The Next Step Edit

Song: 'Think About Me' - Fleetwood Mac

-*-

My Twitcam took place a week later, the same night the band was playing a concert date at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen. Harry spilled the details of our disagreement to the boys and as I went live early evening before they were due to go on stage, they could not resist winding him up by listening in via Liam's laptop.  He refused to be in the room for the hour and Niall reliably told me later that he stomped off like a toddler not getting his own way! 

Although I had prepared for every eventuality and I was incredibly nervous, my fears were allayed when I got into it and it went off without any major hitches. There were a few strange requests and unusual questions from some crazy onliners.  One asked 'what's it like to have someone's sloppy seconds?' which I assumed referred to Harry because they obviously think they are really dating him and another odd random which when I think about it was from the same person, 'are you someone who ditches their friends when you're dating?'  As soon as it was wrapped up, Liam and Louis took great pleasure in informing Harry that I was amazing, it went smoothly and he should eat a huge slice of humble pie for ever doubting my ability and me.

I knew he was never going to watch because he was vehemently against the idea, however their words must have stirred something inside of him. My heart raced and butterflies fluttered for a split second when my phone lite up with his call immediately afterwards. His voice rasped pensively down the line that he had heard it went well, that he was happy for me and I should be very proud. I greatly admired his ability to separate his opposed view from the reality that it was a success and so touched by his loving actions because I know the whole thing was a really big deal for him. 

More importantly, it had caused our first real argument as a couple but had showed me that whilst we would not always agree on everything and sometimes arguments would ensue, we could work through anything because we held such mutual respect for each other. That milestone in our relationship was of ultimate importance to me.

The Twitcam marked the end of three enjoyable years at Manchester College with one or two good friends made and hopefully the exam results achieved that I have worked so hard for.  Although I will miss the place, I am excited to start the next chapter of my life out in the big wide world.  I decide to reward myself with the summer off and whilst I am mindful I do need to search for a job, I am in no rush for the next couple of months.

Harry continued his tour of Europe and despite wanting me to spend the whole three weeks travelling with him, I purely joined him overnight in Milan at the end of June and then in Barcelona early July. He misses me and he knows I feel the same but it has allowed me time to concentrate on thinking about my plans and an opportunity to enjoy spending some time at home in Holmes Chapel and helping Anne out with the charity.

He is now home for two weeks before flying off across the pond at the beginning of August for the start of the Canadian and US legs of the tour throughout August and September. He has returned to Cheshire to stay with me and spend time with family.

It is a mid-week afternoon and we are sat outside on a wooden picnic table enjoying the sunshine at Great Budworth Ice Cream Farm. This place is renowned in the area for its homemade ice cream and Harry always visits when he comes home.

He ventured inside a while ago to get the ice creams but hasn't reappeared. I chuckle to myself as I suspect he has been accosted which of course doesn't faze me. He is always so gracious to everyone stopping to say 'hi' and having photos. Suddenly he appears and clearly his beanie on a sunny day has done little to hide his identity.

"Here you go, one vanilla cone as requested." He holds it out to me smirking. "But I'd eat it up quick because it's a bit melted, sorry I got a waylaid."  

Where its run, his hand is covered in a sticky mess.  He proceeds to innocently lick it clean but it is actually a sight that is very arousing as his long tongue flicks in between his fingers.  He then struggles to manoeuvre his long legs into the confines of the picnic table as he settles down opposite me and tucks into his mint choc chip cone. 

"Have you thought about what you are going to do next now college has finished?"

"Um yes and no. I've decided to take a rest for a couple of months then I will start looking for a job."

He is chomping at the bit to jump in and tell me what he has on his mind. "Great, well firstly I would love it if you came with me to the States, if you want too of course."

"Really? I am so touched by his invite. "Yes of course I'd love too." As I reply he reaches for my hand over the table. "But won't you be working all the time, I don't want to get in the way."

"You would never get in the way, I want you to join me.  I will be working some of the time but have time off for us to spend together. Also, Gemma is coming out for a week or two so when I'm busy you won't be on your own."  He beams at me and squeezes my hand.

"Thanks Harry, I've always wanted to visit America and now I am, with you."  I raise my shoulders and look at him wide-eyed in happiness. 

"I can't wait to share it with you."  His genuine words create a moment between us. One of those couple exclusives where the rest of the world blots out around you, as though you are the only two people on the planet. He never ceases to amaze me how attentive he is to me and my reactions to things.  I sense his mind excitedly ticking over his plans already as he crunches the cone between his teeth and the corners of his mouth turn up in a smile. My fingers play with his as I admire him and a warmth sizzles between us.    

He brings the conversation back to the here and now.  "Secondly, are you going to look for a job in Manchester or London?"

"Hmm, I haven't made up my mind but I suppose Manchester is the obvious choice as that's where I live." I answer without a second thought.

His look focuses straight at me and although his eyes are hidden behind his sunglasses, his facial features drop as his lips move into a hard line and his jaw juts out. One simple word falls from his mouth. "Don't".

"Don't what?" I frown confused at him.

"Don't look in Manchester, find something in London." His head shakes from side to side as he mentions Manchester then nods up and down with London.

"I definitely want to work in London at some point but starting out I won't be earning much so I'm not sure. Rents there are so expensive and although I can rent the Holmes Chapel house, the money I can potentially achieve for it probably won't cover the cost of even a room in London. I'll think about it. Perhaps Gemma knows someone who has a spare room for rent?" I am almost thinking out loud.

"I want you near to me."  A feint tinge of desperation weaves through his voice.

"Manchester really isn't that far!" I respond trying to lighten the mood of the conversation that has taken a serious turn.

"It's too far." Harry interjects sharply.

I pull my sunglasses down my nose then put on my pout face and flutter my eyelashes at him trying to further ease the light tension that has settle between us. "Admitting you'll miss me?"

"Yes and don't joke about it!" He states earnestly, clearly far from happy.

"Sensitive soul today, you ok?" I entwine his fingers with mine.

"No, yes, no, look move in with me."  He spurts adamantly flustered.  

"What!" The conversation has suddenly taken a super serious screech of a corner.

"You heard me Natasha, move into Eskdale and make it our home, let's live together."

"You are joking me right?" I laugh and know my mouth is hung open in surprise.

"No, I'm deadly serious, it feels right, I love you, what's the point in you renting a room when you'll spend no time there. "

"No." My blunt response is out of my mouth without hesitation. 

He is surprised and straightens his back up tall. "Just no or does that come with an explanation?"

I soften my tone. "Harry it's too soon.  We may have announced to the world that we are together but we're still getting to know one another. Moving in together, it's such a big step."

His hands gesticulate in frustrated disappointment. "I don't get it, you'll spend all your time there anyway, what's the problem."

"There isn't a problem and it's really lovely of you to ask me but I need to do this.  I've got to find a job, carve out a career and make some new friends for myself.  Much as I adore being your girlfriend I mustn't lose who I am now I have found myself.  Plus, you won't always be around what with being away working and touring so I need to do this Harry, for me, to prove I can.  I love you for suggesting it though." I glance at him fondly but I can tell he is musing about it.

"I not going to lie I am disappointed but I understand. Please consider London though instead of Manchester." He lifts my hand to his lips and puckers kisses against my knuckles.

"Ok, I will try and find something in London but only 'cos I love ya!" I beam at him as he smiles exuberantly back at me.

"Yeah, I love you too, very much."








Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: AzTruyen.Top