Sunkissed
Part 1 of Sunkissed where (Y/n) is a single mom to an uncoordinated kid, who happens to have surf lessons with a very cute man ;)
Tropes: Strangers-to-lovers, Single mom!(Y/n), Surfer!H, beginning of Stepdad!H, Teacher!H (?)
Warnings: suggestive content, smut on part 2 though. Word count: 8k.
My friend Sarah (@harryforvogue) beta read and edited everything so thanks to her!!!! <3
Here is the link to part 2 and wattpad (Y/n is Catarina on wattpad!!) Please tell me what you think!!!
“Mom c’mon, we are gonna be late,” rushed the 6-year-olf boy, taking (Y/n)’s hand, making the woman stumble on her feet on the hot sand. “All the kids are gonna be way ahead of me in the lessons!”
“Hey, calm down, yeah? I’m not as young as you anymore, plus I’m the one carrying your bag,” said (Y/n). She didn’t blame Cauã, her son, for his excitement. Today was the first week of summer which meant the first day of his surfing lessons.
While in a conference at her son's school, the P.E made sure (Y/n) knew how behind Cauã was in comparison to the other kids. Apparently, Cauã was more uncoordinated than expected, so it was highly suggested that he participated in some kind of sport.
At first, (Y/n) was a bit astounded by it. She knew he was a bit clumsy, of course he would be! It was in his DNA to be bad at sports, he had asthma and his own mother could barely kick a ball. But she didn't know this was affecting him negatively, she always thought he was more inclined to the arts, like her.
On the drive home, she and Cauã had a conversation and decided to try new things. (Y/n) suggested soccer, basketball, baseball, but he would deny everything, mumbling he was scared of the ball– No wonder he was her child.
So as they were passing by the beach, she realized they were in California. Why not try some water sports?
When she suggested surfing she could see the adorable toothless smile she was so fond of appearing on his face through the rearview mirror.
When they got home she immediately looked for Surf Schools near the area of Windansea Beach. It was the closest beach, only a ten-minute drive from their place. The sea was not rough there, so (Y/n) wouldn't feel so scared of having Cauã swimming and surfing there.
After some time researching on Google, (Y/n) found the perfect “school.” The lessons were held from 2 pm to 4 pm every Saturday and Sunday, and the best part was that you didn't need to buy a surfboard, they would lend one for each kid during the teaching.
(Y/n)'s wallet cried reading that. Raising a kid with only a small studio where she would teach art wasn’t exactly easy, but she always managed
The next thing they needed was a surf suit, Cauã wanted it to be yellow. So they both went shopping, and couldn't be happier to find one in a swim shop.
And that's how (Y/n) ended up getting dragged through the sand by her own child.
They were a bit late, (Y/n)’s art studio wasn't supposed to be open Saturday, but one of her students wanted to practice on their sculpture, so she couldn't say no. (Y/n) ended up closing the school 2 hours later, which made her and Cauã late by 15 minutes. It wasn't even that much, but he was being a little dramatic.
When they spotted the small group of children and their parents at the next lifeguard tower, Cauã left her hand and went running to them.
That left (Y/n) alone, looking like a crazy woman at the beach, with her overalls stained with clay and her hair looking like a bird’s nest due to the ridiculous wind.
"Cauã, don't run! You're gonna end up needing your inhaler," said (Y/n), running to him. She could see the head of the group ahead turning to them. Oh great. Now she was a late and crazy parent.
(Y/n) always tried to be the best parent she could be. Ending up pregnant at 19 wasn't easy, but being judged by her age was the worst part. She knew Cauã wasn't missing out on anything by having a young mother, but (Y/n) still didn't like the look people gave when she told them she was 25 years old with a 6-year-old boy.
They got closer to the group of people, right when a man greeted them. "Oh hello, you must be–" said the man looking at a blue notebook, probably one of the teachers, she knew this class had two. "(Y/n) and Caun?"
"It's pronounced as Kauan, sir, it's a Brazilian name!" answered the boy to the tall tattooed teacher. He wasn't what she expected a children's teacher to be. "My mom is a bit disorganized with her time so we–" continued Cauã.
"Hey hey, I'm not disorganized, mister,” murmured (Y/n) to Cauã.
"I'm sorry, I had a bit of a problem at my job, that's why we are only 15 minutes late," explained (Y/n), now looking at the teacher. He was probably Mr. Styles, since the other teacher was supposed to be a woman.
"Well, Mrs. Mila just finished talking to the parents and the kids about the rules while we are surfing, so they can go on and start doing some exercises. I'm afraid both of you are gonna have to wait a little more to get into action."
What an asshole, (Y/n) thought, they couldn't have lost that much information in such a little amount of time.
After the man finished scolding (Y/n), Mrs. Mila, a blonde woman in her 30s, called the parents and the kids to follow her to another part of the beach, closer to the sea.
Everyone besides (Y/n) and Cauã.
Cauã looked at his mom, face filled with disappointment. There was the worst part of motherhood, the guilt of not giving your best to your kid.
Before (Y/n) could comfort Cauã or scream at Mr.Styles – she hadn't decided which one to do first – the teacher put a hand on Cauã's back and told him softly.
