I'm an asshole. According to Annika that's what I am. She screamed at me the moment she got back to my apartment with Rico in her tail. She was practically going to punch me before Rico pulled her away and apologized.
That was a week ago. I haven't seen Harriett again after that and after thinking and clearing my head. Maybe I was an asshole as Annika had said.
Now, I'm at the park where we last saw each other after running ten laps around the area. And still no Harriett or Akira in sight.
Guess they skipped morning walks this week.
I let out a sigh as I sat at the bench and stared at the blue sky above. It's too peaceful and yet my mind can't seem to get the memo.
Was I too harsh to Harriett? It's not like I can keep finding faults for her choice back then. She loved Josh. That much I could tell from back then. It just wasn't the same love she had for Leonel that's why I took my chances. But in the end she still chose Josiah.
I was heartbroken but did I need to be that harsh to her? I let out another deep breath as I stood up from the bench and went back to my apartment.
I should apologize, but it'll be awkward to just say it directly.
I looked around my apartment and my gaze instantly shifted to the kitchen island.
I chuckled to myself as I thought of that famous quote.
"A way to a man's heart is through his stomach"
I hope it does the same for the women. because if it doesn't then I'm fucked.
A simple meal. That's what this is. I just gotta say sorry for being harsh and then I'll be on my way out. No need to stay inside her apartment and drag it out.
"Well then I'll see you next next week for the next draft"
Huh?
"Yeah sure thanks a lot again Dylan"
"Anytime Harriett"
I felt a surge of green seep into me at the sight of a man standing with Harriett outside her door. And Harriett? He calls her that?
It wasn't even long before Harriet's gaze landed on me. Her eyes wide at the sight of me but mine were squared on the six foot tall man standing in front of her.
"Pierce?"
Harriett called softly, making me step forward closer to the two of them. The man's gaze shifted between me and Harriett before it landed on me. His gaze swept all over me from head to toe and I instantly felt a shiver on my spine.
"Well I guess you have a guest. I'll visit again, Harriett. Bye"
He hurriedly stated before he left us there with not even a single glance. I squinted my eyes at his retreating form and for some unknown reason, I concluded that I don't like him.
"He's gay"
My gaze shifted back to Harriett who was now hugging herself.
"What?"
"He's gay just in case you get the wrong impression"
And that hit me right in the head.
"Have people talked about indecent things about you just because some man was coming and going from your apartment?"
I asked bluntly but Harriett just shrugged before hugging herself tighter.
"It doesn't matter. Why are you here?"
So people did talk about that. Well it is what people would think about if a man comes and goes inside an unmarried woman's apartment. But I didn't realize that she was dealing with that right now.
Suddenly what I really wanted to say felt like it got stuck in my throat. I swallowed it down and cleared my throat before showing her the food containers I brought.
"Peace offering"
I said in a small voice suddenly aware that she has every right to reject my token of goodwill and apology. But Harriett only sighed and opened the door wide enough for me to enter.
"More like bribery"
She stated as she invited me inside and for the second time I could feel just how heavy her apartment is.
In every corner of the apartment was a reminder of Harriety, of what she likes, of books, canvases and paints, and yet the air still feels stuffy, heavy even. My gaze landed on the coffee table that had stacks of paper and her laptop as well as a tablet.
I saw a little movement by her couch and was immediately welcomed with Akira's eyes and soft bark.
She jumped out of the couch and ran towards me putting two of her paws up on my leg, looking up at me.
"Akira"
Harriett called softly which made Akira run towards her instead and she immediately scooped her up in her arms to hug her.
Was she cold? She's been hugging herself since earlier.
"Sorry, her fur might get stuck on you since I haven't brought her back for grooming just yet"
"It's fine"
Harriett only nodded at me and walked to the small kitchen area she had and sat on the kitchen island. I noticed that she doesn't have a table and dining area, just a kitchen island with tall stools.
I walked towards her and placed the containers on the table one by one. I watched her reaction as I did so but all I could see was her blank stare.
Once I finished setting it up, I sat across from her and waited for her but it felt like she was staring blankly on the containers without even blinking.
"Harriett?"
I called softly, afraid that something must have happened for her to act like that but when Akira barked at her, she blinked rapidly. Her gaze finally met mine and it widened when she realized that I already placed every bit of food in front of her.
"Sorry. I spaced out."
That's the second apology.
"It's alright. Are you okay? You can just eat these later and I'll just take them back some time if you're done"
"It's fine. I'll eat it, I haven't eaten yet anyway"
I nodded and watched her as she took a spoonful of the food I made. It was her favorite dish. She let out a sigh before taking out another spoon from the drawer and offering it to me.
I stared at it confused as to what I'm supposed to do with it.
"I don't like eating alone and being watched while eating"
She stated and I took that as a sign to dine with her. Not on my plan but well, I did come here for an apology so might as well get on her good side. I took a spoonful inside my mouth and watched her do the same.
"How's the taste?"
She looked up at me slightly, her long bangs almost covering up her eyes but I saw how it slightly gleamed like they were wet.
"Tastes like home"
She answered softly before taking another spoonful. It seemed like she didn't even realize what she had just said but I felt every bit of it. And somehow I don't find it revolting. So I kept quiet, watched her eat and from time to time took a bite so that she wouldn't feel like she was eating alone.
Somehow, this moment seemed just like perfection and I knew exactly why.
Because it's the exact same moment I had been imagining for nine years.