Champagne Summer

‘How can you not love football’, Harvey was literally pulling his hairs. ‘It’s not that I don’t like it’ Piova replied in a small voice. ‘Like it…’ Harvey’s rasp whisper trailed away, then he gave Izarra a look that yelled ‘It’s all your fault’. She just chuckled merrily. That seemed to calm him somewhat. 'Eh, no worries dear' he thumped Piova's shoulders rather hard, 'We will be going to Anfield, Wembley, Milan, Istanbul...' His eyes now had a maniacal gleam and he would have continued, perhaps endlessly, but a cackling Suruj put an end to it. 'What's so funny, Mister?' Harvey's face now had a stunning resemblance of a pissed-off cat. 'I mean you didn't mention Madrid, and just as well' Suruj could barely contain his glee. Harvey would have pounced, but Piova spoke 'But I have classes'. He looked stunned, then he turned to the other boy, 'You haven't taught her to skip classes?' He sounded thoroughly bewildered. 'Izzy, I understand, but I had faith in you' he sounded like a broken man and he collapsed on the ground like a broken man.

Piova's encounter with Harvey was eventful from the very beginning. 'Kiss him, he may turn into a prince, you never know' Harvey had said, offering the frog he was holding. To say that she was shocked would have been a massive understatement. It was one of those rare moments when her calm had failed her and she could just clutch Izarra's hand. 'Harv' the usually soft-voiced Izarra had bellowed, 'let it go' she added menacingly. 'Meh, your loss then' Harvey had said in a matter of fact tone, but set the unfortunate amphibian free nevertheless. Piova and Suruj was visiting Izarra in her little town in a Welsh valley. Evidently, Suruj was a familiar force at the Williams household. Barely after the initial pleasantries he went into rummaging the kitchen and ignoring the spoon-bashing from Mrs. Williams he snuffed out the cookies. And while Piova chatted with Mr. Williams in her all too familiar calm, courteous, manner; Harvey watched her with suspicious eyes. 'What sort of girl doesn't fancy a prince?' he must have been thinking.

'Do we really have to do it Pa' Harvey complained. He was washing a rather run-down pick-up. It was clear that he was good at his job, but it was even clearer that he thought it wasn't worth his efforts. Mr. Williams silently continued his chores, which in his language was 'don't fool around'. 'But what's the use Pa! Old Jonsie showers once a week, and only if Lucky complains.' 'Mr. Jones' Mr. Williams softly corrected Harvey. The dog gave a soft woof. 'See Pa, Lucky agrees'. He dropped the pipe and started to cuddle the dog, 'Aren't you a sweet girl, aren't you a sweet girl'. The dog returned the affection with a through and vigorous licking of Harvey's face. 'The water is running' Mr. Williams softly reminded. Harvey sighed and resumed his endevor. After another half an hour, the pick-up looked rather decent. Harvey let the dog inspect the inside and outside and then cuddled her again, 'do you like it girl, you like it, don't you.' lucky gave a massive vote of approval with another round of licking.

The lunch at the Williams' was a cozy affair. Everyone ate heartily, most chatted merrily, Mr. Williams and Piova were the quieter ones, while two, guess who, kept jostling. 'Do u hap Crempogs at ogwats' Harvey muttered with a mouthful at Piova. 'Please don't talk with food in your mouth' Piova said a bit tersely. Harvey almost chocked in shock. he didn't expect his mother's sternness in this sweet girl. As he attempted to quickly swallow the mouthful, Piova quipped again 'and please, do eat slowly' her voice now had a hint of exasperation. Everyone was struggling to hold their laughs, even the ever serene Mr. Williams had a gleam on his face. It's not everyday that the indomitable Harvey can be thwarted. 'What a fine young lady you are, dear' Mrs. Williams said in her most suave manner. 'Oh, please don't spoil her, I have my hands full keeping her in check.' Suruj said in mock frustration. Piova gave the cutest snort which sent even Mr. Williams into laughter.

'Izzy has a good heart, but she is a softy' Harvey said dismissively. 'Suruj had potential, but he has clearly hit a roadblock' he added in frustration. 'So, you are left with just Fred & George, eh!' He was clearly not satisfied with the situation. 'Wish I was there to help you out' he mumbled in mild annoyance. Piova imagined Fred, George, and Harvey around her and she actually shuddered. The afternoon was sucking out the ability to talk from everyone. The quartet sat or laid in silence, soaking in the warmth, the freshness, and the quietness. 'Listen, if someone ever bothers you, you let me know' Harvey poked his own chest. It was neither a jest nor did it sound hollow. Piova smiled brightly. 'And you take care of yourself, okay' she added in her calm, clear voice. Again they drowned into silence. 'If I could only take you to football' Harvey mumbled drowsily. 'We can go during Christmas. You know, Einar loves football too.' Harvey slapped her back with brute force. 'I knew you are alright' he yelled. His face glowed, like a man who has rediscovered his faith in humanity.