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Old Cadillac Parts: Where to Buy and How to Maintain Them
Owning a classic Cadillac is a dream for many vintage car enthusiasts. These vehicles symbolize luxury, elegance, and timeless design. However, maintaining and restoring a classic Cadillac requires dedication and access to high-quality old Cadillac parts. Finding authentic Cadillac parts and ensuring proper maintenance can keep your vintage ride in top shape for years to come.
In this article, we’ll explore where to buy old Cadillac parts, how to maintain them, and why choosing a trusted dealer like Caddy Daddy is essential for classic, vintage, and antique Cadillac enthusiasts.
Where to Buy Old Cadillac Parts
1. Caddy Daddy – Your Trusted Source for Cadillac Parts
Caddy Daddy is a well-known dealer specializing in classic, vintage, and antique Cadillac parts. Whether you need engine components, interior accessories, or exterior body parts, Caddy Daddy offers a wide range of high-quality products for different Cadillac models. Their inventory includes rare and hard-to-find parts, making them a go-to source for collectors and restorers.
2. Online Marketplaces
Many online marketplaces provide old Cadillac parts, including:
eBay – A vast selection of used and new Cadillac parts from various sellers.
Amazon – While not as specialized, some dealers offer classic Cadillac parts.
Craigslist & Facebook Marketplace – Local sellers may have rare Cadillac parts at reasonable prices.
3. Specialty Auto Parts Stores
Several stores specialize in vintage auto parts, including Cadillac parts. Some well-known ones include:
Hemmings
RockAuto
Classic Industries These platforms offer a mix of OEM and aftermarket Cadillac parts to suit different restoration needs.
4. Salvage Yards and Auto Junkyards
If you're looking for budget-friendly options, salvage yards and junkyards can be great sources for old Cadillac parts. Some yards specialize in classic cars and may have rare finds at competitive prices.
5. Cadillac Enthusiast Clubs and Forums
Classic car forums and Cadillac enthusiast groups often have members selling or trading old Cadillac parts. Websites like Cadillac & LaSalle Club or Classic Cadillac Forum can be helpful.
How to Maintain Old Cadillac Parts
Once you've sourced your Cadillac parts, proper maintenance is essential to ensure longevity and performance. Here are some key maintenance tips:
1. Regular Cleaning and Polishing
Use gentle cleaning products to remove dust and dirt from exterior parts.
Apply a protective wax to prevent rust and corrosion.
Keep chrome parts polished to maintain their shine.
2. Engine Maintenance
Change the oil regularly using high-quality motor oil suitable for classic cars.
Inspect and replace worn-out spark plugs, belts, and hoses.
Use high-grade fuel additives to keep the engine running smoothly.
3. Brake System Check
Inspect brake pads and rotors for wear and tear.
Flush and replace old brake fluid to maintain braking efficiency.
4. Battery and Electrical System Care
Check battery terminals for corrosion and clean them as needed.
Ensure all wiring connections are secure to prevent electrical issues.
Replace fuses and bulbs as necessary to maintain functionality.
5. Interior Preservation
Use leather conditioners for seats and upholstery.
Protect dashboard and trim from sun damage with UV protectants.
Regularly vacuum and clean carpets to avoid dust buildup.
6. Suspension and Tires
Rotate and balance tires periodically to ensure even wear.
Inspect suspension components for leaks and wear.
Keep tires properly inflated to maintain handling and safety.
Why Choose Caddy Daddy for Classic Cadillac Parts?
Caddy Daddy is a trusted name among Cadillac enthusiasts, offering a vast selection of high-quality old Cadillac parts. Here’s why they stand out:
Wide Inventory: From engine components to body panels, they have everything needed for restoration.
Authenticity: Their parts are either OEM or high-quality aftermarket replacements.
Expert Support: Their team understands vintage Cadillacs and can help customers find the right parts.
Competitive Prices: Affordable pricing ensures you get the best value.
If you’re serious about maintaining your classic Cadillac, Caddy Daddy is the go-to dealer for Cadillac parts.
Final Thoughts
Finding and maintaining old Cadillac parts is essential for keeping your classic ride in pristine condition. Whether you're restoring a vintage Cadillac or simply keeping it running smoothly, sourcing authentic Cadillac parts from trusted dealers like Caddy Daddy is crucial. Regular maintenance ensures your investment remains valuable and roadworthy for years to come.
Whether you choose online platforms, specialty stores, or salvage yards, always verify the quality and authenticity of the parts. With proper care and the right components, your Cadillac will continue to turn heads and stand the test of time.
#cadillac parts#vintage#classic#cheap cadillac parts#cadillac interior parts#classic cadillac#classic cadillac parts#vintage cadillac parts#used cadillac parts#old cadillac parts#caddy daddy store
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Lexus Car Parts for Sale and Used Parts for Ford
Introduction
Maintaining the performance and elegance of your Lexus or Ford vehicle doesn't have to break the bank. Purchasing used parts is a cost-effective and reliable way to keep your car running smoothly. This article provides essential information on sourcing, evaluating, and utilizing Lexus car parts for sale and used parts for Ford vehicles.
Benefits of Buying Lexus Car Parts and Used Ford Parts
Opting for used parts offers multiple benefits:
Cost Savings
Used parts are significantly less expensive than new ones, allowing for budget-friendly repairs and maintenance.
Environmental Sustainability
Reusing car parts supports recycling efforts and reduces waste, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Quality Assurance
Many used parts are OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) components, ensuring they meet the high standards of the manufacturer.
Types of Lexus Car Parts for Sale
Lexus vehicles, known for their luxury and reliability, have a wide range of used parts available:
Engines and Transmissions
Complete engines and transmissions or individual components like cylinder heads and gearboxes are available for extensive repairs or replacements.
Body Parts
From bumpers to doors and mirrors, used body parts help maintain the car's appearance and structural integrity.
Interior Components
Seats, dashboards, and other interior parts can be replaced or upgraded to enhance comfort and aesthetics.
Types of Used Parts for Ford Vehicles
Ford's diverse lineup offers numerous used parts for various models and years:
Engines
Used engines for Ford vehicles provide affordable options for replacements or performance enhancements.
Transmissions
Both automatic and manual transmissions are available to maintain optimal driving experience and performance.
Body and Interior Parts
Used body panels, lights, seats, and dashboards help restore or upgrade the vehicle’s look and functionality.
How to Source Reliable Lexus Car Parts for Sale
Finding dependable Lexus parts involves thorough research and consideration:
Certified Dealers
Certified dealers offer reliable and authentic used parts, ensuring quality and compatibility.
Online Marketplaces
Websites like eBay, Craigslist, and specialized automotive forums provide a wide selection of used Lexus parts.
Salvage Yards
Local salvage yards often stock used Lexus parts at affordable prices, making them a great resource.
Finding Reliable Used Ford Parts
Sourcing quality used Ford parts can be done through various channels:
Dealerships
Many Ford dealerships sell certified pre-owned parts, ensuring they meet the manufacturer’s standards.
Auto Recyclers
Auto recyclers specialize in reclaiming parts from end-of-life vehicles, providing an eco-friendly and budget-friendly option.
Evaluating the Quality of Lexus and Ford Used Parts
Ensuring the quality of used parts is essential for maintaining vehicle performance and safety:
Inspection Tips
Thoroughly inspect parts for signs of wear, damage, and corrosion. Look for visible defects that could affect functionality.
Common Issues
Be aware of common issues associated with specific parts, such as engine components prone to wear or transmission parts with known weaknesses.
Seller Reputation
Purchase from reputable sellers with positive reviews and verified credentials to minimize the risk of acquiring substandard parts.
Cost Comparison: New vs. Used Lexus and Ford Parts
Comparing the costs of new and used parts can highlight potential savings and value:
Price Analysis
Used parts typically cost significantly less than new ones, providing substantial savings.
Value for Money
Consider the long-term value, as high-quality used parts can offer similar performance and longevity to new ones.
Long-term Savings
Using used parts can lead to considerable long-term savings, especially for components that are notoriously expensive when new.
Installation Tips for Used Lexus and Ford Parts
Proper installation is key to ensuring optimal performance and safety:
Professional Services
Hire professionals for complex installations to ensure accuracy and reliability.
DIY Approaches
For simpler tasks, DIY approaches can save money. Ensure you have the right tools and follow detailed guides.
Tools Required
Having the correct tools is critical for successful installation. Basic tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, and specialized equipment for specific parts are necessary.
Warranty and Return Policies for Used Parts
Understanding the warranty and return policies for used parts can provide peace of mind and financial protection:
Understanding Policies
Familiarize yourself with the specific terms and conditions of warranties and return policies offered by sellers.
Ensuring Coverage
Ensure that the parts you purchase come with adequate coverage, particularly for crucial components like engines and transmissions.
Customer Rights
Know your rights as a consumer to seek replacements or refunds if parts fail to meet the promised standards.
Legal Considerations When Buying Used Car Parts
Navigating the legal aspects of purchasing used car parts is essential to avoid potential pitfalls:
Compliance
Ensure that the parts comply with local regulations and standards for safety and emissions.
Documentation
Keep thorough records of purchases, including receipts and any certification of authenticity or compliance.
Buyer Protection
Take advantage of buyer protection programs offered by some platforms and payment methods to safeguard your transactions.
Environmental Impact of Using Used Car Parts
Using used car parts has a positive impact on the environment by promoting recycling and reducing waste:
Recycling Benefits
Recycling car parts conserves resources and reduces the need for new manufacturing, which can be resource-intensive.
