Chapter Nine

The following morning I awake up to the sun shining directly on my face. Opening my eyes I instantly furrow my brow and feel a sudden wave of panic as I don’t recognize my surroundings. However, after a moment I realize where I am and calm my racing heart.

            I sit up slowly and run a hand through my hair, attempting to comb out some of my tangles. Glancing to the night stand, the alarm clock informs me that it is only seven o’clock in the morning.

            I wonder if Harrison is awake.

            I freeze for a moment, seeing if I can hear any noise coming from anywhere in the house, but I hear nothing. Sliding out of bed, I take soft steps across the room to the door. I try to be as quiet as I can as I open the door and look down the hallway toward Harrison’s door. The house is still silent, telling me that either no one is awake yet or their all just out of ear reach.

            For a moment I consider closing the door and just climbing back into bed, but I decide against it. I tip toe down the hallway to Harrison’s room and slowly open the door. I close the door behind me and turn to see Harrison fast asleep on his bed. 

            I stand there awkwardly for a moment, trying to decide whether I should go back to the guest room or not. I don’t want Harrison to wake up and find me just standing in his doorway staring at him. Looking around the room, I see my clothes on Harrison’s dresser where I left them. I make my way over to the dresser and pick up my clothes, deciding that I should probably change out of Harrison’s shirt and shorts.

            “You leaving, Grim?”

            Harrison’s voice makes me jump and I turn around to see him giving me a sleepy look, hair tussled and all.

            I look down at my clothes in my hands, feeling as if I just got caught stealing.

            “No. I…I just figured I should change out of your clothes.”

            Harrison furrows his brow and gives me a quick nod.

            “Alright.”

            He slides out of his bed and I can see that he’s still only wearing his boxers. He runs a hand through his hair and walks into the bathroom that is connected to his room. I think he is leaving me alone to change before he turns on the light to the bathroom, but then just gestures inside.

            “Would you like to shower?”

            I nod to him, realizing just how amazing a shower sounds right now; especially since I didn’t get the chance to shower after dance yesterday.

            “It’s all yours. The towel hanging next to the shower is clean and there should be everything you need in there. I even have an extra toothbrush in the bottom drawer if you would like to brush your teeth.”

            I hug my clothes to my chest as I walk passed him into the bathroom.

            “Thank you, Harrison.”

            I close to the bathroom and set my clothes down on the counter before turning on the shower. Taking off the clothes that Harrison gave me, I fold them and put them on the counter next to mine. Once the water is warmed up, I slide into the shower and begin rinsing my hair.

            “Grim?”

            I jump slightly and throw my arms across my chest. I know that Harrison can’t see anything through the curtain, but I still feel the need to cover up.

            How did I forget to lock the door?

            “Get out, Harrison!”

            “I just wanted to let you know that my parents are making breakfast and you should come down when you’re done.”

            “Great, thanks. Now get out.”

            “Oh, relax. I can’t see anything and even if I could it’s not like I haven’t seen any of it before.”

            I furrow my brow and open my mouth to say something, but I hear the bathroom door close before I can manage any words.

            I continue washing my hair and body, turning off the water once I’ve rinsed away all the suds. Wrapping a towel around myself, I quickly dry off and get dressed, hoping that Harrison won’t choose to randomly pop his head in once again.

            I comb through my hair with my finger as I walk out of the bathroom. Harrison’s bedroom is empty and I assume that he is currently waiting for me downstairs along with his parents.

            Placing the clothes Harrison lent me on his dresser, I stop to look in his mirror. My hair is still damp, but I can see it slowly drying into my natural waves.

            I let out a small sigh before making my way downstairs. The smell of eggs instantly reaches my nose and I can feel my stomach begin to ache in hunger.

            When I reach the bottom of the stairs, I slowly walk down the hallway to the kitchen. However, I stop in my tracks as I hear Harrison’s father’s voice from the kitchen.

            “She’s a very beautiful and delightful girl, Harrison. It’s nice to see you finally bring someone home.”

            They’re talking about me?

            “Your mother would be very proud,” I hear Ethan add.

