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islareeveswriting · 7 years

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World of Our Own | Harry Styles Uni Au | Chapter 4

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LISTEN TO WILD TROYE SIVAN We’re alike you and I Two blue hearts locked in our wrong minds So can we make the most out of no time? Can you hold me? Can you make me leave my demons & my broken pieces behind?

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Word Count 5.6k (sorry it’s a bit shorter than normal)

Harry found himself sat in the arm chair in the corner of the living room. His normal spot, on the sofa, hidden behind the open living room door, had been taken by Liam, much to Harry’s frustration (though he kept that quiet). He had one leg pulled up into his chest, the other tucked underneath. His hands were curled up inside his jumper, but his fingers found their way out so that he could twist the large rose ring around the index finger of his left hand. It was incessant, and he only stopped to nibble at his already bitten down nails.

Harry was anxious. Unreasonably so, he knew that, but that didn’t calm his turning and twisting stomach or his racing mind. It didn’t stop him from spinning his ring, even when it began to make his finger sore, or from chewing his nails even when they were so short it stung to touch them against his teeth. Even the festive feeling of the living room didn’t calm him.

The whole house was adorned in tinsel and garlands. Baubles hung from the lights in the hallway and in the living room, and if it hadn’t been a fire hazard the boys were sure Rae would have done the same in the kitchen. After they all shrugged and mumbled something non-committal at her suggestion of decorating the house for Christmas, Rae had been so disappointed that she’d made it her own personal mission to make the place feel as festive as possible. She’d succeeded, even Louis was getting into the Christmas spirit.

Christmas songs were blasting from the TV in the living room, loud enough so Rae could hear them in the kitchen where she was preparing Christmas dinner for the house before they all left for the Christmas holidays. The boys had been banished from the kitchen whilst she cooked and so they were entertaining themselves with rounds of word association and eye spy while they waited for Rae.

‘Harry,’ Liam called, ‘your go.’ Harry could hear the frustration in Liam’s voice, it wasn’t the first time Harry had to be called from his thoughts to concentrate on the game. But he just couldn’t focus with the nerves rippling inside him.

They weren’t good nerves, they weren’t butterflies that made him feel light. More like little cut-throat razors in his stomach - sharp and with the only intention of hurting. All because of the present, wrapped up by him, under the tree with all the others, with her name on it in his handwriting.

Harry knew it would happen as soon as Secret Santa got mentioned. All he’d wanted was to distract them enough to forget about it. It hadn’t worked though. Niall had trotted into the living room one afternoon where the whole house was sprawled out hungover, apart from Rae. She didn’t drink enough to get hungover and was sat cross legged on the floor working on an essay plan, Cars (chosen by her of course) playing on the TV. Niall handed the cap full of five pieces of paper around and each of them had taken one.

Of course Harry got Rae. He knew he would and the nerves had started then and not really gone away since. By the time it came to the day they’d agreed to exchange presents Harry just wanted to get it over with.

Even Harry couldn’t understand what he was so nervous about. It wasn’t that he was nervous she wouldn’t like it particularly, though that was at the back of his mind. They’d set a £10 limit, and yes Harry had gone over that by a couple of quid, but that wasn’t it. The presents were jokey, not meant to be meaningful (though they were a little) so he wasn’t nervous about that. He was just nervous. It was new, unchartered territory, and when that was on the cards Harry got nervous. But it wasn’t just gift giving nervous, what if they don’t like it, what if it gets rejected nerves. It was sick to the stomach, hand shaking anxiety. People got nervous, Harry got verging on panic attack.

‘Ok half an hour.’ Rae announced as she sprung into the living room. Harry looked up to her from his hands that were busy fidgeting with another. For a second he felt calmer as he took in her dishevelled appearance - dark brunette hair, piled in a messy bun, her cheeks pinched pink from where she’d been busy in the kitchen, a sweatshirt at least two sizes too big swamping her frame. ‘Who knew Christmas dinner was such a task?’ Rae sighed, falling back into the sofa beside Liam, a hint of unprecedented jealousy rising in Harry as she did so.

‘Would have been fine if Louis hadn’t requested mashed potatoes and roast potatoes.’ Liam pointed out with a sarcastic glare towards Louis.

‘What? It’s the way my mum always did it.’

‘I’m pretty happy there’s mash as well to be honest.’ Niall chimed in for good measure. Rae might have been offended had she not offered, and if she was the type to get easily offended, but she wasn’t and she didn’t mind rustling up some mashed potatoes at Louis’ doe eyed request.

‘Yeah well you’re Irish so your opinion on potatoes is biased and invalid.’ Rae laughed at Liam’s words shaking her head as the bickering continued.

‘Shall we do presents?’ Rae suggested before it could go any further. She didn’t miss the childlike gleam in Louis’ eyes as he practically jumped from the sofa to the small tree that was perched on the coffee table and sheltering a small collection of parcels.

‘Ok.’ Louis reached into the pile and pulled out two presents tied together, flipping the tag to read the name. ‘This one's for Rae.’ He announced looking up again and stretching his arm out towards Rae, the present clasped in his hand.

‘Thank you.’ Rae smiled taking the gift and pulling her legs up under herself to sit cross legged. Out of the corner of her eye she could see that Harry was toying with his fingers, the large rose ring he always wore being twisted around its respective finger so quickly it was almost difficult to make out the shape of the silver flower. He had the rest of his fingers tucked inside the sleeves of his baggy black knitted jumper and he’d pulled his bottom lip under his teeth, the pressure nearly making the pink flesh white. Rae knew he was nervous and from that she guessed what was wrapped up inside was from Harry.

It seemed the way he pulled at his fingers, turned his rings and bit his nails was habitual, as if he didn’t even realise he was doing it. But Rae noticed and she’d come to realise it was almost subconscious. Rae got restless legs when she was frustrated or tired, her toes curled and her feet toyed with another. Harry seemed to get restless hands when he was nervous.

To Rae it was endearing. It simultaneously intrigued her and made her want to reassure him. That moment was no different, as she slipped two fingers under the folded flap of the paper and pulled the tape from it. Rae had no idea what was inside, though it felt like a book. She knew then, as Harry’s knuckles whitened from his grip on the ring, that no matter what was inside, she’d smile like he’d given her every star in the sky.

Harry watched on anxiously, his eyes flicking over Rae as she unwrapped the first of the two gifts Louis had handed to her. She pulled the book from the paper and laughed instantly, a wash of relief showering over Harry. The laughter lit up her face, her eyes creased and one cheek dimpled as she scanned the front cover before looking up to Harry.

‘But why would I need this when you’re practically a plumber?’ Rae winked, still grinning like a Cheshire Cat, only encouraging Harry to do the same.

‘Turning the water off and wrapping a bit of tape round it doesn’t make him a plumber.’ Louis chided, and Rae could hear the smug look on his face, in the tone of his voice.

‘Better one than you though.’ Rae bit snapping her head towards Louis, her smile unmoving to ensure everyone knew it was banter.

‘Touche.’

‘Open the other one.’ Harry urged, rocking forward in his seat a little. The enthusiasm in his voice didn’t match the way he held the ends of his sleeves in the fist of his hands like a nervous child, and it took Rae a little by surprise.

Harry bit on the inside of his lip, nibbling at the skin and dragging it between his teeth. The idea had come to him whilst he was laid in bed. Rae had told them how she’d had to hide vegemite at home to keep her sister from eating all of it. Niall had been quick to reassure her that wouldn’t be a problem in this house, but even so Harry saw the way she stashed it to the back of her cupboard behind her granola bars and popcorn (sweet not salted) to make sure no one else got to it.

‘Oh my god.’ Rae’s eyes were wide with excitement, the grin on her face tenfold the one that had gone before it. ‘That’s amazing.’ She stared at the jar, entranced by it. She didn’t have to pretend she was over the moon with her gifts from Harry, because she really was. They were silly and jokey yes, but they were thoughtful too, they were personal to them and to her and it told her he’d been making more effort to get to know her than he let on.

‘What is it?’ Niall asked, though Rae didn’t look up. If she had of done she’d have seen all of them smiling on at her happiness.

‘Vegemite with my name on it.’ Rae explained joyfully, Niall chuckling. ‘Thank you Harry, I love it.’ She beamed standing from her seat to thank him properly with a hug.

‘That’s ok, thought you could take it home with you.’ Harry interrupted quickly, before she could get close enough, suddenly anxious again.