Reducing Waste
Utilizing used parts helps reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Eco-Friendly Choices
Choosing used parts is an eco-friendly decision that aligns with broader environmental conservation efforts.
Conclusion
Using Lexus car parts for sale and used parts for Ford vehicles is a smart, cost-effective, and sustainable approach to vehicle maintenance. By sourcing high-quality components, evaluating their condition carefully, and following best practices for installation, you can maintain your vehicle’s performance and appearance while saving money and supporting environmental conservation.
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Where to Find Hard-to-Find Parts For Classic, Vintage & Antique Cars
Classic, vintage, and antique cars hold a special place in the hearts of automobile enthusiasts. They represent a bygone era of automotive design and engineering, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past. However, maintaining these automotive treasures can be a challenge, especially when it comes to sourcing rare and hard-to-find parts. At AutoClassicX, we understand the passion and dedication required to keep these vehicles in pristine condition. Here's a comprehensive guide on where to find those elusive parts for your beloved classic, vintage, or antique car.

Specialty Car Part Stores
Specialty stores focus on parts for classic and antique cars. They have a deep understanding of the unique needs of these vehicles and often carry a wide range of components. AutoClassicX, for example, prides itself on stocking rare parts that are hard to come by elsewhere. These stores are often staffed by experts who can offer valuable advice and insights into your restoration project.
Online Marketplaces
The internet has revolutionized the way we shop for car parts. Websites like eBay, Craigslist, and specialized forums are treasure troves for hard-to-find components. These platforms allow you to connect with sellers worldwide, increasing the chances of finding the exact part you need. AutoClassicX also offers an online store where you can browse an extensive catalog of vintage and antique car parts from the comfort of your home.
Car Shows and Swap Meets
Car shows and swap meets are fantastic places to find rare car parts. These events bring together enthusiasts, collectors, and vendors who share a passion for classic cars. Attending these gatherings not only provides an opportunity to purchase parts but also to network with other enthusiasts who might have leads on the components you’re searching for. AutoClassicX frequently participates in such events, offering a selection of hard-to-find parts and engaging with the classic car community.
Junkyards and Salvage Yards
Junkyards and salvage yards can be gold mines for rare car parts. Many of these facilities have sections dedicated to classic and vintage vehicles. While it may require some digging and patience, the reward of finding a rare part at a fraction of the cost can be worth the effort. AutoClassicX partners with several salvage yards to source and stock unique components for classic cars.
Classic Car Clubs and Forums
Joining a classic car club or participating in online forums dedicated to vintage vehicles can be incredibly beneficial. These communities are often very supportive and willing to help fellow enthusiasts. Members may have spare parts they are willing to sell or trade, and the collective knowledge within these groups can lead to valuable recommendations. AutoClassicX maintains an active presence in various classic car clubs and forums, providing resources and support to enthusiasts.
Manufacturers and Reproduction Parts
In some cases, original parts may no longer be available, but manufacturers produce high-quality reproduction parts. These replicas are made to the exact specifications of the original components, ensuring a perfect fit and maintaining the integrity of your classic car. AutoClassicX offers a range of reproduction parts, ensuring you have access to the best possible replacements for your vehicle.
Restoration Specialists
Professional restoration shops often have extensive networks and can source rare parts for you. These specialists have the expertise to locate and install the components correctly, ensuring your car is restored to its former glory. AutoClassicX collaborates with renowned restoration experts to help you achieve the best results for your classic car project.
Conclusion
Finding hard-to-find parts for classic, vintage, and antique cars can be a rewarding yet challenging endeavor. By leveraging specialty stores, online marketplaces, car shows, junkyards, car clubs, manufacturers, and restoration specialists, you can significantly increase your chances of sourcing the rare components you need. At AutoClassicX, we are committed to helping you maintain and restore your automotive treasures, providing access to a vast inventory of rare parts and expert advice. Start your search with us today and keep your classic car running smoothly for years to come.
For More Info:-
AutoClassicX high-quality spare parts for classic cars
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Navigating the World of IH Farmall Tractor Parts: A Guide to Online Resources
For enthusiasts and farmers alike, International Harvester (IH) Farmall tractors hold a special place in agricultural history. These iconic machines have been a cornerstone of farming operations for generations. However, as these tractors age, finding the right parts to keep them running smoothly can become a challenge. Fortunately, the internet has made it easier than ever to locate IH Farmall tractor parts online. In this article, we'll explore the options available for sourcing these essential components and offer tips for a successful search.
Understanding IH Farmall Tractors:
Before delving into the realm of replacement parts, it's essential to have a basic understanding of IH Farmall tractors. Produced by the International Harvester Company from the 1920s through the 1970s, these tractors were known for their reliability, versatility, and distinctive red color. They were used for everything from plowing fields to powering stationary equipment, and their popularity has endured through the years among collectors and working farmers alike.
Identifying Your Tractor Model:
The first step in finding the right parts for your IH Farmall tractor is identifying the model you own. IH produced a wide range of Farmall tractors over the years, each with its own unique specifications and parts requirements. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available online to help you determine the model and year of your tractor, including serial number lookup tools and online forums where enthusiasts are eager to lend their expertise.
Online Parts Retailers:
Once you've identified your tractor model, the next step is to locate a reliable source for replacement parts. Fortunately, there are several reputable online retailers specializing in IH Farmall tractor parts. These retailers offer a wide range of components, from engine parts and electrical components to decals and accessories. Some of the most popular online parts retailers include:
Steiner Tractor Parts: Steiner Tractor Parts is a trusted source for vintage tractor parts, including a comprehensive selection of IH Farmall components. Their website features an easy-to-use search function, allowing you to quickly find the parts you need for your specific model.
Yesterday's Tractor Co.: Yesterday's Tractor Co. offers an extensive inventory of tractor parts, manuals, and accessories for a variety of makes and models, including IH Farmall. Their website features detailed product descriptions and photos to help you make informed purchasing decisions.
All States Ag Parts: All States Ag Parts specializes in agricultural equipment parts, including IH Farmall tractors. They offer both new and used components, making it easy to find affordable options for your repair or restoration project.
Auction Sites and Classifieds:
In addition to dedicated parts retailers, online auction sites and classified ad platforms can also be valuable resources for finding IH Farmall tractor parts. Websites like eBay and Craigslist frequently have listings for both new and used parts, often at competitive prices. While shopping on these platforms, be sure to carefully review product descriptions and seller ratings to ensure a positive purchasing experience.
Local Dealers and Salvage Yards:
For those who prefer to shop locally or need assistance with installation, local agricultural equipment dealers and salvage yards can be valuable resources for IH Farmall tractor parts. These businesses may carry a selection of new and used components and can often provide expert advice and assistance with repairs. Additionally, visiting a salvage yard in person allows you to inspect parts firsthand and ensure they meet your quality standards.
Conclusion:
Keeping your IH Farmall tractor running smoothly requires access to quality replacement parts, and the internet has made it easier than ever to locate the components you need. Whether you prefer to shop with dedicated online retailers, peruse auction sites and classifieds, or visit local dealers and salvage yards, there are numerous options available for sourcing IH Farmall tractor parts online. By leveraging these resources and doing your research, you can keep your vintage tractor in peak condition for years to come.
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Toyota Parts Sourcing: A Guide to Finding High-Quality Replacement Components
Finding the Best Toyota Car Parts
When it comes time to replace parts on your Toyota vehicle, using genuine OEM parts can ensure proper fit and operation. However, Toyota parts bought directly from the dealer can be quite expensive. Finding affordable alternatives from reputable suppliers can save you a lot of money without sacrificing quality or reliability. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips for locating the best aftermarket and used Toyota parts for your car or truck. Connect eFetch for the best Toyota car parts Oman
Research Online Parts Suppliers
A good way to save money on Toyota parts is to use online auto parts warehouses. Many of these allow you to search by vehicle make and model to find exactly what you need. Stick with larger, well-reviewed suppliers as they are more likely to have a wide selection of Toyota parts at discounted prices. Smaller niche shops can also offer deals on hard-to-find parts. Spend some time searching and comparing prices across a few different suppliers.
Check Local Junkyards and Salvage Yards
Visiting local junkyards and salvage yards is another excellent way to uncover used Toyota parts. Once you locate the section for Toyota vehicles, you can browse and find parts in decent shape to replace yours. Parts like doors, hoods, mirrors, engines, transmissions, etc can often be found in working order and cost a fraction of new parts. Just be prepared to do some hunting and get a little dirty while digging. Call ahead to make sure they have Toyotas on site.
Join Toyota Owners Forums
Specialized online forums for Toyota owners can also lead you to great deals on parts. Join forums dedicated to your particular Toyota model and browse for sale/wanted sections. Many members will offer up gently used parts they have swapped out or upgraded. You can also post that you’re looking for specific parts to see if anyone can help locate them. These forums are full of detailed technical knowledge to tap into as well.
Check Local Toyota Specialists
Developing a relationship with Toyota specialists in your area can give you an inside track on parts availability. They may be able to source both new and used replacement parts for you at reduced costs through their trusted supplier networks. Many also keep a selection of take-off parts available from previous jobs. Chat with their parts department about what you need and see if they can help you out with discounted pricing.