            I furrow my brow as I let Ethan’s words set in.

            What does he mean? Couldn’t Heather voice that herself?

            “She really is lovely, Harrison. I absolutely adore her and I hope that you’ll continue to bring her around. I’m sure Anna would love her too.”

            Who is Anna?

            I can hear soft footsteps and what sounds like someone setting down plates on a table.

            “Can we please stop talking about her? I’m just…not in the mood.”

            I’m taken back by Harrison’s words for a moment.

He doesn’t want to talk about me? Maybe I should make some sort of excuse to leave now. I don’t want to make him more agitated.

“We didn’t mean to upset you, son.”

“I know…I just don’t want to think about that right now. I want to enjoy breakfast with you guys and Grim.”

Wait, what? He still wants me here? You are so confusing, Harrison Lunn.

The kitchen grows silent and I begin to weigh my options. I can either walk in and tell them all that I have to go due to some sort of emergency, or I can join them for breakfast and act like I never heard anything.

It would be awfully rude to just skip out on breakfast.

I let out a defeated sigh and take a few steps forward, but freeze once again when I hear Harrison’s voice.

“Plus, Grim is just a friend. I don’t want you guys thinking otherwise and neither does she. There’s no point in getting your hopes up.”

There’s some shuffling and I can’t help but wonder what Harrison’s parents are thinking. I’m relieved that Harrison set the record straight, but I also hope that doesn’t make anything awkward between everyone.

“The future is full of surprises, Harrison. This might be one of them.”

Harrison doesn’t say anything in response to his father and instead they all remain silent.

Okay, Ava. Get a move on.

I wait a few seconds before I continue down the hallway and finally make my entrance.

“Ava! It’s nice to see you up and about. How was your shower?”

I smile at Heather as I walk towards the table where Harrison and Ethan are currently seated.

“It was fine. Thank you.”

“Sit down, Grim.” Harrison gestures to the chair next to him and I give him a weak smile as I take my seat.

We all instantly fall into an easy conversation and I’m glad to see that their discussion only moments ago is now forgotten.

After breakfast I thank Harrison’s parents before Harrison leads me back upstairs to his room.

“Get enough to eat?” Harrison asks as I sit down on his bed.

“More than enough. Your parents are really great, Harrison.”

I see a smile take over Harrison’s lips as he makes his way over to his dresser and begins to pull out some clothes.

“Trust me, I know.”

Harrison then walks into his closet, exiting moments later with a basic t-shirt added to his pile.

“I’m going to shower. Do you need anything?”

I shake my head. “Nope. I’m fine.”

Harrison gives me his signature half crooked smile before walking off to the bathroom.

Once I hear the door close I begin to look around Harrison’s room for something to keep me occupied. I spot a book on his night stand and smile as I pick it up.

This should suffice.

Leaning back on Harrison’s pillows, I allow myself to relax as I open the book and begin reading.

About ten minutes later the door to the bathroom opens and I look up to see Harrison walk out with only a towel wrapped around his waist. Water is still dripping from his hair and covers his upper body.

“I thought you brought clothes in with you,” I state as I continue to eye him.

“I forgot underwear,” he replies as he opens a top drawer of his dresser and pulls out a fresh pair.

When he turns to look as me a large smirk immediately spreads across his face.

“Like what you see?”

I roll my eyes at him and turn my attention back to my book.

“Not even close.”

Harrison laughs as he walks back into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.

Five minutes later, he exits once again, rubbing a towel against his wet hair. He then removes the towel to expose his hair that is now sticking up in every direction, which makes me laugh.

Harrison flashes me a boyish grin as he throws his damp towel at me, which I instantly push away.

“Enjoying my book?”

I nod. “I am. I didn’t know you were a fan of Adolph Huxley.”

Harrison fixes his hair as he takes a seat at the end of the bed.

“I’m a big fan. It’s really hard for me not to like a book actually.”

I smile at him as I close the book and place it back on his night stand.

“Brave New World is one of my favorite books though. I find myself rereading it often.”

“Well I can see why,” I state.

