Always & Forever

Chapter 2, "Just like old times"

Harry's POV

later that day....

Jayda and I finally was able to achieve some alone time after putting the kids down.

"Those two are becoming more grown by the day I swear." I laughed, snuggling up next to Jayda.

"You can say that again," Jayda chuckled, kissing my hand.

She rubbed my hand with her thumb giving affectionate kisses back to back. She didn't do this often. Only when she was in the mood or wanted to talk about something, and I'm guessing it was the second one considering we were both exhausted.

"What is it?" I sighed.

"Nothing...just did you know Kara was back in town?"

"Yeah, I heard."

"So that means she's going to be with Zayn and you know-"

"Jayda please not now. I just want to lay with my wife right now. This is the first time in days that the kids went to sleep so easily."

"Harry I know and I'm not trying to pester you. I just feel like I took something away from you." she sighed, turning to face me. Her expression was worrisome.

I know she was only trying to help but all the other boys are doing great things on their own and I don't want to be the one who comes crawling back.

"Jayda, we have a family now. I've told you before, the boys and I always talk and catch up when we can. I'm 28 now, Louis is 30 now, Liam is 29 as well as the other boys. We weren't going to stay a band forever."

"I know I know. I just.... I just miss you making music. You had so much joy and I don't want that part of you to be gone forever."

"It's not gone. I know it's been 2 years since I've sang, but I sing to you and the kids all the time."

"Harry you know that isn't the same." she frowned.

"You're not going to let up about this are you?"

"No. Baby, I just want you to be happy. Of course I miss the band, but I miss your voice. I miss you being onstage and the excitement that you got that came with it."

"Okay. I will try to get in the studio. Anything else?"

"Yay! And yes actually."

"Oh god," I huffed.

"Maybe you should text Zayn tomorrow and we could all go for lunch."

"Jayda."

"Please H? I feel like y'all haven't talked in forever."

"I literally congratulated him on his album and he speak every now and then."

"Harry Edward Styles. Zayn put out his album a year ago. Y'all haven't talked for weeks."

"Fine. I will reach out to him tomorrow.What about the kids?"

"The kids can come too. I'm sure Kara would love to see how they've grown. Zayn too."

"Okay," I said, rolling my eyes.

"Thank you."

"Anything for you darling. Now can we go to sleep?"

"I think you've earned more than sleep." she smiled.

"Is that so?"

"You said it yourself. This is the first time in days the kids have gone asleep so easily."

"That is true."

Jayda then got on top of me pressing her lips into mine.

the next day...

I got up the next day to find Jayda knocked out from last night. She has really done it all for the last 4 years. She's been the best wife, mom, and has risen from being an assistant for the band to running her own marketing business.

I've been with the kids a lot. I've just been scared that if I go back to work, I'll be gone so often and miss the important days of their lives. No doubt I missed the boys and wished that we were all near each other all the time how we used to be, but I know we're getting older and settling down now.

So, I guess Jayda was right. Maybe it is a good thing to meet up with Zayn. It's been weeks since we last spoke. He was really the first one to put out his own project which I'm obviously happy for, I just didn't expect it to feel so surreal.

To: Zayn

Me: Hey man. What you up to?

about 10 minutes later...

Zayn: Oh hey Harry. Nothing man. Kara's back in town. How about you?

Me: Good, good. You know just trying my best to raise the kids. Um so I was wondering if y'all would like to go get lunch with us or something? I know you're busy, but maybe we could catch up?

Zayn: Sounds great man. Just text me where and a time and we'll be there.

Me: Okay. give us about an hour. You remember Jayda's favorite burger place? We'll meet there.

Zayn: Yes I remember. See you in an hour.

I went to inform Jayda of the news. She was giving Hendrix and Hannah a bath.

"So we're on for lunch in an hour."

"Really? That's great. I'll get them dressed." she beamed.

"Great."

"Actually, I need you to get them dressed. I need to take a shower."

"Mommy, where are we going?" Hannah asked.

"We're going to go see Uncle Zayn and Auntie Kara." she smiled.

"It's been so long since we've seen Uncle Zayn." Hendrix said.

"I know, but today you will." I said, taking over for Jayda.

She quickly ran off to go start the shower.

An hour later....

After struggling to get the kids in the car, we finally controlled them and got them to settle down. I nervously held Jayda's hand as I drove. I don't know why I was nervous to see Zayn. I guess I just really miss him. Jayda reassured me as we pulled into the cafe.

"Everything's gonna be fine."

She went to unstrap the kids. She picked Hannah up as Hendrix held her hand and walked. I immediately noticed Zayn and Kara sitting at a table in the back of the cafe.

"Hey man. It's been a minute," Zayn greeted, giving me a hug.

"That is has," I chuckled.

"Omg, look at the cheeks on these cuties," Kara gushed, "they are absolutely adorable. Jayda they have your genes to the tea."

"Thank you Kara. I've missed you. It's literally been forever."

"Hi Uncle Zayn," Hendrix said shyly, giving Zayn a hug.

"Hey little man. Look how big you've gotten since I've seen you."

Hendrix began to laugh.

"And look at you princess. Kara's right, you've got your mother's face for sure."

Hannah began to smile as well. We took our seats, the kids sitting in between Jayda and I, and Kara and Zayn sitting across us.

Here goes nothing....