Use Social Marketplaces
Apps and websites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and OfferUp can all be great resources to find local sellers offering used Toyota parts. Search periodically using relevant keywords for the parts you need. Then browse through listed ads and contact any promising sellers. Be sure to ask questions about part condition, compatibility and included hardware before purchasing. Expect deep discounts, but shop wisely.
Buy Used Parts Online
For tricky to find parts, consider shopping on eBay and other reputable online marketplaces. Numerous sellers specialize in offering used Toyota parts pulled from vehicles. Search using your Toyota model, part names, OEM part numbers etc to locate listings. Factor in shipping costs and expected delivery times. Make sure there is a clear returns policy as well just in case.
With some diligent research and asking around, you can likely uncover quality used and aftermarket replacements for most Toyota parts. Shopping smart instead of paying full retail at the dealer can end up saving you quite a bit in maintenance and repair costs. Just take care to verify part condition, compatibility, warranties etc when going the used route.
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Unlocking Luxury: A Guide to Selling Used Luxury Cars

Luxury cars, with their sleek designs, cutting-edge technology, and superior performance, have always been a symbol of prestige and sophistication. However, like all vehicles, luxury cars eventually reach the point where their owners contemplate selling them. If you're in possession of a used luxury car and are considering selling it, this blog is your comprehensive guide to navigating the world of luxury car sales. From preparation and pricing to marketing and negotiation, we'll cover all the essential steps to ensure a smooth and successful selling experience.
Step 1: Prepare Your Luxury Car for Sale
Before listing your luxury car for sale, it's crucial to make it shine both aesthetically and mechanically. Here's how to do it:
Clean and Detail: Give your car a thorough cleaning, both inside and out. Consider professional detailing to make it look its best.
Service Records: Gather all service records and ensure your car is up to date with maintenance.
Fix Minor Issues: Address any minor issues, such as scratches, dings, or cosmetic imperfections, to present your car in the best possible condition.
Mechanical Inspection: Get a comprehensive mechanical inspection to identify and resolve any potential issues.
Replace Worn Parts: If necessary, replace worn tires, brakes, or other components to boost the car's value.
Step 2: Determine the Right Selling Price
Pricing your luxury car correctly is crucial to attract potential buyers. Here's how to set the right price:
Research: Look up similar models and their prices in your local market. Online platforms and dealership listings are valuable resources.
Consider Depreciation: Luxury cars typically depreciate faster than standard vehicles. Take this into account when determining your asking price.
Mileage Matters: Lower mileage generally fetches a higher price, so be prepared to adjust your price based on your car's odometer reading.
Condition: Highlight any recent maintenance or upgrades to justify a higher price.
Step 3: Create an Attractive Listing
To catch the eye of potential buyers, you need an appealing listing. Here's what you should include:
High-Quality Photos: Capture well-lit, high-resolution images of your car from various angles, inside and out.
Detailed Description: Write a comprehensive description highlighting the car's features, history, and any unique selling points.
Service History: Mention the car's maintenance and service records.
Pricing Information: Clearly state the asking price.
Contact Information: Provide accurate contact information for potential buyers to reach you.
Step 4: Market Your Luxury Car
To maximize visibility, use multiple marketing channels:
Online Listings: List your car on popular platforms like Autotrader, Cars.com, and Craigslist. Don't forget social media and luxury car forums.
Word of Mouth: Inform friends, family, and colleagues about your car, as they might know someone interested.
Dealerships: Consider consigning your car with a luxury dealership if they offer such services.
Step 5: Prepare for Negotiations
Expect potential buyers to negotiate. Be prepared to handle negotiations confidently:
Know Your Bottom Line: Determine the lowest price you're willing to accept and stick to it.
Be Patient: Don't rush into negotiations. Allow potential buyers time to make their decision.
Answer Questions Honestly: Be transparent about the car's condition and history.
Be Firm but Courteous: Be assertive in your negotiations but remain polite and professional.
Step 6: Complete the Sale
Once you've reached an agreement, finalize the sale:
Bill of Sale: Draft a bill of sale that includes both parties' details, the car's information, and the sale price.
Payment: Ensure payment is secure. Cashier's checks, wire transfers, or online payment platforms are safer options than cash.
Transfer of Ownership: Complete all necessary paperwork to transfer the car's ownership to the buyer.
Conclusion
Selling a used luxury car can be a rewarding experience, both financially and emotionally. By preparing your car, setting the right price, creating an attractive listing, marketing effectively, negotiating confidently, and completing the sale meticulously, you can ensure a successful transaction. Remember, selling a luxury car is not just about transferring ownership; it's about passing on a piece of automotive excellence to a new owner who will continue to appreciate its luxury and performance.
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Mountain View Trail System in Coeburn Virginia has a nice view and is a great place to take walks. you can also go mountain climbing. TOPIX, Craigslist Forums Replacement for Big Stone Gap VA Wise County.
#Mountain View#Trail System#Coeburn Virginia#mountain climbing#TOPIX#Craigslist#Forums Replacement#Big Stone Gap VA#Wise County#vacationa
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American Dream
AMERICAN DREAM, Chapter 1. You can find all other IkeSen works of mine here. NOTES: HOLY SHIT IT HAS BEEN A MINUTE. Thank you so much to @missjudge-me, who commissioned this whole piece. You have them to thank. I’m sorry it took so long for me to get back up, but being homeless and in grad school and working and getting formally diagnosed with an autoimmune illness and being in a pandemic and moving kinda takes it out of you. This was very fun to write. Enjoy!
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Masamune wasn’t used to his childhood bedroom anymore. His mother had converted his loft bed desk into her scrapbooking station. That was fine, in theory, except that it meant two things: one, she hadn’t changed the sheets in actual years, and two, the loft bed was still there.
“Sweet!” He announced with a laugh, scaling the ladder in a single bound. It’d felt so tall once. He ducked low against the ceiling, pressing his back flat. “Holy hell, I was smaller then.”
“Duh.” His brother, Kojiro, smirked from the door. Time changed everything. Masamune felt so big when he was in high school himself, but looking at his teen brother changed his perspective. “You’re a big lunk now. You eat like The Rock.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Masamune kicked off his boots and army-crawled into the loft.
“How much clearance you got?”
“Eh. Six inches from my chest to the ceiling?” He tried to roll onto his back and failed, laughing against the drywall. “Did you know about the time that I knocked myself out up here?”
Kojiro’s luminous blue eyes appeared over the lip of the bed. “Really?”
“Oh, yeah. Got too excited freshman year of high school, bolted straight up when the alarm went off.” He motioned at a dent in the ceiling. “I was late. Dad didn't stop laughing for about, I dunno—”
“—the whole ride there.” Kojiro chuckled. “Yeah. Sounds like him.”
The funeral wasn’t so far behind them that it didn't hurt, but it sure as hell hurt less. Masamune checked his knuckles into the dent. It was the whole reason for his coming home. His mother needed someone to sort out all of the old things, all the memories and bills she couldn’t bear to look at. It didn't matter that they’d never gotten along. Kojiro was her favorite; that was obvious (and Masamune couldn’t blame her for that, Kojiro was a joy by anyone’s standards). Even then he couldn’t let her hang in the lurch. His dad taught him better than that.
Damn. He missed his dad. Everywhere he looked in this old town, in this old house, were reminders. There was the trashy diner where they used to get the world’s best milkshakes once a week. There was the old stove with the broken burner they’d never replaced (because it was ‘perfectly good’) where he’d learned how to cook. And it wasn’t just his father he felt the absence of. Masamune fingered along the space between the wall and the loft bed where he’d pasted all the pictures and keepsakes from his friends. Him and Nobunaga, posing in a picture by the beach with matching glasses. Hideyoshi and Mitsunari peering at homework, Mitsuhide poised to drop an ice cube down his shirt. (Nobunaga was a broker in New York City, conquering Wall Street with Hideyoshi. Those two shared an apartment in SoHo, all the way across the country on the other coast. Hideyoshi worked with Nobunaga now, and no one knew what Mitsuhide did. Mitsunari was off in the Peace Corps.) There was a snapshot of Masamune and Ieyasu squished together in the back of an old 1960s Volkswagen Beetle his mom had for decades, Ieyasu frowning over a mouthful of jalapeno poppers. Ieyasu was a doctor in Maryland now. He was terrible at texting back, too. Masamune made a mental note to call.
And then there was Her.
Even after all this time, he missed their friendship. He fingered the worn photograph; After-Prom senior year, her in a bikini that made his stomach somersault, him holding her on his shoulders. She was laughing. He still wore the fake eye back then, and it sat oddly in the socket, but even that didn't take away from the sheer joy as he gazed up at her. When she lived with her parents in the little green house across the street, he used to build paper airplanes with stupid jokes scrawled in the folds and fling it at her window, hoping that they’d hit and knowing they never would. They’d measure how far it got from his front door and compare their poorly-kept notes, misremembering all the numbers.
Now she was out there in the world.
Kojiro craned his neck over the loft edge. “What’cha got up there?”
Masamune didn't answer that. Instead he wondered if she was happy. “If I’m gonna stay here for now, we gotta fix this situation. I’m too manly and brawny to fit up here. Wanna swap beds?”
“No! This thing is so uncool, you can’t get—” And the teenager furtively checked the doorway, lowering his voice. “You can’t get anyone up here with you.”
As an adult, Masamune rolled his eyes. As a brother, he snapped back, “I promise, you can.”
“Gross, why the fuck would I trade with you now—!?”