‘Not a chance, Essie will devour it in seconds if I take it home, it will stay here and be mine.’ Rae explained matter of factly. ‘Now, stop freaking out and give me a hug I’m trying to say thank you.’ Laughter broke out and with the room distracted Rae bent to wrap her arms around Harry. ‘Thank you.’ She barely whispered as Harry tentatively encircled her in his large arms, his hands carefully finding a place on her back that didn’t feel intrusive. Rae felt Harry smile, his cheek pushing into her shoulder a little as he did so.

‘I’m glad you like it.’ He spoke softly back before she removed herself from him and retook her seat still looking down at her jar of vegemite like it was gold dust. Harry felt subtly proud of himself that Rae was happy with the gifts he’d bought for her, but really just happy that she was happy.

Louis dished out the rest of the presents in the same manner, handing them out and waiting for each person to open them. Niall bought Liam a useless facts book, purely for Liam’s love of dishing out facts when he was trying to pull. Liam bought Louis an inflatable boob pillow and a bath bomb, no one could work out why but it raised a few laughs. Louis bought Harry a prank candle. Louis couldn’t keep himself from snickering as Harry thanked him for what Harry at first thought was a genuinely nice gift. An apple pie scented candle. Only to discover after a quick google due to Louis’ giggles that it would swiftly change from apple pie to the smell of a gross fart. Harry laughed and rolled his eyes, but thanked him nonetheless, still walking on the high of Rae’s gifts not going down like a led balloon.

Rae knew what she’d buy for Niall the second she unfolded the piece of paper and saw his name scrawled on it. Niall’s love for bacon was infamous in the house, and probably amongst most of the university really. The first morning Rae had been in Brighton, suffering from jetlag, the boys had taken her to the local cafe that they frequented post heavy night out for the greasiest fry up in the city. Rae had asked the waitress to hold the bacon on her order and Niall had looked at Rae as if she’d asked the waitress to squeeze her orange juice by hand at the table. Niall had been quick to inform the waitress that Rae would indeed have the bacon before explaining to Rae that it would be making a quick exit from her plate and onto his own.

The Bacon Cookbook she’d seen whilst browsing websites for family Christmas presents, was an obvious choice for Niall. The laugh and smile he let out when he opened it bought a light smile on to her face. Rae loved buying other people presents. Of course she loved receiving gifts as well, but for her the best part of Christmas (and birthdays and any other time she could find an excuse to buy something for someone) was seeing people’s face light up when they opened the thing she’d chosen for them.

‘Thanks Raymond, this will come in very handy.’ Niall grinned lifting himself from the sofa to give Rae a hug. Again Harry felt that unprecedented jealousy as his best friend wrapped his arms around Rae and she smiled against his shoulder, returning the affection.

‘No worries, just don’t cook anything from it for me.’ Rae laughed.

‘Still can’t believe you don’t like bacon.’ Niall mumbled looking at the book in his hand and traipsing back to his seat. The alarm on Rae’s phone interrupted her before she could muster a witty response.

‘Well that’s dinner.’ Rae announced, standing and pulling her jumper down from where it had risen over the top of her black jeans. ‘Who’s carving?’ She asked flicking her eyes over each of the boy’s, every one of them looking back at her with blank stares. ‘You can look at me like that all you like, I’m not doing it.’ Harry wanted to stand up and volunteer, but as usual his anxious disposition held him back. All he could see in his mind were ways it could go wrong, or get awkward or how he’d make a fool of himself. He kicked himself. All he wanted was to carry on riding the wave of bliss that had flowed after Rae had thanked him for his gift, offer his help to her, but he couldn’t even do that.

‘I’ll do it.’ Liam sighed standing from the sofa and following Rae from the room, who had a thankful smile on her face as she left. Again Harry felt that pang of resentment for one of his friends. Firstly he was jealous that Liam was following her to the kitchen, secondly he was jealous none of them got a feeling of sickness in the pit of their stomach, thirdly, and the one that stuck in his mind most, he was jealous he wasn’t the one that made her smile like that.

In the weeks that had passed since Rae had arrived Harry had grown a lot more comfortable. After fixing the burst pipe in her bedroom, spending some time alone with her then and showing her up to his room that night, he’d found it a lot easier to talk to her. Only he also found himself getting nervous around her for other reasons. Harry found that when he was around her, he still got the occasional razor blade in his stomach from anxiety, but he also got a nervous, ecstatical, butterfly feeling that came from something new.

There was an hour each Wednesday, where it was just Harry and Rae in the house. Of course there were times when one of them would be out anyway, but on the occasions where it was just the two of them they’d gotten into the habit of sitting at the dining room table, having a quiet chat over steaming mugs of tea, and sharing a few of the chocolate digestives Harry kept himself stocked up on. He didn’t share those with many people, but he found himself always looking for ways to make her smile and he’d discovered chocolate digestives, vegemite on toast, and Pixar's Cars were pretty sure ways. He was just trying to find a way he could add himself to the list too.

‘Come on you lot.’ Rae’s voice called from the kitchen and the remaining boy’s jumped to the call, following their noses and stomachs out to the kitchen.

‘Wow, Rae this looks incredible.’ Louis announced gawping at the feast laid out across the dining table. He grabbed her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. ‘Good job kid, thank you.’ Rae just smiled, looking at her own creation, quietly proud of herself.

‘Ah yes, look at these sprouts.’ Harry beamed, his mouth slightly agape as he pulled his chair out from the table to take it.

‘Are you alright mate?’ Liam asked with a chuckle. ‘All this food and you’re excited about the sprouts.’

‘I just like them alright.’ Harry defended sitting back a little shot down and embarrassed.

‘Me too, they’re my favourite.’ Rae piped up, taking her seat opposite Harry and next to Niall. Harry lifted one side of his mouth at her as she began to pile sprouts onto her plate, ‘you want some?’ She asked and he nodded, letting her dish some onto her plate as the other boys went about helping themselves to the other food on the table.

There was far too much food on the table for five people, they were all aware of that. That was Christmas though. And in true Christmas spirit each of them piled their plates high and refused to give in, even when it felt like they couldn’t fit another mouthful into their stomachs.

Rae pushed the last forkful of potato into her mouth before flopping back against her chair, resting her hand on her full, slightly bloated stomach. She sighed as she chewed lazily on the food, looking over the table to Harry who was picking the last of the sprouts from the bowl and placing them straight into his mouth. She bit back a smile as she swallowed, wondering if he was aware how captivating she found him.

‘Wow I am stuffed.’ She sighed pushing her plate back a bit.

‘Same, that was amazing though thanks sweetheart.’ Niall breathed placing an arm around the back of Rae’s chair the way he always did when they were sat around after eating, or drinking tea, or anything else that meant Niall had a spare arm.

‘No room for pudding then?’ Harry chirped.

‘There isn’t any pudding.’ Rae sighed, catching his gaze.

‘There is I made it yesterday.’ Harry informed the table though he was only looking at Rae. Harry swallowed before continuing as Rae narrowed her eyes at him a little. ‘When you were all out.’ Harry got up from the table heading for the fridge to retrieve his mystery creation. ‘Banoffee Pie.’ Harry exclaimed happily, turning to the room and lifting the pie into the air as he did so.

‘Yes Harry!’

‘Y’know suddenly I’m not so stuffed.’ Rae joked with a chuckle.

Rae made space on the table for the pie while Liam grabbed some bowls and spoons from the cupboard behind him so Harry could dish up the desert. Harry did so, handing Rae first slice, she thanked him quietly before tucking in.

‘This is so good Harry.’ Rae exclaimed. ‘I did not know you could cook?’

‘I used to be a baker.’ Harry informed Rae with a hint of pride as she spooned another piece of the pie into her mouth.

‘No you didn’t.’ Louis sparred, eyes narrowed ready to mock.

‘I did.’ Harry fought back.

‘You worked in a bakery, that doesn’t make you a baker.’

‘No different to you telling any girl that will listen that you’re a lifeguard when really you work the reception at the leisure centre.’ Rae commented, looking down into her bowl as she spoke, only glancing up to Louis to gauge his reaction. She heard the other boys chuckle but Louis only rolled his eyes.

‘Just dragging me all day long today aren’t you.’ Rae simply shrugged, before going back to her desert. Harry let his eyes fall on her as they finished the food. He couldn’t help but get hot under the collar as she wiped a spot of cream from the corner of her mouth before sucking it off the tip of her finger. He shook his head, dropping his eyes from her and trying to keep his mind from the image, the same way he tried to keep his mind from the image of her dripping wet, and looking down at him from her bed. It astounded him that she could make him feel so flustered so easily but also be one of the people he found most calming to be around.