I have to admit that I admire the fact that Harrison is secretly a book worm. It gives him more layers, even though I can already tell that he has plenty.

A silence spreads between us as Harrison smiles at me. I instantly return it, noticing that there seems to be a special gleam in his eye.

I don’t know exactly what he’s smiling about, but I choose to believe it’s due to our mutual love for literature.

“So what’s on the agenda for today?” Harrison finally breaks the silence.

I shrug as I think for a moment.

“I don’t know. I should probably head home soon. I need to do a few things before school tomorrow.”

Harrison nods and I notice the way his smile seems to fall a little.

“Understood. Claire wants to go grab lunch and hang out at Dean’s anyway.”

“That should be fun,” I say as I slide off of his bed and gather some of my things.

“Depends on what kind of mood Claire is in.”

I hear the disapproval in Harrison and raise a brow at him.

“What do you mean?”

Harrison scoffs. “You know exactly what I mean. One minute she’s sweet and loving, the next she’s a toxic b***h. Sometimes it’s hard to predict which personality she’ll choose.”

Then why date her?

I press my lips together and shrug at him, not sure what to tell him.

“I know, I know. Come on, I’ll walk you out.”

Harrison opens the door to his room and we make our way out of the house. Once I am out the front door I turn to say goodbye to Harrison, but instead I find him closing the door behind him.

“I’m walking you to your car, Grim.”

“You really don’t have to do that.”

“I know.”

I figure that any of my protests would just go to waste, so I choose to keep my disapproval to myself as we continue down the walkway.

Once we reach the car I turn my attention to Harrison in order to say goodbye. However, my words get stuck in my throat as I meet his eyes. He looks pained; as if we were saying goodbye for the last time. It has taken my completely by surprise because I have never had anyway look at my this way before. When my parents leave for long business trips they always voice how much they’ll miss me, but I know that they won’t. I especially know that now due to the way that Harrison is staring at me. He doesn’t even have to say that he’ll miss me.  I can feel everything.

But why does he feel that way? He’ll see my tomorrow and it’s not like I’m moving over seas or something.

“Grim…” Harrison’s voice cuts through my thoughts and I can feel his hand suddenly touching my wrist.

He looks as if he is desperate to find the right words, which only confuses me more. I can’t understand why he’s acting this way.

However, after a few moments his hands slips away from my wrist and Harrison furrows his brow.

“Thanks for coming over.”

I take a moment to compose myself before I nod.

“Thank you for inviting me.”

Harrison moves around me and opens the door to my car. I get a sick feeling in my stomach, but I still thank him as I slide into the driver’s seat.

“Drive carefully, okay?”

I give him a small laugh.

“Okay, dad.”

Harrison smiles at my words and shakes his head at me.

“Have fun with Claire. Try not to make out too much.”

Harrison lets out a quick laugh and winks at me.

“No promises.”

I roll my eyes at him and put my key in the ignition.

“Goodbye, Harrison.”

“Goodbye, Grim.”
            Harrison finally shuts the door and I watch as he walks back up to his house, a boyish grin spread across his face.

~

 

The next day at school I try to avoid the popular hallway at any cost. I don’t want to risk running into Hannah or the other girls, and I also don’t really want to be seen with Harrison after I found out about the rumors on Friday.

To be fair, I already had a feeling that people were suspicious about what was going on with Harrison and me, but I didn’t think it had reached that extent.

I don’t now whether Harrison has the same idea, but he doesn’t find me or text me the entire day. He doesn’t even show up to physics, which I find a little odd. People continuously stare over to my table throughout class, disappointed to find me sitting alone. I try to act like it doesn’t bother me, but their skeptical looks and unnecessary attention makes my stomach churn slightly.

The only thing really helping me get through this long Monday is that Daniels has planned to post the cast list for Picasso at the Lapin Agile after school. Although I’m a little nervous I try to keep my head clear and my confidence up. I’m not only nervous for myself though. I’m also nervous about Levi. I hadn’t had the chance to talk to him since the day of auditions. Although his practice round was amazing I would still like to know how the actual audition went. I’m crossing my fingers that he makes it.