Downstairs, their mother shouted, “Who is swearing up there!?” Kojiro paled. Masamune, bolstered with smug elder brother energy, kicked him from the ladder.
“Move, punk! Run for your life! You fucked up!”
His mother, louder now. “Who said that?!”
“That was Masa!” Kojiro bellowed, fleeing the scene of the crime. “Masa said it that time!”
“That time!? Kojiro—!”
Masamune finally wriggled himself free from the narrow confines of the loft. On the way down, he pocketed the picture of Her.
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The only reason he remembered the day his dad bought the ‘85 Camaro was his mother was well and truly pissed about it. It wasn’t a pretty looking thing then. Masamune later sussed out that his dad had picked it off a side road out in the country because it was ‘a nice looking car’ and ‘could be fixed up’. Of course it could. Maybe it was his time in the military, but there wasn’t a damn car under the sun that his dad couldn’t fix. The Camaro was better than new, but his mom drove a newer Hyundai, so it sat neglected in the garage, shiny and electric blue and begging for a test run. When Masamune backed it into the driveway, his mother sighed ragged.
“I ought to sell that thing,” she announced.
Masamune bit back his reflex answer of ‘not on my watch’ and replied, “Kojiro’s gonna need a car when he can drive.”
“I’m going to get him something new. A nice car. That one is too old for anything now.”
“I could take it.”
“You already have that infernal death trap.” She thumbed at the Harley parked in the grass, right where she hated it most. In the name of getting along, neither of them had mentioned it. “You don’t need another car payment. Besides, don’t you have anything better to do right now? We have all sorts of things to settle with your dad’s estate.”
“Ma, the car is paid off.” But she was right in one way; he did already have a vehicle, and paying the taxes and insurance on both was a waste. It was sort of pointless, keeping the car in the garage forever. “I can’t do anything until I get the extra copies of his death certificate, and that’s gonna be a minute. I ordered them today. Did you want me to put the car on Craigslist or something?”
She gazed at it, her steel expression softening. Ah, yes. There was his mother. His parents loved each other dearly. It just took moments like this to remember it.
“Would you?” She replied. Her feather soft voice broke his heart. “I can’t bear to do it.”
“Yeah, Ma. I’ll get it to a good home.”
---
All it really needed was a wash and an oil change. The guys at the auto parts store whistled enviously when they handed over the filters. No; it wouldn’t be hard to sell at all. No doubt he could post it on some Reddit forum and get a hundred hits in an hour.
Masamune was about to post the listing when fate intervened.
The driveway was warm on his bare back, the first chill wind of autumn cooling his shoulders. His phone was stark against the sharp blue sky, his shirt rolled under his hair.
A shadow fell over him. “Masa?”
He blinked his only good eye, floundering against the sudden contrast. The woman murmured an apology, stepped away, and blinded him with sunlight again.
“Hey!” He laugh-yelped, rolling onto his stomach. “Goddamn!”
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry—”
“No, no, it’s fine.” He clutched at the Camaro’s bumper and pulled himself up, blinking sundots away. “Gimme a sec, hang on.”
And then—she swam into view, all bright eyes and curves and nothing like she used to be and everything like she used to be and so much better. Was this his friend, this fully grown woman with a face like all his best memories? Where his words? He was usually so good with them.
“That you, Masamune?” She asked, the ghost of a smile on her mouth.
“Well, hell.” SAY SOMETHING, YOU STUPID BASTARD. He forced a grin back—but then it arrived all on its own. “Wow. Damn. Where have you been this whole time, Kitten, Hollywood? You runnin’ everyone out of a job out there? Puttin’ those Hadids out of work?”
Her laugh was the same. Good God, it sent shivers all the way down his spine and into his toes. Her eyes crinkled and he wondered if he could bottle that expression. “You’re still calling me Kitten, huh?”
“Your fault for wearing cat socks all the time. I don’t see a reason to stop now, ‘specially now that you blinded me in my own driveway.”
Even her eye roll was a shot of nostalgia to the veins. What now? Did he shake hands? Masamune stared at his oil-slicked palms from changing the filter. “Well, if you don’t mind me smearing grease all over you… Shit, what am I asking for?”
“Oh my God, Masamune, do not rub motor oil on me!”
“Too late!” He charged forward. She squealed but didn't run; he caught her around the waist and squashed her against him, bringing her feet from the ground. Those eyes were wide with surprise and delight and so much joy. Something smelled of cinnamon and cloves. “God, is that your shampoo?”
“Yeah.”
“It’s great. You look great.”
She batted against his chest, wriggling in his grasp. “And you bulked up. What, you one of those CrossFit junkies or something now?”
“C’mon, don’t insult me like that. Their form is terrible.”
“And you ditched the glass eye.”
“It was hurting. Figured I might as well let the lid close up and deal with it. Not like I could see from it anyway.”
But she laced her hands around the back of his neck and tapped just above his brow. Such easy physical intimacy. Oh, how he’d missed that! They’d always been the most handsy of the friend group, never shying away from each other. “I wasn’t complaining. You rock the pirate look, Captain.”
Masamune snickered and clicked his tongue. “I’ll own that. I love some booty.”
With a roll of her eyes, she let the comment slide. “You busy? Wanna catch up?”
At last he let her slide from his arms, setting her feet on the ground. Why was the world so much colder when her body parted from his? “Hell yeah. Let me make you some gyoza and we’ll chat.”
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Craigslist Personals Alternative - Classified Sex Ads For Getting Laid
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Exploring IH Farmall Tractor Parts Online: A Guide for Enthusiasts and Farmers
The International Harvester (IH) Farmall tractors, a line of machines that revolutionized agriculture in the 20th century, remain a significant part of farming history. These tractors, known for their durability and versatility, have a dedicated following among farmers, collectors, and restoration enthusiasts. As these machines age, the need for replacement parts becomes crucial for their upkeep. In this digital era, sourcing IH Farmall tractor parts online has become more accessible than ever, offering a convenient and comprehensive solution for maintaining these iconic machines.
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sunflower.
where harry meets an endearing fan who has resilience for her not-so-uncommon situation.

a/n: hi, this is just a lil idea I thought of. it takes place on the night of the casamigos party but it’s not meant to be a really late halloween piece or anything. this is the first time I tried not to use y/n, an experiment that’s harder than one would think especially when writing in third person. anyway, thank you for giving this piece a chance, I really enjoyed writing it. happy reading!
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Her eyes sprinkle shut and reopen in a series of blinks. She rubs at their weariness, squints so that her vision can un-blur and refocus on the man across the diner. She repeats this frantic pattern, though it doesn’t make it any easier to digest the fact that Harry Styles sits in the same vicinity as her, a mere few feet away.
This man she idolizes is breathing, existing at the same time as her, in the same exact place with a crowd of other curious and hungry individuals. Prior to this October night, she envisions this moment in her wildest dreams. She envisions herself mustering up enough courage to walk up to him, to take a picture with him, even engage in a once-in-a-lifetime conversation. She envisions how warm his embrace is, how sincere his smile is, how charming his eyes are.
In spite of this, she never envisions the flashy Dodgers uniform that he currently wears to be in any of her daydreams. It is a garish thing. She’s not sure if the Swarovski crystals are part of the attire or part of alien skin; she doesn’t think that it’ll surprise her if he reveals himself to be of an entirely different species. He’s a unique breed, one that adores extravagance and is just too wonderful to be real.
Her eyes burn into his back, so much that she expects him to turn around with suspicion. On his upper, ELTON spaces evenly across in blue lettering and crystals. The corresponding 1 reaches from his middle down to his lower, but the back of the chair he sits in conceals the bottom half of the number. His accessories add a bit of spunk to the outfit; a matching blue hat with bold pink sunglasses. She discreetly grins in amazement. His costume is a pure representation of who he is: daring and dramatic.
“Here you go, sweetheart,” the waitress pulls her out of her thoughts, check in hand. Her head snaps back into reality and only then does she notice the way her mouth ignominiously gapes. Any second longer and she’s sure she would have started drooling.
She clamps her mouth shut and forces a smile up at the waitress. “Thank you,” she mumbles, reaches out to grab the leather check presenter, and diverts her eyes to the empty plate on the table in front of her. In a swift motion, she opens the small folder and slides her card out from one of the flaps. “Do you have a pen I could borrow, please?” She looks up and mimes a pen in her hand which scribbles invisible lines into the air.
The waitress nods. “Of course,” and pulls out a single black pen from the dozens that clip to her apron. She hands it to her customer with a gentle smirk, sneaking glances at the handsome man in front of them. “He’s cute, huh?” the waitress says, then looks to the woman who clicks the pen and opens up the calculator app on her phone.
She doesn’t have to look up to know whom she speaks of. “Uh, yeah, he is.” It is risky for a waiter to discuss something inappropriate with their customer, but the woman doesn’t necessarily mind it. If anything, she is grateful that the waitress risks it with her than some aggressive lunatic who doesn’t know how to speak kindly to other human beings.
“Such a nice guy, too,” the waitress presses on. “Always gives good tips.”
She doesn’t know if that is an allusion to give the waitress a steady tip, but by now she has already finished her calculations to fit with her budget. She slaps the booklet closed after staining her signature on the receipt with black ink. Her eyes trail up to the waitress in curiosity, reads the letters collectively on her nametag: Sahara.
“Really?” she asks, handing the check presenter back to its rightful owner. “Is he ... do you, like, know him?”
