Chapter 7
"So how was work?" Harlean asked, trying to make small talk as the bitter cold hit their arms and they walked down the deck.
Harold looked at her with a raised eyebrow, "It was work," he answered plain and simple, as if that explained everything.
Harlean nodded slowly and then began to laugh.
Harold grinned and then began to join in the laughter.
After a few minutes they sat down on a bench by the bow.
A few people walked by, glancing briefly at how…close Harlean was to Harold. But she did not notice, nor did she care.
Things were strangely silent between the two of them for a few minutes.
Harold watched Harlean for a moment, he noticed for the first time, the intense innocence she possessed, but her infectious smile and personality tended to hide that. But now that they were alone, with only the moonlight shining down on them as any source of light she seemed unsure about being on the deck of a ship as it came close to the hour that she should be getting into bed, but instead was in the company of a man.
"Is everything alright?" he suddenly asked.
Harlean looked at him, "Yes…why?"
"I don't know, it just seems like something is on your mind," he replied.
"Oh…no I'm alright."
He watched her for a moment again; Harlean's cheeks were red from the cold. She shivered slightly and Harold had the sudden urge to wrap his arms around her, but he had no idea how she would react to that move and decided against it.
"Can I tell you something?"
Harold looked Harlean in the eye, "What is it?"
She turned slightly so to be able to better see him, "I have…feelings Harold…feelings I still can't quite explain. But that feeling is…well at least I think it is the feeling my mother and father have for each other," she paused, "They love each other, and I remember as a little girl I always wanted to grow up and find someone who could love me the way my father loves my mother, or at least…care for me the way he does her. I don't know if what I feel for…you is love or just caring…but I care for you deeply, and I want to get to know you better. Because I feel we have a strong friendship and the thought of ever losing you makes me just want to cry," Harlean stopped talking and looked down at her hands for a moment, she took a deep breath and continued, "Harold I…"
But before she could finish, Harold gently cupped her face in his hand and brought her lips to his, it was being forward yes; but everything about it seemed soo right. Harlean was stunned but allowed it to happen; she didn't try to break away. But finally they had to.
Her face was a slight flush of red, whether it was from the cold or the kiss Harold didn't know, nor did he feel the need to ask.
"So I suppose you care for me too?" she asked in a meek voice.
Harold laughed and kissed her again, gently and brief. "Harlean…I've loved you since you first stepped foot into the messaging room. I thought you were the most beautiful creature on God's Earth."
She blushed slightly, "Do not flatter me."
"But it is the truth…Harlean Carpenter."
She smiled slightly then frowned upon glancing up towards the bridge, "I should probably get back to my room, I do not want Holly to worry and alert my Uncle."
"That could be a problem, we do not want a ship wide search for you," Harold said with a laugh.
"That would be…very bad," Harlean said as she stood up.
Harold stood as well and with a smile on his face linked arms with her and they began to walk towards the First Class Entrance. Both were silent during the short walk, but both were incredibly happy.
"Well here it is," Harlean said once they reached the door to the lit up First Class Halls.
"Perhaps when the ship docks…or I get a lightened work load I could see what it's like in there," Harold commented.
"Oh Sparks, it's nothing special," she said.
"Something I've never really known though."
"Well maybe one day you will," she said with a slight laugh.
Harold smiled, he was about to lean in and kiss her when he saw an Officer. They both nodded at the man who nodded back and kept walking, Harold turned to kiss her again but Harlean turned his head and kissed him on the cheek, "Goodnight Sparks," she said after she kissed him.
Harlean then opened the door and went in. Harold stood there and watched until she was gone down the carpeted halls. He sighed slightly but smiled and headed back to the Messenger room.
All the way back to her room Harlean felt as if she was walking on air, and it was a feeling she decided she would definitely grow to like.
XX
A/N- I know I know….haven't updated in like…forever…yeah yeah yeah…Anywhos…I was going to make this longer, but alas I need to go to bed, and I really would love to update this tonight! So here is the update, kudos to my buddy Antoinette Rose for ideas for this chapter, she might as well write the story herself….Anywhos….love ya Gina.
Please review and when I get home on Monday I'll update…oh no! It's Sunday! You know what that means? The day the ship goes bye bye…yes….will Harlean be saved? Will she and Harold be able to be together and what will the Captain think of this relationship? Well…review so you can find out! Ha-ha