"But it's ok buddy, you will catch up to them real fast, we just need to talk about how to be safe and understand the sea first."
"Ok Mr. Styles," answered the sweet boy, smiling at the man.
"Don't need to call me Mr. Styles, alright? Just call me Harry."
Maybe he wasn't that much of an asshole, at least he realized (Y/n) was the one to blame, not Cauã. She also recognized a British accent in his voice.
"So I see you got your surf suit on, it looks really nice on you. Is yellow your favorite color?" asked Harry sitting down in the sand. Cauã did the same thing sitting in front of him, happy to have a one-to-one time with the teacher.
(Y/n) didn't quite know what to do with herself, should she sit down with them? Stay standing? She decided on the first option, sitting by Cauã's side.
"Yeah! I love every color but yellow is my favorite, it's my mom's favorite too." Harry looked at (Y/n), looking at her yellow-and dirty–overalls.
"Yeah, I see that," hummed Harry.
“Cauã is here because the school thought he is a bit behind on his motor skills, so we think surfing is a good option,” interfered (Y/n), looking at Harry with attention this time. His eyes were green, and his surf suit was black, the tightness of it made the muscle on his arm show up.
“Mom, don’t tell him that,” mumbled the boy embarrassed, looking at her.
“It’s alright Cauã. If you really wanna stick to surfing, we need to have good communication, and that means talking about things we don’t like,” said Harry. He could feel the boy’s discomfort.
(Y/n) also heard how Harry said Cauã’s name correctly, most people don’t even bother getting it right, since it’s not an English name.
“While we are at the sea bad things can happen, so we always need to tell our colleagues what we are feeling,” he continued, looking at Cauã and then at (Y/n). “Is there something you want to tell me before we start talking about the rules?”
Before (Y/n) could answer for him, Cauã spoke quietly. “I have asthma. That’s why I can’t run as fast as the others.”
Harry smiled at his response, a weird excitement on his face. “Guess what!”
“What is it Mr.Sty- Harry?” bubbled Cauã, sitting now on his knees.
“I have asthma too! You and I are alike, don’t you think?”
(Y/n) could swear she saw stars in her son’s eyes. Cauã’s dad wasn’t around much, picking him up here and there to spend an afternoon in the park or at his place. But after he moved away to Nevada, almost 6 months ago, the boy never saw his dad again, not in person at least. Sometimes they would video chat for 10 minutes. It was good to see that he finally felt close to a man’s figure.
“Wow, that’s so cool! That means I can be strong like you someday.”
“Exactly! If you decide that surfing is your thing I will make sure you turn out even better than me.” Harry smiled. “But now we have to go through some rules, ok?”
The boy confirmed.
“If you ever feel any kind of pain or discomfort, you need to tell me, Mrs. Mila, or your mom because your well-being is what comes in first place,” explained the man with a serious tone. “Especially when it comes to your asthma, if you feel the need to use your inhaler while you’re surfing you need to let us know as soon as possible, so we can bring you to the sand.”
Cauã was nodding in response all along.
“I believe your mom keeps one with her, right?” asked Harry, looking at (Y/n), brows raised, waiting for a response.
"Of course! I always keep two in this bag and-”
“Ok, thank you,” interrupted Harry.
(Y/n) was growing mad at the teacher. He had the right to be mad about the lateness, but continuing to treat her harshly even after she explained it was due to her job?
"We have a very treat people with kindness policy, so we are always respectful. We don't hit and don't call names, alright Cauã?"
Look at the rude man talking about kindness, (Y/n) thought to herself. Good thing her boy would never do anything like that, he was the most gentle human ever.
"The last rule is you always listen to me and Mrs. Mila because the ocean can be dangerous, and I need to trust that you will follow our lead in any type of situation." Harry reached his hand out to Cauã. "Can I trust you? Do we have a deal?"
Without hesitation, he answered, grabbing his hand and shaking it, "Of course Harry, I'm a man of my word."
"Man? You barely lost your front tooth!" teased Harry, (Y/n) couldn't help but laugh. "Now you can join Mrs. Mila and the other kids, me and your mom need to talk for a bit."
The boy did so, getting closer and closer to the group of people who were only 10 meters away. The parents were talking while sitting on a blanket. The kids were mirroring the other teacher doing jumping jacks.
"Does he have any other condition?" asked Harry, the smile on his face long forgotten.
"He is prone to get pneumonia so if we have a cold day we probably won't come." She was now standing on her feet, just like the teacher was. "Oh and he broke his wrist 2 years ago, don't know if that's important."
He wasn't looking at her now, he was writing things on the notebook, probably repeating what she told him in the paper.
"It's good to know," he mumbled,"because punctuality is really important for us. I hope that won’t happen again tomorrow,” continued Harry with the same scolding tone as before.
“That won’t happen, Harry,” answered (Y/n). They were going to be the earliest people at the beach tomorrow and next Saturday. It was a promise she just made with herself. Maybe she could work later on Friday and be free all Saturday. Yeah! That’s what she was going to do.
“Please, call me Mr. Styles. I prefer to keep the relationship with the parents more professional than with the kids.”