Sahara smiles as the woman places her card back into her wallet and stuffs all of her belongings into her shabby bucket bag. “He comes here a few times. Orders some chicken tenders and fries. Maybe a milkshake, when he’s feeling a little crazy.”
The woman laughs at this, and her mind immediately imagines the scenario. She can picture the intensity in his brow as he reads through the menu, even if he is already certain of what he wants. His voice is calm and gentle as he orders his meal, but then an idea sparkles in his green eyes. He licks his lips, yearns for the taste of a delicious milkshake, and decides that it is a good idea to ease up on the smoothies for once.
“You should talk to him,” Sahara says, once again interrupting her thoughts. She scolds herself in her head and wonders what dorky look must have been on her face this time.
She shakes her head. “Oh ... no, I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“I just ... I don’t want to bother him. He’s clearly with some friends.”
“It’s not like you’ll be the first to interrupt. If it makes you feel better, I think he prefers that you go up and introduce yourself rather than stalk him like an endangered animal and take discreet videos of him when he’s not looking.”
The woman tilts her head at this strange accusation. Sahara nods over to the table at their right where a group crams into a single booth. Though neither of them look in his direction, she can see the cunning smiles on their faces, and a couple of phones angle toward him on the table. Her heart suddenly grows heavy, especially when she realizes that it is too chaotic in this diner for Harry to notice.
“I don’t know,” she says, the devil and angel at war on her shoulders.
Sahara shrugs. “Alright, doll. Just a suggestion. Not sure when he’ll be back though. Los Angeles is a big city.”
"Yeah. Thanks, anyway.”
“Not a problem. Have a good night.”
Before she can thank her, Sahara is off to another table, tending to the customers over the quality of their meals. She looks around the table and double checks to make sure that she doesn’t leave anything behind. She’s been tight on money as of recently, so replacing miniscule items because of her forgetfulness is something she doesn’t want to waste her dollars on.
Her eyes look for Harry again. While his chair faces forward, his side profile is on full display. His body shakes as laughter erupts through it, the fingers of his right-hand grips a glass cup of water. His pink lips close around the straw in a smirk, sucking in the liquid as he focuses all of his attention to whoever speaks with him.
He’s beautiful. She doesn’t think it is possible for him to look even more beautiful in real life, but he does. It’s twice now that her eyes absorb his appearance on their own, without the aid of a picture in a magazine or on a digital platform. The first had been at the last show of his tour, his second night at the Forum. Her seats were decent, off to the side but enough to wonder for a split second if his eyes had met hers.
She stands up from the table, hangs the strap of her bag over her shoulder, and opens up the Uber app on her phone. It almost passes her mind how she has traveled into a different part of the city tonight, her bicycle safe at home, and her car long sold to some stranger on Craigslist.
The entrance is to her left. Harry is to her right. In any of her daydreams, she is brave enough to cross her path of existence with his. It therefore comes as an impulsive shock to her as she bears him one more loving glance before speeding to the left. She knows that he is enjoying himself and that he needs these moments to feel normal – although, in her mind she wonders how normal he can really feel while dining with Cindy Crawford’s family. So, she continues to walk forward and pushes the idea of his sweet embrace out of her head before she can convince herself to crawl back.
“Hey!” a voice shouts, but she pays no attention to it. There are dozens of chattering voices in this diner right now, and she thinks there are little odds that one of them speaks to her. It isn’t until an abrupt finger taps twice on her shoulder that she looks up from her phone in confusion.
She quickly turns around and notices Sahara the waitress huffing in front of her, hands on her uniformed hips. “My pen,” she says, gives the woman a kind smile at the accidental theft she makes. “You have my pen.”
“Oh.” She locks her phone, shoves it into her back pocket, and loosens up the drawstring on her bag. She sifts through the endless black hole and feels embarrassed when her hand pulls out the familiar black pen from somewhere in the side. “Sorry,” she says, clicks it before handing it back to Sahara. The waitress tells her that it is no problem, bids her another farewell, and dashes off once more.
She wonders how much of a difference that pen makes. Sahara clearly has dozens of them on her, all of varying colors, so how significant can that pen be? Enough to run after her customers apparently, but it still doesn’t make much sense to her.
About to turn around, her eyes gravitate toward the curly-headed man at the other side of the diner. She lets them linger, admiring him for a few seconds, suddenly feeling lost in this place. If she leaves, she cannot get back in; a burly security guard stands in the way of the double doors. If she leaves, she will never get the chance to thank him for his music that has become therapeutic for her during this difficult stage in her life. She will never get to tell him her name, to hear it fall from his tongue and lips with delicate sincerity.
It can’t hurt.
Before she changes her mind a second or third time, she tightens the drawstrings on her bag and walks up to his table. Her chin tilts upward, eyes firm on her target, and ignores the cold sensation in her bones. She is going to do it. She will. She almost does, but just a couple feet away from him she feels herself freeze. Her heart races, her forehead gets sweaty, and her feet plant firmly on the tile floor.
I can’t do this.
Despite her thoughts, she doesn’t make a move to walk away. She doesn’t think she can. The lively atmosphere of the diner mixes with the nerves in her body and chains her to the floor. If she doesn’t move now, someone at his table will surely point her out.
Oh my god, what am I going?
She looks away. Her front teeth bite down on her bottom lip, and she turns away before turning back. Her body fidgets in the middle of the walkway, at war with her mind, and she cringes over how strange this must look to any onlooker. In the end, she closes her eyes, inhales and exhales deeply, and opens herself to the world to turn back to face him.
There has been a fair amount of spooks in her short lifetime, especially now with the Halloween season in full effect. Yet, to her, there is nothing scarier than facing Harry Styles, only to find his eyes already staring.
His body turns to the left, a warm smile on his face. She imagines that his eyes must look the same, if not for the bedazzled pink sunglasses that moderately hide them. Her jaw drops a couple centimeters before she picks it back up, swallows harshly, and lets out a nervous giggle. Her hand manages to send him a twinkly wave, to which he reciprocates flawlessly.
“Hi,” he greets her, the dimple on the left making her heart clench. She takes a short moment to process the fact that he sees her, that he smiles at her, and that he is actually talking to her.
“...H-Hi,” she says back, sending herself a positive affirmation for completing such a minimal task.
“How are you?”
His voice is deep. It’s so nice to hear it authentically rather than having it travel through a microphone and out the speakers of a sold-out arena. “I’m good,” she answers, ends it with a smile and a nod, almost as if she reassures herself. “How are you?”
He lets out a measly laugh, noticing the way she nervously fumbles with her bag. “I’m fine, thank you,” he says, but from his behavior this entire night, she knows that he is more than fine. He is happy, and it is remarkable and relieving to see him this way.
She nods repetitively. “Of course, yeah, that’s cool.” In her daydreams, she is interesting enough to come up with a hundred different conversational topics. She imagines impressing him with her intellect, wooing him with her charm. In this moment, her tongue hides in her mouth, words suddenly disappearing from her vast vocabulary.
“What’s your name?” he ends up asking, saving her from complete and utter embarrassment. She pauses for a short second, searches her archives for the most basic piece of information about her, and recites it loud enough for him to hear. He repeats her name, sounds out all of the syllables, and devours each letter in his English accent. “I like that,” he says. “It’s nice. Pretty.”
Her mouth opens again. “Oh, oh thanks!” she smiles, feels herself burn up. Harry Styles has just told her that her name is pretty, and she responds with: “Your name is pretty too!”
Harry laughs at the grimace that crosses her face. “Thank you, I appreciate that.” He leans on the table with his elbows, looking back at the woman with his head raised so that his cap cannot block his view.
She’s being remarkably awkward. Harry has done his part. Now he looks up at her and waits for her next move. He doesn’t seem to be the initiator of conversation, a fact that makes her job so much more difficult.
“Sorry,” she blurts, a word he has probably heard a million times before. “I’m being weird.”
“No, no, it’s alright—”
“This is a lot to take in.”
“You’re fine, love—”
“It’s just that you mean so much to me.”
Harry pauses. His mouth gapes, only a little, before it closes in a shy smile. She wonders why there is a sudden blush in his cheeks, his eyes searching the floor. He has probably heard those same words a countless number of times as well. Can it be that he is so humble that it still affects him every time someone says it to him? Does he stay up at night and ponder how it is possible that he impacts people’s lives, and that they love him, even if they do not know him?
“Really?” he asks. His eyes dart back up to her, which makes her notice how amazing he is at eye contact. It is incredibly intimidating, but his persona is so welcoming and sweet that she feels herself easing up.
“Well, of course,” she raves, stepping closer to him. The other people at the table talk amongst themselves, paying no mind to her. Like Sahara had said: she’s not the first to interrupt. “I know you probably get this a lot, but your album is amazing. I listen to it all the time.”
“Wow.” He grins widely, so much that she can see those two precious front teeth of his. “That means a lot to me. Thank you.”
“No, I should be thanking you! I cried the first time I heard the album in full. But in a good way! You’re an amazing songwriter, by the way. I kind of thought about tattooing a lyric, but tattoos are kind of expensive so that’s going to have to wait. It’s okay, though, I’m not rushing into anything. I have other things to take care of first, but it would be cool, you know?”
She doesn’t notice how she rambles, not even when he chuckles to replace a response that he can’t seem to find an opportunity to get out. His laughter is so lovely, her ears feel as if they’re falling in love. He overwhelms her senses, especially when she breathes in a whiff of his unique scent. It all feels so magical.
