Harry spends most of his morning helping out Sammy Smee to practice some essential R.O.A.R. moves. His body, however, pleas for him to go back to bed. He's sluggish in his movements, and can barely parry Sammy's hits. Sammy doesn't notice this, he's too focused on the thrill of learning. The thrill of actually having a chance to get on the R.O.A.R team.
Sammy throws up his wooden sword, backs up from the spot where Harry's sword almost hits him at, and then smoothly catches his own sword by the hilt.
"Did you see that?!" Sammy exclaims, his voice is as loud as the garbage truck that drove pass just an hour ago.
"I did," Harry says impressed by the move. "You've gotten really good in a short amount of time. Soon you won't even need my help."
Sammy's face is a mix of happiness and disappointment."I guess I won't...but you'll still give me pointers right?"
"For as long as I'm here."
The happiness from Sammy's face completely disappears and only his disappointment is left. "What about when you go back? Will you still help me?"
Harry starts to realize that this isn't just about R.O.A.R. Isn't just about making Sammy good enough to get on the team. Sammy's afraid that Harry will forget about him. Afraid that things will go back to how they were just days before.
A part of Harry's unsure. What if he couldn't keep his promise? What if school got in the way? What if he disappointed Sammy this time without even trying? He didn't want to get Sammy's hopes up. He didn't want to lie. He didn't want to be his father.
Harry's eyes widen at that thought. Widen as he realizes that he's seen the exact expression Sammy has on his face on his very own. On the days, when he begged his dad to take him to the boat show. On the days, when he asked his dad if he wanted to build another model ship together. On the many days, when it seemed like every parent but his own was at every R.O.A.R. match Harry ever won.
"Yeah, I'll still help you, Sammy," Harry says, walking over to Sammy and playfully ruffling Sammy's blond hair, kind of like Harry's own dad used to do to his. "But I've got a lot of work at school, so keep that in mind If I say I'm too busy."
Sammy fixes his hair, nodding. "Alright, I will." He answers with a small smile.
They go back to practicing but are interrupted not even five minutes later by a knock on the front door. Sammy throws down his sword and runs back inside the house curious to see who it is. Harry follows behind him, intending to sneak back to the Smee guest room and take an hour nap but the person at the front door happens to be Harry's older sister, Harriet and her boyfriend of very few words, Anthony Tremaine.
Harry's never really liked Anthony Tremaine or understood what his sister saw in him. They were both so different. Anthony Tremaine walks around like there should be a royal title attached to the front of his name. Every movement that he makes is as elegant as a ballet dancer on a stage, but his eyes, those judgmental eyes always looked like they had something to say, but nothing was ever said.
Harriet's blunt but her words are sharp and always feel like she's urging you to walk off the plank of a pirate ship. She walks around cautious, glaring at all who dare to look at her. Anthony Tremaine just didn't fit her. Just didn't match. Least, that's what Harry thinks. He's always meant to ask his sister what exactly did she see in Anthony Tremaine, but her glare, the one that always seems to be there is reminiscent of the icy stare their father has. The one that left Harry shifting around uncomfortable. The one he'll do anything to avoid. So he's never asked Harriet that question even though every single time he saw Anthony Tremaine it would rise to his head waiting to be asked.
Sammy's midway through telling Harriet about the amazing move he just did earlier. Harriet's nodding along to every word Sammy says. Before Sammy has a chance to fully delve into all the epic details of his move, Mrs. Smee comes down the stairs and interrupts. She and Harriet engage in a short conversation and when they're done Mrs. Smee motions for Sammy to come up the stairs with her. Sammy protests, not wanting to leave and Mrs. Smee shoots Sammy a stern eye that ceases Sammy's protests immediately. Sammy trudges up the stairs behind her just seconds later.
"You actually came back?" Harriet says with a raised brow once Sammy and Mrs. Smee is gone. Harriet looks at Harry like she wants to say more, but every time she starts to say something she stops herself.
"Mr. Smee said he needed me for the boat show that we're doing tomorrow," Harry informs Harriet whose mouth falls open in surprise.