When the final bell rings I quickly gather my things and head straight for the performing arts bulletin board where I know the list will be hanging. There is already a small group of people gathered around the list when I get there, and I decide to wait patiently behind them until it is my turn.

There are a few smiling faces, some disappointed, and then two girls who have completely broken down into tears.

I can’t tell if that’s a good or bad sign.

Once more people clear out, I take a deep breath and step up to the board.

Positive thoughts, Ava.

I scan the list and feel a smile immediately spread across my face. I can’t help but let out a small laugh due to how relieved and excited I am.

 

Suzanne…………………………………….Ava Grimmond

 

I let my smile widen as I continue to stare at my name. However, I suddenly remember Levi and begin to wonder whether he made it in as well.

Going to the top of the list I don’t have to go down very far before I find exactly what I’m looking for.

 

Pablo Picasso……………………………Levi Walters

 

Yes!

“Looks like the odds are in our favor.”

I glance to my right and find Levi standing next to me, smiling at the list in front of us.

“I guess so.” I smile at him. He turns to look at me and let’s out a sudden laugh, obviously as excited as I am about the news.

“Congratulations, Levi. You deserve it.”

Levi lets his smile widen and gives me a thankful nod.

“As do you, Ava.”

We both step away from the board, glancing around at all the other people around us who have been hit with either good or bad news.

“Well, I should probably go. My mom is dying to know whether I got in or not.”

I nod to him and give him a weak smile, hoping that his mother will proud of him.

“I, uh, I hope this isn’t weird, but I figured we could swap phone numbers. Just in case we need to discuss the show or anything, you know?”

I chuckle at Levi’s awkward reasoning, which seems to make him relax.

“Of course. Swapping numbers sounds great.”

After we program each other’s numbers in our phones, we say our goodbyes and Levi heads off down the hallway.

I stand by myself in the hallway, unsure of what to do now. I realize that there is no one waiting for me to walk outside or to call them telling them of my news. Everyone else will either cry or rejoice with their family or friends about the outcome of their audition, but I have no one.

You have me.

Harrison’s words echo through my mind.

I look down at my phone and bite my lip gently, unsure of what to do. However, in a matter of seconds I have my phone pressed against my ear and I can hear the loud rings.

“Grim?”

“Harrison,” I stop myself for a moment due to a wide smile taking over my lips. “I got in. I got into the play.”

I immediately hear Harrison cheering on the other side of the phone, which causes me to giggle a few times.

Someone cares.

The following day, Daniels has scheduled an after school meeting for the cast in order to give us our scripts and to meet everyone else on the cast. Most of us know each other since we have all been involved in the shows since freshman year, but there are a few, like Levi, that have just landed a role in their first show.

Once the meeting is over, Levi and I walk out together, discussing how excited we are to start officially rehearsing tomorrow.

We finally say our goodbyes as we reach the parking lot, walking in opposite directions to our cars.

I have to admit that I am thrilled that Levi made it into the play as well. It’s better than having Simon, who didn’t even make it into the show, playing Picasso. Although Picasso is supposed to be extremely arrogant and Simon definitely has that quality.

When I arrive home I immediately start on my homework. However, after about half an hour I hear my phone go off from my nightstand.

 

Harrison: How did the meeting go?

Me: Great. We officially start rehearsing tomorrow.

Harrison: That’s awesome, Grim. I was thinking we could celebrate tonight.

Me: What were you thinking? I’m in the middle of doing homework.

Harrison: Don’t worry I have it covered. How about I come over in an hour? Is that enough time?

 

I look down at the packet in front of me, realizing that I only have one page left and then I just have to go through my psychology notecards for fifteen minutes.

 

Me: Yeah, that’s fine. I’ll see you then.

 

Although Harrison’s celebration is unnecessary and I’m not once for surprises, I decide to humor him. Plus, Harrison and I haven’t really seen each other since Sunday and I wouldn’t mind his company. 

Just as promised, Harrison arrives to my house an hour later. I open the door to Harrison holding a large box, which causes me to lift a brow in confusion.