(Y/n) could feel the blood going all the way to her cheeks. Fuck. She thought it was ok to call him by his first name since he let Cauã do so.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to disrespect you in any way.”
“It’s alright, don’t worry Mrs-?”
“It’s Miss actually, Miss (Y/L/N).”
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright. His dad is coming to town in a few weeks, so maybe he’s gonna miss a few lessons. I hope that won’t be a problem.”
“It won’t, don’t worry.” The man just hummed in response, picking up his surf and turning around, going after where his students were.
(Y/n) couldn't help but look at his butt (respectfully). That suit was really doing wonders. But she stopped looking when his head turned to her.
“You have clay and yellow paint in your face, Miss (Y/L/N),” he simply said, leaving the girl alone to clean her face while she cursed herself over and over. Cauã could have warned her about it!
“Ok guys, everybody has their surfboards, right? I want you to put them in the sand and lay down on them. We are gonna learn how to paddle,” explained Mrs. Mila. The blonde woman seemed tougher with the kids than Harry since he was always joking and clarifying the doubts his students had with a smile on his face.
While Harry and Mila were giving instructions about paddling, (Y/n) and the other parents - three moms and two dads - were talking about their jobs and having small talk. (Y/n) liked Miranda, Clara’s mom. Clara was a girl the same age as Cauã she was also a teacher, but unlike (Y/n) she worked in a real school, not in a small rented studio.
“Okay, now that you know how to paddle, we are gonna learn how to pop up on the surfboard. The ones you have are longboards and they have more space to stand up, and if you applied the paraffin the right way there won’t be any problems,” (Y/n) heard Harry say. He was demonstrating while Mrs. Mila went around the six kids, making sure they were doing it right.
“The method we are using is called ‘sliding the knee’. You first slide both knees forward and into th- not like that Clara, position your knee first, and then your feet- Yeah, like that,” he continued. “You put the other knee into the surfboard and bring the front foot forward, in between your hands - Exactly Clara, now you got it right- and then you stand up.”
(Y/n) could see that Cauã was having a bit of an issue understanding how to do it properly. Mrs. Milla was having to position his knee for him. The other kids seemed fine. Clara was a bit uncoordinated too, but Harry was there helping her.
She felt like she made the right choice choosing such a small class. There were only 6 students, so the teachers really took their time with each one of them. Cauã didn't have that in PE class so if he was having a hard time the teacher would only tell him to pick another activity.
As a teacher herself, (Y/n) knew how hard it could be to teach. Normally she would only teach teenagers or adults how to paint or draw and they weren't a handful, but kids? They were hard.
“Let’s try the pop-up until everybody gets it,” said Mrs. Mila to all six kids, still trying to make Cauã put his knee a bit more forward.
The class was almost over, the kids were training to paddle and pop up together and all of them were getting better at it. Clara and Cauã weren’t confusing the right foot with the last foot anymore.
“I think that’s good for the day guys, it's already 4:05. Tomorrow you're gonna train how to paddle and pop up the water! No riding waves though,” said Harry, helping the kids by putting the surfboard inside the lifeguard tower. He probably asked for the key, or he was committing a crime against private property. (Y/n) wouldn't be surprised by it. “Ok, I think we are all done here. Does anyone have any questions?”
All parents said no, waving goodbyes, wishing a good evening, so Harry came back to organize his belongings. He pressed a kiss to Mrs. Mila’s cheek before she turned around, in the direction of the street.
Cauã headed to (Y/n) and she congratulated him. “You did so well, baby! I’m proud of you.” She noticed it was becoming a bit chillier. “Put this jacket on, it's windy right now.”
She helped the boy put on his clothes, the yellow of the suit making a pretty contrast between his green jacket. “Do you think I’m too slow, mom?” asked Cauã while (Y/n) put his arm through one of the arm’s holes.
“Of course not honey, why do you think that?” (Y/n) questioned, placing her warm hand on the boy's shoulder and closing the coat’s zipper.
“Jake could stand up without stumbling on his feet right away,” answered the boy, looking down.
“People learn things in different ways, and at the end of the lesson you did get it right a handful of times, and that’s what matters, ok? Now let’s go home. Guess what we are ordering tonight,” said (Y/n), trying to comfort him.
She knew it worked when she saw that adorable smile and heard him bounce in excitement.
“It’s pizza, isn’t it?!”
“Exactly, my smart boy,” she laughed, hugging him by the shoulder, leading them away from the beach.
“Hey, Miss (Y/L/N),” she heard Harry say.
“Yes?”
“Make sure to clean your face tomorrow.” A smirk appeared on his face.
(Y/n) turned Cauã away from Harry and showed the teacher her middle finger. He just smiled, turning away to pick up the paraffin packets, heading in the opposite direction.
“I think Harry is really funny, mom,” said the boy, heading to the car.
“Oh yeah, Mr. Styles is lovely,” answered (Y/n) with sarcasm. Cauã didn’t get it. “Now go on and buckle up, you can choose the song for the road.”
When they got home, (Y/n) made sure Cauã had his shower and afternoon snack. The boy started to eat so much, she was gonna be bankrupt if he kept the habit of eating one package of cookies every single day.