The boys insisted they would wash and tidy up, even after Rae’s attempted persistence that she’d help. Eventually, Niall managed to convince her to go upstairs and finish her packing, so she did trudging upstairs too full of food to put any real effort into anything.

Rae wasn’t taking much home. She would only be home for just over two weeks and she still had things at home anyway. Even so, with her flight only a few hours away she was yet to make a dent on the minimal packing she would be doing. The case was out, open on her bed and it was home to her wash bag and one pair of trainers, but that was it. She sighed at the sight of it when she pushed her bedroom door open. Packing was always daunting to Rae, hence she’d been putting it off for so long, but she really couldn’t put it off any longer.

The first time she’d packed up her life she’d been a child. As a child she thought she needed to take everything with her to her new life, even the cheap imitation beanie baby she won at the school summer fete, even the ‘well done for taking part’ certificate she got from her dance class, even the best friend charm she got from a girl in year one who had since moved to Scotland and Rae hadn’t heard from since. When she got to Australia she’d soon realised it was unnecessary and most of it had since made its way to the rubbish tip.

Rae was fully aware it sounded melodramatic and (cliche) but after Jonah died, she found she got absolutely nothing from having ‘stuff’, stuff wasn’t important, stuff didn’t matter. If it wasn’t for her mother she wouldn’t have even bought so much back for university. She travelled light. From the age of fourteen Rae was content with a pair of jeans, a few tops a pair of tatty old trainers, her camera and her, Jonah’s, guitar if she could carry it.

When Rae finally finished packing she did wonder why she’d bothered. The size suitcase was not justified by how much was in it, but she had no other bag to take so pulled it off the bed and began lugging it downstairs. It was easy compared to when she’d arrived, the bag less than half the weight of what it had been then. She’d packed very little, just the bare essentials she couldn’t live without and a bit of uni work she hoped she could get through whilst on Christmas break. Of course, she packed the photo of Jonah, Essie and herself. That went everywhere with her, even if was only for little more than fourteen days.

Rae could hear the boys voices from the living room as she leant her suitcase up against the wall. She smiled as they argued over the TV channel. She’d never expected living with four second year boys to be bad, but she’d never really expected it to go as well as it had. There was no getting away from the fact they’d gone out of their way to welcome her and make her feel at home, not just in the house but in Brighton too. Even Harry, in his own little way, had made sure she was comfortable and happy.

The smile was still on her face as she fell into her spot on the sofa, secretly happy Harry had retaken his spot at the other end from her. He sat low in the sofa, his hands resting on his stomach, clearly still full from dinner. Rae saw him look to her out of the corner of his eye as she got comfortable curling her legs up underneath her the way she always did.

‘So what’s the plan for New Year?’ Rae asked interrupting the episode of Friends they had on the TV. It was no secret they’d all seen it at least 50 times before, The One With All The Thanksgivings.

‘Still having the party here I think?’ Niall mumbled, chewing on his fingers as if he was watching a suspense thriller rather than engrossed in an episode of Friends that he had definitely watched only two days ago.

‘When do you fly back?’ Harry questioned twisting his head towards Rae, not so enthralled by the repeat episode of what seemed to be the collective favourite show of the household.

‘I land on the morning of the 31st.’ Rae told him a little cautiously. She lifted her eyes to the sky as she made sure in her mind she was definitely giving him the correct information, before nodding her head.

‘I’ll come get you from the airport.’ Harry offered with a confidence that wasn’t what Rae was used to with him at all. Inside him, Harry’s heart was doing a mile a minute. He couldn’t quite believe he’d actually made the offer but now it was out there and there was no going back.

‘You sure? I can get the train.’ Rae reassured. The rest of the room was apparently oblivious to their conversation, or were at least doing a good job of pretending they were.

‘No it’s all good, I’ll come get you.’ Harry assured with a lopsided smile that made his cheek dimple.

‘So back here in two weeks for the party of the year.’ Louis announced making it clear he had indeed been listening in, waiting for Harry and Rae to finish their conversation.

‘Sounds good to me.’ Rae grinned. No, she didn’t enjoy drinking but, in her experience at least, you didn’t have to drink loads to have a good time and she loved a party.

‘We should probably get moving H, or we’re gonna miss our flights.’ Niall interrupted as the end credits rolled across the screen. Rae looked to the clock on the wall that looked like something she might find in her Grandmother’s attic, but was admittedly very handy. The time had moved quickly since they’d eaten and Rae had to agree with Niall, with two hours until boarding she was already cutting it fine.

‘Right ok, you got all your stuff down here?’ Harry asked flicking his head between Rae and Niall who both nodded as the stood from their respective seats, following Harry’s lead. ‘Ok then.’ Rae had been told of Harry’s impromptuness when it came to getting people places and picking people up and it seemed it rang true as he hurried out of the living room to fetch his keys before Rae had even finished getting up from the couch.

‘Guess I’ll see you after Christmas then you two, have a good one.’ Rae sighed moving to give Louis and Liam a hug goodbye.

‘Yeah see you soon, have a good Christmas enjoy the sun.’ Louis beamed, embracing her quickly before she turned to Liam.

‘Don’t get too tanned though please.’ Liam mocked. He’d been in awe that he was more tanned than the girl from the land down under when she arrived. Rae knew that, considering it would be summer in Australia, she’d be returning and putting him back in his place. ‘See you later.’

When Rae got out to the hallway the front door was already open, Harry standing in it waiting patiently with Rae’s bag in his hand.

‘I can take that.’ She told him reaching out for it as she slipped her converse onto her feet.

‘No it’s fine, I’ve got it, you ready?’ Harry began taking steps out of the house as Rae tied her laces before she followed him out of the door, Niall not far behind after saying his goodbyes to Liam and Louis. Harry opened the boot of his blue Ford Fiesta to drop Rae’s bag in, Niall doing the same whilst Rae helped herself to the back seat.

The drive to the airport was virtually silent of chat, the only sound the music Niall had playing through the aux cable from his phone. It was comfortable though. Rae watched the world go by out of the window as she tapped her hand against her leg to the sound of the music, though she chose not to sing along the way Niall was doing and even Harry every now and again to a few lines before he seemingly remembered he was in company and stopped himself.

Rae looked to the rear view mirror every time he let himself get carried away. His voice was good, quiet and nearly under the volume of the music but Rae could just make out the husky tone of it. She wished he’d let himself go because she could see him literally pull himself back and swallow down on nothing, every time, after a few words left his lips. Harry looked to the mirror, catching her watching him for a second. She flashed him a soft smile, before looking away, seemingly unabashed that she’d been caught, unlike Harry who could feel his cheeks flushing.

He’d been doing it the whole journey glancing to her in the rear view mirror. Watching her, unbeknown to Rae, as she tapped and hummed to the songs she knew, for a second before turning back to the road. It was getting harder to ignore the smile that wanted to pull at his lips when he looked at her. Not so much when he got caught though, then he just wanted his seat to swallow him up.

Finally the terminal came into sight and Harry pulled up into the waiting bay, leaving the car running as he hopped out to get Rae’s bag from the boot. Niall did the same, his flight was leaving from a different terminal, but he wasn’t about to let Rae walk out of his life for two weeks without saying goodbye.

‘Have a safe flight Raymond.’ Niall cooed once Rae had gotten herself and her hand luggage out of the back seat.

‘Thanks, you too.’ Rae smiled, opening arms to walk into a hug from Niall. ‘Have a good Christmas.’

‘Yeah have a good one sweetheart.’ Niall returned softly as they let each other go. Rae felt a lot like she’d found a true best friend. Until then she’d always called her sister her best friend but it always felt a bit like a cop out. Niall felt truly the way she thought a best friend should. They got on perfectly, they were similar but not so much they clashed, they had a good level of banter between them but had quickly learned when to be serious with one another.

‘See you Harry.’ Rae turned to Harry going in for a hug for the second time that day, not worrying if it made him feel awkward or not. Harry hugged her back happily, the embrace far more comfortable and less stiff than it had been in the living room. It felt a lot more like he actually wanted to give her a hug and less like Rae was forcing it upon him. She relaxed a lot easier into it because of that. ‘Have a good Christmas.’