"Mr. Smee said that? No." Harriet shakes her head and then points to herself."I'm doing the boat show tomorrow."
Harry laughs but stops when he realizes his sister is serious. "You? But Harriet, you hate sailing!"
"I'm aware of that fact." Harriet comments in a defensive tone. She shoots Harry a very unfriendly look and then says, "You're not that only one who can sail, you know."
Harry bites his tongue. His dad's words fill his head. Your sister is clumsy with the wheel. Not showy enough when she hoists up the sails. She's not like you, Harry. Not like us.
Harry's sure Harriet will try her best, but he wonders will it be good enough? Harry knew how to draw in a crowd. Harriet knew how to make a crowd disappear. Harry knew how to pump the crowd up with exciting energy. Harriet knew how to make a crowd shudder in fear. Basically, Harriet had none of the skills to make their dad's shop the center of attention of the boat show. All of those skills clearly lied in Harry.
"Harriet," Harry starts cautiously, praying that he doesn't slip and say something that will make this conversation take an angry turn." hasn't it been a while since you've sailed? Since I'm here maybe it's better if I just do it."
Better for their dad's business. Better for the crowd. Better for pretty much everyone involved.
Harriet's eyes flash red with anger as if she could read Harry's unspoken thoughts. Harry feels guilty and waits for his sister's barbed reply.
Anthony Tremaine intervenes, however, he senses his girlfriend's ire and wraps his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into him. She takes a deep breath and calms down with unexpected quickness. "Fine, Harry. Do the boat show. It's always you anyway."
"What does that mean?" Harry asks but a part of him knows the answer. The answer he prays that Harriet doesn't say.
"Nothing." She answers shortly.
Harry's phone suddenly buzzes in his pants pocket but that doesn't seem to relieve the tension rising between him and his sister. Harry lifts his phone out of his pocket and sees it's a message from his friend, Jonas. Jonas who still hasn't a clue Harry's even back and Jonas wasn't the only one. Uma, Harry's girlfriend still hadn't a clue that Harry was..home. Harry's been texting her every day since he's been here, but he couldn't find a way to bring up the fact that he was nearby. He thought about surprising her but with the boat show being tomorrow he was now out of time. Harry reminds himself to call Uma later today and invite her to the boat show.
Jonas is still texting Harry but now his messages are longer. The texts are coming too fast and starting to pile up. Harry tries to read them all but every time he finishes one, a pinging sound indicates another has been sent. From what Harry's read so far Jonas is ranting about a rude customer. Harry tucks his phone back into his pocket and looks up at his sister who's now avoiding his gaze.
Harriet's reaction was odd to Harry. Harriet never seemed to care about sailing or anything involving their dad's shop. So why was she so upset about this? Why did Harry doing the boat show seem to bother her so much?
Did it matter? She was upset and whatever you said was the cause. Fix it. Harry's thoughts remind him. Harry didn't want yet another member of his family to hate him. Harry sighs, and says, "Harriet, I'm sorry...I didn't know that me coming-"
Harriet interrupts him before Harry can finish."It's whatever, Harry. You're not even the one I'm upset with."
Who was she upset with? Harry wonders but doesn't voice it aloud. Instead, he asks Harriet another question, "Can you take me to Jonas's job?"
It was a little embarrassing to ask her that question, especially, after just making her angry. Harry wanted to tell his sister his apology didn't have an ulterior motive. That it was genuine. That he meant it. But he doesn't...he just waits for an answer.
Before Harriet has a chance to respond, Anthony Tremaine's phone pings loudly in his pocket. Anthony takes his phone out of his pocket and checks it. He lets out a groan and turns to Harriet with a disgruntled expression.
"I have to go, my step-cousins in town," Anthony informs Harriet with a scowl.
"Chad." Harriet guesses knowingly.
"Yes, and he's not alone this time. He brought along his friend and his friend brought along his girlfriend."
Harriet's nose crinkles up in distaste as soon as Anthony says the word girlfriend."That girl who's always wearing pink and blue and insulting my wardrobe? She's here. Great." Harriet states dryly.