After Cauã was all set up in his Avengers pajamas, (Y/n) decided to finish some drawings she had been working on. It was difficult to get inspiration lately, every day was monotonous and uninteresting.
Maybe this summer she could make a little trip with Cauã and rent an Airbnb. She was going to be insane if she kept her little routine of teaching and coming home, of course now both of them had gatherings at the beach, but (Y/n) still missed something. She was eager for something more.
"Hey, what about after the week you spend with your dad we go on a little vacation? We could go camping for a couple of days, or rent a cottage in the mountains somewhere," suggested (Y/n) to the boy playing with the Legos.
"In the mountains?" asked Cauã, looking up, abandoning his toy. "What if a bear eats us, mom?"
"No bear will eat us, they will all be frightened by me," played (Y/n), flexing her arm. "Look at this muscle. I'm strong, baby."
"Mom, I'm sorry, but I don't see any muscles there."
"Oh, you don't? Could you please tell me who opens your peanut butter jar every morning?" smiled (Y/n) getting closer to him. It was time for the tickle monster to appear. "Who built your bed? Me! Me and my muscles."
(Y/n) was getting closer and closer, Cauã's eyes were big and alert. "What are you doing, mommy?" asked the boy, getting ready to run at any moment.
"It's tickle time!" screamed (Y/n) going after the boy, his laughter filling the whole room.
He first jumped on the couch, and then both of them ran circles around the table before (Y/n) finally got the boy, tickling him.
"Mom!" laughed Cauã when (Y/n) got closer to his belly. It's where he was the most ticklish.
(Y/n) noticed he started to be out of breath because of the laughter, so she stopped, putting him on her lap.
"Ok, I give up, you won. Now breathe a little," her hands were making circles on his back, chin resting on the top of his head.
"I'm good now, mom, It's fine."
The sound of the house bell was heard, and the door handle opened. A tall woman got inside the house, a pizza in her hands.
"Auntie Jesse!" screamed the boy hugging Jesse, (Y/n)'s older sister.
"Hi bug, how are you?" she asked, putting the pizza on the table, greeting (Y/n) with a kiss on the cheek.
(Y/n) had given one copy of the key to her when they first moved in years ago. It was safer considering Cauã only had her and Jesse as caretakers. If anything were to happen to (Y/n), Jesse would be able to get into the house.
It was also good to have a key copy with her because (Y/n) tended to lose her keys a lot. One day, she and Cauã had to wait two hours outside their own house because (Y/n) lost the key and they needed Jesse's.
"I'm good. Did you know I started surfing today?"
"Oh, your mom told me. How was it? Did you like it?"
(Y/n) listened to Cauã tell his aunt about their day at the beach while she got the table ready, placing the plates and the cutlery. Yeah, they ate pizza with forks and knives. It was a “Brazilian tradition” her dad taught them. (Y/n) and Jesse couldn't quite let it go, even after his death 6 years ago, the same year Cauã was born.
"– And Harry is the other teacher, he is super cool, auntie," continued the boy. He was so happy talking about the teacher, (Y/n) almost felt sorry for rolling her eyes when Harry was mentioned...almost.
As they sat to eat, they would make small conversations, Jesse told (Y/n) about her new gigs as a photographer, and (Y/n) made sure to fill her in about how the art school and the lack of inspiration. Even Cauã added to the conversation, complaining about how boring his cartoon was becoming.
"Mom, can I watch Netflix? Please?" asked the boy after they finished eating, putting his dish on the sink.
"You can, but only the cartoons and movies are available for the kids’ profile," warned (Y/n).
Last month (Y/n) caught Cauã watching Big Mouth and almost had a stroke. He got into her profile thinking it was his. Since then she's been paying more attention to the things he was watching.
"Here, let me help you with the dishes," offered Jesse. "So it's been hard to paint again?"
(Y/n) grabbed the dishcloth and started drying the dishes Jesse was cleaning. "Yeah, it's like I can't find anything beautiful to paint. I only keep on making sketches of Cauã and random flowers. How can I teach art if I can't make new drawings?"
"Well, I think you are too stressed out these past few days, Cauã's dad coming to town and you having to bring him every day to the art classes you teach,” said Jesse.
She was only 2 years older than (Y/n). They grew up together as best friends due to the small age gap. Jesse, short for Jéssica, was the rebel child, so you can imagine their parents' reaction when sweet little (Y/n) was the one who showed up pregnant.
"I think you should go out. When was the last time you went somewhere without the little bug?" asked Jesse, finishing the last plate. "You know you can count on me to take care of him for a few hours. Maybe try going to a pub. It's summer now, you should be able to rest a bit.
If (Y/n) was honest she sincerely couldn't remember the last time she went to a place that wasn't filled with toys or kids running around.
"I think you are right. I've been so caught up with work lately. My art shouldn't even be considered a work, you know?" she admits, sitting on the couch with her sister. "I love teaching and I love art, why is it so exhausting? And Cauã is the sweetest boy in the world but he sure is impatient. I bring him to work and he only complains about going home. But what should I do? Leave him home alone? Hell no.”
The words were spilling from (Y/n). She truly needed to talk about this because she was so tired of handling everything on her own, and her sister was always the one to make her say the things that needed to be said.
