Chapter Two - Dinner
Harry's POV
I watched as Penelope slowly climbed her way onto the stage. She looked radient, her long brown hair was glowing with the light and her blue eyes sparked with excitement. The image of her was so familiar to me, something I missed so dearly after not being home for months. We had watched each other grow up, and I watched her get more and more beautiful every year that passed.
However, I had no right to think of that anymore. I had broken her heart and regretted it everyday. It had been years since we've spoken. The last time was when she learned about Caroline and I. I couldn't believe I was so stupid, to get caught up in everything. I thought that what I was doing was for the better, that this is what popstars were supposed to do, date famous people. I had forgotten that Penelope was the one who had been there for me my entire life, though I never even noticed it. I had taken her for granted, and tonight, I was going to fix it.
When she started to speak I became engrossed in every word that she said. Her voice was soothing, something I wanted to fall asleep listening to every night. I could tell she was nervous, something I was familiar with. I wanted so badly to run right up there and save her from her awkward ramblings, but her story interested me. The way she spoke of her aunt was so brave, considering her death only a few months ago.
I also noticed the small silver locket that hung from her neck. I was gobsmacked that she still hadn't taken it off after all these years. I gave it to her when she turned sixteen, right before I left. I had figured she had thrown it out when everything happened, but she didn't. Tears started to form in my eyes as I realized that she had still been holding on, holding on for all these years.
Soon she walked right past me, not giving me any notice. The rest of the audience was applauding but I was watching her. I watched her as she walked all the way back to the room, sitting by herself with a notepad in hand. It took a lot of will power not to get up from my seat and go over to her now, as it would be rude to the sweet little girls spinning in circles on stage.
As I watched the show, it took me by surprise when one of the groups of girls started dancing to Moments. The movement was beautiful and it was the first time I really paid attention to any of the moved. As I watched it I saw Penelope. I could see the way she danced in each of their movements. I missed watching her dance more then anything, that's why I came tonight, as I thought she was going to be dancing. I was only a bit less disappointed when I learned she had choreographed the entire thing.
When the show was over she once again appeared on the stage. She began to speak again as all the girls surrounded her. One of the little girls approached her and all of a sudden a white book was placed in her hands. As she explained it I yearned so deeply to own that book, to look at all the photos I wished I was there to see in person.
The crowd then began to disperse and overjoyed parents enbraced their children. I got recognized soon enough and everyone was giving me hugs and welcoming me back. It was nice to be home again, but I looked around to see that Penelope had disappeared. I excused myself from the crowd of people and started towards my car, figuring I'd see her when I got home anyways.
I started down the hall towards the back of the building where my car was parked until I heard music coming from the gym. I turned on my heels and followed it. When I reached the room I smiled, Penelope was dancing. My eyes never left her as she moved, her eyes were shut and she moved to effortlessly to the music. When she finished I couldn't stop the next few words that came out of my mouth, "No wonder all the guys in this school talk about how hot you are Chicken-Legs, you can do that. I've always wondered what it's like to make love with someone that flexible. Wanna teach me?"
I wanted to take the words back as soon as they were released. I didn't know why I thought something so grotesque would get her to be friendly towards me. So her words were completely expected, "In your dreams, Styles."
Then she turned to look at me. Her beauty left me speechless and I had no witty retort or apologetic words to cover my tracks. She stood up and began to collect her things, "What are you even doing here, Harry? Shouldn't you be off fucking some underage girl? Oh wait, you like their mothers better."
Her words stung, but I knew they were well deserved. I finally gained up the courage to speak normally, "I, erm, heard the music playing and thought I'd come see what was going on. You look great."
She snorted in my face, "And you still look like a lying wanker, now excuse me." She tried to push past me but I grabbed her shoulders as a spontaneous reaction. "Harry, let me go." She squabbled, trying to break free.
"Have dinner with me." I stated, still holding her.
"Are you out of your mind?" She yelled, fighting even harder.
"Maybe a little," I explained. "But there's still screaming girls outside my house and if you don't come to dinner with me you'll just listen to them sing and talk about how attractive I am."
She looked at me, her eyes filled with caution. "Fine, but dinner, that's it."
I smiled in success and started leading her towards my car. It was about eight o'clock and the sun was beginning to go down, perfect. As we approached the car I noticed that Penelope was no longer following me. I turned to see her standing at the doorway, her hand twirling a strand of her hair and biting her lip.
"Penelope, what's wrong?" I asked, crossing over to her.
"A lot of things are wrong, I should just go home," she replied turning.
"No, you shouldn't. Please, it's just dinner with an old friend."
She swallowed her pride and slid into the car. I shut the door behind her and got into the driver's seat. I put the keys in the ignition and started out.
"This is a, a really nice car," she said, looking around.
"Thanks. I bought it and since I'm never home I'm just kind of letting my mum have it." I said, smiling.
"I've noticed. You know those girls are really annoying sometimes." She replied, her voice quiet and cautious.
"The fans are just really dedicated. I just sometimes wish coming home would be a break from it all. I still have to keep up appearances and everything. I miss being able to walk out my front door and hear nothing but the kids playing in the street." I admitted. Everything felt so natural again, like I had the girl I grew up with back.
"However, you get all the benefits too. Some of us are just stuck with the reprocussions." After those words neither of us spoke for the rest of the trip. We eventually pulled up to George & Dragon, one of the restaurants I had been craving since I left home.
I got out of the car and noticed Penelope was already making her way out of the car, not waiting for me to open it for her. That was typical Penelope, though, never waiting for anyone else to do anything for her. I always admired that about her, I honestly thought she was always going to be the one to leave this town and become something great.
"After you," I said as I opened the door for her to enter the restaurant. The smell of her perfume drew me in. I wasn't going to let her go ever again.
