My head hurt.

That was all I could think as Harper left, slamming the door behind him, cracking me slightly. Being a nerd and socially awkward, I was not used to this type of drama, so all this was very new to me.

Who are you kidding, Noelle, you lead a very dramatic life of tumblr and instagram and fictional characters.

Well that was true.

But still, something never this dramatic concerning real people ever happened to me. I had spent the last few years of high school being invisible, and frankly, I liked it like that. I was more of the 'stay inside and do a load of homework and read' type of person rather than the 'I like to spend my weekends getting wasted' type of person. Nuh-uh, that road isn't for me. Before Harper came, I was a nobody, but now, ever since the school's player/bad boy/heartbreaker started paying attention to me, the socially awkward dork, all eyes have been on me.

And, you know, that's great and all with my social anxiety.

But despite all that, I liked Harper. And I knew I wasn't letting go anytime soon.

This boy is driving me mad.

As he left the room, an overwhelming sense of regret rose in me. I groaned, letting my head fall into my palms quite painfully. I could feel Joshua shift uncomfortably next to me in the bed. For now, I really didn't care.

"Noelle, I'm really sor- "

"I think you should go," I cut him off, forehead still resting in my palms. My voice was emotionless. I could sense him hesitating, before he reluctantly got off my bed. "Bye," he muttered, almost sadly, as he closed the door behind him. It was only when I heard the creaking of the wooden door did I let my hands fall away.

You are such an idiot, Noelle. I mean, seriously? You had to say that?

He hates you now. You made the guy you like hate you.

And somehow it hurt more than I thought.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

"And then..." I hesitated, gulping unconsciously at the memory. "Well?" Emma demanded impatiently. "Tell me what happened next!" We were walking down the hallway to drop of our books and get lunch.

I winced. "You would hit the back of my head if I told you."

"I promise I won't!" Emma squealed, clutching her books. "Just tell me!"

"And then... I basically said to Harper that I liked Joshua," I mumbled out, ashamed. It had been a day since the incident, and Harper had been ignoring me like the plague. Whenever I would near him, he would walk away. And I did the same for him. There was nothing he had the right to be bothered about.

But there were some times, when I would turn around and catch him looking at me. Like a wistful looking, eyes bare and vulnerable before he would see that I caught him and he would bring his walls up again, blocking everybody out.

It was those moments when I really wanted to kiss him.

I felt a sharp pain through the back of my head. "Ow!" I exclaimed. "I thought you weren't going to hit me!"

"Sorry, but that is, like, the stupidest thing you could ever do in that situation! Or in any situation!"

I sighed. "I was angry, okay? He can't just tell me what to do for no absolute reason." I defended, crossing my arms and turning away, mentally bracing myself for her next comment as we stepped into the cafeteria.

Silence.

Warily, I turned back to Emma who was gaping increduosly at me, as if I had done something really bad. "What is it?" I asked her slowly, tugging at my sleeves. She snapped out of her trance.

"Oh my gods, Noelle, you're a complete idiot," she breathed out, turning to the lunch lady who smacked a sandwich into her plate. Emma crinkled her face.

It was my turn to gape. "Why am I an idiot?"

She huffed and glanced back at me. "Come on, Noelle, Harper doesn't want you talking to another guy? He gets all protective when you do and distances himself from you when you claim to like another guy? It's pretty self explanatory, really."

I continued to gape at her. What does she mean? He's only doing it because we're friends, and that's what friends do, right? Save you from bad guys?

Emma just looked at my confused expression, before chuckling. "You'll get it soon."

I frowned and turned to the lunch lady. "Hi, can I please have a burger and- "

"Are you sure about that, freak?"

I froze at the high pitched squeaky girl voice. Slowly I turned around, my shoulders weighed with dread. The sound made Emma turn as well. Amanda was stood there, in all her designer clothing glory, surrounded by her cronies like any cliché mean girl, a perfectly manicured hand resting on her hip. She was smiling evily, eyeing me up and down in disgust. The whole cafeteria went quiet, all eyes turning to us. I instantly felt uncomfortable.