"What about this: I take Cauã next Saturday night for a sleepover and you got to The Spot? I've been there a few times and enjoyed it."
She really wanted a night out, even if she didn't particularly have anyone to go with her because she was a grown woman! She could enjoy her own company for the night.
"Hm, okay! I guess Saturday will do, Cauã's lessons end at 4 pm, so I have plenty of time to dress up, I can even wash my hair."
"Yeah! Good, maybe you can even get laid. It's also been some time, right?" joked Jesse. "The last time you dated someone was last year. I think you should give it a go."
John was the guy's name, they dated for 8 months and broke after he decided it was too much for him… Cauã was too much for him.
After he left, Cauã was so sad. He enjoyed the guy's company and that’s why (Y/n) wasn't going to date anybody until her son was older, they didn't need another person leaving them alone.
"Definitely not dating anyone," laughed (Y/n). "And not getting laid too, I have my hands, thank you very much."
"Alright alright, whatever you want," teased Jesse, getting her car keys, ready to leave.
"I will be here Saturday, just call me when you're ready. Me and bug are gonna have an amazing time."
"Bye, love you," she kissed (Y/n) cheeks, yelling goodbye to Cauã on her way to the door. The boy yelled back, saying he loved the aunt too.
And in a few moments, the little family was alone again, it's always been the two of them together. It was tiring but she wouldn't have it any other way.
It was already 10 pm, 30 minutes past Cauã's bad time, so she made her way to her room, where the little boy was watching tv.
"Come on baby, it's time – Oh god! You’re watching trailer park boys? What have I told you about those types of cartoons?" The boy was looking at her like a deer in the headlight. "Ok, it's over for you. Bed now. No more Netflix alone from now on."
"But mom." Whined the boy, jumping off his mom bed
"No, don't wanna hear a thing. Let's go to bed. You have surfing lessons tomorrow again. You need to be well-rested.”
With a hand on his bed, she guided him into his room, tucking Cauã to bed, making sure he didn't need anything.
"I love you, ok?"
"Ok mom. I love you too. I’m sorry."
"It's alright, just no more snooping around on my profile mister. You have your own for a reason. Now go to sleep. Close your eyes and–?" She waited for him to respond to their well-too-known sentence.
"–dream of the prettiest skies," he gave a big stretch, already closing his eyes.
When (Y/n) flipped the switch the room went dark, and she was alone again.
The next day (Y/n) followed with her promise. She was at the beach by 1:25. Even the teachers weren’t there yet, so she decided to do some drawing in the sketchbook she made sure to bring. Maybe the ocean and little seashells could help her bring out the art inside of her.
Cauã was also very happy because that meant time to play in the sand and build sandcastles. (Y/n) made sure to draw Cauã having fun, playing with little seashells.
The parents all began to show up. The first one was Miranda, Clara’s mom, a little girl with beautiful curls and tanned skin, who went to play with Cauã while her mom talked to (Y/n). Cauã decided that she was the warrior and he was the king of the sandcastle.
When it was 2 pm, everybody was ready to start the lessons. The parents were sitting at their usual spot and the two teachers had all the surfboards ready to go.
“Hi, little people. As we said yesterday, we are paddling,” said Harry, with a smile on his face as usual. “I’m gonna form 3 groups, 2 of you in each one, so this way Mrs. Mila and I can assist you guys better.”
“There won’t be any sharks there, right?” asked Penny, a red head two years older than Cauã. “I watched Jaws. They are big and eat people.”
All the kids looked up at Harry with a terrified face, waiting for what the teacher had to say.
“No kids, you don’t have to worry about that. We are only going on the shallow part.” The next part he said was in a lower tone, so Mrs. Mila, who was waxing the surfboards, wouldn't hear it. “And all the sharks would be scared if they saw Mrs. Mila. She’s quite scary, isn’t she?”
The kids only laughed, after each one pinky promising they wouldn’t say anything to the other teacher.
“Alright, let me make the groups. When I say your name, go and stand next to your mate. Group 1 is Penny and Nick, group 2 Jack and Malcolm, and last but not least group 3 with Clara and Cauã.”
The little surfers were all organized. (Y/n) made sure to notice the boyish smile on her son’s face when he was teamed up with Clara.
“Group 1, let's go. Grab your surfboard and go with Mrs. Mila.” Harry took his surfboard, guiding the children. “Nick, you are with me. Penny, you go with her.”
And with that they started their lessons, training how to swim while on the surfboard, how to stand up on it and safety rules they must learn while at the sea. The other kids were at the sand playing, waiting for their turn.
All the groups were making rounds of 15 minutes each, the first 4 kids were getting the hang of it, but when it was Cauã and Clara's turn, the two of them were a bit… bad.
(Y/n) would never say that to Cauã, but that boy seemed like he had no control over any of his balance. Damn, she should have put him on sports sooner.
Every time he would stand up on the surfboard he would fall, Harry was quick to catch him, putting him back again, encouraging Cauã to try again. She could sense the boy was becoming frustrated.
That became clear when the lessons were over and Cauã and Harry got off the sea. Harry was saying something to the boy who had teary eyes. (Y/n) could only understand it once she got closer to them, feeling worried about the boy.
