robbed of words, not knowing what to say back. He is smart and intelligent, and I can't help but wish the world could experience his undying alacrity and positivity like I have.