"I don't think you want to have that, freak, I mean, you're fat enough already. Don't want to weigh you down with anymore fast food." She laughed her fake squeal, her cronies giggling along with her. The whole cafeteria erupted in laughter, their roars of amusement seeming to bounce of the walls and fill my brain. I felt as if a bomb had gone off inside me.

I felt the panic rise yet again, filling me to the brim. I felt body start trembling and shaking, as a hand seemed to clutch at my throat. I couldn't breathe.

I couldn't breathe.

This can't be happening.

By habit, I scanned the cafeteria, searching for that familiar pair of deep green eyes that seemed to rule my life at the moment.

Stop it, Noelle. Stop acting like a damsel in distress, he isn't your prince, this isn't a fairytale.

I felt a deep ache at the thought. I felt my eyes brimming with tears, simply at the intensity of the panic attack, and world before me turned blurry, just a mess of colors. I tried to walk away, or preferably run, but I stumbled, almost falling flat on my face. I reached around, gripping Emma's arm tightly. A year ago, when my panic attacks started, we had this code- whenever I would grip her forearm tightly, it would mean I was having a panic attack, as when it was happening, I couldn't speak.

I saw the blur that was Emma turn quickly towards me, and I could almost hear her gasp of surprise.

I could feel the muscles in her arm tense under my palm, and the action was then followed by shouting from Emma's behalf. My throat hurt.

Suddenly my feet started moving, slapping against the floor. Emma's arm was around my shoulder, guiding me away from the cafeteria, supporting me as I stumbled forwards.

"It's okay, Noelle, it's fine, you're fine. Okay?"

I nodded in response. "Okay, I'm going to take you into the janitor's closet. Alright? Don't worry, you'll be alone soon. Just hang on."

I nodded again, trying to force a smile. Now that we were alone in the empty hallway my vision was starting to clear up. I tried not to lean on Emma so much anymore, taking my weight off her. I was extremely grateful for Emma, she had been helping me with my panic attacks for a year now, never complaining. Only she and Max knew about it.

And, oh right, the principal as well, and soon the entire school.

Great.

"Thank you," I whispered to Emma, looking up at her. She was slightly taller than me, five foot six, and I was five foot four. She just smiled in response, nearing the heavy wooden door of the janitor's closet. We stopped in front of the door, and I leaned off her, standing behind Emma so she could heave open the door. I hid my face behind my hair, just in case any students happened to walk by.

Where was Harper?

How would he react if he knew about my panic attack?

Don't tell him, he obviously doesn't care anyway.

He cared last time, didn't he?

I warmed a little at the thought. Maybe he does care. You know you will never hve a chance with him, but at least he cares, right?

Wrong.

Emma's gasp pulled me out of my thoughts. She was standing, shocked and frozen in front of me, obviously at whatever she saw in fron of her, amidst the bottles of cleaning equipment. I couldn't see, as she was standing in front of me.

"Emma, what happened?" I questioned, worried, pulling at her wrist. Without turning around, she grabbed hold of my wrist.

"Noelle, go." Emma said, firmly. I had never heard her speak like this before, with such intensity and witheld rage. "What?" I asked, confused. She spun around to look at me this time, her brown eyes practically smouldering. "I don't want you to see this. Go." she answered, her voice strained and tense. I could see the anger in her eyes, but deep below I could sense her pleading with me desperately. This only made me want to see what was in front of her more.

Listen to her, Noelle. Go.

But I couldn't.

I shook my head, stepping around her to peer inside the janitor's closet curiously. What I saw made my heart stop right in it's tracks.

There, standing in the middle of the small room, was Harper Andrews, facing away from me. Shirtless.

I didn't even have time to admire the well defined muscles lining his back, as my eyes were attracted, almost like a magnet, to the person who was wrapped around his torso and he was pressing fiercely to the cement wall.