‘You too, message me your flight details so I know when to come get you and stuff.’ Harry told her, still holding on her gently, his hands finding a better place in the dip of her back.

‘Thinking about having me back already, I haven’t even left yet?’ Harry laughed as Rae pulled back, but let her hands linger on his waist as she did so for a few seconds more than necessary. Harry noticed it, and Rae noticed the way the knot in his throat bobbed as he swallowed before she took her hands from him completely. ‘See you later.’

‘Yeah bye, have a safe flight.’ Harry smiled, softly, barely even there really. There was something in the out of his stomach that felt a little too much like sadness as she grabbed her bag and began walking backwards towards the doors. He really wished she wouldn’t do that.

‘I’ll ask the pilot to make sure.’ Harry chuckled again as he watched Rae turn away from him and the doors of the airport slide open.

‘She’s got you good ey?’ Niall’s voice from Harry’s side drew him from his lingering gaze after Rae, looking down to his Irish friend instead.

‘What are you talking about?’ Harry asked creasing his brow before leaving Niall to return to the driver's side door.

‘Nothing, just don’t forget I called it first.’ Niall chided, sliding into the passenger seat again.

‘Called what? Niall what are you chatting on about?’

‘You’ll work it out soon, don’t worry.’ Niall smirked, not knowing Harry had already figured it out just fine.

Ooo, it’s getting exciting! Does Harry know what Niall’s talking about? Or is he completely clueless? What do we all think? The gifts were pretty cute huh?

Thank you so much for all the love on this so far. Please keep sending messages cause I love answering them and talking about these characters.

As always, so much love to my best gals @harrysmeadow and @cuddlemusclestyles. They are absolute gems and I am SOO lucky to call them my besties. I cannot wait to see you both in 36 DAYSSS!

Enjoy xx

#wooo #world of our own #harry styles fic #hs fic #harry styles #harry styles uni au #1dff #ask box open

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garland-dentist · 8 months

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parkwaydentaldfw · 2 years

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No one likes to have yellow teeth. It can be embarrassing and make you feel self-conscious. Luckily, our cosmetic dentist provides 7 tips for professional teeth whitening treatment in Garland that can help you get rid of yellow teeth and make them look whiter and brighter.

7 Tips to Get Rid of Yellow Teeth With Teeth Whitening in Garland:

1. Brush Your Teeth Regularly: The first step to getting rid of yellow teeth is to brush your teeth regularly. You should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day, preferably after every meal. Be sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, as this will help to keep your teeth healthy and prevent cavities. If you are unsure about which toothpaste to use, ask your dentist for a recommendation.

2. Use a Whitening Toothpaste: There are many kinds of whitening toothpaste on the market that can help to remove surface stains and give your teeth a brighter appearance. Look for toothpaste that contains hydrogen peroxide or baking soda, as these ingredients are effective at whitening teeth. Be sure to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, and be sure to rinse well afterward.

3. Try a Teeth Whitening Kit: If you are looking for a more dramatic transformation, you may want to try a teeth whitening kit. There are many kits available that you can use at home, and they typically involve using a whitening gel or strips. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully for teeth whitening treatment in Garland to avoid damaging your teeth.

4. Use a Whitening Mouthwash: In addition to brushing your teeth with a whitening toothpaste, you can also use a whitening mouthwash. Mouthwashes that contain hydrogen peroxide can help to remove surface stains and give your teeth a brighter appearance. It's recommended to rinse your mouth with mouthwash for at least 30 seconds, then spit it out.

5. Avoid Foods and Drinks That Stain Your Teeth: If you want to keep your teeth looking white and bright, you should avoid foods and drinks that are known to stain teeth. These include coffee, and tea. However, if you do consume these drinks, be sure to brush afterward. You may also want to consider using a straw to help avoid contact between your teeth and the staining agent.

6. See Your Dentist Regularly: Your dentist can help to remove any built-up plaque and tartar on your teeth, and they can also identify any problems that may be developing. Be sure to see your dentist at least twice a year, and more often if you have any concerns with teeth whitening treatment in Garland.

7. Quit Smoking: It not only causes yellowing and staining, but it also increases your risk for gum disease and other dental problems.

Conclusion:

By following these tips, you can get rid of yellow teeth and keep your smile looking bright and white. Be sure to brush, and floss regularly, and see your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups after teeth whitening in Garland. For more information, call us at 469-587-7222 and schedule an appointment today.

#teeth whitening #teeth whitening garland #cosmetic dentist #cosmetic dentistry #dentist garland

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dentismile-blog · 7 years

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The Art and Science of a Great Smile

The majority of patients go ahead with a cosmetic dental procedure as a means of improving their smiles, which is a number one confidence booster. According to studies, having a great smile can boost confidence and improve life chances in relationships and career.

Learn more about enhancing your smile >>

#cosmetic dentistry #dental #dental health #dentistry #cosmetic dentistry garland tx #teeth whitening #porcelain veneers #chipped teeth #perfect 32 garland #smile

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cynthiadshaw · 5 years

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What’s the Most Important Lesson You’ve Learned Along Your Journey?

Every twist in our story, challenge we face, and obstacle we overcome is an important part of our story. These difficulties make us stronger and wiser and prepare us for what’s ahead. As we grow and succeed we may imagine that soon the challenges will fade away, but in our conversations with business owners, artists, creatives, academics, and others we have learned that the most common experience is that challenges never go away – instead they get more complex as we grow and succeed. Our ability to to thrive therefore depends heavily on our ability to learn from our experiences and so we are asking some of the city’s best and brightest: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?

Kambri Whitney | Owner of Bring Me Bronze- Mobile Spray Tans and Teeth Whitening

Mindset is everything- when you are intentionally focused on the things you want, it’s amazing what you can accomplish. You are able to achieve more than you could imagine, all by adjusting your mindset and focusing. Choosing to be happy and choosing to be successful comes down to active persuit in every decision. On the flip side, if you choose to be angry and offended, you are focusing on the negative and will just draw more of that energy and regress further from your goals and wishes. Your reality is truly shaped by your mind and the energy that you put towards your thoughts each day. I find this very empowering to know I can control my future by refocusing my mindset and thoughts. It really is that easy, test it out!

@kambrilynae @bringmebronze

Phoebe O’Connor | Leasing Agent and Sports Psych Graduate Student

The most important thing I have learned thus far is to put your absolute heart into everything and have 0 regrets about it. Too many times we bombard ourself with “what if’s” and doubt ourselves and our decisions because of what everyone else is doing. I try to fully embody myself as a go getter without any limits. Love hard, work hard, and pray hard, you will see results and don’t worry about the outcome.

@feebs513 @feebs513

Jessica Navarrete | fashion blogger and life enthusiast

If I’ve learned anything throughout my journey, it’s that it’s truly not about the destination, it’s about the ride. Sometimes we’re so focused on getting to our goals and racing to the finish line, we forget to just enjoy where we are now. It’s so important to enjoy where you are now.

sundayinyellow.com @jessnavarrete

Crystal Salvador | Balayage & Color Correction Specialist

Growing up I was always passionate about the beauty industry, giving credit to my mother who was also a cosmetologist and beauty guru in my eyes, but I must also say my fire started when I was a teenager battling with low self-esteem. Pampering myself through my hairstyles gave me confidence and felt it was a calling to do the same for others feeling the same way. I still remember picking up my first pair of shears at the age of 12 and giving a layered haircut to someone, it just came so naturally, of course, I loved it! Regis was where I was able to get my feet wet, starting as a front desk receptionist, while I attended evening classes for cosmetology, as a front desk this meant many responsibilities which included washing towels, cleaning, inventory, and helping stylists with much more. I was determined to learn and I carried a small notepad with me everywhere because I was hungry for knowledge, I absorbed everything my sponge feeling brain would allow! Not caring what it took but knowing I would get there some day. After graduation I was able to move on to the floor as a stylist, lucky to say the salon manager mentored me and took me under her wing, allowing me to grow more with my skills. A couple months later I was offered an opportunity I did not want to pass up although I had been already on the floor as a stylist but I wanted to learn more so I began assisting in uptown. I spoke with the salon owner there which also became my mentor and I told her how I wanted to try and see if I could become a commission-based stylist, she gave me encouraging words and told me that I was an amazing stylist to go for it. I then gathered my small clientele and moved closer to home Garland at the time. Now this is where I learned that you have to grow thick skin, how to build and keep a good clientele and how important good communication skills is. It was a true struggle having to balance being a mother and trying to grow as an entrepreneur, but glad to say it was all worth it. Now I have my own suite and my journey like many others has not been easy but rewarding to say the least. In this process I have learned from every single person I have met, and had the privilege to serve, allowing me to also help empower women. No appointment goes without moments of tears and great laughs. I love that my clients find trust in me for support, encouragement or just someone to vent with, which led to me also aiming for my Family counseling degree. I have felt every laugh and tear my clients share, giving me the greatest lesson of all through this voyage. Sometimes I can’t help but to feel tired and a willingness to give up but then remember why I started this. I’ve had the privilege to serve clients with final wishes by getting their hair done by me and those that I have taught me that I have purpose in this industry and there is a reason why this fire was planted in me. One of the main reasons I became a stylist is to help others find their inner beauty as I have with myself. I love learning to evolve with the many change’s the hair industry brings, it allows me to learn new techniques and to always satisfy my clients needs. All that I have learned has taken me to where I stand now and passionately loving what I do.

