haunted

“I’m sorry?”

“Hm? Oh. Oh, no, sorry.. not you.”

“Nothing really, trying to finish school and work pretty much.” She replied, there was much more than that, but she didn’t think her cousin would want to know about their family drama.

“I guess that’s not so bad.” Better than murder and mayhem and drama, right? “And it’s all going okay?”

“I was listening to thank u, next for the past five minutes. Anyway, what’s up?”

“I noticed.” She laughed, amused. “Just wanted to ask you’ve been up to, I feel like I’ve barely seen you lately.” She’d barely seen anyone in the family though.

“Yeah, I think it would. I’m dying to go.”

“Okay, great!”

“Classics. Anyone of them is fine with me.”

“Okay, how about A Christmas Carol then.”

Harry noticed the change in her smile and he felt a genuine smile cross his face. It felt strange, if he was honest. He couldn’t remember the last time he had genuinely smiled. “You’re welcome.” He nodded, looking over at her and letting out a small chuckle. “Thank you as well.” He pulled the tickets out of his pocket. “A Christmas Carol, row c, seats 3 and 5.” He smiled, handing her one of the tickets. “You know, I’ve always worried that I’ve been a bit Scrooge like in my life.”

“I think I was like five when I saw a play last so I’m literally down with going to see any.” She hadn’t been to the theatre in a long time, although perhaps five was a little bit of an over exaggeration. “When’s The Nutcracker playing then?”

“Really?” Ellie chuckled. “I saw loads in London.” But she supposed it was easier to go to the theatre a lot there than here. “Hm, every night this week at 7?”

“I’m positive.” Harry smiled at her, watching her as she tucked her hair behind her ear. “You look beautiful tonight, by the way. Not that you weren’t beautiful earlier, it’s just, you clean up nice.” He stumbled slightly over his words. Complimenting people didn’t exactly come normal to him.  “Sounds good.”

“I’ll go.”

“You will?”

“Yeah. I mean only if you want? But shouldn’t have to miss out on that, right?” She didn’t like the idea of someone not being able to do something or miss out because of not having people to go with. It sucked. Abi had kind of been that person when she’d been gone and she was done with it now she was back. “Sure!” Her smile stretching as she nodded. “Which one were you thinking?”

“Not sure, maybe The Nutcracker?” She said, turning back to the board. Ellie always loved pays a lot more than movies but she hadn’t been able to go to anything in the longest time. “What do you think?” She asked, wondering if Abi would prefer a different one.

“I honestly don’t even know what they’re playing.”

“Says here The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, Scrooge...”

Harry smiled when she said it was lucky, giving her a small nod. He moved to put his hand on top of hers as she reached for her bag. “I will not accept any of your money for the tickets.” He spoke calmly but firmly. “However, if you are not tired of my presence, perhaps after the show you could buy us a coffee or a drink.”

Harry had struggled with what to wear before deciding on a simple gray suit with a red tie, to be slightly festive. He grabbed his coat, and made his way to the theatre, not wanting to keep a lady waiting. He smiled when he saw her walking up towards him, relieved to see her. “Not too long, don’t worry. I was just people watching, checking out the lights and all. I hope you had a good afternoon.” He smiled, moving his hand to the small of her back as they walked up towards the theatre. “When I called to get our tickets I was actually able to get us pretty good seats.”

Harry nodded, looking back at the flyer. “I will see you at 8.” He smiled at her. “Oh and Ellie, I am looking forward to this. So thank you.” He turned to walk away, pulling his phone out and calling to order their tickets for the show.

“Wanna go right now?”

“Sure. I think we’ve got time to get there.” She nodded, glancing at her watch.

Harry liked that her smile brightened, it almost made him feel like his heart was starting to thaw out. “Oh, uh, alright, if you’re sure.” He knew this wasn’t a date. Not all young girls were like Paisley and into older men, but he wasn’t sure why he felt slightly odd about Ellie wanting to meet him there.