new beginnings [h.s.]

seven

On Monday, Gemma picks Harry and me up from school at one. We left two hours before school ended since we were driving to London today. Anne had signed Harry's permission to leave early, and Gemma had forged a signature on mine. 

Stan Gemma for clear skin.

Harry has taken the entire week off from school. He finished his exams today and doesn't have to worry about those anymore. He can focus on the competition.

The drive to London is three hours from where we live, and since it's boot camp this week, it's easier for him to stay in the city for its entirety. This part of the competition is closed off to the public, so Gemma and I will be heading home after dropping Harry off.

Anne and Robin were not joining us for the drive. Robin sprained his spine doing yard work yesterday, and Anne stayed behind to take care of him.

Harry waits for me in the cafeteria, and together we head out. Gemma is easy to spot in the car park, with the windows down and music playing.

"Hi, Gem," I greet her. She smiles widely at us and waves.

"Hey, you two. Get in! We've got places to be!"

Harry chuckles, and I reach for the door handle behind the passenger side. He softly grabs my arm and guides me to the front instead, holding the door open for me.

"It's fine, you can sit shotgun," I assure him, but he shakes his head and takes the backpack from me.

"Let me be a gentleman. Hop in before I throw you in myself."

"JR, the backseat is for little brothers," Gemma explains and looks at Harry over her sunglasses, and I take the seat. "Perks of being the littlest."

"Whatever," Harry mutters, but a playful smile tugs at his lips. He places both of our backpacks in the backseat and climbs in himself. "Hey, did you remember to bring my bag? I left it by the front door so that you wouldn't forget it."

Gemma turns the ignition on and pulls out of the car park, the school visible in my side mirror.

I hear struggling behind me and see Harry craning his neck over the seats to check the boot.

Nice butt!

"It's here," he confirms and sits back, facing forward. He sends me a thumbs up and a dimpled grin.

The wind ruffles our hair, and I tuck mine the best I can behind my ears as I straighten up in my seat again.

"Actually, I forgot it, but Mum came running out after me as I pulled up on the street."

"I would like to say I'm surprised, but Mumma didn't raise no liar," Harry points out.

"Hey, watch it. I'm your designated driver, don't make me turn around," his sister threatens, but we both know it is a shallow threat.

"We'll behave," Harry gives in and causes Gemma to smirk.

"Anyway, how did your business exam go, Harold?" Gemma asks. Now that we're driving at a higher speed, the wind is loud and cold, and Gemma rolls the windows back up.

"Good, I think?" Harry sounds unsure in his answer.

"What do you mean 'you think', you pillock?" Gemma fires almost immediately.

The banter is typical for the two of them and a serious source of entertainment for me.

I love the Styles siblings.

Harry sighs loudly from the backseat.

"I'm being humble, Gem. Try it sometime," he explains. "The exam went well. I think I annoyed some of my classmates with my tapping foot. Not my fault I'm excited for the upcoming week, though."