“That’s completely normal, Cauã. When I started surfing I didn’t even know how to swim! But I learned and today I'm even competing in championships!” (Y/n) heard the teacher saying. He was kneeling on the sand to be the same height as Cauã.
“Hey, what happened?” asked (Y/n), popping down on her knees next to Harry, looking at her son. “Why are you upset, baby?”
“I couldn’t stand up, mommy.” A pout was on his face. “And everybody else did it. I’m not good at it. I don’t wanna surf anymore.”
Harry was ready to interfere when (Y/n) started speaking.
“Baby, listen to me. You can’t give up every time you don’t get things right.” Harry was looking at her with a side-eye. “Surfing is like drawing. When you do an ugly one you take out a new paper and try it again and again until you get the results you want,” she explained to the boy the best she could.
“If I had given up on surfing on my first attempts I wouldn’t even be here in California.” Harry placed a hand on his shoulder. “I see a lot of potential in you little man, and I hope you can see it too.”
Cauã only nodded, hugging (Y/n) by her hip.
“Thank you, Mr. Styles. I’ll make sure to talk to him at home. He’s just a bit upset now,” explained (Y/n), stroking Cauã’s hair. “Say bye, baby, we need to go home.”
Cauã said his goodbyes, staying quiet the whole way home. (Y/n) just hoped he would be thrilled about the lessons next week.
The week went by fast. (Y/n)’s inspiration was slowly coming back thanks to the beach. She realized going there for a few minutes every night was making her lines more dedicated, and their little trips also made Cauã excited about surfing again.
So Saturday came around (Y/n) and Cauã were two bubbly little things, the boy about the lessons and the mom about her first date night after a long time.
While (Y/n) was sketching and making small conversations with Miranda she noticed the kids and both teachers were coming back from the sea, she didn’t understand it though, it was only 3 pm, the class was supposed to end in 1 hour.
The explanation came shortly after.
“I’m sorry guys, but I have to go home earlier today. My husband got a call from work and I need to be there to take care of my daughter,” said Mrs. Mila. “We will of course make the next class tomorrow a bit longer. I’m sorry again.”
The parents made sure to say it was okay, which made the blonde woman more calm. Everybody said their goodbyes until only (Y/n), Cauã, and the teacher were standing in the warm sand.
“Mom! Did you see how I stood up!” bubbled the boy, smiling at her.
He really did, after a few tries, he learned how to pop up while in the water. He only lost his balance once! Harry also made sure to acknowledge that, giving Cauã a high five every attempt he got right.
“Of course I did, baby! I’m so proud of you,” (Y/n) told him, opening her bag to apply more sunscreen on his face. “Hey, mommy needs to finish this drawing, so we can stay a bit more.”
The boy smiles at her, running to the shallow part of the water, so (Y/n) decides to finish her drawing with the watercolors she brought before she could paint the first line, a shadow covering her from the warm sun.
"You two are staying?" Harry asked her, his surfboard not too far away from him. He looked intimidating standing in front of her. Why didn't he leave with the other?
(Y/n) looked up at him, eyes pinching in a questioning stare, also wondering why he was being nice. "Yeah, Cauã went to swing a little and the weather is nice.”
“Yeah, it’s really hot, so the water is really cold though,” said Harry sitting down next to her,
What was he doing?
She decided to be polite and answer him, not wanting to create an awkward silence. “ “It’s also good for art making,” she mumbled. “The beach makes me want to paint again.”
"Again? Don't you, like, do that for a living?” he asked.
Now that they were closer she noticed a small mole he had on his chin and the dimples that would appear on his cheek every time he said something.
Her hands started playing with her dress. Even though he wasn't being a jerk today it was weird having a whole conversation with him.
"Yes, I have a little art studio, but sometimes it's hard to actually draw something for myself when I have students wanting to learn different techniques all the time,” she said. "But tell me, Mr. Styles, do you also have these types of conversations with the other parents?" She was looking at him with a teasing smile on her face.
“I actually do not, Miss (Y/L/N),” answered Harry in the same teasing tone. “But I’m sorry for acting like an idiot last week. When I saw you were late I thought you were one of those parents who didn't really care about their child, but obviously it's not the case.”
“I get it. I also have a lot of parents treating my art classes as a daycare. Last week a dad picked their child up 2 hours after the class was over. The poor thing was so sad.”
“That’s the exact reason why me and Mila decided to make the parents’ presence mandatory. We have a lot of bad experiences with it.”
(Y/n)’s alarm went off, indicating it was time to go. Jesse was probably at her house waiting for her already. “I have to go now, Mr. Styles, but I hope you have a good evening,” she says, bowing her head.
Harry matched the energy by bowing his head as well, saying sarcastically, “It sure was a delight, my lady.”
The woman just laughed, calling Cauã and going home.
Maybe Harry wasn’t that bad.
“Jesse, I look ridiculous,” says (Y/n), looking back at her sister through the mirror. “I like dresses, but not ones that are this tight.”
She was already regretting agreeing to this night out, she didn’t even feel like herself in this piece of clothing! When (Y/n) was younger, she didn’t have the chance to attend parties, and when she reached the legal age to drink she had a 2-year-old baby to take care of.
