Hidden. (by seasidestyles-original copy)

thirteen

I ignore Harry for a whole week. Easier said than done, really. He sits five feet from me at work and lives across the hall. It's been a miracle that I haven't had to talk to him.

It's Friday afternoon, and I'm in a good mood. I finished editing four manuscripts this week, having turned in my fourth one this morning; and Aaron is picking me up from work.

I'm excited to see him. We've both been busy all week, so we finally get our night out tonight.

The afternoon that I followed Harry is still fresh in my mind. Every time I look at him, more and more questions fill my brain. Who are these guys? What are the numbers?

I shouldn't care. But the way Harry has been more reserved lately makes my mind run.

Four o'clock rolls around and everyone gathers their things to leave. I chat with Perrie as we walk out.

"What are your plans for the weekend?" I ask her.

She shrugs. "Not a ton. Sleep, eat. repeat." She laughs. "You?"

"I'm seeing Aaron tonight," I say.

"Ooh, " she says, nudging me. "I must know all the details over coffee."

I flush. "No, we don't...uh...we haven't..."

"Oh." Perrie smiles. "Still, we should have coffee. Does Sunday work?"

"Sunday's great."

"Perfect, see you then." Perrie unlocks her car and waves at me goodbye.

I stake out the lot, but I don't see Aaron's car anywhere. I take a seat on a bench outside and pull my coat tightly around me.

I check my phone for messages from Aaron, but there were none. I text him asking where he is, but no reply. Maybe he's driving. Maybe he forgot the address?

He'll be here, my mind insists. He promised.

Car after car pulls in and out of the lot, but not Aaron's. Mr. Crystal nods to me as he walks out, phone against his ear. Even Marion makes her way out, shooting me a smile.

The autumn sky begins to dim, the air getting chillier. I exhale, my breath swirling in front of me. Where is he?

I check my phone. No messages.

I wait another fifteen minutes before calling him, only to get his voicemail.

I hang up and put my head in my hands. Why isn't he answering? He told me he'd pick me up. He took me this morning, so I really don't have a way to get home. I guess I could walk. It's only about fifteen blocks.

I can't help the warm tears that start to fall. Doesn't Aaron care about me enough to pick me up from work?

"Rose?"

I look up and see none other than Harry standing in front of me, confusion written into his features. I quickly wipe my tears away and straighten my posture. I shouldn't have been crying over stupid Aaron.

"What do you want?" I snap.

Harry stares at me. "Are you alright?" His tone soft and it baffles me. He's never spoke to me any way that wasn't teasing or hurtful.

I frown.

"Why are you out here by yourself?" He asks when I don't answer.

"Aaron is coming to pick me up," I say. "And then we're going out to dinner and a movie."

Harry checks his phone for the time. "Rose, it's nearly five o'clock." It's so odd to hear him call me by the name I prefer instead of my nickname.