@xocrystalhairstylistxo @xocrystalhairstylistxo

CJ Cannon | Iconic Snow

Business won’t boom with a minimum wage work ethic.

@xxiconicSnow ccannon4.myportfolio.com/urban

Stacy Hall | Fashion & Lifestyle Blogger

I hate the saying “be yourself because everyone else is taken” because I feel that it’s so overdone but it’s also incredibly true. The most important lesson I’ve learned in my journey so far is to be yourself. In life, and especially in the Instagram world, it’s ridiculously easy to compare yourself to others. It’s very easy to think “I’ll never be as pretty as her, as skinny as her, have as amazing photos as her..” and the list goes on and on. I’ve learned from my own personal experience that you can’t do anything but be yourself and embrace it. Maybe you want to share a picture that isn’t absolutely perfect – do it!! Get real on your stories and say what you feel or think (within reason). I don’t think you’ll ever regret being true to yourself!

astoldbystacy.com/?m=1 @astoldbystacy

Heather Rose | Airbrush Artist

The most important lesson I’ve learned so far is to never forget how it feels to be on the other side of the airbrush gun. In 3 years I’ve done around 4K tans, it’s easy to get into my mode and just get it done! Remembering how vulnerable you feel getting undressed in front of a stranger and how whether a client is tanning for a wedding, trip or event, the result will either make or break the experience. I often tell my employees during training that every tan is a wedding tan, meaning every airbrush deserves the detail and attention of an important event, no matter what the client is tanning for.

@airbrushisanart youresopale.com

Roofing Ranger | Your Roofer on Call

It’s to be grateful to all the people you meet in your life. Good or Bad, they all teach you important lessons in your life. The more you meet the more experience you get!

roofingranger.com @roofingranger

DJ MarkCutz | Professional On-Air DJ

The most important lesson I’ve learned so far during my 10 year journey as a DJ, is to always stay true to who YOU are. You are unique and carry a style that no one has; once you learn that, nothing can stop you.

@djmarkcutz @djmarkcutz @djmarkcutz mixcloud.com/djmarkcutz

Nicole Craven | Marketing & Social Media Director for Plug Public Relations

The most important lesson I have learned in my journey thus far would be that there is no way to see how awesome you are at swimming until you dive in the deep end. Meaning, it is so important to take risks with confidence, otherwise we will never know what we can truly accomplish on our own.

@nicolecrave

Rèaux D’or | Founder of #TheUnitDallas & Dallas’ LGBT Events Marketing Guru

Let me reintroduce myself…. My name is Reaux Dior and for some time now I have taken on the role as a liaison between entertainment & event companies in the Dallas & Houston area. It’s always been my goal to foster genuine, lasting relationships between all entities of Urban LGBT Entertainment & Events in the Dallas Texas area. For too long Dallas has been plagued with a lack of persistent entertainment & events as well as bitter competition between event companies. There are plenty of days in the week, month & year for them all to strive and not step on each other’s toes. By cross promoting & joint ventures it can was done. For a long time outsiders looked past Dallas as a destination for Black LGBT entertainment. But no longer. I alone came and bridged the gap between entertainment companies, venues, promoters, DJ’s and the like. Making sure open communication is prevalent & key to success between all parties. I love my city and I love those who I work close with and I will do my best to make sure we all give visitors as well as those that reside here fun, memorable events for years to come! I know my worth to this community and I know what power I have. For many years I have worked in the LGBT scene in Dallas. From starting off by taking emails at events, checking ID’s, to hosting celebrity events. From hosting private events to working for almost every Black Gay venue in the city. From being featured on YouTube as “The Entertainment Guru” & even doing shows off The Strip. My next move will be my best move however. Starting my own Entertainment company “Just Reaux Presents” of course will take time, patience & consistency however with over 14 years in the event & promotions business I’m the best person fit for this job.

@JustReauxPresents Hashtag #TheUnitDallas Instagram/Facebook/Twitter

Kevin Do (Nivek) | DJ

Seferino Alvarado Agent Elliot Hollander and Melodic Music Agency

I would say find something you love to do and is passionate about. And for me it’s DJing. Don’t be afraid to be different. If you fail then keep going. Don’t ever dwell on the past. Focus on the present. Enjoy every moment of it. And most importantly have fun doing it.

@n_i_v_e_k_

Muzique | Record producer & Engineer

The most important thing I’ve learned so far is to never give up on yourself! If you believe in what you’re doing then take the necessary steps to get where you want to be.

@I_am_muzique

WHITNEY WHELAN SMIRNIS | LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR & OWNER OF THE WHOLE KID AND KABOODLE

Before becoming a mom, I was a children’s counselor and did play therapy with children. I created The Whole Kid and Kaboodle to be a resource for parents, teachers, and therapists. When it comes to children communicating, “toys are children’s words and play is their language” Dr. Garry Landreth. As a therapist, I loved using expressive art and sensory play to help children express their feelings and make sense of their world. My Kaboodle Kits are sensory play kits that are designed to help encourage self-expression, communication, creativity, self-esteem, attention and focus, and prosocial skills. Sensory play can be a wonderful activity to include in a calming routine with a child but can also be a very special tool used to connect and build relationships with children. One of the most important lessons that I have learned in my journey so far as a therapist and mom is that “when you connect to the heart of a child, everything is possible” Dr. Karyn Purvis. My hope is that with The Whole Kid & Kaboodle I can inspire parents, teachers, and therapists to connect to the hearts of the children through play.

thewholekidandkaboodle.com @thewholekidandkaboodle Pinterest:The Whole Kid and Kaboodle @whitneywiththewholekidandkaboodle 214-212-6530 [email protected]

Maria Salim D.O. | Emergency Medicine Physician and Travel Blogger

You should never let the criticism of people that are doing less than you influence your decisions in life. You don’t know what you’re capable of until you actually start. If I could go back and tell my younger self one piece of advice it would be that there is no perfect time to start working towards your dream. I’ve learned throughout my journey in medicine and my travels that you shouldn’t wait to start something just because it doesn’t seem like the right time or it seems like it will take too long. The time will pass anyway and you will be no closer to your dream. Before I applied to medical school a premed advisor told me I would not get accepted to a school with my current GPA. She did not offer advice on how to improve my odds, just told me to think of another career. I decided to take extra classes and boost my grades, I worked hard to score well on the MCATs. If you start listening to what others say you may end up abandoning your dream before you even start. When I started my travel blog people told me no one would be interested in it and would criticize my social media accounts. Now I’m being contacted by companies that want to sponsor me and are very interested in my travel posts. If you have a dream you will find a way to make it work. There is no obstacle that hard work can not overcome.

@marstravelsearth marstravelsearth.com

Sidney Thorn | Certified Personal Trainer, Body Positive Activist, & Model

There is always more. There are more possibilities than you think. You can’t sell yourself short or settle. You can become the best version of yourself – the happiest, healthiest, strongest, and most confident.

There is more strength inside you than you think. When you work through the hard stuff you not only become stronger but you get to discover more of who you are supposed to be. You will be more confident on the other side and less fearful of what’s to come or what you can handle.

There will always be more opinions and circumstances that you can’t control. At the end of the day you have to do what you believe is right for you. You won’t be able to make everyone happy but you are in charge of your own happiness. Your peace is the most important thing.

sidneythornfitness.com eventbrite.com/e/sidney-thorn-workout-series-tickets-69237666725 @sidney_thorn_fitness @sidneythornfitness

Steph Nguyen | Open Format DJ

The most important lesson I’ve learned in my journey so far is appreciating the subtleties of life. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, big moments, little moments, and in-between and they must be appreciated fully and as they are. It’s very easy to look for the next big break and fixate on that, but you must stop and look around. Realize that you’ll constantly feel unsatisfied if you keep that up. The moments that go left unappreciated fill in the gaps of your story.