“...so that’ll just be a plan for the distant future, but hopefully not when I’m old and pruney. I don’t think it’ll look as good, and I’m not very tolerable with pain as it is. Anyway, the album’s great, it was even better live. I cried again, a lot actually.”
He manages to sneak an inquiry in when she takes a moment to breathe. “Really?” his eyebrows shoot up, hidden by the sparkling cap. “You went to one of the shows?”
“Yeah!” she exclaims, recalling how happy it had made her to see her idol so passionate on that stage. “You did amazing. It drained a lot of my energy though, emotionally and physically. I had a feeling you were going to sing Girl Crush, but it still stuck a knife into my heart.”
Harry smiles. “In a good way?”
“Of course,” she reciprocates the gesture, “and well, you definitely know how to close a show. I don’t understand how you were able to perform Kiwi three consecutive times, but wow, it was quite a sight to see.” She swallows down a laugh when she remembers what she had said while leaving the Forum: crackhead Harry is insane, I want whatever he’s taking. “It was just a really great experience overall. So, thanks for that.”
“My pleasure,” he replies. She praises herself for the minute or two of steady conversation, but the pause that quickly ensues sticks her at a dead end. She has already thanked him, has already heard her name fall from his lips. She doesn’t want this moment to end, but what more is there to do?
“Uh...” her voice trails off as she struggles between two options: ask for a picture or ask for an autograph. For some reason, she feels that it is too much to ask for both. After all, he’s not in this restaurant to please others. He’s just here to have a good time. “I don’t want to be a bother, but do you mind signing something for me?”
Harry nods immediately, his entire body now shifting to face her. “Of course, love. Not a problem.”
She smiles with gratitude, thanks him again, and pulls at the drawstring of her bag. She knows that a picture will help her remember the moment more clearly, to recall what his smile looks like and what she wears on this fortunate night. She doesn’t even have anything specific that she wants him to sign, but the idea of having something for her eyes only makes her feel special. It makes the moment far more memorable than it already is.
After searching through her bag, she decides to pull out her planner from the bottom. It is a little something that she tries to utilize as often as she can, especially given her situation. She flips through the book and tears out a single lined page from the back, the word notes in the header. She hands it to him, the left edge torn a mess, and drops her jaw in realization.
“I don’t have a pen,” she admits, as if the world will suddenly end. With the paper in his left hand, Harry points up a single finger as to say one moment and turns to his friends. He asks if either of them have something to write with, to which the other individuals in costumes begin to search whatever belongings they have brought along with them.
“Right here,” Cindy announces, presenting the pink gel pen from her small purse before handing it to Harry.
Holy shit, Harry Styles is going to sign a page from my planner with Cindy Crawford’s pen.
“Thank you,” he says, then stands up from his chair. “Here, sit,” Harry tells her, to which she does a double take.
“Sit?” she repeats. He nods his head, walking around his chair only to sit in the empty seat next to it.
“Yeah, I don’t want to have you standin’ there all night.�� He pushes the seat back for her, uncaps the gel pen with his mouth before remembering that it is not his. He quickly shoves the cap on the other end of the pen, sparing her a look that says whoops! and sets the page down on the table.
“Uh ... okay.” She hesitantly complies. “I’m not taking anyone’s seat, am I?”
Harry shrugs. “Just mine.”
“Are you taking someone else’s seat because I’m taking your seat?”
She finally situates herself on the warm chair, somewhat uncomfortable that she joins a table of very important people. She does relax knowing that she no longer towers over anyone else; it screams for attention.
Harry gives her a look. “No! What kind of a person do you think I am?”
“I don’t know, maybe a very busy one. Definitely kind, probably a little stressed at times, I totally feel you on that.” Harry smirks, which makes her shoulders cocoon awkwardly. “Oh, that was rhetorical. Right. Sorry.”
“No worries, I’m only teasing,” he assures her. “Is there anything you’d specifically like me to write?” Harry hovers the tip of the pen over the page. He is in full preparation for this favor, and all he needs is her permission to surge on. She responds with a combination of a shrug and the shake of her head. “It’ll be a surprise then.”
He winks at her, and she feel her fingers tingling. “Guess so.” Her eyes divert to the ceiling. She doesn’t want to ruin the surprise of whatever he is writing.
“Am I keeping you from someone?” he ponders aloud, shifting his eyes to her before proceeding with his scribbling. “Is someone waiting for you?”
“No. I came here alone.”
“Alone? On a Friday night? Why’s that?”
“Because it’s a Friday night. I don’t know that many people in the city, and the few that I associate with are probably out drinking their feelings away. I know I’m just going to end up being the designated driver and having to mother a bunch of drunks. While it is good practice, and as much as I want to keep them safe, I’d rather use my treat yourself Friday for something a little more enjoyable.”
“Treat yourself Friday?” Harry repeats, smiling down at the paper. He doesn’t think he’s ever heard of anything like that before.
“Yeah, so basically, the last Friday of every month, I just do that. Treat myself. Spend the day however I want. I don’t use a lot of vacation days, so I try to take off work whenever I can so that I can have the entire day free. If I want to go out to Disneyland, I’ll do that. If I want to stay in bed and watch movies all day, I’ll do that. It’s just a little reward to myself for getting through the month.”
“That sounds sick. I really like that. So, tonight, you’re treating yourself with some Mel’s?”
“Yeah, today was more of an adventure day. Exploring parts of the city I don’t usually go to. It was a little hard, the baby doesn’t really like me walking everywhere, but part of treat yourself Friday is to commit to any—”
“Wait,” Harry bluntly interrupts, his hand stopping in the middle of the page. He looks up at her with an apology in his eyes. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to cut you off, but did I hear you say baby?”
She thinks back to the words that have just come out of her mouth a moment ago, then simpers and nods. “Uh, yeah, I’m uh...” Her smile grows wider, but she can’t exactly find herself saying it aloud. Instead, she pulls back the end of her t-shirt, which is sizes larger than she actually is. She grasps as much material as she can, smoothening the front so that it shapes and cradles her growing belly underneath.
Harry’s eyes begin to glow. “You’re pregnant?”
“Indeed I am.”
“Wow. That’s incredible! Congratulations. How far along are you?”
She thanks him with a shy giggle. “Almost 14 weeks. It’s been a crazy transition, but it’s also been a very eye-opening one.”
“I can only imagine. That’s a delight to hear,” he says her name, and now he thinks it is one that he will never forget. “So, the father, does he worry about letting you go off and spend the day by yourself? Y’know, in case something happens?”
At this, the woman’s smile falters. She releases the fabric of her shirt, smoothing out the wrinkles while searching her lap. “I uh, I actually don’t know where the father is. Well, I do, I know who he is, but I don’t ... you know.”
She suddenly grows self-conscious. There is not one person in this entire diner that knows her personally, but she fears their eyes are all on her, judging her for the situation. Yet, when she looks up at Harry, his eyes drown with comfort and understanding, perhaps even a bit of empathy.
“I’m sorry. Can I ask why?” He slightly frowns, his soft voice lost in the overlapping conversations of the diner. “If it’s alright?”
“It’s ... kind of a long story.”
“You don’t have to tell me, if you don’t want to. I’m all ears either way.”
She feels her heart warm at this. It is one thing to know about his kindness and positivity, but it is another thing to actually experience it for herself. It sometimes feels like a sob story every time she recites it for someone new, but she doesn’t particularly worry about that with Harry. From the way he looks at her, she knows he’s being sincere.
“Okay ... it’s a little cliché, but basically, I met this guy at a bar last year. He was the lead guitarist for his band playing that night, which I found very ... appealing. My friends noticed him looking over at us, so after a few flirtatious glances, they invited him and his band over to our table after the set. Little did I know, I would end up dating him maybe a couple weeks later.”
Harry snickers quietly. “Rock stars, huh? Like pests, you can’t get rid of em’.”
She smiles in embarrassment. She tries to not let it show that she admires Harry in a similar, but much brighter light. He is, after all, a handsome man.
“I guess we just really got along. I ended up spending a lot of time with him, which was fine for me because I really liked him. He really did become this ... important part in my life. Months later, he quits his band and tells me that he’s going to pursue a solo career in LA, asks if I would go with him. I basically fell in love with the guy, so obviously I said yes and we moved into a small apartment in the city. Everything was great, spending lots of time together, practically the same. We even went to your concert together, but to make a long story short: one night, no condom, pregnant me.”
“Pregnant you,” Harry confirms, as he has seen her belly with his own two eyes.
“Right. So, pregnant me is scared, which is reasonable. We’re still really young, striving for our own careers and purposes in life. While I was, y’know, scared shitless, I never ... I never doubted the love I had for him. I didn’t know what was going to happen, how much my body was going to change, but I knew that I loved him. I love this baby too, because they’re ... it’s us. He always said that we were in this together. Wish I hadn’t been so naïve to believe him.”
“You’re not.” Harry frowns. “It’s basic human decency for someone to keep their word. It’s not your fault for putting your trust in someone you love.”
She smiles sadly at his words, then continues. “I expected his shock when I told him. Maybe even some disbelief, but I thought after some time he’d open up to the idea. Instead, he’s telling me that he can’t do this anymore. He says he loves me, but he can’t support me and the baby, not when his career is this close to skyrocketing. So, he breaks up with me and gives me a couple weeks to find a place or a friend to live with.”
“He kicked you out?” Harry asks, a hint of surprise and anger.