"No," Anthony says and Harriet repeats Anthony's no but with a surprised tone. "They broke up." Anthony clarifies.
"Wow," Harriet says genuinely shocked. "I guess true love is dead." She jokes.
Harriet and Anthony both smile at each other. A small secretive one that seems to signal a start of a silent mental conversation that they could get stuck in for hours. Harry clears his throat, bringing them both back to reality. "So can you take me?" Harry asks Harriet.
"Come on, but don't expect me to drive you back here."
They arrive at the coffee shop Jonas works at. Leaving Harry feeling a little stunned. The whole ride over Anthony kept mentioning that he needed to get to his cousin quick, so Harriet dropping Harry off first is a surprise.
Harry hops out of the car, waves goodbye to his sister and heads to the shop's entrance. Harry hears a sound coming from behind him. It's the sound of a car door opening and closing. Harry glances behind his shoulder and sees his sister's boyfriend walking in his direction. Harry slows his pace, wondering if Harriet's sending a message to him through Anthony.
Anthony doesn't call out Harry's name. Doesn't tap Harry's shoulder to get his attention. What does Anthony do? He walks right past Harry and heads straight into the coffee shop.
Harry didn't know Anthony Tremaine liked coffee. In fact, Harry realizes he doesn't actually know anything about Anthony Tremaine. Maybe he should change that...Maybe he should try to learn more about the person that held his sister's heart.
Not now, of course. Now he needed to find Jonas. Needed to find his friend. Harry goes inside the coffee shop.
Jonas isn't working the register, and there's not even a glimpse of a line of customers waiting to order something which causes Harry a little distress. Harry goes to sit at an empty table, and takes out his phone, checking over messages Jonas sent him earlier. Harry had read them all and had replied to Jonas's messages on the way over here, but he's yet to receive any reply from Jonas.
Harry waits. Waits to see three little dots that says Jonas is typing. Waits to hear the ping that indicates Jonas replied. Waits to see a new message from Jonas appear on his screen.
Nothing happens. Harry puts his phone away and looks around the Cafe as if Jonas is just hiding under a table and will pop up at any moment. Jonas doesn't.
Harry catches sight of Anthony Tremaine's dark hair. Anthony is sitting across from someone. Harry's curious, so he peers just a little and catches sight of a blond guy whose face is covered with an offended expression. The blond guy looks to be around the same age as Harry. He's dressed in wet clothes that probably cost more than the home that Harry's no longer allowed to call his. Anthony looks bored as he listens to the blonde guy drone on and on about something. Continuing to drone on to Anthony Tremaine, he carefully dabs his napkins onto his wet shirt attempting to dry it.
What if...no...could that be Jonas's rude customer? On instinct, Harry gets up from the table and heads out of the coffee shop.
Harry then runs towards the back of the cafe and sure enough, there's Jonas. Jonas sits on the edge of a concrete curb attached to the coffee shop, his head rests in his hands. Harry's never once seen his friend cry. Jonas would always laugh it off. Jonas could laugh anything off.
Jonas once broke his arm when he and Harry were twelve. He laughed it off at the time and joked about what Harry would sign on his cast. Harry just looked on horrified. A voice in his head screamed at him to do something. Screamed at him to not make the same mistake again. Harry stood frozen. Just like he is now.
Harry calls out Jonas's name, and Jonas briefly looks up and turns his head in Harry's direction. Shame crosses Jonas's features, and he puts his head back down, turning his body away from the direction Harry's standing in.
Harry walks closer to Jonas until finally, he approaches him. Jonas's face is hidden from Harry's sight but Harry can see Jonas's hands rubbing his eyes. Jonas lifts his head up and lets his arms drop on his pants. Jonas then rubs his hands on his pants, clears his throat and says, "Harry, I can't talk right now...can you just leave?"
"I'm here to see you. Got tired of seeing all those pretty Auradon faces so thought I'd come back and see your average one."
Not a good time to make a joke. Harry's mind reminds him but it's too late the joke is already spoken.