“What kind of celebration would this be without cake?” Harrison beams at me and step inside.

I close the door and follow him to the kitchen.

“That’s a huge cake, Harrison. Especially if it’s only going to be you and me sharing it.”

“We don’t have to eat the whole thing, Grim. Plus, it will give you something to snack on since your parents are never home. Now sit down while I get us some forks and plates.”

After Harrison and I have both finished a piece of cake I begin to clear away our plates.

“Thank you, Harrison. That was really sweet of you.”

Harrison folds his arms across his chest and smirks.

“I’m glad that you enjoyed it. You deserve something bigger, but this is the best I could do on such short notice.”

I laugh as I put the lid back on the cake box.

“It’s not like I landed a role on Broadway or something.”

“I know, but that doesn’t make it any less important.”

I smile to myself as I wipe my hands off before sitting down with Harrison again.

“You’ll be on Broadway this time next year anyway.”

I laugh again and shake my head.

“Not quite. I figure I should go to college and get more training before I even try to get on Broadway.”

Harrison nods. “That makes sense. Where do you want to go to college?”

I look down and press my lips firmly together, contemplating whether I should him the truth or not.

“What is it?” I hear the curiosity in Harrison’s voice, which is mixed with slight concern.

I sigh and shrug my shoulders.

“I figure I’ll just do some research on the University of Minnesota to see what kind of musical theatre program they have. Or maybe I can find another school close by with a good performing arts program.”

“That’s great. Now why don’t you tell me where you really want to go.”

I meet Harrison’s eyes and furrow my brow slightly. A small laugh escapes me and I shrug.

“What does it matter? It’s not going to happen anyway.”

“Don’t say that, Grim. Anything is possible.”

I stare at him for a moment and sigh once I realize he’s not going to let me out of this one.

“I want to go to NYU. They have a great performing arts program and that will also give me the opportunity to move to New York. I’ll be closer to Broadway, I’ll be able to meet people, and I can work with the best of the best.”

I feel excitement run through me as I picture myself singing on the Broadway stage. NYU could be the next step to reaching that dream.

“Then apply,” Harrison offers.

I scoff at him.

“Are you serious? Do you know how many people apply each year? You have to be amazing to even land an audition.”

“You are amazing, Grim. You definitely won’t land an audition if you don’t even send in an application. It’s worth a shot. What do you have to lose?”

“Dignity? Self confidence?”

Harrison rolls his eyes at me.

“Well, I think you should apply. I bet they would kill to have someone like you.”

I give him a weak smile. The fact that he’s being so supportive is amusing, but admirable.

“I’ll think about it, okay?”

Harrison nods. “That’s all I ask.”

We smile at each other before Harrison begins to let his eyes wander around the room.

“What about you?” I ask.

“Me?” Harrison meets my eyes again.

“Where do you want to go for college? What are your plans for the future?”

Harrison shrugs. “Uh, I guess I haven’t really given it much thought, you know? Nothing really stands out and I’m not good at anything like you are.”

“I bet you’re good at plenty of things.”

Harrison chuckles. “There’s not really a major for making girls fall in love with you.”

I roll my eyes. “Something else, Harrison. Even if you haven’t found it yet, then I’m sure you will at some point. It’s okay to go into college as undeclared.”

Harrison runs a hand through his hair and gives me a smile that doesn’t quite touch his eyes.

“That’s easy for you to say. You’ve probably had your whole life planned out since you were ten.”

“Well, yeah. That’s just because I knew what I wanted though.”

I place my hand over his in an attempt to reassure him.

“And so will you.”

Harrison’s smile seems to brighten and I watch as he quickly glances down at our hands.

My smile falters a little as I pull my hand away.

“So how are you and Claire?”

Harrison looks down for a moment. “We’re fine.”

“Everything turn out okay on Sunday?”

Harrison nods. “It went great. Claire was actually in a good mood.”

“That’s good to hear.” I bite my lip in order to stop myself from saying more.

“I guess so.”

I watch as Harrison’s eyes fall on my lips, causing me to release my bottom lip.