@djsupermcn4sty soundcloud.com/supermcn4sty @supermcn4sty dj-supermcn4sty.square.site/home

Nhi Pham | Automotive & Portrait Photographer

The most important lesson I’ve learned through this journey is to not care what others think, edit the way you want to and create photographs that express who you are as an individual. I also like to keep in mind what kind of story I like to capture when I photograph because to me, that makes the photo come to life in a way you can’t explain. And most importantly, have fun and stay genuine with your photography, because it’s what represents you!

@nhiphmphoto @nhiphm

Gary Clay | Cosmetology Student

Don’t allow the things that are out of my control cause me stress or worry.

@garyyclayy�� @adonishausofbeauty

Bailey Sparling | Pure Barre Instructor, Lover of Dessert, Annoying Friend Who Makes You Wait to Eat Because She’s Photographing Your Food

The most important lesson I’ve learned in my journey so far is twofold:

1. Your mom is usually right and 2. Do what makes you happy and the rest will fall into place (this is actually advice from my own mother, hence the former lesson).

I learned the latter lesson more abruptly and quickly than I anticipated. I moved to Dallas at age 25 after graduating law school to begin work in the oil and gas industry. I was here for a little over a year before the small company that I worked for filed for bankruptcy and I was suddenly faced with no job and no forthcoming opportunities given my meager experience. It seemed inevitable that I would have to leave Dallas and move back home to Mississippi. Caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place, I decided to take a chance on pursuing something I truly loved rather than finding something to “get by.”

It might sound a bit anticlimactic, but before moving to Texas, I had become mildly obsessed—to put it lightly—with a fitness class called Pure Barre. During hard seasons of life, during time spent studying for the bar exam, during a move to a new state, during a new job, it was a constant that afforded me an outlet to relieve my stress and grow both stronger and more confident. It provided me with a supportive and encouraging community, and it took me out of my comfort zone and out of my head for an hour every day.

As it turned out, a studio in the North Dallas/Addison area was opening and hiring instructors. I was passionate about wanting to share my feelings for Pure Barre and all it had given me. I was not passionate about the possibility of running title or regularly researching things on WestLaw for my foreseeable future. So, I sent in my resume. That was in 2014, and I’ve never looked back.

Following my mom’s advice and pursuing something I love made everything fall into place. It led to a way for me to stay in Dallas, a city I love, and has made me both happier and healthier than ever before— even though, as you can see from my Instagram, I spend all of my free time eating my way through Dallas and NEVER skip dessert (this would be my third most important lesson, no explanation necessary)!

@BaileySparling

Lisa Williams | Co- Founder and Creative Director Zazzazu

Hair and make up by Lisa Williams

The most important lesson I’ve learned over the past years is to always do your absolute best. Work with integrity. Know your worth and talent, and clients will appreciate it.

Zazzazu.com [email protected] @zazzazuapp @zazzazuapp bit.ly/zazzazu

Rosemary | Professional makeup artist and Marykay independent beauty consultant

As a beautician,my utmost passion/satisfaction is empowering women of different colors look their best to reflect their inner beauty because I believe every woman is beautiful in their own unique ways . In my journey so far,I have learnt that in order to achieve your goals/dream in life,you have to first believe in your self and your ability(skills),be persistently focused on achieving your goals and be passionate about what you do. It doesn’t matter how long it takes for you to shine,be patient,put God first(very important) and practice this 3 things(believe in your self,be persistently focused and be passionate),you can be rest assured that your future will be bright in due time.

@Rosiannas

Alexis Nakwaasah | Real Estate Agent

One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that the beauty is in the journey. We often get overly obsessed with reaching the “end goal” that we fail to recognize and value our successes along the way. I have found that there is true power in authenticity, and so I choose everyday to be true to the woman I am and working so hard to become.

@lexx.ee @alexis.robinson lexliverealty.com

Jesse Chou | Photographer and Artist

@joey.arw

Never stop venturing out. Life is too short to be sitting around wishing your life was better. Go out and see the world and try to make a positive impact while doing so. The moment you stop caring what others think of you, is also the moment you’ll feel truly happy. Go out, take risks, and do some crazy sh*t because your only young once.

@jessechou

Jessica Dozier | Photographer at J Dozier Creative

When I started doing photography, I wasn’t fully aware of how much of an opportunity photographers and creatives have to love people in a really tangible way. Since I started, I’ve been a part of countless coffee conversations and fun moments, and I’ve been invited to be a part of numerous people’s stories, all because they’ve asked me to shoot their wedding or proposal or family pictures or business start up. The most valuable thing that I have learned that is that by choosing to do photography I am choosing to be in the people business. My number one priority has to be the hearts and lives of my clients, not the photos I produce or the money I make. People are inviting me to be in the room for some of the most intimate and memorable experiences for them, and that is an enormous privilege. I never want my drive to be centered around a product or a dollar amount. I have been blessed by the people who believe in me and trust me with the privilege of capturing these moments for them, and my hope is that I will always be looking for ways to make my clients the heroes because they are the real MVPs here!

@jdoziercreative

Jason Vo | Writer & Agency Director of Pedal MGMT

Photographer — pedalmgmt.com/jeff-smith Stylist — pedalmgmt.com/vanessa-aranda Make-up artist — pedalmgmt.com/viri Model — themagnoliagarden.com

Do things at your own pace, within the terms that make sense to you, and learn to foster a healthy level of trust and contentment in your day’s work.

For any young creator ambitiously embarking on a new journey — whether you’re an artist or an entrepreneur — you’ll quickly discover that feelings of stability and satisfaction are very fleeting. And that’s OK. It’s important to understand that for many of us, anxieties around success often stem from standards and expectations set by the noise economy (social media, etc.) Don’t believe everything you hear or read about. Yes, this requires constant (and consistent) practice, but take everything you come across with a grain of salt. As trite as it may sound, there really isn’t any one blueprint towards professional success.

So, take time to yourself, but also be mindful about overindulgence (in both your work and personal life). It’s always wise to enter any new endeavor with a strong level of expectation and acceptance that you will have responsibilities to attend to. Some will excite you, (many) others won’t. There’s no way to skirt around either of the two — if you care deeply about your life’s calling, your best bet in any given circumstance is to simply roll up your sleeves and get things done. And, again, although you won’t always be satisfied with the output of your investment, the journey will be much less daunting if you can keep a backdrop-sense of contentment in your efforts. Do your best work, be realistic about its output, and try not to overindulge at the expense of your mental well-being. If you can subscribe to this belief, then you can trust that you are exactly where you need to be. You are more than your work — find liberty in this.

jsnvo.com pedalmgmt.com @pedalmgmt

Tess Thomas “Qween Ra” – of Qween Lashes | Lashes Expert

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that you most definitely have to trust the process and believe in the WE in Qween!! We are all we got, you don’t have to look like what you’re going thru. The Eyes are so beautifully unique, why not let us help them POP!

@qweeenlashes Facebook: Qween Lashes

Alisa Popelka | Founder + Principal Interior Designer of Alisa Cristine Interiors

Premoe Photography

As an entrepreneur I had to learn to define what success meant to me and forget about what success is to everyone else. Being a solo (entrepreneur), I learned that I needed to accept and be okay with the fact that the journey to achieving big goals is going to take me longer than a firm with a team. With the heavy influence of social media it’s so easy to get caught up in the comparison trap, and be hard on yourself for what you aren’t accomplishing when in reality you need to celebrate and honor how far you’ve come. All of those small wins lead to achieving big goals so I’ve learned I have to give myself some grace and keep moving forward everyday to better my business and hit those milestone moments.

alisacristineinteriors.com @alisacristineinteriors @alisacristineinteriors

Alex Mauricio | Dallas and Tampa Realtor®

REAL is a huge piece of the term REAL-tor which makes authenticity so important for a Real Estate Pro. Be honest, ethical, moral…and most importantly be yourself! You still have to have the intellect and real estate chops to back up your credibility as a competent agent, but as far as getting your foot in the door to start a conversation with a home buyer or home seller, being your true self will set you apart. In this day & age, an important part of why a client chooses to hire a professional is based on how they connect with YOU! Your quirky sense of humor, your funky personal style, right down to your adorable regional accent all makes up who you are as an individual. As a newbie, I thought I needed to portray myself in a certain way to be successful. I studied top agents in my area and took note. Luckily, I learned very quickly that we all have something unique to bring to the table. It’s one thing to learn tips and tools of the trade from your peers but you don’t want to become a carbon copy of them. People are savvy enough to see through disingenuous behavior. Do YOU, do what comes naturally and the rest will follow!