“Babe, you look stunning. This dress is making your butt pop out!” Jesse tried to boost her confidence, standing behind her. “But we can try finding another thing if you want.”
(Y/n) really thought about it, but she had nothing else to wear. Her usual clothes were comfy ones. Summer dresses and overalls that people wore to go to the market or play dates, but (Y/n) wanted to look sexy.
Once you became a mother it was like who you are was erased, your whole persona would be based on having a child and being a mom. She wanted to feel like herself again. After her most recent break-up, feeling confident was hard, but she was determined to bring herself up again.
“No, this one looks fine. I just have to get used to it,” she explained, bending down to put on her high heels that weren’t even that high, but baby steps were key.
“Auntie, let’s go. The video rental shop is gonna close.” Cauã rushed into the room.
“Video rental shop?” (Y/n) laughs, directing her sarcastic question to Jesse. “You sure are a millennial. You know we have a Netflix account, right?”
“Oh shut up. I’m trying to give him some culture,” Jesse defended herself, wrapping her arms around Cauã. “You remember how dad would always take us to rent movies? It was the highlight of our weekend.”
(Y/n) smiled, thinking of the sweet memories of her dad. He was a great man. That’s why she named Cauã after him.
“It really was. Cauã sure is impatient to go, right baby? What movie are you picking?” (Y/n) asked. She was ready to go.
“Maybe Moana or The Lion King.”
“Good, baby! Now go pick your bag to bring to Jesse’s, alright?”
The boy went to his room, leaving the sisters alone in the yellow room.
“Are you ready? You’re taking an uber?” asked Jesse, applying another round of red lipstick on (Y/n).
“Yes, I don’t plan on getting drunk or anything, but it’s safer.”
After Cauã was back with his bag, (Y/n) called the car. When it arrived she said goodbye to her family, kissing them on the cheek and hoping they had a good night. She got into the car, telling him the location of the pub and in a few minutes, she was there.
(Y/n) was feeling anxious, but she was gonna have a good time, she would make sure of it. She was hot and beautiful. She was gonna be fine.
(Y/n) wasn’t fine at all.
30 minutes had passed and the only person who she had made conversation with was the bartender in front of her. The chat wasn't even pleasing, he was trying to make jokes and flirting with her.
The pub was playing country music because somebody was celebrating their birthday on the second floor and that was the kind of song they requested, so the dance floor was dead.
“Can you make another one of these, please?” asked the woman to the barman, indicating the watermelon cocktail. If the night wasn’t interesting she might as well drink before she went home.
(Y/n) was feeling very lonely at the place, a lot of couples were sharing fish and fries, friend groups were getting together, like the one on her side, it seems like they didn't see each other for a long time.
“Of course I can, doll," replied the bartender, the name on his tag was written in the ugliest handwriting she had ever seen, but she guessed it said ‘Tomas’. “It will be done in a second, just let me go to the kitchen, the watermelon slices are over.”
The man was probably not that good at his job if he didn’t plan ahead the right amount of fruit for each drink, he also left the bar without anyone supervising it. Maybe he wanted to be fired.
“Excuse me, did you see where the bartender went?” asked a voice behind (Y/n), she slowly turned around.
“- I saw him lea- Miss (Y/L/N)!" said Harry, smiling at her, an empty glass in his hand, it was weird to see him wearing a shirt instead of the usual surf suit. “ Hi! what are you doing here.”
“Um, hi!” She greeted him back, pointing at her empty glass. “Waiting for my drink, he said he was gonna go to the kitchen to get more watermelon.”
“Oh, you took the watermelon cocktail? The one with gin?”
“No, the vodka one actually.”
“Even better! Let me wait here with you, I also want a watermelon drink anyway” Harry looked around, searching for an empty stool that he quickly found on the end of the bar a few meters away. “I’ll be right back!”
(Y/n) just murmured in agreement, was he always that open with acquaintances he met at random pubs?
He smiled in her direction, bringing the tool to her side, but noticed the space between her and the group was too small. “Hey, can you go a bit to the side so I can talk to my friend here? Thanks!” he said, not even waiting for a response, putting the stool on the girl’s side and practically shoving the group to move to the right.
(Y/n) noticed the bad look the other people were giving him, but she just decided to ignore them the same way Harry did. sitting close to her, their knees almost touching
“Friends hum?” she questioned. “Friends don’t call each other by their last name.”
She knew she didn't really have to be so formal since they were at a pub but she wanted to tease him a little.
“I’m sorry about that, some parents don’t take my job seriously, that’s why I asked them to be formal and stuff,” laughed Harry. “It struck my ego too.”
“But we can call each other by our first name if that’s ok with you?” Continued him, tapping his fingers on the counter,
“Yes, we can, but only because we aren’t at the beach.” joked her. “I would never want to be in the way to hurt your ego.”
“Well, sweetheart, you are the one who calls me Mr.Styles the most, the other parents slip a ‘Harry’ here and there, so you would be the last one to wound my poor self-esteem.”
“ Well, Harry it doesn’t seem like you have a bad self esteem, you’re just a bit of a narcissist."