My heart sunk.

Harper was facing away from me, ferociously making out with a brunette girl, her legs wrappped around his waist tightly, his body pushing hers against the wall. His hands were all over her, in her hair, slipping under her shirt, as hers ran around all over him, both still oblivious that Emma and I had caught him. I felt my heart burst, as if he had ripped my heart out of my chest and was crushing it under his heel.

Why is he doing this?

Because you're not good enough, Noelle. Because you just aren't enough.

The thought made me choke on my tears, instantly alerting Harper and the slut he was making out with of my prescence. Harper turned to me, eyes shocked and wide, staring at me in astonishment. He was gaping, bright pink lipstick smeared across his mouth. His green eyes were clouded with fading lust and seemed to fall when he saw me. Was he that disappointed to see me.

I could only stand in shock and utter hurt, feeling my heart shatter. Harper didn't seem to notice Emma, all attention aimed at me, even ignoring the girl who he was still wrapped around. I slowly let my gaze flicker to the girl who was glaring at me for interrupting her make out session, not seeming to care that she was half-naked.

As if noticing me looking at the girl, Harper let go of the girl, dropping her onto her feet, regret shining in his eyes. I would have liked it better if he pushed her down. I expected to feel angry seeing him like this, I was ready to shout at him, scream until I could scream no longer, but I didn't. I just felt hurt, and empty, and raw. He turned to face me slowly, eyes boring into me.

"Noelle."

His voice rang out through the air, and the single mention of my name almost made me fall over with the weight of my heart.

Why are you overreacting? It's just a stupid school girl crush.

He took a step towards me. "Noelle, I was just upset, I- "

"No." I shook my head, stepping away from him, dodging his hand that he had stretched out to caress my hand. "Don't touch me."

I saw the depth of his eyes crack. "Noelle, please- "

"No. Just don't."

He faltered, his arm falling to his side. I didn't even notice the small ripple of his muscles at the action. "Come on, Noelle," Emma whispered in my ear softly. I nodded and turned around, leaving Harper standing speechless behind me.

I told you, didn't I? He will never, ever like you.

I know that Harper would have chased after me if it weren't for the deathly glare Emma sent him over her shoulder as I numbly walked away. I had never been more thankful for her; I really did not want to talk him now.

Or ever.

"Babe, who the fuck was that?" I heard the slut squeak out to Harper, sounding quite frustrated. I could almost sense Harper running a hand through his sexy-as-hell disheveled black hair.

The girl that got away.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

"You okay?"

I nodded my head. "Are you sure, Noelle? Because you don't look okay, you've been quiet the whole fucking ride." Max looked at me through the mirror at the front of the car. "I'm fine." I waved my arm absentmindedly. Emma gave me a knowing look.

"Woah, no you're not!" Max said, pulling into my driveway and turning in his seat to look at me. "You didn't say anything about my swearing,"

I stayed silent.

"Emma?" Max asked, trying to get the answer out of her. She gave me a lingering glance before shaking her head.

Up high, Emma.

Max pouted. "Come on, babe," he urged Emma. She shook her head again.

"Why not?"

"Girl code."

He sighed in exasperation, before looking back at me. "Noelle." he said, speaking to me as if I was a child about to get told off. "Max," I mimicked his tone.

"Please?" he stared at me, attempting to do puppy dog eyes, but failing. I glanced at Emma who just shrugged. "Fine," I sighed. He squealed like a little girl.

"I swear, Emma, how do you date this guy?"

"I ask myself the same question."

"Hey," Max pouted. Emma teasingly smiled and leaned over to kiss his cheek. My heart ached at them, at their ability to be so easy and free around each other.

Harper. Harper. Harper.

Stop thinking about him!

"You gonna tell me?" Max questioned. I nodded. "You're best friend happened." I replied, sighing deeply at the thought. His face scrunched up in confusion. "Harper?"

