Therapy (Larry Stylinson)

Chapter 17 - Winning the battles and Losing the war

‘Harry !’ Anne greeted her son at the door as if she hadn’t seen him in years. She pulled him into a tight embrace, pretending they were the closest mother and son around. She was speaking with her high pitched voice and Harry knew Emily and her parents were there.

She had always loved to show off. She wanted to show how perfect she was, how great of an host she was, how great of a mother she was, and how perfect her children were. Of course, everything was far from the truth, but no one ever noticed anything. They all thought she’d met Robin after Des had asked for a divorce, that he was the one in the wrong, something he never denied, letting Anne keep the good image because Lord knows she can’t take criticism. Guess you can hide a lot my a big fake smile and loud laughs.

‘I’m glad you decided to come.’ She whispered and was about to close the door behind her son when a hand kept it opened. She stood still and watched Louis enter the house speechless. She didn’t know what to say, how to act, how to process this. Harry just smirked and placed his hand on Louis’ lower back to guide him in. The man nodded and smiled to Harry’s mother, suddenly pale and ready to throw up.

‘Harry !’ Emily called as soon as Harry entered the living room. The girl was there with her dad, Georges, and her mother, Elizabeth. She stood up from the couch and made her way to her old friend before noticing the man behind him. ‘Hello…’

‘Hi Em ! Nice to see you again Georges and Liz. This is Louis. He’s my-‘

‘Cousin.’ Anne interrupted, chuckling to lighten the mood. ‘Louis’ Harry’s cousin from his father. He’s spending a few days with us.’

The guests shook Louis’ hand kindly and sat back on their respective chair, leaving Emily alone on the couch. Harry rolled his eyes and decided not to fight his mother. Maybe he could go through at least half of the dinner before telling the truth. He sat next to the girl and gestured for Louis to sat next to him. If he couldn’t say it, he would show it.

‘So Harry, how’s uni ? Do you still enjoy studying law ?’ Georges asked, chewing on one of the many appetizers Anne had prepared.

‘Yeah, I guess. I just finished my exams actually so…yeah.’ Harry wasn’t too interested in making conversation. He put his hand on Louis thigh and squeezed it casually. Louis didn’t even flinch. He was sat comfortably, back against the couch, waiting for Anne to lose it, and ready to hold Harry.

Emily’s mom eyed her husband and they both sipped on their cocktail, trying hard not to notice Harry’s hand up Louis’ thigh. This wasn’t the most enjoyable gathering, but Harry was having fun already, and he wasn’t going to stop now.

‘Love, can you grab me a tart please ?’ Harry said softly to Louis, rubbing his hand on the man’s leg tenderly. Louis leaned forward onto the coffee table, since it was closer to him, and grabbed the food with a napkin for the boy. ‘Thanks babe.’

The awkwardness was more than palpable. Anne choked on her salted biscuit and Emily was widening her eyes, room silenced to witness the scene.

‘So Emily…’ Harry started, mouth full, hand finally leaving Louis’ leg to turn his body to face the girl properly. ‘...How is it at the church this days ?’