Falling Stars [h.s]

Chapter 25

Harry sat in the greenhouse that didn't contain any plants at the moment. It was Winter. He stood with a pile of envelopes in front of him and one in his hand. They were all the letters from Aurora. This is where he hid them. Priscilla didn't know about the letters. Harry never told her about them. He was afraid she would she would leave him if she found out. He opened the most recent envelop and took out the lined paper.

'Dear Harry,

You are probably wondering why you're receiving this letter. It's not to convince you to come back. I think I've finally moved on from that part of my life. It's time I accept that you aren't coming back. Your choices were clear from day one and it's time I accept that. And I do. It has been months since I last wrote you. I wanted you to know that the baby is almost due. I am officially in my last trimester. Week 38. Only two more weeks to go until our little baby is finally here. If she doesn't decided to come early that is. I want you to know I'm not mad at you. I don't hate you. I could never feel such a way towards you Harry. You did what you had to do. You spared my feelings and yours as well. I'm thankful for the life we had together. Even if it only lasted a few months. You were there when I needed a shoulder and I thank you for that.

Anyways, I don't want to ramble on any longer. The real reason why I am writing you this was just to tell you I will be due in two weeks. I want you there with me. Not for me for the baby. I realize I might be asking for too much, you have your own life to tend to, but I would really appreciate it if you could come. I don't want to do this without you. It is already hard enough knowing my mother won't be there with me, but if you could, I put my address on the back of this page. I want you to be the first person to hold the baby after me. I want to be able to tell her you were there during her birth. I really hope you can be there.

x Aurora'

The letter was sent three weeks ago, but Harry had only got around to opening it today. He wished he had read it sooner. Then he would've had the chance to give thought to going to see Aurora and his baby, but if he did, Priscilla would have questioned his whereabouts. He couldn't leave her. She was pregnant as well. Seven months. He was soon to be a father to a child with his wife as well. He couldn't leave his pregnant wife to tend to his pregnant ex fiancée.

As the weeks and months went by, the letters stopped. As disappointed Harry was he was relieved. Yes, he prayed all had went well with Aurora and her birth, but he couldn't continue to worry about her any longer. A year later he was back in the same room with another letter. It wasn't from Aurora like he had hoped. The letter was marked anonymously. Harry ripped open the envelope with curisoity. Inside was a letter and a picture. He stared at picture. It was of a little girl. Short brunette curls, hazel eyes and a dimple smile. Harry took a deep breath as he continued to stare at the little girl in the picture. She resembled him. He had no doubts it was his daughter. The tears brimmed his eyes, he couldn't tare his eyes away from the image.

Eventually he continued on with the letter. He gathered himself and his emotions then unfolded the letter.

'This is Odyssey. Aurora is no longer writing you so here I am. I shouldn't be doing this, Aurora would kill me if she found out I was writing you, let alone sending you pictures of her daughter. I honestly don't know why I am doing this. You don't deserve to see this little girl, but she deserves to know her father. I know you aren't a deadbeat Harry. The picture is of Layla Alaska Styles. Your daughter. She is one years old now. If you really care about Aurora, or even your daughter you should come visit sometime. We recently moved so I will include the new address in the end just incase you do want to see your daughter. It'll be good for the both of you. That is all. Goodbye.'

Harry placed the letter in a drawer with the rest. He took the picture, folding it to fit in his wallet. He left the greenhouse, out into the garden where he met up with his wife and his eleven month old. It was the middle of summer now. He joined them under their sunflower field, enjoying the evening summer sun.

"Baby, what do you think about moving down to California?"

Priscilla turned to Harry with curiosity. "We already have a home here in Raleigh babe."

"We can buy a new home. Beach front in Sonoma California, what do you say?"

"Okay. I suppose we could use a change. Why the sudden change though, what has got you so into moving to California?"

Harry brushed off the question as best he could. He didn't want Priscilla to find out the real reason why he suddenly wanted to move from North Carolina to California. He was thrilled she agreed, he didn't think she would, not so easily at least. Harry had thought a lot about moving to California, for months now. He did a lot of research. Sonoma was only a twenty four minutes away from Napa. That is as close as he can get, if any closer he would look suspicious.

Harry couldn't wait to pack his bags and move down to California. He wanted to see Layla. Even if it was from a distance.