I nodded. "I walked into him making out with a half-dressed girl in the janitor's closet."

His face scrunched up even more. "But why would that affect you..." he trailed off, looking me in the eye sadly, finally seeing what I meant. "...Oh."

"Yeah," I mumbled.

"I'm so sorry," he muttered. I waved him off. "It's not your fault."

"How long have you liked him?"

"About a week or so."

He nodded in acknowledgement.

I opened the side door of the car, slipping out and onto my driveway. "Thanks for the ride!" I called out. Jokingly, Max saluted, and Emma blew me a kiss. I waved, before heading up the path to my door.

I opened it, greeted by the smell of... cotton candy?

I strolled into the kitchen to find my mom baking vigorously, wisps of cotton candly spread everywhere. "Woah, Mom," I muttered in astonishment. She turned around at my voice. "Hi, darling, sorry about the mess. Just trying a new recipe," she winked. "Cotton candy cupcakes."

"Cool," I answered. "Can I try one?"

"Oh hell no!" she answered, shrieking. "They're all mine!" I giggled at my mom's childish behaviour.

"Not even a little bit?" I asked, still laughing. She shook her head vigorously, frowning.

"Fine," I chuckled, starting to head towards the door, my bag bumping against my back. "I'll be upstairs if you need me!"

"Wait, Noelle!" I spun around to face her, flour coating her hair. My mom had brown hair, like my older sister Florence at university, and like Lana. Even my dad who left when I was born had blonde hair, so you can imagine their reaction when a little red-headed baby popped out.

Okay, ew, Noelle.

"We have new neighbours, and I would like you to deliver these welcome cookies to them," she grinned, handing me an elaborately decorated basket. I frowned, puzzled.

"Mr and Mrs Evans? They've been here for years... " I referred to our married neighbours next door, to the right of our house. "And the other house on the left... " I continued, "That one's still up for sale, isn't it?"

Mom nodded. "Yes, but the one next to the up-for-sale one isn't." She pushed me gently, bustling me along. "Now go, hurry up, and tell them 'hello' from me."

I nodded, dropping my bag off in the living room, grabbing my black Ray Ban reading glasses and heading out the door. I crossed the driveway onto the pavement, and began walking the short distance, passing the abandoned house next door that was still plastered with 'Up For Sale' posters, grimy and empty looking, as if it's insides had been sucked out. However, the house on the other side of it was a whole different story. It was the same size as mine, and appeared to have the same layout as well. The walls were painted a pleasant creamy yellow and the small garden was filled to the brim with flowers, ivy crawling up the sides of the house cautiously. In all, it was one of those houses you read about in fairytales.

I made my way up the pathway anxiously.

Don't make a fool of yourself Noelle, act completely natural. This is just human interaction.

I pressed my finger to the doorbell, listening to the classic bell sound ring through the air. I heard footsteps, before the creaky brown door flew open. Behind it stood a smiling lady who looked to be in her mid-forties, her curly dark brown hair twisted up into a bun. Her green eyes were soft, calm and lulling like sea foam as she looked into my own hazel eyes kindly.

"Hello! Who are you?" her voice was firm and motherly. I shook myself out of my own thoughts. "Oh, um, hi. I'm Noelle. You know from next door? Well you know, not really next door because of the abandoned house between us, it's kind of funny really- " I cut myself off from my nervous rambling. Shut up, Noelle.

The lady didn't seem to notice. "So you are the daughter of Ria Richards? It's nice to meet you! I already met your mother and she said wonderful things about you. Please come in." She opened the door wide for me, still smiling warmly. I smiled back, mumbling a 'thanks' and stepping into the house. I already liked her, with her friendly appearance.

I entered the house, welcome by a sweet fragrance of flowers. I walked into what seemed to be the living room, as there was a large TV surrounded by leather sofas. I turned around quickly.