Jonas let's out a broken laugh. One that sounds like he had to muster all his strength to let out.
"Jonas..."Harry's voice trails off unsure of what else to say.
"I've missed you, man. More than I ever thought I would."
"Who wouldn't miss the most handsome face in this town?" Harry brags then adds in an afterthought, "After you, of course."
Jonas intakes a sharp breath and says, "Harry, I'm being serious. I'm so happy you're in Auradon City living your dream and I love getting those selfies you always send me but man I just really miss you sometimes. I just really miss my best friend."
"I've missed you too, Jonas."
"Then why haven't you come back till now? Why didn't you come back during winter break? Is it because I'm not as educated or rich as your Auradon friends?"
"What?" Harry answers with a raised brow, confusion in his voice. "I don't care anything about stupid stuff like that. You know that. You know me, Jonas."
"Do I?" Jonas asks, his voice doubting. "If I did wouldn't I know the answer to why you didn't want to come back here? Why you didn't want to see me, your best friend?"
"I haven't been avoiding you. Jonas, I always want to see you. I just thought it'd be weird coming back here when my dad hates me." Harry explains still confused. "And Jonas you're the first person I text whenever I'm free which is barely ever I know. I'm sorry."
"I'm being selfish, Harry. I know I'm being selfish. I know you're busy with school and I get that. Things have just been really bad for me lately." Jonas let's out another broken laugh." I just got fired, Harry. Because some big shot Auradon City brat wanted something that wasn't even on the menu."
"They fired you for that?" Harry replies shocked but suddenly remembers the person Anthony was talking to clothes were wet. Meaning...
"I may have thrown a cold beverage on them," Jonas states getting up from the concrete curb and turning in Harry's direction. Jonas's eyes are red from his crying and rubbing on them.
"We all lose our cool sometimes. Everyone has those days, Jonas. Nobody's perfect, you live and you work it. Again and again, till you get it right."
"I know. Just wished I didn't have one of those days today. I really need this job, Harry."
"It's okay, you'll bounce back from this. I know you will."
An idea forms in Harry's head. An idea involving Anthony Tremaine and the blonde guy he's sure is Jonas's rude customer. Harry tells Jonas he'll be back and runs to the front of the cafe. He goes back inside the cafe, walking in with a swagger in his step, he heads towards Anthony Tremaine who's still sitting with the blonde guy he was speaking to earlier.
Anthony looks over at Harry surprised. He asks Harry why is he here but Harry says nothing. Harry focuses his attention on the blond guy, giving him a breathtaking smile. Harry then introduces himself and the blond guy does too. Chad Charming, he says in a pompous tone. Harry has to resist making a snide comment about hearing how Chad was not so charming to Harry's friend, Jonas.
Anthony Tremaine gets up from his seat and suddenly pulls Harry aside.
"What exactly are you doing?" Anthony asks but in a tone that implies he doesn't really care for Harry to answer. "Shouldn't you be looking for your friend?"
"I found, Jonas. Turns out that person over there who I assume is your cousin just got Jonas fired."
Anthony doesn't look at Harry as if this is brand-new information which meant he already knew. Hopefully, Chad Charming didn't fill Anthony's mind full of lies. Harry knows his friend Jonas wouldn't have done anything if he wasn't provoked.
"Jonas threw a drink on him. What did he think was going to happen?"
Harry bet Chad Charming didn't tell Anthony the full story, so Harry defends his friend's honor," Jonas lost his cool because Chad was being rude. He shouldn't have lost control of himself I know. It was a mistake, and he really needs this job." Harry sighs feeling like his words weren't getting to Anthony at all. "Look, can you just help me convince your cousin to talk to Jonas's manager and get his job back?"
"No." Anthony Tremaine condescendingly replies."I won't."
Anger flashes on Harry's face, "What do you mean you won't? Jonas is my friend! You have to help me."
"And why exactly do I have to help you?" He questions in his signature bored tone. "You barely acknowledge I exist. And we're definitely not friends."
