"So, my mom said that I can go out tonight... so if you want to do something we can?" Blair turned to Harry, who was shocked that her mother was allowing her to do something that involved her no being around.
Harry felt bad for Blair, she was a highschool senior and living under the thumb of her mom. In his opinion, it was unfair. She wasn't allowed to see the world without worrying about what her mom might say, and it truly broke his heart. Of course, he wouldn't tell her that. The last thing Harry ever wanted to do was make Blair feel bad about stuff she couldn't control, plus he knew how much it embarrased her.
"I'd love too. Wanna go to the mall? Or a movie?" Harry asked, knowing Blair was not fond of either activity.
Blair stared at him, her eyebrws furrowed because she knew he was joking... he had to be joking.
"I'm kidding. There's actually an art show happening for the next couple days if you wanted to go to that?" He asked, chuckling at the look she had on her face.
"Thank god, the last thing I want to do it go to the mall." She shrugged. "But yeah, an art show sounds really nice." The girl smiled at Harry.
He watched her intently as she drew a rough sketch for her painting on a canvas. He loved looking at her, she was one of the most beautiful people he laid eyes on... and he had seen many people in his eighteen years on this planet.
"Do you maybe want to get dinner or something? My treat." The boy smiled at Blair.
"Yeah, but you don't have to buy it... you're the one driving so I should be buying."
"Let's flip a coin. How does that work?"
Blair rolled her eyes playfully at Harry. "I guess so."
For the rest of class the two sat in silence working on their projects, except for when Harry had asked Blair to show her how to use watercolour pencil crayons, which she was happy to show him.
It was quite hard for Blair to concentrate on her work, due to the fact that she was ecstatic for after school. She loved talking to Harry, and was hoping that she would get to learn more about him. He hadn't spoken much about his family life, or what he did outside of school... and she wanted to know. Blair wanted to know everything there was to know about Harry, she felt connected to him.
"I'll meet you in front of the school? I just have to run and get my stuff from my locker." Blair stated, and Harry nodded in response.
"I'll see you in a few minutes," He smiled.
The two parted ways while Blair went to her locker, only to be stopped by Logan, asking if she wanted to hang out this afternoon.
"We're all going to the mall, you should come."
"That's the fourth time this week you've gone... I don't like being a mallrat." Blair said, shrugging on her jacket.
"Why are you acting like this? All of a sudden you don't have time for us. It's not like you, Blair."
"We just don't like the same things anymore, people grow apart... it's life." Blair wondered where this newfound confidence was coming from.
"It's that Harry dude, isn't it?"
"It's none of your business, actually." Blair slammed her locker shut and made her way to the front of the school.
She saw Harry waiting outside the doors, just where he said he would be.
"I was beginning to think you stood me up." He joked, the girl just smiled at him.
"Ready to go?"
-
It was only an hour later when Harry and Blair walked around the art gallery. They were silent, enjoying taking in the creations of other people.
"This was a really nice idea Harry. I've never been to an art show before." She spoke softly, a twinkle apparent in her eyes as she looked arund the room.
"Really? An artist whose never been to a gallery? That's hard to believe." He poked her arm.
Blair shrugged. "My mother has never really let me do things she doesn't think will benefit my future. Until now, at least."
"Well, I'm glad I could be here for your first time at an art gallery. I think we may have to make a habit out of doing things for the first time."
Blair stopped and looked at him, laughing lightly.
"Wait... no. I didn't mean like that." Harry shook his head, laughing along with the girl.
"Yeah, okay.
Blair culdn't help but revel in his company. She absolutely adored Harry. It seemed like hanging around him was helping her to open up about things, it was nice to be around somebody without the fear of being judged by them. Dare she say that she was beginning to develop feelings for Harry.
"What is it that you like about art so much? I mean, I know everybody has their own reasons, but what are yours? Only if you feel comfortable telling me." Harry asked as they looked at a few paintings.
"For me painting is an outlet. You know how my mom is, so it helps me get my emotions out in a healthy, non-destuctive way. Plus, if everything goes to complete shit I know that my art is permanent. Like, the sun and moon are always there no matter where you are... it helps to ground me." She smiled, looking at him. "What about you? If you have any reasons."
"It's the exact same for me. I uh, I get angry a lot... but I've been working through it. It's nice to have something to turn to when nothing else feels like it will help. You know?"
"I know eaxctly what you mean." She said simply, and he was happy that she didn't seem to judge him for opening up a bit.
Later on after walking through the exhitbit twice, Harry and Blair made their way to a small, family owned restaurant that Harry recommended. Harry had won the coin toss, so Blair thought it was only fitting for him to decide where they were going.
"Do you have a job or anything?" Blair asked, moving pieces of lettuce around her plate.
"Yeah, I manage a bakery part time that my mum's friend owns."
"Harry the baker? Sounds interesting."
"Don't judge me until you've tried anything I've made. I make a mean cupcake." He laughed, and it sounded so nice to Blair. His laugh sounded like waves, or how it felt to dance in the rain... she loved it.
"What's your mum like? You've never brought her up before."
"We don't really talk... she moved to the US with my sister and step dad."
"Shit Harry. I'm so sorry I don't mean to be intrusive. You don't have to talk about it if you don't want too." Blair quickly apologized.
"No, no... it's okay, really. There's not much to the story. My step dad got a job offer and I didn't want to pack up my entire life and leave, we got into an argument about it and they left, we don't talk much." He shrugged.
"I'm sorry Harry."
"B, it's not your fault at all... no reason to apologize for anything."
The rest of dinner went by quickly, they ate and talked about the small things, like school and the teachers they did and didn't like. They talked about how neither of them had plans for after highschool.
Which... wasn't a total lie. Blair didn't know what she wanted to do, but she knew what her mom and step-father wanted her to do. She wouldn't tell Harry that though, or anyone for that matter. Because if she vocalized it, it made it real.
When they left the restaurant rain was pouring down from the sky, Blair squealed as they stepped outside. This was a feeling she hadn't felt in awhile; true, complete, unconditional happiness. Between her and Harry hanging out, now her favourite weather.. it was such a nice feeling.
Harry watched as she ran to the sidewalk and looked up at the sky. She was now almost soaking wet, but still looked beautiful nonetheless.
Blair spun around with her arms out, calling out for Harry to come join her. Both of their minds were completely clear, Harry's anger and Blairs anxiety didn't exist as they stood in the street, holding hands as they danced in the rain. The only thing that could be heard was their laughter, and Blairs squealing as Harry picked her up and spun her around.
He set the girl down and Blair fixed her hair. She closed her eyes and let the feeling engulf her, and when she opened her eyes she saw Harry looking at her, a smile fixated on his face.
It was in that moment when Blair felt the feelings she had for Harry come rushing into her heart, feeling full.
So, she kissed him.