"I'm so sorry, my mom wanted to give you these," I handed the basket of cookies to her. "She also says hi." I smiled.

The lady smiled as well. "That's very kind of her! Tell her I say thanks. Oh and by the way, call me Maggie." she grinned and walked to what seemed to be the kitchen with the basket. "Please sit. Is there anything you would like to drink? Tea? Water? Coffee?"

"No, it's alright," I answered still standing awkwardly. "Nonsense." Maggie huffed. "Do sit. I'll bring over some refreshments."

Smiling gratefully, I headed towards the sofa. Sat there was a little girl who was reading a book. She appeared to be around five years old, and had black hair cascading down her back. She looked so adorable, frowning at the book, so I awkwardly sat next to her. I mean, she was reading a book. That basically makes us siblings.

Yay, fangirl five!

Stop being socially awkward.

"Hi," I greeted, seating myself next to her. "What's your name?" She looked, up at me, her blue eyes shining. This family really has amazing eyes. She grinned. "I'm Jenna. Are you my brother's new girlfriend?" she spoke in a clear voice. I immediately blushed.

"No, sorry. I'm afraid I don't know your brother. But I am your new neighbor." I answered. She giggled so adorably I couldn't help but smile. She was like my little sister, Lana, but slightly younger.

"Can we be best friends because we live so near by?" she questioned excitedly. I nodded grinning. "Of course." I replied. I let my gaze flitter to her book that was resting on her lap. "What book are you reading?"

She closed it, allowing me to see the cover. Harry Potter And The Goblet of Fire. I felt my grin get bigger. "I love that book!"

She giggled again. "Me too! But my big brother doesn't read it even though I ask." she frowned. "He's a meanie." I laughed. I liked being around Jenna, she was sweet and I wasn't worried about having to act dignified.

"Come along Jenna, we have to go to the haircutter's now," Maggie cut in, emerging from the kitchen holding two cups of coffee. She smiled, seeing us sitting on the sofa together. "So I see you've met Jenna," she said, placing the two cups on the coffee table in front of me. "For you."

"Thanks," I mumbled, my shyness returning. "No problem, dear. I'm terribly sorry, but may I ask a favor of you?" I bluntly nodded. She smiled, picking Jenna up and buttoning her coat up. "Could you take the other cup up to my son? I have to take Jenna for an appointment and I won't be back until later. You're welcome to stay." I nodded. She grinned. "Brilliant. His door is the second on the left up the stairs. Thank you," she opened the front door.

"Bye!" Jenna called out, sending me a grin and a wave. I waved back, watching them close the door an leave.

Okay, you're stuck in a house with a boy you never met and you have to give him coffee. Try not to mess this up, yeah?

I took in a deep breath before grabbing his coffee and heading up the stairs. I shuffled down the carpeted corridor, careful not to fall over and embarass myself. I finally reached the black door and took in a deep breath before knocking.

Don't make a fool of yourself. Don't make a fool of yourself.

"Shit," I heard someone mumble from inside. "Someone's here. I'll catch you later, man." A deep husky voice said. I heard the bleep of a TV being switched off, then heavy footsteps approaching the door. I self-consciously adjusted my sweater before standing up straight, ready to introduce myself.

You can do this.

The door was flung open.

"Yeah, Mom, I'll help Jenna with her homework soon, I was just talking to Adam- "

"Hi, I'm Noelle, and I- "

We both stopped speaking at the same time. I looked up at the boy who was staring in astonishment at me, his black hair artfully disheveled and green eyes piercing straight through mine. My heart started beating quicker.

Harper.

Instantly, I took a step back. I saw hurt flash in his eyes for just a moment, before it was replaced by a hard cover that seemed to mask his emotions.

Why does he have to be here? Just when I was recovering, he had to show up. This is all his fault.

"What do you want?" I gritted out between my teeth. He raised an eyebrow. "Really, baby doll, I should be asking you that. You're the one standing outside my room."

