Heartbeats

Harry: (Shakes hands with Annabelle) Hi, I'm Harry.

Annabelle: (Slightly smiles) I'm Annabelle. Small world huh?.

Diana: (Confused) You two know each other?.

Harry: Fortunately, Annabelle and I happen to go to the same school. We...(feeling embarrassed) kind of bumped into each other.

Annabelle: I fell and bruised my hand. Your brother here helped take me to the nurse. (To Harry) I was kind of embarrassed falling in-front of everyone. Thanks to you I feel better.

Harry: (Smiling in a rather shy manner) You don't have to thank me.

Diana: (Notices Harry's facial expression. He looks shy) Okay everyone, let's gather. It's about time. (To Annabelle) Come with me. Let's go get the Cake.

Annabelle: Sure (they both walk to the kitchen to grab the cake. A few minutes later they both arrive the living room and everyone starts chanting the birthday song to Harry).

A Few hours Later.

Annabelle is outside, still at the birthday party, looking up to the sky and admiring the stars. A couple of guys approach her after making a bet about who will talk to her first.

Unknown Guy: Hey girl (checking her out from head to toe).

Annabelle: (Notices his glare) Excuse me?.

Unknown Guy: (Laughs) Ooops, my bad. The name's Michael (referring to himself while extending his hand for a greeting).

Annabelle: (Feeling disgusted by his attitude) I'm not interested. I'm sorry but, I'd rather be alone if you don't mind.

Unknown Guy: Common, you don't look like an introvert. Judging from your looks, you want some attention (referring to her dress. It's a short black dress, slightly above her knee).

Annabelle: (Angrily) Excuse me? (Harry immediately arrives after noticing a group of guys crowding Annabelle).

Harry: Hey, (sounding pissed) what's going on here?.

Unknown Guy: (Pretending nothing happened) Nothing man. I was just greeting the girl.

Annabelle: (To Michael) I think you and your group better leave.

Unknown Guy: Sure, no pressure (he leaves with his friends).

Harry: (Approaches Annabelle) Are you okay?.

Annabelle: I'm fine ( walks away, trying to avoid eye contact).

Harry: (Notices she feels uncomfortable) I'm sorry if those guys bothered you. I don't particularly know them, but I'll talk some sense into them. (Stutters) I'm.. I'm really sorry.

Annabelle: No, it's okay. I'm sorry, it's your birthday and I'm being rude. (walks a bit closer to Harry's position) Happy birthday.

Harry: (Gives a bright and happy smile) Thank you.

Annabelle: How old are you anyway?.

Harry: I'm 22. Today marks my 22nd birthday.

Annabelle: (Slightly smiles) That's wonderful (I'm starting to feel shy around him again).

Harry: (Would it sound weird if I asked her age?. I don't want her to feel uncomfortable) Uhm... (suddenly changes the question) So what major do you study?.

Annabelle: Computer Science. What major do you study?.

Harry: Something that has to do with being a doctor, but I doubt I'll ever get there.

Annabelle: Why do you say so?.

Harry: It's just a little bit hard sometimes (and the military camp too).

Annabelle: You'll be fine. Have trust in whatever you do. It's hard for me too. Sometimes I doubt if I'll ever get there. I'd rather work hard, rather than think about the possibilities of failing.

Harry: (Stares at her lovingly and smiles) You're the only girl that has ever spoken to me so confidently yet it sounds so beautiful.

Annabelle: I only spoke a few words. And yes, you're older than I am. I'm 19 ( I thought you'd want to know).

Harry: (She said it without me asking) You're beautiful.

Annabelle : (Heart beating fast. Stutters) Th..Thank you.

Harry: (Did I make her feel uncomfortable) Do you want to go inside?. I think it's getting chilly out here.

Annabelle: I should be going home any time soon. My mom is kind of strict.

Harry: Let's go, I'll help you find Diana.

Annabelle: Sure (they both walk back inside).

At Annabelle's Apartment

Diana brings Annabelle home in her car after 1hour of driving.

Annabelle: ( Unbuckles her seatbelt) Thank you for driving me home.

Diana: You're welcome. Thanks for coming to my brother's birthday party. You know, I'm kind of relieved that you know my brother. This is actually your second meeting.

Annabelle: Why would you say that all of a sudden?.

Diana: I saw the look on his eyes when he saw you. He kept looking for you all through out the party.

Annabelle: (Surprised) Why would he look for me?. It's not like we're close.

Diana: Girl, are you really that naive?, or are you just playing dumb?. This girl (referring to herself) who has been in 7 relationships will tell you what I think. I feel that my brother likes you.

Annabelle: (Getting out of the car) I'm leaving. Drive safe. Bye!.

Diana: ( Laughs while starting the car) Sooner or later you'll learn to accept it. Bye bye, take care ( drives away).

Annabelle: Goodbye (waves back and then walks to her apartment).