ClassyCozyCasa.com @SpecialAgentAlex @AlexMauricioRealtor

Rachel Lisle | Family Nurse Practitioner

Marci Brooks Photography

Throughout my journey as first an Emergency Nurse and transitioning to preventative care, I have learned to never stop asking questions. In order to improve yourself, you must have the desire to learn more, hone your skills, and be up to date on current guidelines and research. Asking questions and wondering “what else” allows you to see outside the box and dig deeper. Everything new begins with a question or a hypothesis. Applying this ideal to patients is a great tool to find the root cause of an issue and therefore better serve them. Continuing to apply this lesson has helped me expand my view of medicine to include traditional, holistic, and functional medicine. I desire to continue to improve and be a life long learner by always asking more questions.

integrativemedical.com @rlisle_integrativemedical @rachel.lisle.92

The post What’s the Most Important Lesson You’ve Learned Along Your Journey? appeared first on Voyage Dallas Magazine | Dallas City Guide.

source http://voyagedallas.com/2019/08/28/whats-important-lesson-youve-learned-along-journey-2/

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abitoflit · 7 years

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Time Ticks Away

Timestamp: Spring 25, 512 AV Deep red rained from older folds; crevices split anew. Like the uneven walls of shelters in the heat of a storm. Blood poured from the shriveling skin, the wizened white edges. Dead as ghosts; as the rubble clicked against the road. Horse's hooves clopped in the distance, churning the brew. Dust rose only to settle over the city's rotting corpse. Sinew strewn through the streets wove a river through the stones, while other, various innards hung against crumbling walls, draped lazily over their sides as though they were festive garlands. A welcome home. The sun's golden rays shone down on it all, setting it into an otherworldly boil. The streets themselves seemed to bubble and simmer. To pop with the intensity of it all. Spitting stones angrily at the sky as if in warning: turn the bloody oven off or else. Or else what? No matter, the world seemed to sink into a realm ruled by Ivak, despite how much many wished to fight it. Fire and brimstone, insurmountable heat, seemed to radiate from every pore of the earth. Every flake of skin. Every breath of fresh air. All seemed dark, and yet, it was cast in a blinding light. Light which engulfed the shade of the fallen, crimson red. Darkening, now that it had been set free for so long. Now that it had settled into the nooks and crannies, into the undulating lines at the bottom of the jar. Stained glass shimmered in the light, as several more droplets fell into the gathering pool. It rippled, sending spirals into the darkness. Splashes against the soft, curved sides. Despite the constant bombardment, the barrier stood strong. Tall and proud, refusing to relent as Aello's teeth fell onto her bottom lip. Her fingers trembled, and had long ago grown cold, and then numb. She hated the lack of feeling, supposing that's what it must be like when you were dead. The irony stung. She was calling them. The girl thought she could feel the beginnings of tears brimming in her ducts. The narrow triangles were red too. It was the heat, no the cold. Ice against the skin whenever she held their hands now. The memory of it, fading into her skin, as it crossed the back of her mind. It was the pain she knew she'd feel tomorrow. The pain she knew she'd encounter as soon as she had heard. As soon as she had asked all of the questions, and received the answers. Pain from knowing all the secrets. Torment; for she would be able to do nothing. Change nothing. Fix; nothing. So why was she still trying so damn hard? Parched lips curled into themselves. Faded rose petals furling as they turned to dust. The last bead of moisture had fallen from the trembling fronds. The dying beauty. Sinking into the pool below. Resting with its fellows as roughened edges came away, hurriedly into a bed of soft cloth. It felt tougher now though, coarse, like sandpaper. Rubbing imperfect wooden beams; hollowed, against another entity to emit that which was smooth. But such things could never be, not when tied with the teeth. Then ripped away into the trash heap. No, the whites were meant to die. They were meant to shrivel. They were meant to mirror those being called into the spiritist's midst. Grunting with the effort it took, for her flesh felt as though it had been caught in a void, Aello slowly rolled the jar over the rubble, bringing it closer to her. She stared at the blood in the jar; her paint. The road was her canvas, if only she could will the brush's bristles into action. For all they wished, was to flatten out; twirl away. The girl, then, brought her uninjured hand forward. She brought her fingers to her lips, and slowly, licked each. Flashes of her time at work burst before her eyes; her taste buds exploded with the hint of things long gone. They seemed to grow, and then melt away as the sting set in. As though each spot had just been punctured by a bee's behind. Running the swollen muscle against the sides and roof of her mouth; soaking up her cool saliva seemed to do little. She could feel everything churning angrily inside; bubbling, as her fingers fell away, and dripped into the jar. Only one broke the surface of the deep red pool. Only one caused a disturbance, everything to ripple. She could hear the moisture sloshing up against the side of the jar, begging to be let out. It was as though she were back in Ravok then, weaving her way through the city streets, past the endless maze of canals, listening to the darkened lake crashing up against the sides of walls; its impenetrable confines. She could hear the lake splashing alongside the sea in the distance. The foam crashing; popping, as gulls cawed in the distance. Gliding; circling, upon invisible currents of air. The limb drove deeper, twisting a little, sending the pool into a dervish. The cyclone sank towards the depths as slowly, methodically, the girl pulled her finger from her own blood. It clung to the inside of her nails. Beads of warm liquid settling into her skin, as the rest dripped off paling complexion. Back into the jar held under. Slowly, her finger pushed away, falling onto the ground where slowly it began to paint. To scrawl wavering cones without a top. Over and over her finger would paint over the rubble. Over and over it would motion for fresh paint, until Aello had come to complete a sixteen-pointed star. A jagged star; a star as rough about the edges as she. Slowly, slowly, her fingers returned to the cloth, freeing them of excess before she placed the jar in the star's center. Air slipped through the spaces between her teeth as she took in a deep breath, holding it in her lungs for several seconds, until they stung, before releasing. It's time, she thought, as she placed both of her hands in her lap, and closed her eyes, taking a moment to clear her mind before she began her invocation. The girl took another deep breath before she opened her eyes. Lazy lotuses unfurling their petals as they called to the world to feast. To delve into their innermost desires; their endless dreams, from which there was no escape. Slowly, her lips parted again, paling as she began: Ticks and chimes, bells, the sundial's shadow settles for a beat, before winding slowly around the clock's face, whiskers seem to stretch, marking the hour, soon to be up before the next day when all seems to repeat itself, for a spell. It's the endless flow, time, a coursing river with no beginning and no end, a river as far as the eye can see and beyond. Yet time is fickle, fleeting, like sand trickling to the bottom orb of an hourglass, no matter how much you shake it it still falls, even if as angular as rain. It is to this world's misunderstood element I call, to its servants I bid come. It is to those who understand the tapestry of old, how everything weaves together, thread by thread, connecting us all I call. It is to the servants of its keeper I call. It is to those who serve the lady of time, the mighty Tanroa. Aello's voice faltered as she took a deep breath in through the nose and out through the mouth. She paused a moment, as she tilted her head back, allowing her long brown hair to flow over her shoulders. To cascade down the length of her back. She closed her eyes as she lifted her hands skyward. Holding them out before her, her palms flat, she ended. Come to me! As the word's hung in the air, her hands balled into fists as they sank, like single, brown dying leaves from a tree, they fell, until they settled upon her knees. The girl sat still for a time, scarcely breathing as her heart shook in her chest. It seemed to drum a death toll, as the wind picked up, sweeping her hair off her shoulders, and as it passed, life seemed to sprout anew. Curtains were pulled away, as orbs dropped. An intense gaze settled upon the rattling stones, the soft glow of the star settling into the road. The blood offering had vanished, presumably sucked into the earth as had been done the time before. The air seemed to thicken so intently, it was as though it needed to be severed by a knife. The girl felt trapped, encased in an invisible cocoon. A web of Zulrav's making. Startled by the sensation, a chill shat up Aello's spine, rattling her to the bone. Dust seemed to rise in wispy vapors, crawling over the ground like a thick, impenetrable fog. The whitened speckles glided across the floor silently, gracefully, before thinning. Like clouds parting to provide a clearer view of the sun. Rising from the ashes was a cool white. A soft glow; like the sun batting sleep crystals away from its eyes. Slowly, from the center of her star, rose a figure; a single spectre. A woman clad in long, flowing sandy brown robes cinched at the waist by a white, coiled cord came into view. The edges of her form, hovering over the earth, flickered as did the rest of her. Her body, seemed slight within the center folds of it all. Her hands, veins rising seemed to pulse with life despite the nature of her being. Her lips, so pale, seemed like roses drained of all life; save but a single drop. And her eyes, her eyes, were the most startling of all. All white with meandering red rivers, save for a speck; a black coil of a pupil, surrounded by a ring of bone, and then another ice cold, blue ring. "You beckoned one of us to your side?" The ghost asked, her voice sounding raspy, and yet, silky smooth.