I blushed, looking down, before handing him the coffee. "Your Mom asked me to give this to you." His fingers brushed mine as he took the cup from me, making me shudder involuntarily.

Stupid hormones.

"I'll be on my way now," I mumbled, turning away from him and starting down the hallway. Yes, Noelle, leave before you can embarass yourself more.

"Wait." I was stopped by Harper grabbing my wrist gently, sparks flaming where he touched me.

Deja vu, yeah?

I spun around, glaring him in the eye. "Look, Andrews, I really don't want to speak to you now- "

"I'm sorry."

I stopped at how earnest and pure his voice sounded. Caught off guard, I let my mouth fall open.

"What?"

He sighed. "I'm sorry, Noelle. I shouldn't have- I shouldn't have used that girl as a toy, I shouldn't have used her, I- "

"No." I stopped him, holding my hand out. "No. Who am I to tell you what to do? After all, it's your life. Do what you want." I curtly finished, ripping my hand out of his grasp.

"That's the thing! I didn't want to do it, but I did!" He replied, running a hand through his hair in frustration. He still had that protective layer over him, but it was breaking, pain slipping through the cracks.

Why are you doing this, Noelle? Why are you acting like this, being a total neanderthal to him?

Because he hurt you.

Well he doesn't know that! It's not his fault, so stop being an idiot.

I inhaled deeply.

"Then why did you do it?" I asked softly. As if startled by my change in tone, Harper's eyes snapped up.

"I don't know." He sighed, leaning on his door frame. "I just had to get my mind off things."

I so badly wanted to know what he had to get his mind off, but respecting his privacy, I didn't ask.

"Well, are you okay now?" I asked tentatively. He nodded.

"Yeah, I'm good." he looked up at me. "Will your highness forgive me?" he smirked, then mimed a bow. So he has returned to his former cocky glory. I giggled and his smirk grew wider.

"She'll think about it, Andrews."

He chuckled. "Is there anyway I can... make it up to you?" He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, stepping aside to let me into his room. I stepped paHarryst him, looking around his room. It was surprisingly neat, apart from a few clothes strung across the floor, a queen's bad situated in the middle of the room. Next to it was a tiny bookshelf, which put the whole room to shame.

How can someone live with such a tiny area for books.

Books.

I grinned with realization, before spinning around to face him. "Yes, there is something you can do for me!" I squealed, jumping up and down with excitement. Harper looked shock. "Sorry, baby doll, but I didn't really think you were going to say yes to the sex, I didn't know you were that type of girl- "

"No, shut up, idiot!" I blushed, whacking his arm. "I want you to do something else for me."

He arched his eyebrow handsomely. "And what is that?"

I rushed over to his bookshelf, ignoring his groan behind me. He has to have it somewhere...

"Here it is!" I exclaimed to myself, pivoting around. "I want you to read this."

I handed the precious book to him, waiting for his reaction. He smirked, holding it up for me to see. "You want me to read Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone?"

"Of course I do!" I shouted. "It is one of the finest pieces of literature of all time and you haven't read it. I mean, who does that?" I smirked. "And besides, your sister wants you to read it."

He narrowed his eyes so that just a small slit of green was left. "You met Jenna?" I rolled my eyes. "Yes, I did, just downstairs, and even she is reading it. She has so much better taste than you." I sighed sitting on the edge of his bed. It was my turn to narrow my eyes. "You better read it. I'm going to make you."

Harper smirked, yet again. He leaned back next to me on his bed, putting his arms behind his head sexily, making the muscles contract. I could help but stare. "You're hot when you're trying to be bossy, baby doll," he said cockily, winking at me. I blushed, looking away from him.

Don't be a weenie.

I shook my head. "You are going to read it, I don't care what you say." I repeated firmly, crossing my arms. "Am I baby doll? Because- "

I cut Harper off with a glare, making him halt in surprise, before smiling. "Fine, baby doll. I'll read it."

I nodded my head. "Good."