“You guess? Don’t you know?”

Harrison chuckles. “I’m not sure.”

“Are you happy?”

“Of course I’m happy.”

“I meant, are you happy with Claire?” I know it’s not really my place to ask, but I can’t help but voice my curiosity.

“As happy as I can be.”

“I’m not really sure what that means, Harrison.”

Harrison sighs. “I’m happy with Claire, Grim. More than happy.”

I nod at his words, hoping that he means them.

Looking at Harrison, I watch as he rubs the back of his neck.

“I know that everyone was claiming that you and Claire would end up together. I just didn’t wan you to feel pressured to be with her.”

“I don’t. I may cheat on her, but I choose to stay with her,” he mumbles.

We grow quiet as I think about Harrison’s words.

“I guess I just picture you with someone else.”

This statement seems to catch Harrison’s attention because he suddenly looks at me with a new interest.

“Like who?”

I smirk as I think for a moment.

I could see why everyone would pair Harrison and Claire together considering they are the most popular people at our school. However, the more bad I see in Claire and the more good I see in Harrison; the more I feel they are not very compatible.

But then who was he compatible with?

I run through the different girls faces at our school, finding none of them stand out. However, I suddenly think of one that I genuinely approve of.

“Someone like Taylor. She’s beautiful and sweet. I think that would be a much better match.”

I see Harrison’s lip twitch slightly and the gleam in his eye seems to fade.

“Oh.”

“Oh?”

“I don’t know.”

“Do you not approve?”

He laughs stiffly. “I guess I just had someone else in mind.”

I raise a brow at him.

“Who?”

Harrison smirks at me.

“It’s…well…I wouldn’t say it’s a person exactly….just qualities that I know I want in a girl.”

“Oh? Like what?”

Harrison rubs his chin a few times and continues to smile at me.

“Well, she has to be good in bed. That’s a must.”

I roll my eyes at him.

He laughs. “Okay, okay. I’ll be serious. Let’s see, physically I’m more of a brunette guy. I like big, beautiful eyes and a good smile. Personality wise…just a girl who has a mind of her own. She has her own opinions, dreams, and aspirations. She’s her own person. Big heart, selfless, pure, courageous, brilliant. That sort of thing.”

I slowly let a smile come across my lips as I listen to Harrison. He has completely taken my by surprise with his description of his perfect girl.

“I hope you find her,” I state with an approving expression.

“What about you?” Harrison asks, smirking at me.

“Me?”

“Yeah. What would your perfect guy be like?”

I furrow my brow as I think for a moment.

“I don’t know.”

My words sound uncertain, but I know that I’m stating the truth.

“You don’t know?”

I shake my head and give him an apologetic shrug.

“I guess I have just never thought about it before…I’ve never had to.”

Harrison furrows his brow and licks his lips.

“What do you mean you never had to? Everyone thinks about it.”

“Not me.”

“You’ve never created some sort of perfect guy in your head?”

“No…”

“How is that even possible?”

I sigh. “Look,  I’m not like you. I’m not devastatingly good looking. Boys are not exactly leaping at the chance to be with me. I haven’t really had any experience with boys in order to know what I like and what I don’t like. I haven’t laid my head on some guys chest and listened to his heart beat. I haven’t even been on a date, not that I want to go on one. I have nothing to go off of to create some perfect guy.”

“Grim, you really need to stop putting yourself down like that. You must know what qualities in a guy attract you.”

I press my lips firmly together.

“No?”

“Nope,” I state. “I guess I’ve been focused on other things.”

Harrison laughs. “How is that even possible?”

“Beats me.”

We both grow silent again as I stand from my chair and begin to walk down the hallway toward my stairs.

“Want to go watch a movie?”

I hear Harrison stand from his chair and begin to follow me.

“Grim?”

I stop and turn around to face Harrison.

“I’ll make sure that you find someone to experience those things with. I promise.”

I laugh as I turn back around and continue walking down the wall.

“I’ll hold you to that.”

 

 

Author's Note

Ignore grammar problems! I hope you enjoy the new chapter!