“He wanted to be a rock star, I guess. Rock stars don’t want to have their place littered with baby toys and pregnant-woman messes.”
Harry purses his lips at this. He flips the gel pen with his slim fingers, then shakes his head. “That’s not true. Real rock stars don’t abandon their families. Real men don’t run away from their shit, pardon my French.”
She giggles at his bluntness. “It’s ironic, huh? He wants to be a rock star and here I am, talking to one of the biggest in the industry.”
Harry blushes. He may be a little narcissistic at times, but most compliments have him all bash-like when they’re face-to-face. “Can’t believe he had the nerve to attend my concert and then do what he did,” he grumbles. “I mean, did he even read what’s on my merchandise? He didn’t even have to buy the shirt, it’s on the bloody bag. It was painted all over the arena, for Christ’s sake.”
“I don’t know. I guess he’s as oblivious as he is a jackass.”
“That’s right.” He laughs. “I’m sorry to push on this so much, but do you ... have someone?”
“What do you mean?”
“Is there someone that’s helping you with this? Family, or somethin’ like that?”
She gives him a disappointed look. “Well, I have family,” she explains, “but they don’t live here. On top of that, they were really angry with me for leaving with him. So, they haven’t disowned me, but they’ve made it pretty clear that this is not their problem to deal with. My parents said that if I was responsible enough to move to a new city with my boyfriend of less than a year, then I’m responsible enough to take care of myself.”
“Oh. I’m ... sorry about that.”
“Tough love, I guess.” She shrugs. “They’ll still visit, maybe even spoil the kid like grandparents do. For the most part, all I have is myself and the occasional friend that is willing to drive me to work every morning.”
Harry stays silent. He doesn’t know what more he can say to her. Nothing can change the fact that she is a single pregnant woman left to raise a child on her own.
A short moment passes as the two simply stare at each other. She absorbs the strange atmosphere lingering between them, but is afraid to point it out in fear that it is only her. Harry breaks away first, focuses back on the letter, and signs it off with his bulky autograph.
“Here you go.” He hands her the sheet, then caps the pen to return it. The woman takes the page and eagerly folds it in half to stick in her bag. She doesn’t want to ruin the surprise, so she reserves it for when she gets back home.
After thanking him again, she makes a move to stand up. Her eyes roll instead, a sigh releasing from her nostrils. “Damn. All this time and I forgot to call an Uber.”
“What? You’re taking an Uber home?”
“Yeah, I don’t have a car. I wasn’t going to have enough for rent this one time, and it was already late, so I kind of just made an impulsive decision to sell it. It’s okay, though, I’m managing. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a major difference, but all it really means is that I can’t leave a place whenever I want. It really teaches me some patience. Guess The Office is just going to have to wait.”
Harry stares at her. He doesn’t say anything, nor does he indicate that he is planning to. She dejects at this and realizes that she speaks to him as if he is her therapist. As if he is someone that she knows personally, rather than a stranger that she looks up to.
“Sorry. I’m rambling too much. Anyway, I should be going. Or, in my case, wait for my Uber outside. Thanks again for the autograph, and for sparing me your time. It means a lot. Sorry for all of the word vomit, again. Nice meeting you.”
She doesn’t know how she can be any more embarrassing, but she doesn’t give herself an opportunity to find out. Her body works quickly as she steps up on her feet, maneuvering around the space between Harry and the empty chair, then quietly ambles on to the entrance.
“Wait, wait!” he calls out her name. To say she is perplexed is far beyond an understatement. Her heart drops in her chest, confirming his soft command in case her mind convinces her otherwise. She stops and turns around to find him speed-walking up to her. “Why don’t I take you home?”
She blinks up at him. Is she dreaming? Is this another daydream? Of course, in those, she isn’t a single pregnant woman who rides Ubers home regularly.
“You ... what?”
“Please, let me take you home. I don’t mind at all, it’s the least that I can do.”
"Wh – the least that you can do for what?”
Harry shrugs, sliding off his pink bedazzled glasses. She meets with his green eyes, alluring in person, even more so in this close proximity. “Just for you,” he answers. “Ubers aren’t always the safest way to get home. I want to make sure that you get to your ... The Office safe.”
She gives him a benign smile. “It’s a show.”
“I know. I don’t think I’ve ever watched it before. I’m being serious, though. It’s no trouble. Please.”
“I don’t want to take you away from your friends...”
“That doesn’t matter. We’ve come from a Halloween party. The night’s practically over. Please don’t make me ask again, or have to say please again. Please.”
He is so charismatic and endearing that she has to laugh. She never expects her night to include Harry Styles offering her a ride back to her place. It sounds ridiculous and unimaginable, so much that her daydreams have never conjured up such a thought.
“I think it might be a little bit out of your way...”
Harry deadpans. “Really? Are you just coming up with random excuses now?”
“No, it’s true! You probably live in like ... I don’t know, the mountains or something? Beverley hills? Hollywood? I’m miles away from there.”
“Alright,” he says, sliding his sunglasses back on his face. “That’s it. I’m taking you home. I don’t want to hear it.”
He shushes her by bringing his index finger up to his smiley lips. He suavely turns around and walks back to his table to inform his friends of his departure and to say his goodbyes. He makes sure to give everyone around the table an individual parting, whether it is a kissy cheek touch or a firm handshake. A short minute later, he returns back to his new passenger, then leads her to the guarded entrance.
“Just give me a mo’, darling,” he tells her, walking up to a man on the inside of the glass doors. She watches the two discuss, the sensation of prying eyes practically scorching her at all angles. There is a lot of head nodding between Harry and the man, but their conversation finishes with a kind handshake. Harry saunters back to her, his pink lips puckering with a melodic whistle. “We’ve just got to wait for the car to pull up,” he explains, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Kind of like an Uber,” the woman retorts, then avoids his narrowing yet playful eyes.
In the interim of their waiting, the pair engages in some more small talk. She mentions his Halloween costume, to which he boasts over, speaking highly of the people who had made it for him as well as the origin of his idea. This leads to a conversation about music, where she names an artist that she loves and Harry recalls his experience meeting them. It somehow leads to more pregnancy talk; her specific cravings and strange antics she acquires, as well as how much she hates not being able to sleep on her back.
When the man at the doors informs the two that the car is ready, Harry turns to her with a serious demeanor. “Erm, there’s not much I can do about this, but there will probably be some people out there. Photographers, fans...”
“Oh.” She nods and clutches her bag tighter.
“Yeah, I know. I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s fine. It’s totally out of your control, I get it.”
Harry nods as though he disagrees but doesn’t want to press it any further. He takes off his pink sunglasses, turns them around, and holds them in front of her frazzled face. She looks up with bemuse, frozen as the sunglasses inch closer and closer. When the two tips touch her cheeks, she flutters her eyes closed, permitting him to slide them on. As her heart compresses with tenderness, she feels a slight weight falling against her hairstyle, not fitting on her head quite right.
When her eyes open, his face is bare, and his luxurious curls pat down in a weird style. “Just in case,” he says, almost in a sad way. He runs his fingers through his hair and shakes the style a bit, not quite accomplishing much.
She only nods to assure him that it is okay, that she understands. She second guesses herself – the ambience is so strange, she can’t be the only one to notice. He goes on to inform her that when the doors open, the two will simply walk out, she in front of him and both behind the security guard. The car will be straight ahead for her to climb in first, but he also advises her to look toward the ground on her walk there.
She can’t find any words to express how she feels about all of these precautions. The doors open, and her bones feel like ice cubes in the already freezing liquid of her blood. She does as he says, follows the burly man that steps in front of her, guiding her to the vehicle. Her vision moves to the concrete, a slight commotion of excited voices and camera shutters on either side. The name Harry flies around like a swarm of bees, both endearing and chaotic. Harry, I love the costume! How are you doing, Harry? Harry, can you look over here?
Lifetimes seem to pass before she reaches the car, the back-right door open as a helpful hand guides her in. She thanks him quietly, but she’s not sure if he hears it before Harry climbs in after her. The car door shuts abruptly and conceals them both in the tinted windows and sleek black doors of the backseat.
“That was fun,” she mumbles, taking off the hat and the glasses and setting them on the seat in between them. She wonders if anyone had even noticed her.
Harry responds with an eyebrow raise and settles himself into the cold leather seats. She notices how the material begins to heat up, warming her bottom and the back of her thighs. The driver greets them both, and after Harry reciprocates the welcome, he explains to him the current situation.
“No problem,” the driver replies. “The address?”
“Oh, here, I can pull it up on my phone’s map—”
“No, no,” the driver cuts her off as she looks up quizzically from the bright screen. “It’s okay, you can just tell me the general area.”
The woman tilts her head. When she looks to Harry, he gives her a small smile. “He knows his way around,” he tells her.
The driver’s eyes gleam at her through the rearview mirror. She responds with a timid smile and recites the area of her neighborhood in the same manner. It’s a part of the city that people don’t tend to boast about. Tourists and newcomers picture the downtown area when they think of Los Angeles, or even the houses up in the hills. Her neighborhood is more discreet, but she doesn’t mind it so much. It’s calm, it’s as quiet as it can be in the city, and it is right in her price range.
“So ... how do you like LA?” she speaks up when the silence becomes a tad bit too uncomfortable for her. She’s thankful that the city lights are the only illumination in the car. He can’t see her cringe at her spontaneous question this way.