Harry couldn't deny that but it wasn't like Anthony was big on acknowledging him either."You're my sister's boyfriend that's got to count for something, right?"
"You've got some nerve, Harry. Your sister-"Anthony stops himself and just glares at Harry. "Nevermind, that's not a conversation you should be having with me."
"What are you talking about?"
"Harry, you're not dumb. You're smart enough to get into Auradon's School Of Music. I think you know what's really bothering your sister."
Harry did have an inkling of what was bothering Harriet. But he knew he was making the best decision for his dad's shop. For his whole family. Harriet would see that when Harry performs at the boat show. See that when customers come flocking to their dad's shop. See that when their family home is still their family home. Even though Harry wasn't allowed to call the place home at all.
"Look, this isn't about me or Harriet. It's about Jonas. Jonas shouldn't be fired for making one mistake. Don't you think?"
Anthony gives Harry a look that indicates he couldn't care less about Jonas being fired. Harry's frustrated knowing that nothing that he said had swayed Anthony Tremaine to his side.
"I'll talk to Harriet, okay. I don't like seeing my sister upset either."
Anthony shakes his head, like Harry and Harriet talking wasn't enough to fix the problem brewing between them."Quit the boat show and let Harriet do it. Then and only then will I help you get Jonas's job back."
"You don't-What about-It's not-what if..."
Harry can't voice any of his thoughts. Jonas keeps appearing in his mind. His friend that never cried, crying on the concrete curb connected to the coffee shop. Jonas who just like Harry felt stuck in this town but unlike Harry, Jonas had no way of getting out. Jonas needed this job. Harry was Jonas's friend though lately, it seemed like he wasn't being a good one. He wanted to help Jonas and if trusting in his sister, Harriet was the way to do so then it shouldn't be that hard. Yet, his dad's voice is in his head. Reminding him that it was a gamble. That Harriet wasn't good enough on the sails. That she could lead their family to ruin.
No. Harry wouldn't listen to that voice any longer. His dad was wrong. Harriet should have a chance to prove herself. Harry shouldn't hold her back. Harry should support her. Be there for her. "Fine. I'll tell Mr. Smee I won't do it and Harriet could do the boat show tomorrow."
"Excellent looks like we've got a deal."
Anthony Tremaine is quite good at playing with people's minds. He easily convinces his cousin, Chad Charming to talk to Jonas's manager and get Jonas's job back. Within an hour Jonas is employed once again. He was a little annoyed Harry went behind his back but also happy that he still had a job. Jonas finishes off his shift while Chad Charming and Anthony Tremaine drive off with Harriet to go hang out with Chad's friends.
When Jonas finishes his shift, he and Harry head to the wharf rats hang out. There Harry catches up with every single one of his fellow wharf rats. He plays a board game with Bonny that almost ends their friendship. Harry then plays darts with his friend, Desiree and loses. And then he ends the night watching old home videos with Gonzo and Jonas. Harry asks Jonas to take him back to the Smee household and soon their there just a little before midnight. Harry waves goodbye to Jonas who he promises to hang out with again. Jonas makes him swear on it and drives away.
Harry knocks on the Smee household door and Mr. Smee answers the door with a red nightcap on. Harry apologizes for coming back so late and promises to give Mr. Smee a warning next time. Mr. Smee lets Harry in and waves off Harry's apology. He heads back upstairs to bed and Harry follows behind him. Harry says goodnight to Mr. Smee just before Mr. Smee heads back into his room. Mr. Smee says it back and closes the door leaving Harry out in the hallway alone.
Harry heads to the guestroom. Once he's there he takes off his jacket and starts preparing for bed. When Harry's done preparing for bed even though he knows it's late, he decides to call Uma. She picks up on the second ring.
"Hello," Uma answers tiredly. Harry has to suppress a grin at hearing the sound of her voice.
"Hey, sorry I haven't been able to speak to you lately. It's been a little hectic these past few days." Harry keeps his tone casual trying not to drop any hint of his big surprise.
"It's fine. How's campus?"
