Moving On [H.S]

Chapter 3

He closes the door behind him and gently puts Isabella down on the floor.

"Uncle Niall is going to stop over for a little bit with pizza."

He says and she jumps up and down with excitement.

"Go get changed into pajamas."

He says and she nods, racing off to her room. He slowly walks into his own room and changes into black sweatpants and a dark green crew neck hoodie. He hears the doorbell and walks back out to open the door, seeing his best and only friend. The embrace in a hug before he lets Niall inside. Harry takes the pizza from his arms knowing Isabella will be racing around the corner in a matter of seconds.

"How's work treating you so far?"

"It's going well-"

"Uncle Niall!"

They both hear from down the hall as Isabella races towards the Irishman, jumping up into his arms.

"How've you been, squirt?"

He asks and she giggles, wrapping her small arms around his neck in a hug.

"I missed you."

"I saw you two days ago sweetheart."

He says and she laughs.

"I still missed you."

"I missed you too you little rascal."

He says as he puts her down and she races over to the fridge, pulling her drawing off of the metal surface.

"Look! Look what I drew the other day!"

She says, racing over to her uncle and holding it up.

"Harry? Wielding a sword? He wouldn't hurt an ant."

He says, and she giggles as he lifts her up over his shoulder.

"He's the king!"

She laughs as he spins her around.

"A king isn't afraid of mice, like your dad."

"That's a low blow."

Harry says and Isabella continues to laugh. He sits her down on the stool as she sits between Harry and Niall as they eat.

"How's school going kiddo?"

"It's good. They have good snacks."

"I told you so."

Niall says and she sticks her tongue out at him, and he ruffles her hair. Harry quietly eats, smiling as he watches their interaction. After cleaning up from the pizza, Isabella hops over to the couch and quietly watches TV. Harry washes out the cups and Niall walks over to him.

"Are you handling everything alright?"

He asks and Harry nods.

"It's gotten easier. We're getting into routine."

He says, glancing back at Isabella to make sure she isn't listening.

"I-...I was sure she'd be back by now."

Niall says quietly and Harry sighs.

"She left. She didn't leave a note...which means she probably isn't coming back."

Harry says and Niall nods as he grabs a towel and helps Harry dry the dishes.

"I saw you walking out with Maya."

He says and Harry glances up at the name.

"Yeah...she's nice."

Harry says, a slight smile pulling at his lips.

"You're so gone for her."

"I've barely spoken to her. All I did was make sure she didn't get drenched in the rain."

Niall wiggles his eyebrows at his friend and Harry rolls his eyes.

"I barely know her Niall, and after Gracie...I'm not sure..."

Harry says and Niall pats his shoulder.

"You can't be hung up on her forever...she left. You deserve happiness."

Niall says and Harry pauses before nodding.

"Even if I did let myself move on...I'm not sure Maya would want that...I have a kid Niall. I have to take care of Isabella-"

"Does she know about Isabella?"

He asks and I nod.

"She lives in this complex. She walked home with us."

He says and Niall nods.

"She's a very quiet person. Never heard her speak once, and she's been working there for 2 years."

He says and Harry nods.

"I just...I need some time."

Harry says and Niall nods.

"Take your time, just don't move too slow."

He says and Harry nods, taking his words to heart. After all he has gone through he deserves to be happy..right? Doesn't everyone deserve a shot at happiness? Harry puts away the glasses and turns to see Isabella asleep on the couch.

"I should head home. We've got work tomorrow."

He says and Harry nods, giving him a hug goodbye before his friend leaves for the night. Harry pauses, looking over the apartment. His eye catches something. Isabella's drawing on the counter. He gently picks it up in his hands. His little princess. He smiles, before hanging it back up on the fridge, mounted high for all guests to see. He turns off the TV before gently waking Isabella up.

"Time to get ready for bed angel."

He says and she sleepily nods, following him to the bathroom. He sits her on the counter as they brush their teeth together, and splashing their faces with water. He carries her back to her room and tucks her in for bed.

"Can you sing me a bedtime song?"

She asks and he pauses, before sitting down next to her on her bed.

"What song would you like?"

He asks and she pauses to think. But as she is thinking a question pops into her mind.

"That lady was nice."

She says and he pauses.

"Maya?"

"Yes...she has pretty eyes."

Isabella says and Harry nods.

"She does."

He admits and Isabella smiles.

"Can you sing the Goodnight angel song?"

She asks and Harry smiles, as she reaches up to poke his dimple. He leans down and kisses her forehead, before leaning back and taking a deep breath.

"Goodnight my angel, time to close your eyes

And save these questions for another day"

He gently sings. He only sings for her. He brushes the hair away from her face, watching as she closes her eyes with a small smile on her face. His soft singing fills the room, slowly lulling her to sleep, calming her mind.

He stares at the opposite wall as he focuses on remembering the words he has memorized like the back of his hand. He freezes a little when she rolls over, nuzzling up against his side, wrapping her arm around him in her sleep. He quietly finishes the song, kissing her forehead and slowly standing up, tucking Ted under her arm.

"Goodnight my angel."

He says, watching her dream peacefully as he walks out, leaving the door a crack open. As he walks to his room he feels the warm feeling in his chest he gets when he makes her happy. She's his world, she has been for 6 years. Even when Gracie left, Isabella was always there. Even when his family disowned him, all his friends abandoned him, except for Niall, but he always had Isabella. Some years were tougher than others, but his love for her remained the most important thing to him. She is his angel.