I expected the silence after my words to be claustrophobic, uncomfortable, but it was anything but. It was comfortable and welcoming. He was looking at me, his eyes scanning over my face, picking up every detail. I was captured by his eyes which were shining brightly.

"He has awesome eyes," I whispered under my breath, letting my gaze flicker to the curve of his cheekbones. He smirked.

"You like my eyes?" he asked smugly. I immediately blushed.

Oh gods, he heard me.

I shook my head quickly. Smirking wider, Harper moved closer to me, so his leg was flush against mine. He put his hands on either side of me on the bed, trapping me. "Wh- what are you doing, Harper?" I stammered. He ignored my comment, pressing us closer. I felt weird, being so close to him, but, strangely, I liked it.

Great, now you sound like a psychopath.

He tilted his head, moving his mouth so it was inches from mine, our eyes level. "Do I make you nervous, baby doll?" he asked in a low, husky voice.

Yes, you do, with all your sexiness.

"M-me? Pffft, no... wh-why would you think that?" I stuttered, biting my lip, dragging it between my teeth. I figured that I was doing well, actually being able to form real sentences when someone so hot was so close to me. And looked like a freaking fictional character.

Oh grow up, Noelle. Be more confident.

Alright, inner mind.

Mustering all the courage I had, I spoke, haughtily raising my head. "Of course you don't make me nervous, peasant do not make me nervous. I am your princess and I am the boss of you."

"And I'm your prince."

Oh, my.

He really knows how to talk to a girl.

Harper leaned, back, restoring the distance between our bodies, watching me in amusement as I sat there, gaping like a fish, unable to form words. I felt cold at our sudden distance, no more were the sparks of electricity rushing through my skin.

"Leaving you speechless again I see, baby doll?" he asked teasingly, ruffling his hand through his hair. I narrowed my eyes at him, before hitting his shoulder.

"Shut up, Andrews, before I tie you to your bed or something." I retorted.

"I don't know, I'm not one much for kink." he smirked.

That little-

Muggle!

I groaned, blushing into my hands as I covered my face. "Does your supply of innuendos ever end?" I asked, my voice muffled by me hands.

"Only for you, babe."

I groaned again, leaning back on the head of the bed beside them, trying to ignore his chuckles.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

I yawned, my mouth gaping wide.

How attractive.

The flash of the credits of The Hunger Games disappeared, Harper turning the TV off. He was sitting next to me, so close, but we weren't touching. I could feel the heat radiating off him in waves as I deeply inhaled the scent of lemongrass that lingered on him.

"Are you sleepy?" Harper asked in a hushed whisper, his eyes dark as he gazed down at me. I waved him off, yawning as I did. It was nine, and we had spent the afternoon chatting, working on our project and watching movies. He chuckled.

"You sure?"

I nodded. He smiled. "Baby doll, it's only nine. How can you be so tired?"

"I told you," I yawned again. "I'm not tired."

"Okay then," Harper laughed. "What do you want to do now?"

I closed my eyes, contemplating the question, before snapping them open. "Read to me."

"What?"

"Read Harry Potter to me."

"I'm not sure if I want to, baby doll. It will ruin my 'bad boy' reputation."

"Just shut up and read to me, Andrews."

He chuckled, before leaning back beside me. I made myself comfortable, pulling my legs up to my chest and closing my eyes.

"Mr and Mrs Dursley of number four Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much... " his voice was soft as he began to read.

His words were light and melodic as he read each word, like chocolate melting. It was beautiful, it was deep, it made my heart soar. I concentrated on each word, letting his voice lull me deeper and deeper into the book, dragging me into his charm.

Soon enough, I found myself falling.

I'm sorry this took soooo long to upload! I was on holiday for quite a bit then I wrote this chapter for a week...
As an apology I made it superrrrrrrrrrr long :)

Guys, question: Do you think this story could actually become popular?

Please comment, vote and follow!!! :)

-A