“You are not wrong about that," he laughed, nodding slightly while his other finger was playing with the glass. “Are you from California?”
“Yeah, born and raised.” Answered her. “ I’m from Sacramento actually, but when my sister Jesse moved here I decided to do it too, she helps me take care of Cauã.”
“So I must thank her that I got to meet you here today.”
(Y/n) laughed, feeling her cheeks get warm “Yeah, I guess so. But what about you? You sound very much British.”
“That’s because I am an angel,” he snickered.
Angel, that made the inside of her thighs contract, the word sounded wonderful coming from his lips.
“I moved here for University, I got into UCLA, graduated 7 years ago”
Seven years! That would make him 28/29 years old, she thought he would be around her age or younger. “What did you graduate in?”
After he could respond, the barman came back, the smile quickly falling from his face as soon as he saw Harry there. (Y/n) couldn’t care but compared the two men together, Tomas was so not beautiful. She had to admit, Harry was pretty and very attractive per say.
“You got lucky, huh, Mrs.,” he said, looking between you and Harry. “There were only some slices left, just enough for your drink.”
“OH good! And it’s Mis-”
“Thank you, Tomas, me and (Y/n) will share it, make sure to put a bit more sugar," said Hary before she could speak, putting his arms around her, (Y/n) went still, giving him a side-eye.
“Actually Tomas, don’t put sugar, just squeeze a bit of lemon in it, I like my drink sour.” She never agreed to share a drink with Harry!
“Ouch, didn’t know you had problems sharing.” A dramatic expression on his face.
(Y/n) took his arms off her shoulder once Tomas turned their back to them “I don’t, but it is indeed my drink, he went to the kitchen for me.”
When the man finished the drink he made sure to put it right in front of (Y/n), leaving quickly after being called on the other side of the bar by a small group of people.
“I’m sorry for putting my arms around you like that, I know Tomas, he is a jerk.” Apologized Harry, sincerity on his face. “He always hits on people, and not charmingly like me.”
“That’s what you’ve been doing all this time, hitting on me ‘charmingly’?” laughed (Y/n), taking a sip of her drink and offering it to Harry, who accepted it.
“Of course not! I’m talking to you as a friend, a very sweet one,” he said after he finished the drink, getting closer to her face “It’s a shame you don’t enjoy sweetness though.”
(Y/n) grinned, taking the glass from his hand and bringing it to her lips. “It is a pity, yeah.”
Harry’s eyes darkened, his hand suddenly went to her face, really close to her mouth. “You left a bit of the drink spill out love, gotta be careful.”
“You’re getting very bold, Harry,” whispers (Y/n).
She told herself over and over that she would not be hooking up with anyone, that tonight was only a chance for her to let go and try to be herself again, but then Harry happened, her son’s teacher.
Well, that little detail didn’t matter right now, maybe because of the drinks she had, the only thing she was sure of was that she wanted Harry.
Just for tonight, she thought to herself while creating the courage to ask him the question, just for tonight she could let it go, just for tonight, she could have the pretty and sweet man.
“Harry, do you wanna go to my house?” stuttered (Y/n), embarrassment filling her body as Harry’s brows were raised in surprise that was quickly replaced by a boyish smile.
“To your house, angel? For what?” he asked him mischievously, putting a hand on her knee.
“You know what Harry.” Damn, she was already regretting this.
“Yeah, I know," he said standing up from the stool, helping her out in the process. “Got everything?”
Was that a yes? “Uhum, I only brought this purse," he hummed in response, putting a hand on her waist guiding her to the payment place.
“Harry, did you agree to that? You weren’t very clear.”
She heard him laughing over her shoulder “Of course I agreed, how can I not when you are here, looking so cute in this dress.” His voice was getting deeper and lower. “And the best part is that I’m the one taking it off, right?”
(Y/n) ignored his last sentence. “You know this is only a hook-up, right?”
“I know, love, don’t stress over that," replied him with a smile.” “But I still enjoy being pampered.”
After a moment of quietness between them, Harry said, “I’m glad I’m going to yours, Kiara is at home and I-”
(Y/n)’s eyes went wide and she stopped walking
Wait, wait, wait.
Kiara? Who was Kiara? A fiance? a child?
“Harry please, for the love of God tell me Kiara isn’t your girlfriend," said (Y/n) angrily.
“What?! Of course not, She’s my dog!” he explained, looking hurt that she would think such a thing of him. “I just don’t want her looking at me differently. We would have to do the walk of shame and Kiara would be there, laying on her purple bed judging us.”
“You scared me, you idiot,” answered (Y/n), relieved.
“Would never do that love," he said sweetly, petting her back. “Now go wait outside while I pay, my car is the black range rover.”
“No, it’s ok, I can pay.” She was about to take her credit card off when Harry’s hand met hers.
“I might be an idiot but I am still a gentleman,” Smiled him. “Please, let me do it, I’ll be out in a few minutes.”
(Y/n) shrugged. “When I pay for the lessons at the end of this month, I will make sure to put in an extra 40 dollars.” And then she left, looking for Harry’s car, a smile on her face.
The decision to go out today was a good fucking one.
PART 2 IS ALREADY UP.