Harry shrugs. “It’s nice. I’ve had a house here for a while. Hasn’t always treated me good, but it still has lots of memories. Good ones.”
“Nice. That’s nice. Crazy, though. You’ve probably been living here since you were a teenager. You’re so young, but so accomplished at the same time. Or not! What do I know? I don’t know your aspirations. You’ve got a long way to go, mister, your career’s not even a decade old.”
She doesn’t know why her tongue refuses to shut up, but it always drags on for too long before she realizes it. Either way, he responds with a chuckle every time. “Not yet. Almost there, though.”
“Right. Eight years,” she says under her breath. “Don’t forget to tweet next year.”
“What was that?”
“Huh? Wh – nothing.”
Harry eyes her suspiciously, but then the ends of his mouth curl upwards in a smug. “I try to settle down when I can,” he explains. “I didn’t get the chance to do that for a while.”
She frowns at his words. She knows how overworked he and his friends had been. It’s disheartening when she really thinks about it, but his life now – he’s as relaxed as a rock star can be. Stress is a given factor, but he seems to be more in control of his life than ever. That brings her enough peace of mind.
After the decent-length car ride to the general area of her neighborhood, it turns out that the driver does need to use a GPS to guide him the rest of the way. He has never been asked to drive around this area. She offers to talk him through it – just make a left here, and then go on for like, a few lights – but he assures her that it is much easier for her to relax and for the faceless voice to help him. Before she pulls out her phone, his fingers are tapping away on the built-in stereo touchscreen.
Harry peers curiously through the closed window, observing all of the complexes and houses with chipped paint and rusty cars. She doesn’t say anything, nor does she really want to. What more could impulsively ramble out of her mouth, offering far more insight than is necessary?
She releases a calm breath once the car eases to a halt on the street of a familiar up-down duplex. The sound of the doors simultaneously unlocking is all it takes for her to bid her farewells. “Thank you, sir,” she says, exchanging a look with the driver through the rear-view mirror. She turns to Harry as the lights inside the vehicle fade on. “And thanks again, Harry. I don’t know how many times I’ve said it tonight, but this was really nice of you to do.”
He dismisses it with a shrug. “Just common curtesy.”
“It’s not as common as you think. Anyway, I really appreciate it. I hope you have fun ... uh, doing whatever it is you’re doing now. Can’t wait for the new album. Goodnight.”
She flashes one more beaming smile before slinging her bag over her shoulder and pushing the door on her left open. She hops out foot-by-foot, ignoring the strange look Harry had given her, which is the last memory she will have of him for this never-ending moment. The sadness instills as she slams the door shut as quietly as she can – tomorrow is Saturday, a perfectly fine working day for her neighbors. She feels her heart weigh heavy on the gravel street as she rounds the back of the vehicle. With the wide duplex high in her sights, she steps a few steps forward and onto the curb of the sidewalk, in tune with the serenity of the night until she sees Harry’s vague figure standing next to her.
“Oh,” she says in surprise. There is also a slight fear due to the surrounding darkness. “Hi again. Did ... What happened? Did I forget something?”
Harry shakes his head. He steps to the side and shuts the back-right door of the car. “No. Nothin’ happened. Just want to make sure that you get home safely.”
“...I am home.”
He looks to his far left, then turns to his far right. He even stretches his neck a bit to peer over the vehicle’s top. “Strange home. Doesn’t seem to be ... any walls as far as I’m concerned. Nothing to keep you safe from the outside world. Not even a roof.”
She realizes what he means, which makes her playfully narrow her eyes at his slight sarcasm. “I think I can make it the few extra steps on my own.”
“Nothing wrong with being cautious.”
“I’m pregnant, not defenseless.”
“I know that. My conscience is almost as powerful as my ego, unfortunately.”
She can’t help the laugh that roars through her. With modest shame, she purses her lips and twiddles her fingers against them. “Fine. C’mon then. I could’ve finished season five by now.”
She leads him past the wide sidewalk and into the general confinements of the duplex’s property. Her trail heads up a flight of stairs against the side of the building, to which she turns her head and says, “I’m on the second floor,” over her shoulder.
“I see that,” he butts in. “I don’t see you holding onto the railing there.”
She discreetly rolls her eyes as her right hand slides onto the dirty railing, hovering over it in between every few steps up. In a few seconds, she reaches the balcony in front of her door, loosening the drawstrings of her bag to search for her keys.
Harry arrives just after her, huffing as he leans an arm on top of the balcony railing. It’s not much of a view – the roofs of other residential buildings, back yards, and maybe a few interconnecting streets – but it strangely gives him a different perspective than what he has become accustomed to. The jingling of keys distracts his subtle thoughts. He watches her pick out a specific one out of a few.
“Why’s there so many?” he asks, trying to figure it out for himself in the split second it takes for her to respond.
“Well, this is for the gate,” she says, demonstrating a silver key as she inserts it into the grooves of the cage just in front of the door. The two step out of the way as she pulls it open, his eyes dawdling on her hidden belly. It creaks in agony and he pushes it back as far as it can go. “And this,” she says, revealing a similar but different silver key, “is for the actual door. The rest are a secret.”
She is quick to unlock the heavy door, turning its tricky handle to push her way inside. It is pitch dark in her living space, but Harry can make out a small kitchen somewhere on the right thanks to the moonlight. She takes a gentle step in and turns around to face him with a knowing smile.
“I’m home now.”
“Of course. Lovely home. Looks roomy, from what I can tell.”
“Not so much. I share the place. It was the best I could do on short notice, but this makes the rent a bit easier.”
Harry nods, his eyes naturally sparkling without the pink tint of his sunglasses. A moment passes, but she doesn’t know if it is comforting or awkward.
“Um ... thanks for the ride?” she tries, mocking herself as a broken record.
Harry chuckles warmly. “Not a problem. I’m glad to have brought you home safe.”
“That I am. Home safe. In my home ... full on some Mel’s. Ready to rest in my bed.”
“Sounds like a great way to end treat-yourself-Friday.” Harry bows his head once more, then stares intensely into her eyes. “It was lovely to meet you tonight,” he says her name, the last time he will ever have the chance to say it to her. “You’re very ... brave.”
She scrunches her face at the word. “Brave?”
“Yeah. With the, uh, situation you’re in. Is it wrong to say it like that?”
“No,” she laughs, “I call it a situation all the time. My baby might as well join the cast of the Jersey Shore by the time I pop them out.”
The joke makes him laugh, but he settles down very quickly. “Well, yes, your situation. It’s very courageous of you to be so strong. You just seem to ... power through.”
“I’d hardly say that’s the case,” she says timidly. Her hand instinctively reaches up to caress the swell of her stomach over the soft material of her excessively lengthy shirt. “I’m just living my life. Existing as the days go by.”
“I know, but ... I don’t know, it just seems different. Like everything is menial compared to what you’re experiencing.”
She shrugs and looks to the floor. “I mean ... I guess. I’m not the only one experiencing it, though. It’s a tough world. We just have to do what we have to do. But I’m doing okay.”
“Proper,” Harry says, which makes her pick up her head. “That’s good to hear. I’ll leave you to it, then.”
She tries not to dismay, but she knows it will hit her severely when he is gone. For a silly moment, she believes that the night will play on forever. The reality of it is that he is Harry Styles; a busy life awaits beyond her own, but it is nice to dream.
“Okay,” she croaks out, watching as he grabs ahold of the gate and begins to gradually swing it toward her.
With her hand on her belly, a single thumb running over the expanse, she scoots herself back into the unit with quick and short steps. His eyes gander at the faint outline of her belly, remaining there until he is certain that the loud gate will not crush her when he closes it. Once it clicks into place, she locks it from the inside and he spares her a lighthearted gaze. The two never seem to part their eyes from then on, not even with the cage between them.
“It was really nice to meet you, Harry. Thanks for talking to me. And for taking me home. And making sure I got home safe. And the autograph, too.”
“You’re very welcome.” He steps back, stopping just at the edge of the first step. “Goodnight.”
She gives him a measly wave, to which he responds with a subtle nod and plops down the stairs at a steady pace. She watches him until he reaches the ground, to which she steps further into her home and closes the front door. She doesn’t think she can bear watching the dark vehicle drive away, so she doesn’t bother having a peak out the living room window and instead locks the door and trudges to her room.
She hopes that she is silent enough to not wake up her roommate. She walks into the last door on the right of the small corridor past the kitchen and living room. Her room smells fresh, though her bed is unmade from her eagerness to leave this morning.
She locks herself in her private quarter, toes off her shoes at the door, and meagerly steps forward. She stops and turns to sit herself down on the mattress that sinks with her added weight, then uses her hands to push her entire body back and up the bed. She rests against the swarm of pillows and settles into a comfortable position on her side, staring forward at the blank wall.
A few seconds pass before her hand reaches toward the nightstand on her right. She pulls on the lamp’s chain to give herself some fair lighting, then pulls her bag up by its single strap. Her heart beats for the sole purpose of reading the ripped sheet of her planner; an excitement bubbles in her chest.
Her arm sticks in to sift mindlessly until her fingers grasp the folded page. Once she takes it out, she places her bag to the floor and runs her thumb over the paper. She doesn’t waste another second to unfold it, her curious eyes scanning over the sweet message he had written above his autograph. She reads it over a dozen times, smiling giddily to her tired self, before forgetting about her binge-watching plans and succumbing to a peaceful sleep.
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Where Can You Find Auto Used Engines?
Introduction:
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