"Well...I'm not exactly on campus anymore," Harry admits, he grips the material of his pajama pants as he waits for Uma to answer.
Almost a minute later she does. "Is this the part where you tell me I'm gonna see you on the news?"
Harry laughs, and releases his grip on the material of his pajama pants."No, you're not gonna see me on the news. I've come home, darling."
The word home feels misplaced in Harry's voice. It feels so much like it doesn't belong. Yet, there's no other word to describe this town. This town was where Harry grew up. Where all of Harry's memories were. Where all his friends and families live and lived in the case of his mother. Whether his dad denied him or not this place was Harry's home.
"Home? You're here and you're just now mentioning this to me?" Uma sounds a little upset.
"I didn't expect to come here. Mr. Smee asked me to come down and I didn't really feel like I had any choice."
"Who's Mr. Smee?" Uma wonders aloud. "Is he your dad's friend?"
"Yeah, and he's my dad's business partner."
Harry thinks about telling Uma more. Telling her the things he's learned about his mother. The things he's learned about his dad but it feels too heavy for a conversation that Harry's trying to keep casual. Plus, it's late. Harry decides to wait. To keep the knowledge he's learned and tell Uma about it another day.
"Oh. So does that mean you've been running your dad's shop all spring break?" She asks with a little disappointment in her voice.
"No, I haven't," Harry assures. "I've been sticking to your advice to take a break."
"Really?" Uma asks pleased. "Good."
"I'm actually going to a boat show tomorrow to support my sister, Harriet. Would you like to come?" Harry asks, hoping Uma would say yes. But just in case she was on the fence about it he decides to add a flirty comment."Maybe after the boat show is over we could even sail it. I'll even let you be my first mate and my date if you're lucky."
"I'd rather be the captain but I like the idea of being your date." She answers and even though Harry's been dating her for months now, and they were officially dating, his heartbeat speeds up a little in excitement.
"Uma," He says her name teasingly, "you don't even know how to sail a boat."
"So..." Uma replies in a tone that says she wasn't ever gonna relent her title as captain.
"Alright. Alright. You can be the captain."
"Yes!" Uma shouts out excited. Harry pulls the phone a little away from his ear. He wasn't expecting such a loud reaction. "Do I get a hat? Please, tell me I get a hat, Harry!"
"No, there's no hat but you do get to enjoy sitting on a boat while your boyfriend dashingly sails it."
"First mate." Uma corrects automatically. "I look forward to your dashing sailing, Harry. Really I do. But a Captain needs a Captain's hat. How will anyone know who really runs the ship?"
"Fine," Harry says with an exaggerated breath. He knew of one hat shop. He just wasn't sure if it'd be open early enough for him to choose out a hat for Uma. Then Harry remembered there was a stall on the boardwalk that sold all sorts of hats. Surely, if he looked hard enough he'd find a captain's hat for Uma.
"I'll see if I find anything on the boardwalk before I head to the boat show. You're so lucky I love you." Harry continues but almost drops the phone when he realizes what he said.
Oh no. Oh. no. No. No. NO. Harry almost hits himself with his phone when he realizes what he's said. Uma and he haven't said those three words to each other yet. It was only implied. And now Harry has finally said it...over the phone. This was not at all how he was planning on telling her.
"I love you too, Harry." She answers with a yawn. She takes a sharp breath when she realizes what she said. And then quickly says,"Bye!"
A sound that indicates the call has ended fills Harry's ear. So many thoughts enter Harry's head. Thoughts that are taunting him about how quick Uma ended the call. Thoughts that laughed at how soon he said it. But those thoughts easily drift away with only one thought sticking around in Harry's head. That thought plays in his mind like a lively song. The thought keeps reminding him that Uma loves him. Loves him! Him!
Harry Hook went to sleep that night knowing that Harry Hook loves Uma and that Uma loves Harry Hook back.
A.N. Thank you guys for all the reviews! I'm a little unsure of this chapter but I hope you guys like it. Thanks so much to everyone who's read/fave/followed/ and reviewed! Till next time!