Aello offered the ghost a small nod, as life leapt into her muddied pupils. It was as though it had just rained for days, and finally, with the sun's grace, a glimmer of gold could be seen within each pure orb. Her fingers undulated, as though considering each question as it rose to the surface. The forefront of her mind. Wave after wave crashed into her, endlessly awaiting their truth to be told. Her lips curled into a small smile as her left hand moved towards her bag, pulled away the flap, and extracted a small vial of mist she had made many moons before. Mist, which strangely, hadn't faded away as it had done all those years before, ever since she was first introduced to the craft by the ghost in her attic, and her father. Slowly, the girl unplugged the stopper, and placed it in her pocket as she rose to her feet. Now level with the hovering ghost, the spiritist held the vial under the entity's nose, letting her get a whiff of that she once knew. Scents she had once adored, but hadn't had a chance to enjoy for quite some time. Gingerly, Aello moved the vial towards her lips. "Drink," she instructed. "You must be tired from your journey." There was a pause as the ghost hesitated, eyeing her warily it seemed, although, it was difficult to tell with the nature of her eyes. So cold, so distant, and ageless. Lost within time. "There is no saying how long you will feel the need to remain. It'd be best if you had your strength; failing to return to your mistress' realm on an empty stomach." Again the girl paused, but received no word from the ghost. Slowly, her hand fell away, she reached for the stopper, but was stopped by the ghost, a hand on her wrist. Startled by the cool touch, Aello looked up from what she was doing. "In time my hunger will return," the ghost whispered. Aello could hardly nod. "Perhaps then, you can offer your mist again." Aello's gaze faltered as she reached for the stopper and replaced it. She twirled the insignificant vial between her fingers. Watching it weave in and out. Glowing an ominous white that matched the ghost's shade, and soon, her own. "So, my dear, what did you call to us for?" the ghost asked, prompting Aello to put the vial of soulmist into her pocket and look up at the ghost again. "There is much I wish to know," the spiritist replied simply as she gazed into the icy motes contained within the ghost's visage. The ghost said nothing, although she raised a single bushy, white brow, as though suggesting the girl go on. "Things about what have already come to pass. I do not believe the mistress Dira can help me in this situation, but perhaps the lady of time, Tanroa herself may be able to. Her people, may be able to." The brow rose even higher. "My family," Aello began, her hands clinging to the folds of her dress. Wringing the fabric dry of her blood and sweat. Dust which still clung to the frayed edges as her eyes widened with need and desire. Pain. "Died many years ago in a fire. Seasons past my brother came to me and asked for help before going away. Recently, just a few days ago, actually, I saw my mother at the site of our cottage. It still stands, if only in skeleton form." The girl glanced down as she sighed, shaking her head lightly. "She told me my father had never come. No one has seen him... since..." Again, the girl shook her head. "It makes no sense. It's simply not like him." Aello paused a moment before looking back up. "I want to know what happened to him." There was a pause, a moment of time where the girl felt as though she were about to wring her own neck. "It doesn't seem as though either my brother or my mother would know what had happened... if they possessed me... I don't think I could find the secrets I seek. The truth of it all." Aello swallowed the clump of saliva that had gathered in her throat. Her vision was becoming glassy, causing her sight of the ghost to waver all the more. "I need help. From someone, anyone. I just... so desperately want to know." For a long time, the ghost remained silent, simply peering down her nose at the girl. "Couldn't a divinist tell you what you wish to know?" Aello shook her head. "I don't believe so. You see, I met a Konti around the time I saw Leon again, my little brother, and well, she said she could see the past... but she didn't seem to be able to show others her vision. Perhaps, she could see what once was for me, or even for you, and I'd know the truth of it all with my magic... but... he wasn't with me when he died. I don't think he was with my mom or Leon either. So, even if I went to one of the Konti women and pleaded they look into what was, I'm not so sure they could be of any service, since they're not really searching the tapestry of time for our individual threads, but for that of my father." Again the ghost said nothing. "Please... won't you tell me what Tanroa's like?" Aello asked. "She may be my only hope, of putting everything back together." "Please..."

For a long time the ghost remained silent, considering her. "Wise as the lady of time should be," she began. "Passive. Choosing to rarely interact with those still living. To intervene. Serene. For she knows what was, what is, and what shall come to be, little can surprise her." Aello nodded. "As she should be. But, she just sounds so much like lady Avalis. Of the Konti people. That is how they describe her anyway, as knowing what was, is, and shall be." The girl sighed. "They seem the same to the unfamiliar. But how could that be? Why would they have two goddesses, almost precisely the same? Surely they must be different somehow." "They are different," the ghost commented. "Like night and day." "How?" Aello asked. "What makes them so different?" "Personality, appearance, power." Aello's brow furrowed in confusion, as though beseeching the woman to expand. "Avalis lives among the Konti women, on Mura with her sister. She doesn't come see them much, either, but she tends to have more interaction than Tanroa does with the world. Tanroa is older, more powerful, unwilling to share her gift, whereas Avalis offers it more freely. But is that such a surprise really, with the Konti woman all being her children? Each offered a gift for being brought into this world?" Aello shook her head. "I don't suppose so." There was a pause. "And I don't suppose they look too similar than either. I always imagined Avalis to look like her people. Blonde hair, blue eyes. But the lady Tanroa- I'm not so sure I could paint a picture. But if I had to, I suppose she'd be like the Ethaefal without horns. Ageless. Hauntingly beautiful. Statuesque." The ghost's brow furrowed. "Now why would you bring such a thing up?" she asked. Aello shrugged. "So I will have a picture to put with a name," she began. "So I can feel as though I know her better. Understand her... much as you do." The ghost smiled, if only subtly. "She seems as though she is about twice your age. With eyes as dark and tempestuous as the sea. Hair as long and flowing as a river; silver. Or even white when it glimmers alongside her train." There was a pause. "Although, it is difficult to say. She seems ageless, and wise, even in appearance. Although, I suppose that could be manipulated on a whim. Churned like the sea to suit her needs. Surely all the gods, if not the majority of them, could manage that." Aello nodded. "So is it true then?" she asked, causing the ghost's brow to furrow. "Can she help me?" "If she comes to favor you, perhaps. If she sees it fit for her to do so," the ghost replied, simply. "So she may help me turn back time. To see what once was?" Aello asked. "Is that what her mark does?" "Treavery allows us to see what is, was, and will come to be if only we know the proper rituals, the flow of the river, and how to manipulate it. Bend it to our will, we can see," the ghost said. Aello cocked her head to the side, hoping for some sort of expansion. "It is difficult to explain, best understood only when the time comes. If it happens to you too." Aello nodded. "And what if she grows to disfavor me?" "Then you shall lose a part of yourself." "And the mark?" Aello asked. "Lost to you. Buried within the muddied irises surrounding your pupils. The motes which hold your pain. Your secrets. Your inner turmoil." There was a pause. "They are like an open book you know. They hold your rivers." Aello gulped, swallowing the clump of saliva in her throat. She simply didn't understand, but she didn't want to say that. Yet, she couldn't help but think that if the goddess failed to notice her, she'd be losing a piece of herself anyway. She simply wanted to know. Now. Everything. But she'd have to grow up. To be an adult. To be patient. "You will understand that too, if she ever comes to see you," the ghost explained, more than likely noticing the confusion in Aello's eyes. The ghost's form seemed to flicker, causing Aello's hand to fall into her pocket and retrieve the vial. But the ghost shook her head. "I'm not hungry," she whispered. "Maybe in time..." Soon, the ghost had faded away...

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